A JANUARY PHILOSOPHY OF COCKTAIL ENJOYMENT

January is a month of slowing down — a time when body and mind naturally turn towards detox, balance and new beginnings. From this very philosophy arises Dry January, a global movement that is not about abstinence, but about conscious enjoyment, thoughtful choices and a higher-quality experience. At the Esplanade 1925 Lounge & Cocktail Bar, Dry January offers a true reset: a fusion of cocktail culture and a wellness mindset, where enjoyment gains a new wellbeing dimension.

“Dry January and Veganuary are not trends, but a clear shift towards a more conscious way of living. Our goal is to deliver a premium experience — without compromising on flavour, presentation or the emotion a cocktail evokes,” emphasises Vjenceslav Madić, widely known as Master Kishoni. There is no need to give up cocktail enjoyment — plan your winter gatherings and invite friends to the cosmopolitan ambience of the Esplanade 1925 Lounge & Cocktail Bar, where until the end of February you can enjoy zero-proof and low-ABV cocktails, conceived as a calming ritual for the start of the year.

Zero-Proof Cocktails: Premium Experience and Pure Flavours

The non-alcoholic segment of the collection offers a refined detox ritual. ACALA Sparkling Tea – Red Wine Style, with notes of blueberry, blackcurrant, aronia, pu-erh and hibiscus, alongside ACALA Mimosa Style, featuring aromas of orange, quince and willowherb, deliver refreshing fruit-forward elegance.

Gin & tonic lovers should not miss Tanqueray 0.0 Gin paired with Limestone Organic Tonic — offering a familiar taste profile with a clean, aromatic structure, entirely without alcohol. A truly distinctive experience comes from the signature cocktails with pronounced theatrical flair. Smoked Margarita evokes mezcal through smoke, forest notes and agave, with its dramatic smoke-dome presentation adding to the experience. Greeny Bloody Mary reimagines the classic in a greener, healthier version, featuring a cold-pressed green blend topped with a foam of NAI 3.3 extra virgin olive oil. For alcohol-free energy, Wake Me Up Martini combines Illy cold brew coffee and salted caramel syrup, delivering an elegant and focused finish.

 LABV Cocktails: Moderate Yet Thoughtfully Crafted

For those wishing to retain a minimal alcohol presence, LABV cocktails offer the perfect balance. Megroni, crafted with vegan MeMento distillate and Savoia Americano Rosso aperitif, reinterprets the classic with rich botanical depth, while Americano Lemonade, a light sparkling aperitif, delivers a “paradise in a glass” through delicate notes of rose and spice. Van Belle presents an exotic Bellini variation with peach and ACALA Mimosa Style. Each cocktail is meticulously designed with attention to detail and the emotion it leaves behind — from the first aroma and subtle flavours, through colours, textures and sparkling elements, to the final sip. Every glass tells its own story. Dry January at the Esplanade 1925 Lounge & Cocktail Bar is an invitation to slow down, make mindful choices and enjoy without pressure. Whether you are seeking a detox, a fresh start to the year, or simply a different cocktail experience, you will find it here.

Beyond cocktails, the Esplanade 1925 Lounge & Cocktail Bar is a must-visit address for all who appreciate delicious bites, a vibrant atmosphere and an exceptional team of skilled, good-humoured bartenders. From premium coffee, gelato cocktails and Club sandwiches to gourmet burgers, desserts, a Sharing Menu and the iconic Orient Express Afternoon Tea — the bar’s offer and ambience are sure to impress every time.

The Esplanade 1925 Lounge & Cocktail Bar is open daily from 8:30 am to 2:00 am. Food is served from 12:00 pm to 12:30 am, while Afternoon Tea is available from 12:30 pm to 6:30 pm.

Table reservations are available by phone at +385 (0)1 4566 633. More information at www.esplanade1925.hr

MEDIA MATERIALS AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD:

• PHOTOS (Arhiva hotela Esplanade): Esplanade 1925 Bar – Dry January
• Dry January Price List
• Beverage Menu – Esplanade 1925 Lounge & Cocktail Bar

About Vjenceslav Madić

Vjenceslav Madić, better known as Master Kishoni, has been leading the Esplanade 1925 Lounge & Cocktail Bar since 2022 in the role of F&B Service & Cost Control Manager. For the bar, he developed a new beverage menu and launched a collection of signature cocktails that quickly won over guests and set new standards in the hotel’s bar offering. With more than thirty years of experience in some of the world’s most prestigious bars — from Dubai, Monte Carlo and Cancún to Las Vegas, where he served as personal bartender to Céline Dion — Vjenceslav brings unique passion, creative energy and deep expertise in mixology to the Esplanade. His formal education in hotel management, graduation from the American Bartender School, and numerous professional certifications further confirm his expertise, while the award for Best Havana Club Brand Ambassador in 2015 highlights his international reputation. He spent five years working as a consultant for one of the world’s largest beverage production and distribution corporations, Pernod Ricard, where, as Professional Program Manager, he internally educated sales teams across the entire beverage portfolio. In addition, he served as a brand ambassador for premium spirits and as brand manager for multiple labels within the company. Alongside his work at the Esplanade 1925 Bar, Vjenceslav also creates and develops cocktails for a wide range of hotel events — from exclusive celebrations, promotions and gala dinners to weddings and special themed projects, including the conceptualisation of the Esplanade’s festive Advent chalet at the Fooling Around event on the Oleander Terrace.