Wondering where to go for drinks this month? We’ve got you covered.
With the bars back in full swing (go and get vaccinated to enjoy the full perks!), we know just where to go for your evening of socially-distanced tipples. From the newest bar destinations to cocktail tasting menus galore, here’s where to drink in Hong Kong this month.
Editor’s Note: Social distancing regulations are still in place in Hong Kong, so please make sure you follow the latest government advice when out and about.
Read more: New Restaurants In Hong Kong
Where To Drink In Hong Kong
July
ARGO
The much-anticipated new bar opening from Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong makes its grand debut this month, and from the sounds of it, it was worth the wait! Inspired by the myth of Jason and the Argonauts and their journey of discovery and exploration, ARGO looks to celebrate innovation in the world of fine drinking, with a focus on creative cocktails and exclusive spirits, many of which are available in Hong Kong for the very first time. The inaugural cocktail menu, named “Here Today, Gone Tomorrow” spotlights six staple ingredients that may be endangered in the future, including honey, cacao, rice, vanilla, coffee and apple. Look out for special collaborations with producers, craftspeople and thought leaders in the global spirits industry, along with the custom-made ARGO Gin. The floor-to-ceiling views of Victoria Harbour aren’t bad either.
ARGO will open Thursday, 15 July.
ARGO, Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong, 8 Finance Street, Central, Hong Kong, www.fourseasons.com
Cassio
Live music is back baby! And Cassio is leading the way with its curated summer pop-up series spotlighting an eclectic line-up of DJs. Over three nights (Thursday, 29 July; Thursday, 19 August and Thursday, 9 September), the LKF hotspot will take you on a trip around the world with themed DJ beats and guest bartending shifts from Hong Kong’s top talents. First up, DJ Rork, label owner of Stalwart Recordings and former Music Director of the famed Kee Club, will be joining forces with award-winning mixologist Alexandre Chatte to bring us a taste of the South of France in the 70’s. In August, it’s off to 80’s Tokyo with Alberto Aldave, formerly at The Ritz London, and DJ JayMe, aka the Disco Doctor. Rounding out the series, DJ Johnny Hiller and the award-winning Natalie Lau revive the euphoric era of late 80s to 90s British raves.
Cassio, 2/F, LKF Tower, 33 Wyndham Street, Central, Hong Kong, 3792 0129, www.cassio.com.hk
The Aubrey
Omakase gets a cocktail twist at Mandarin Oriental’s signature izakaya. Taking place at the designated four-seater Omakase Cocktail Bar, this unique beverage-led experience takes guests on a journey through premium Japanese spirits. The focus here is on using lesser-known liqueurs, including Shochu, Awamori and Umeshu, as the base for original cocktails, complete with light bar snacks. The experience is available to book from Thursday to Saturday, with bookings released once a month.
The Aubrey, 25/F, Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong, 5 Connaught Road Central, Central, Hong Kong, 2825 4001, mohkg-aubrey@mohg.com, www.mandarinoriental.com
DarkSide
Mixology meets astronomy in this new cocktail menu by Rosewood’s DarkSide, inspired by the eight phases of the moon and their mystical powers. Currently No. 40 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars List, the Kowloon-side drinks parlour continues to push boundaries with its high-tech hologram video menu – a first in Hong Kong. As for the drinks, take your pick from eight enticing creations, including New Beginning, featuring a base of Johnnie Walker Black Label and Fernet Hunter, with aromatic notes provided by Japanese hinoki wood and aromatic Marsala Wine; the gin-based Gratitude, complete with a clarified milk punch and sour cherry wine; and the earthy and herbaceous Intuition, which spotlights Mr Black Coffee liqueur. All cocktails are served in specially-created ceramic glasses by Australian artist Ryan Foote and Polish abstract resin artist Magdalena Klim. Can’t decide which to go for? Consult the interactive Moon Magic Ball to see which moon cocktail is meant for you.
