Archive · 22 Aug 2026
Kyoto Cocktail Bar Bee’s Knees Brings Japanese Flavors to India
Bee’s Knees is a cocktail bar from Kyoto, Japan.
It visited KOKO bars in Hyderabad and Mumbai for two special evenings.
Bartender Keisuke Yamamoto, also called KSK, created drinks for the events.
One drink used hojicha, a roasted Japanese green tea, in an Espresso Martini.
The tea came from a 300-year-old tea house in Kyoto.
KSK said he made the flavors a little bolder and spicier for guests in India.
He believes good Japanese bartending is about careful techniques and knowing what ingredients to leave out.
The evenings also included music, conversation and a relaxed atmosphere.
Bee’s Knees hosted two evening takeovers at KOKO in Hyderabad on August 20 and Mumbai on August 21.
Founder and bartender Keisuke Yamamoto, known as KSK, led the collaboration.
KSK used hojicha from a 300-year-old Kyoto tea house in an Espresso Martini.
He adjusted the drinks toward bolder flavors and more spice for Indian tastes.
The events combined cocktails, music and hospitality while connecting Kyoto and Indian drinking cultures.
- Who
- Bee’s Knees, founder and bartender Keisuke Yamamoto, KOKO, and Pebble Street Hospitality.
- What
- A two-evening cocktail-bar collaboration bringing Bee’s Knees’ Kyoto-inspired drinks and bartending approach to KOKO.
- When
- August 20 in Hyderabad and August 21 in Mumbai; the year is not specified.
- Where
- KOKO venues in Hyderabad and Mumbai, India, with drinks inspired by Kyoto, Japan.
- Why
- To connect Kyoto’s cocktail techniques and tea culture with Indian tastes and KOKO’s interest in international bar talent.
- Collaboration
- Bee’s Knees and KOKO
- Locations
- Hyderabad and Mumbai
- Dates
- August 20 and August 21
- Featured ingredient
- Hojicha, a roasted Japanese green tea
- Tea source
- A 300-year-old tea house in Kyoto
- Featured drink
- An Espresso Martini made with hojicha
- Host company
- Pebble Street Hospitality