The Zanzi: An African-inspired hidden cocktail bar in Paris

Welcome on board flight TZ8023 to the Zanzi; this new ultra-secret bar nestled in Paris 8^th arrondissement. Like any speakeasy worthy of its name, the Zanzi is well-hidden. Nothing says that behind this dark metallic door stands the first “African Speakeasy” in the city. Careful though, to get in this highly mysterious place, you will need to give the password at the entrance you can get on the cocktail bar’s Instagram page.

Once inside, get ready to travel to Zanzibar, the famous Tanzanian archipelago that truly delighted and inspired Benjamin Roussel (Monsieur Mouche, Blaine Bar…) from Cocktails Society, behind this new spot you really want to discover.

And to make the illusion perfect, the place bets on a décor mixing warm colors, bewitching masks directly coming from Africa, but that is not all since the cocktail menu, skillfully created and made by Tom Fleury – the place’s bartender – has a major influence. Coming from Aix-en-Provence, Tom was asked to include typically African ingredients to cocktails. And the mix is a wonder!

On the menu? 12 cocktails. Sour, dry, fruity… They are all as appealing as origin, like the “Hakuna Matata” (Cognac, dark cocoa liqueur, and grated chocolate), and the “Mbuyu” (Tequila, baobab juice, orange liqueur, lemongrass and sugar syrup).

As for us, we travelled with the incredible “Marabout” based on vodka, Madagascan vanilla syrup, maracuja juice, tamarind, sprinkled with flambéed cinnamon. We also loved the “Upendo” cocktail served in a calabash and based on Anejo Cuatro rum, overproof rum, banana, coconut, Madagascan vanilla syrup, maracuja juice to soften it all. The balance of flavors is incredible!

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Another staple cocktail at the Zanzi? The “Jambo” (vodka, cactus syrup, guava juice, raspberry purée and lime). And for pisco lovers, get the “Nina Kiu” based on pisco infused with Kinkéliba, hibiscus syrup, banana mash and lime. All cocktails are served in fantastic glasses. And some of them are available in a 1.5L version to share.

And because the Zanzi is also into music, the bar invites bands and artists to come and play or mis African house, African jazz and African funk music.

And because the Zanzi enjoys taking you by surprise, the hidden bar hides behind its walls… a secret room you can privatize. But will you be able to find it?

In the meantime, head to the speakeasy’s Instagram page to get the precious door opener enabling you to get in the ultra-secret Zanzi bar.

Alcohol abuse is bad for your health, please drink responsibly.

This test has been carried out as part of a business invitation. If your experience is different from ours, please let us know in the comments.