LOS ANGELES – As the global gaze turns toward the pitch for a summer defined by high-stakes soccer, JINYA Ramen Bar has announced a strategic partnership that merges the worlds of premium spirits and artisanal Japanese cuisine. In a collaborative effort with Jim Beam—the official spirit partner of the U.S. Soccer Federation—JINYA is launching the "FT90," a limited-time cocktail designed to capture the energy, duration, and intensity of the beautiful game.

The introduction of the FT90 marks a significant moment in JINYA’s beverage program evolution, signaling a move toward thematic, event-driven mixology that complements its well-established reputation for authentic, slow-simmered ramen. Available from June 15 through July 20, 2026, the cocktail is more than a seasonal offering; it is a calculated homage to the ninety minutes of regulation time that define the sport of soccer.

Main Facts: The Anatomy of a Game-Day Sip

The FT90 is a sophisticated blend of tradition and tropical flair, anchored by the bold, woody notes of Jim Beam Bourbon. To balance the strength of the bourbon, JINYA’s beverage team has integrated a vibrant palette of summer-centric ingredients: bright pineapple juice, zesty fresh lemon, and a complex cinnamon demerara syrup. The cocktail is finished with hibiscus, which provides both a floral tartness and a deep, striking hue that mirrors the passion of soccer fans worldwide.

The name "FT90"—shorthand for "Full Time: 90 Minutes"—serves as a direct nod to the sport’s regulation clock. By aligning with Jim Beam, a brand with deep ties to the U.S. Soccer Federation, JINYA is positioning itself as a primary destination for fans looking to celebrate or commiserate during the busy summer tournament schedule.

The drink will be featured exclusively at participating JINYA Ramen Bar locations equipped with full-service bars. This ensures that the craft-heavy preparation of the FT90—particularly the nuanced balance of the hibiscus and cinnamon demerara—is executed to the brand’s exacting standards.

Chronology: A Decade of Innovation and the 2026 Summer Launch

To understand the significance of the FT90 launch, one must look at the trajectory of JINYA Holdings. Founded in 2010 by Tomo Takahashi, the brand began with a singular mission: to bring authentic, high-quality ramen to the American market, treated with the same respect as fine dining. Over the last 16 years, JINYA has transformed from a single storefront into a multi-concept powerhouse.

The timeline leading to the FT90 release is marked by several key milestones:

• 2010: Tomo Takahashi opens the first JINYA Ramen Bar, introducing the concept of "No Ramen, No Life" to California.
• 2022: Takahashi is recognized by Nation’s Restaurant News (NRN) as one of the most influential restaurant CEOs in the United States, cementing the brand’s industry leadership.
• 2023: JINYA is honored as FSR Magazine’s Breakout Brand of the Year, highlighting its successful expansion and consumer appeal.
• 2024: The brand is celebrated as NRN’s Fastest-Growing Asian Concept, a testament to its scalable model and the rising popularity of Japanese comfort food.
• Early 2026: JINYA announces the development of two new concepts under the JINYA Holdings umbrella, expanding its portfolio beyond its core ramen identity.
• June 15, 2026: The FT90 cocktail officially debuts, kicking off a five-week campaign that coincides with the peak of the summer soccer season.

This chronological progression shows that the FT90 is not an isolated marketing tactic but rather the latest chapter in a long-term strategy of brand elevation and cultural integration.

Supporting Data: The Intersection of Craft Cocktails and Global Sports

The decision to launch a soccer-themed cocktail is backed by significant market trends. According to recent consumer data, the "eatertainment" sector and the demand for themed dining experiences have seen a 15% year-over-year increase. Soccer, specifically, has seen a meteoric rise in domestic popularity in the United States, with viewership for international tournaments reaching record highs in the 2020s.

Furthermore, the partnership with Jim Beam leverages the "official spirit" status of the U.S. Soccer Federation, tapping into a pre-existing demographic of millions of fans. Bourbon, while traditionally a "heavy" spirit, has seen a resurgence in summer consumption through "highball" and "sour" variations. The FT90 utilizes pineapple and lemon to pivot Jim Beam into this "refreshment" category, making it a viable pairing for hot summer days and steaming bowls of ramen.