DarkSide, Level Two, Rosewood Hong Kong, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 3891 8732, hongkong.restaurants@rosewoodhotels.com, www.darkside.hk
Yardley Brothers x Double Haven Brewing
Two homegrown craft beer brands join hands for a cause this month. Yardley Brothers and Double Haven Brewing have teamed up to create the Trashwave California Common Steam Beer, designed to raise awareness of beach and marine pollution. The beer is redeemable for free for those who help clean up our beaches: simply fill a large bag with beach trash and then post a selfie of your beach cleaning adventures to Instagram, tagging both breweries and using the #Trashwave hashtag. Your free beer is redeemable at The Beer Shack on Lamma Island, Momentai in Sai Kung and Treehouse in Central.
Sassy Tip: Scan the QR code on the side of your can for instructions on how to responsibly dispose of collected trash!
Yardley Brothers, www.yardleybrothers.hk
Double Haven Brewing, doublehavenbrewing.com
Read more: Your Guide To Beach Cleanups In Hong Kong
Twenty Fifth Hour
Hidden in plain sight above the iconic Luk Yu Teahouse, speakeasy cocktail bar Twenty Fifth Hour is the lesser-known gem to visit if you really want to flex your nightlife knowledge. New in for July, Twenty Fifth Hour presents an intimate cocktail tasting experience called “The Journey to 25:00”. Each of the six libations brings you through to different times of the day, ending at the bar’s unspoken extra hour, 25:00. Designed by Head Mixologist Kenzo Lee, highlights of the menu include Yum Cha, a delicate tea-infused concoction that is paired with a bite of Goji Berries Osmanthus Jelly; Bo Jai Fan, inspired by the local classic dish of claypot rice, and featuring Chinese Preserved Sausage Fat Washed Amaro Montenegro; and the simply-named Ice Cream, with flavours of Mango Pomelo Sago Pudding. The intriguing cocktail experience is limited to eight seats per night from Monday to Wednesday only. Reservations via WhatsApp are essential.
The Journey to 25:00 menu launches on Monday, 19 July.
Editor’s Note: This launch has been postponed to August.
Twenty Fifth Hour, 13/F, Luk Yu Building, 24-26 Stanley Street, Central, Hong Kong, WhatsApp: +852 5546 8540, www.instagram.com/xxv.hr
Read more: Your Guide To Local Hong Kong Desserts
BubbleMe
There’s no getting away from the spiked seltzer trend this summer! The latest addition to the scene is BubbleMe – a zero sugar, antioxidant-rich spiked sparkling water, available in three summery flavours including Mango Peach, Lychee Lime and Strawberry Earl Grey. With 5% ABV, this easy-to-drink tipple will take you from junks to the beach and LKF. Get yours from a range of Hong Kong retailers now.
BubbleMe, www.drinkbubble.me
Read more: Your Ultimate Junk Trip Guide
June
Two Moons Distillery’s Calamansi Gin
Just in time for summer, homegrown gin distillery Two Moons has added an all-new citrus offering to its lineup. Bright and zesty calamansi, sourced directly from Sheung Shui’s Fu Kam Organic Farm, is the star of the show, alongside a blend of juniper berries and a hint of spruce, resulting in a punchy, flavour-packed gin that’s perfect for cutting through this Hong Kong heat. Shop your bottle now at Two Moons, or head to partner bars The Pawn and Quinary, to sample the gin in a selection of special cocktails.
Two Moons Distillery, Unit 9A, Kut Shing Building, 8 Kut Shing Street, Chai Wan, www.twomoonsdistillery.com
Kyle & Bain
Word on the street is that John Nugent (of The Diplomat fame) is launching his second bar venture along Ice House Street this month. Not much is known as yet, but stay tuned for the latest.
