Ninth Life, a cocktail bar by the creative trio from Good Luck Gato—Daniel Paez, Matthew Meyer, and Kyle Itani, has now opened its doors in Oakland. Catering to aficionados of the eighties, nineties, and early aughts, the pop culture-themed establishment aims to transport its customers back in time, reports Eater SF.
Unlike Good Luck Gato, its sister bar situated on the same San Pablo Avenue, Ninth Life offers a moody, neon-lit ambiance. A pop culture-based cocktail menu, developed by Daniel Paez, is the bar's main attraction, while for food, patrons can turn to Good Luck Gato.
Ninth Life will operate from 5-10 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday. However, it will remain closed on November 22-23 in observance of Thanksgiving.
The bar flaunts creative cocktail concoctions like the Swisher Sweet, a smoky tobacco tincture, alongside other house-made spirits. Signature cocktails, such as the Sparkle Motion, which references the 90s classic Donnie Darko, have a unique blend of gin, hibiscus liqueur, and gentian amaro, and garnished with sparkling rose.
Among the standout offerings is The Next Episode, named after Dr. Dre's famous 2001 hit and a childhood memory of Paez. This drink comprises dried rosemary-smoked mezcal, spice-infused blanco, and carrot with a hint of orange. Daniel Paez gives a contemporary spin to the appletini, popularized by Scrubs character John Dorian, by mixing apple-infused vodka with Mexican aguardiente, fino sherry, green apple juice, amaro, and bitters, as cited in Eater SF.