JINYA’s internal growth data also supports this ambitious launch. With over 80 restaurants currently in operation and a robust pipeline of new locations, the brand has the footprint necessary to execute a national campaign of this scale. The brand’s inclusion in the Franchise Times Top 400 underscores its operational stability and its ability to maintain quality across diverse geographic markets.

Official Responses: The Philosophy of Kaizen

Central to the launch of the FT90 is the Japanese philosophy of kaizen, or "continuous improvement." This principle is the bedrock of JINYA Holdings and is frequently cited by founder Tomo Takahashi as the reason for the brand’s longevity.

"At JINYA, we are never satisfied with the status quo," a spokesperson for the brand noted. "Whether it is the 20-hour simmering process of our tonkotsu broth or the specific aging of our noodles, we are always looking for ways to enhance the guest experience. The FT90 is a reflection of that. We didn’t just want a ‘summer drink’; we wanted a cocktail that tells a story, honors a partnership, and provides a flavor profile that stands up to the rich, umami-heavy dishes our chefs create."

The partnership with Jim Beam is seen as a natural fit. As a brand that prides itself on heritage and meticulous production, Jim Beam mirrors JINYA’s commitment to craft. By combining these two giants—one in spirits and one in culinary arts—the FT90 becomes a symbol of cross-cultural collaboration.

The corporate contact for the initiative, Courtney Sybesma of Champion Management, emphasized that the FT90 is designed to be a holistic experience. "It’s about the atmosphere. When you walk into a JINYA this summer, you aren’t just getting a meal; you’re getting the excitement of the game, the quality of Jim Beam, and the soul of Japanese ramen all in one place."

Implications: Changing the Game for Fast-Casual Dining

The launch of the FT90 has several implications for the broader restaurant industry and JINYA’s future trajectory.

1. Elevated Beverage Programs in Specialty Dining

Typically, ramen-focused establishments have relied on a standard selection of beer and sake. JINYA’s aggressive move into craft cocktails—specifically those involving premium bourbon and complex house-made syrups—sets a new benchmark for the category. It suggests that specialty "niche" restaurants can successfully compete with high-end cocktail bars by offering sophisticated, thematic beverage menus.

2. Strategic Sports Marketing

By naming the drink after a soccer regulation term and timing it to the summer season, JINYA is successfully capturing a "moment." This type of agile marketing allows the brand to remain relevant in cultural conversations outside of the food world. As soccer continues to grow in North America, brands that align themselves with the sport early and authentically will likely see long-term loyalty from its passionate fanbase.

3. Expansion of the JINYA Ecosystem

The mention of two new concepts arriving in late 2026, alongside the success of existing brands like bushi by JINYA and Robata JINYA, suggests that JINYA Holdings is moving toward becoming a comprehensive Japanese hospitality group. The FT90 serves as a "proof of concept" for how these various brands can use high-profile partnerships to drive traffic and brand awareness.

4. The "Ramen Pairing" Evolution

Traditionally, the richness of tonkotsu broth is paired with crisp lagers or dry sake to cleanse the palate. The FT90 introduces a new dynamic: the acidity of lemon and pineapple combined with the spice of cinnamon. This challenges the traditional palate and encourages guests to explore more complex flavor interactions, potentially leading to a new trend in "ramen-cocktail" pairings.

Conclusion

As the clock starts on the summer of 2026, JINYA Ramen Bar is positioned to be at the center of the action. The FT90 cocktail is more than just a drink; it is a blend of sports culture, Japanese culinary precision, and American spirit. For fans of soccer and ramen alike, the next 90 minutes—and the five weeks of this limited-time offer—promise to be some of the most flavorful of the year.

For those looking to experience the FT90, the window is brief. From mid-June to late July, participating JINYA locations will serve as the "official headquarters" for summer refreshment, proving once again that in the world of Tomo Takahashi, the pursuit of perfection—and the love of the game—never rests.

About JINYA Ramen Bar
JINYA Ramen Bar is a part of JINYA Holdings, which operates multiple concepts including JINYA. West Hollywood, Mikan, bushi by JINYA, Robata JINYA, Saijo, and JINYA Ramen Express. With a focus on the Japanese practice of kaizen, JINYA provides an authentic ramen experience through meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to quality. For more information, visit JINYARamenBar.com.