Kyle & Bain, www.instagram.com/kyleandbain
Boticario
Inspired by the herbal healing traditions of South America’s farmacias, newcomer Boticario looks to cure us with its menu of insta-worthy libations, which taste every bit as good as they look! Featuring home-made sodas, phosphates, tonics, tinctures and craft spirits, these aren’t your average cocktails. Highlights include the the tiki-inspired Shell to Pay, which blends cold-distilled passionfruit rum and apricot liqueur with hibiscus, sherry, ginger ale and fresh lime juice, along with the CBD-infused The Buzz from the Bees (our Editor’s favourite!) and the Brave Bullfighter, which is presented in a bold horn-shaped glass, complete with cold-distilled Shitake mushroom vodka, agave, fresh pink grapefruit juice and lime juice. To line the stomach, select from an array of indulgent Mediterranean and Latin dishes. Opt for a seat on the spacious terrace for beautiful harbour views.
Sassy Tip: Boticario holds “2-for-1 healing hours” daily from 3pm to 7pm, where guests can choose from a selection of wines, house spirits, beers and selected cocktails.
Boticario, Shop G5 & UG 15, Tsim Sha Tsui Centre, 66 Mody Road, Tsim Sha Tsui East, Hong Kong, 2765 0800, reservations@boticario.com.hk, www.sandshospitality.com
Read more: The Best Places To Drink And Dine With A View
Yung & Lazy
New in from the group behind Baked and Acme, Yung & Lazy describes itself as a “hip cocktail bar” serving up comfort bites and drinks all day and night. Set to open in September, stay tuned for more.
Yung & Lazy, Shop 5, G/F, 250-274 Jaffe Road, Tonnochy Towers, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, www.instagram.com/yungnlazyhk
181 Fortnum’s
Tea and cocktails are two of our favourite things, so we couldn’t be happier about 181 Fortnum’s latest drink additions. Available until the end of summer, the specialty tea-infused cocktails are inspired by various Fortnum’s tea blends. The Earl Henry Sour spotlights Countess Grey Tea, spiked with Cachaça (a popular Brazilian sweet liquor) and banana preserve, while Tribute brings together Japanese whisky and Lapsang Souchong for a sultry and smoky concoction. Lastly, the rose-scented Aperitif soda no. 2 is light and refreshing, with Rose Pouchong tea and Rosé vermouth. All tea cocktails are priced at $128.
181 Fortnum’s, Shop 022, G/F, K11 Atelier, Victoria Dockside, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 3916 8181, reservations@181fortnums.com.hk, www.181fortnums.com.hk
Read more: Your Guide To Afternoon Tea In Hong Kong
Amalfitana Central
Ladies Night is back, courtesy of Amalfitana Central! Girls are invited to indulge on buy-one-get-one-free Aperol Spritzes every Wednesday evening from June onwards. Alternatively, happy hour sundowners has everyone covered with classic cocktails from just $58, wines and Prosecco at $48 per glass and Peroni at $38 per bottle – head down every weeknight from 3pm to 6pm to enjoy!
Amalfitana (Central), Shops D& E, G/F, Yu Yuet Lai Building, 43-55 Wyndham Street, Central, Hong Kong, 2688 2001, www.amalfitana.hk
May
Finding Daisy
Cocktails and drama abound at this theatre-themed bar on Elgin Street. Exuding all the sleek speakeasy vibes, head here to indulge in classic cocktails with a twist. Highlights include the Spicy Rancho, a spiced up iteration of the margarita, and the Daisy’s Gambit, an elevated take on a Gibson.
Finding Daisy, 16A, Elgin Street, Soho, Hong Kong, www.instagram.com/findingdaisyhk
Faye
Have you heard? There’s a new rooftop bar in town! Taking over the space once occupied by LKF landmark CÉ LA VI, the outer-spaced themed lounge and club promises over the top decor (we’re talking an infinity tunnel of ring lights, an inflatable spaceship, neon acrobat rings and more), along with those iconic sweeping skyline views. Faye is open now from 4pm to 2am on Mondays to Saturdays, and 3pm to 12am on Sundays.
