Dokidoki: Innovative Sake & Shochu Cocktails In Japanese Tachinomi Vibes

Our guests are A-K Hada and Christian Suzuki-Orellana, who opened a fascinating cocktail bar Dokidoki https://www.dokidokinyc.com/ in Brooklyn, New York in July 2026. 

Both A-K and Suzu have highly successful careers as bartenders. A-K served as head bartender at the renowned cocktail bar PDT for six years. She also worked as a brand ambassador for Bacardi Rum, earning nominations for Best U.S. Brand Ambassador at the Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards in 2023 and 2024. Meanwhile, Suzu honed his craft at notable cocktail bars in San Francisco and became a semifinalist on Netflix’s hit bartending competition show, Drink Masters, in 2022.

At Dokidoki, they feature Japanese sake and shochu in innovative ways, breaking the mold of how they are traditionally served at Japanese restaurants.

In this episode, we will discuss the unique, cross-cultural concept of Dokidoki, how the duo creatively uses sake and shochu as cocktail ingredients, what a Tachinomi bar is in Japanese culture and how they introduced it to Dokidoki, and much, much more!!!

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