In the sleek, softly buzzing world of KOI Bar & Restaurant in Cairns, dessert artistry and liquid creativity live side by side. It’s a venue that champions precision, polish and playful innovation - the kind of place where every detail feels considered, but never stiff.
The bar reflects that same spirit, serving drinks that are elegant on the surface and quietly daring underneath.
This week’s standout is a cocktail that captures KOI’s refined sense of adventure in one bright, aromatic swoop: the Shiso Sour, crafted by KOI mixologist Sam. A little rebellious, a little mysterious and totally irresistible, it’s the kind of drink that nudges you gently out of your comfort zone - then rewards you for coming along.
A Cocktail That Dares You (In the Best Way)
The Shiso Sour is built to surprise. It steps outside the usual sour framework and introduces guests to new and exciting Japanese flavours, weaving them into something that feels both bold and beautifully balanced. Sam describes it as a cocktail that takes a risk - but one that’s absolutely worth it.
At first sip, you get that classic sour brightness: crisp, refreshing, palate-waking. Then comes the twist. Shiso brings its own lush, green complexity, lifting the drink into something far more layered than expected. It’s a cocktail that feels confident and modern, but still grounded in harmony.
Think familiar structure, unfamiliar thrills - the perfect KOI combination.
Why We Recommend It
We recommend the Shiso Sour because it’s a gateway cocktail: one that introduces guests to flavours they might not usually reach for, without ever feeling challenging or overly experimental. It’s adventurous, yes - but also inviting.
Shiso’s natural vibrancy gives the drink a fresh, herbaceous edge that makes it sing in warm weather, while the sour format keeps everything clean and drinkable. It’s a bold sip, but never a messy one. Every element feels intentional, working together to create a cocktail that’s unexpected, yet instantly loveable.
If you like your drinks with personality, this one has plenty - without sacrificing finesse.
Shiso is part of the mint family, but don’t let that fool you - it comes with a whole extra dimension. Alongside mint’s coolness, shiso carries subtle notes of anise and basil, adding a fragrant, slightly spiced lift that’s hard to replicate with anything else.
Historically, shiso was used to help preserve raw fish. These days, it’s prized for its ability to layer complexity into both drinks and dishes. In cocktails, it brings a green, aromatic snap that feels at once botanical, savoury and lightly sweet - a flavour that keeps unfolding as you drink.
How the Cocktail Got Its Name
The name Shiso Sour comes with a wink. It’s a playful riff on the phrase ‘she’s so sour’, adding a little sass to match the cocktail’s bold, well-balanced profile.
It’s a name that doesn’t take itself too seriously, even though the drink itself is crafted with real care. That blend of humour and polish feels exactly right for KOI: clever, confident and just a bit cheeky.
A True Taste of KOI
The Shiso Sour is KOI in a glass - refined but daring, stylish but fun. It stretches the definition of a classic sour without breaking it, offering something new while staying effortlessly enjoyable.
Next time you find yourself at KOI Bar & Restaurant, skip the predictable and order the Shiso Sour. It’s bright, bold, aromatic and beautifully put together - a cocktail that proves stepping outside the norm can be seriously delicious.
