A Bright Spring Cocktail with Bandoeng’22 Pandan Liqueur
When the cold winter days slowly faded away in Bucharest, the team at Negroni Aperitivo Bar started working on a new spring menu inspired by sunshine, fresh flavors and vibrant energy. One cocktail immediately stood out during the creative process: The Love Bug.
Officially launched on March 8th, this playful and elegant cocktail combines floral, fruity and tropical elements into a refreshing serve with a silky pineapple foam finish. Coconut tequila brings a smooth exotic backbone, while Bandoeng’22 Pandan Liqueur adds a soft vanilla-like pandan character that ties everything together beautifully.
The result is a cocktail that feels bright, modern and full of springtime optimism.
The Love Bug cocktail recipe
A cocktail bright, modern and full of optimism.
Ingredients
- 17.5 ml (0.6 oz) Negroni Aperitivo Evergreen
- 15 ml (0.5 oz) Elderflower Aperitivo
- 10 ml (0.35 oz) Gelsomino Liquor
- 10 ml (0.35 oz) Bandoeng’22 Pandan Liqueur
- 7.5 ml (0.25 oz) Green Apple Syrup
- 30 ml (1 oz) Coconut Tequila
- 15 ml (0.5 oz) Fresh Lemon Juice
- 5 ml (0.15 oz) Simple Syrup
- Pineapple Foam (100% pineapple juice + albumin)
Preparation
Shake all ingredients except the pineapple foam with ice and double strain into a chilled coupe glass. Top with pineapple foam.
Tropical Freshness Meets Floral Elegance
What makes Love Bug particularly interesting is the layered balance between tropical and floral notes. The combination of elderflower, jasmine liqueur and pandan creates an aromatic profile that feels soft and elegant, while green apple and lemon juice add freshness and structure.
The coconut tequila introduces a creamy tropical edge that works beautifully with the pineapple foam, giving the cocktail a smooth and approachable texture without becoming overly sweet.
Bandoeng’22 Pandan Liqueur contributes subtle notes of cooked pandan, vanilla and gentle spice, adding depth and complexity to the overall flavor profile.
About the bartender Denys Zinchenko
Denys Zinchenko is the Bar Manager at Negroni Aperitivo Bar in Bucharest, Romania. He has been working behind the bar since 2013.
Originally, Denys studied at a maritime university and graduated as a navigation officer for merchant ships. After completing his first contract at sea, he realized that life onboard was not the future he wanted for himself.
Instead, he joined some friends working in the bar industry, a decision that completely changed his path.
“I’m a very social person. I started working at a bar with my friends, and that’s how my bartending journey began. It turned out to be one of the best decisions of my life because I truly love what I do.”
Today, Denys continues to create modern cocktails that combine creativity, balance and approachable flavors, with Love Bug being a perfect example of that philosophy.
Bandoeng’22 in Modern Cocktail Culture
Cocktails like Love Bug perfectly demonstrate why pandan is becoming increasingly popular within modern cocktail culture. Bartenders around the world are exploring pandan for its unique aromatic profile and its versatility in tropical, dessert-inspired and contemporary serves.
At Bandoeng’22, we love seeing bartenders experiment with pandan alongside ingredients such as coconut, pineapple, citrus and floral aperitifs, combinations that naturally complement pandan’s warm and exotic character.
Looking for more pandan cocktail inspiration? Explore our growing collection of bartender creations and perfect serves on the website.
