Life In the 90s

Cocktail Menu Design for Cobbler & Crew

For Cobbler & Crew, the 90s-themed cocktail menu was inspired by an era that feels deeply personal to the bar’s audience. Rooted in nostalgia, the menu became a tribute to simpler times—when MTV was on every screen, mixtapes were the ultimate expression of love, and Maggi noodles were a late-night staple.

MEnu design
brand concept
Cobbler & Crew’s iconic, 90s-inspired menu designed by Rare Ideas was done to reflect a simpler era.
Cobbler & Crew’s iconic, 90s-inspired menu designed by Rare Ideas was done to reflect a simpler era.
Cobbler & Crew’s iconic, 90s-inspired menu designed by Rare Ideas was done to reflect a simpler era.
Cobbler & Crew’s iconic, 90s-inspired menu designed by Rare Ideas was done to reflect a simpler era.

Research & Strategy

Our research took us back to the era’s cultural touchstones, diving into the shows, music, food, and fashion that defined the 90s. Conversations with people who grew up in this decade helped us identify shared memories and quirks that would shape the menu’s tone and personality.

Our research took us back to the era’s cultural touchstones, diving into the shows, music, food, and fashion that defined the 90s. Conversations with people who grew up in this decade helped us identify shared memories and quirks that would shape the menu’s tone and personality.

Cobbler's vintage menu draws inspiration from various 90s motifs and advertisements, creating a nostalgic experience.
Cobbler's vintage menu draws inspiration from various 90s motifs and advertisements, creating a nostalgic experience.
Cobbler's vintage menu draws inspiration from various 90s motifs and advertisements, creating a nostalgic experience.

Naming

Each cocktail name was a playful nod to the 90s, blending iconic references with modern humor. “2 Min Noods” evoked late-night cravings and cheeky text exchanges, while “Pen Pals” reminisced on letter-writing friendships that crossed borders. Other names like “B Grade Blockbuster” cleverly referenced cultural hits, adding an interactive element for guests to guess the inspiration behind each drink.

"Return Gift" is a cocktail inspired by the nostalgic tradition of birthday return gifts, evoking fond childhood memories.
"Return Gift" is a cocktail inspired by the nostalgic tradition of birthday return gifts, evoking fond childhood memories.
"Return Gift" is a cocktail inspired by the nostalgic tradition of birthday return gifts, evoking fond childhood memories.
"Pen Pals" refers to the nostalgic tradition of sending handwritten letters to distant friends, evoking memories of personal connections.
"Pen Pals" refers to the nostalgic tradition of sending handwritten letters to distant friends, evoking memories of personal connections.
"Pen Pals" refers to the nostalgic tradition of sending handwritten letters to distant friends, evoking memories of personal connections.

Design Style

The menu’s aesthetic was a vivid homage to the 90s, with textured, layered visuals resembling old magazines and faded posters. Bright colors and bold graphics mimicked the exuberance of arcade games and VHS covers, while fonts pulled directly from movie titles and computer screens added authenticity to the retro vibe.

Rare Ideas drew inspiration from 90s motifs like snakes & ladders, cassette and CD cases, bulky computers, and video games.
Rare Ideas drew inspiration from 90s motifs like snakes & ladders, cassette and CD cases, bulky computers, and video games.
Rare Ideas drew inspiration from 90s motifs like snakes & ladders, cassette and CD cases, bulky computers, and video games.
The index was thoughtfully divided into four distinct sections, catering to varied flavor profiles. This approach made ordering simple and intuitive, while nostalgic notes tied each category to memories like "summer vacation" or "grandma's memories", Icons and structured layouts further enhanced functionality without compromising the playful tone.
The index for Cobbler’s menu was thoughtfully divided into four distinct sections, catering to varied flavor profiles.
The index for Cobbler’s menu was thoughtfully divided into four distinct sections, catering to varied flavor profiles.
The index for Cobbler’s menu was thoughtfully divided into four distinct sections, catering to varied flavor profiles.
DIY Banta takes inspiration from 90s simple refreshments where artisanal meant a simple lemon wedge to your drink.
DIY Banta takes inspiration from 90s simple refreshments where artisanal meant a simple lemon wedge to your drink.
DIY Banta takes inspiration from 90s simple refreshments where artisanal meant a simple lemon wedge to your drink.
The 90s-themed cocktail menu was more than just a tribute to a decade—it was an experience that bridged past and present. By combining clever storytelling, visual nostalgia, and user-friendly design, it turned a cocktail list into a cherished trip down memory lane.
The 90s menu designed by Rare Ideas turned a cocktail list into a cherished trip down memory lane.
The 90s menu designed by Rare Ideas turned a cocktail list into a cherished trip down memory lane.
The 90s menu designed by Rare Ideas turned a cocktail list into a cherished trip down memory lane.

Want to start a project?

Let’s bring your vision to life – start here.

Sign up for our newsletter!

Hear from top food entrepreneurs and creative minds as we share insights on branding & customer experience design for the F&B industry. (We won't spam!)

© 2025, Rare Ideas

Want to start a project?

Let’s bring your vision to life – start here.

Sign up for our newsletter!

Hear from top food entrepreneurs and creative minds as we share insights on branding & customer experience design for the F&B industry. (We won't spam!)

© 2025, Rare Ideas

Want to start a project?

Let’s bring your vision to life – start here.

Sign up for our newsletter!

Hear from top food entrepreneurs and creative minds as we share insights on branding & customer experience design for the F&B industry. (We won't spam!)

© 2025, Rare Ideas

Want to start a project?

Let’s bring your vision to life – start here.

Sign up for our newsletter!

Hear from top food entrepreneurs and creative minds as we share insights on branding & customer experience design for the F&B industry. (We won't spam!)

© 2025, Rare Ideas

Want to start a project?

Let’s bring your vision to life – start here.

Sign up for our newsletter!

Hear from top food entrepreneurs and creative minds as we share insights on branding & customer experience design for the F&B industry. (We won't spam!)

© 2025, Rare Ideas

About

Services

Approach

Work

Friends of

About

Services

Approach

Work

Friends of