Faye, 25-26/F, California Tower, 30-32 D’Aguilar Street, Central, Hong Kong, www.instagram.com/faye.hkg
Ozone
Taking its cue from nature, Ozone expands its “Five Elements” cocktail menu with new creations inspired by the basic substances of the material world. Exotic and powerful, Fire brings together Alipus Mezcal with sous-vide jalapeño, sweet mango nectar and St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur for a smoky, fiery kick, while Metal stays cool and collected thanks to the crisp citrus and floral notes of Italicus, gin and jasmin kombucha. Other highlights include Water, made from Eco-spirit Plantation Rum with sous-vide salted plum; Earth, which features Pisco Alto del Carmen-infused chioggia beetroot, Cynar Artichoke Liqueur and taro; and the Bulleit Bourbon-based Wood, infused with fat-washed black truffle. All cocktails are priced at $138.
Ozone, Level 118, The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong, International Commerce Centre, 1 Austin Road West, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 2263 2270, www.ritzcarlton.com
Honky Tonks Tavern
Here to make Mondays that bit easier to get through, Honky Tonks Tavern delights with an all-you-can-drink (and eat!) deal that’s too good to pass up. We’re talking 90 minutes of unlimited wings and ice-cold beer, all for just $200. There’s also the option to add on $100 for wine and sparkling ale. Available every Monday from 3pm onwards, until the wings run out!
Honky Tonks Tavern, Man Hing Lane, Central, Hong Kong, www.instagram.com/honkytonkstavern
Asia’s 50 Best Bars
Congratulations are in order for a number of Hong Kong bars which have made the Asia’s 50 Best Bars list. DarkSide, Penicillin, The Wise King, The Pontiac landed at number 40, 30, 28 and 26 respectively, while Quinary, Tell Camellia and Diplomat were ranked 25, 23 and 20. Caprice at Four Seasons made it to number 10, while Jay Khan’s COA took the top spot. For the best tipples in Asia, you know where to go.
Asia’s 50 Best Bars, www.worlds50bestbars.com
Bostonian Seafood & Grill
Get to know the local cocktail scene with Bostonian Seafood & Grill’s “Tales of Hong Kong” series. The Langham, Hong Kong’s signature steakhouse has lined up a number of guest takeovers to accompany your free-flow brunch ($988 per person). Head down to catch a glimpse of Natalie Lau, Chanel Adams and more of your favourite homegrown bartenders whipping up their signature creations for your drinking pleasure. Check out the full schedule here.
Bostonian Seafood & Grill, The Langham, Hong Kong, 8 Peking Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, 2132 7898, tlhkg.bostonian@langhamhotels.com, www.langhamhotels.com
KI NO BI
Kyoto’s first craft gin brand KI NO BI makes its way to Hong Kong by way of a month-long pop-up at Sake Central this month. To celebrate, the talented Ayako Miyake, first runner-up of Japan’s Kanto female bartenders competition, will be holding court with a series of weekend gin masterclasses starting from Saturday, 8 May (head here to book). For the foodies, an exclusive eight-course gin pairing menu (from $1,118) will be available from Chef Shun Sato’s new restaurant Censu (which is slated to open this summer). Expect sushi, Wagyu beef and more, washed down by a range of KI NO BI gin selections.
KI NO BI at Sake Central, S109-S113, Block A, PMQ, 35 Aberdeen Street, Central, Hong Kong, 2656 6552, sake-central.com
The Pontiac
Soho’s resident local dive bar is shaking things up with a menu revamp. In true The Pontiac fashion, the new additions are both authentically gritty and delicious, plus they’re eco-friendly to boot! The Shells & Cigarettes ($88) for instance, employs ecoSPIRITS cocktails for its twist on the classic Long Island, while the salted hibiscus and dill infused Starting Gun ($108) supports the preservation of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef through its use of Applewood’s Coral Gin (Applewood donates the profits of each bottle of Coral Gin sold towards conservation). What better reason to treat yourself?
The Pontiac, 13 Old Bailey Street, Central, Hong Kong, 2521 3855, www.facebook.com/thepontiac
April
DIO
Nestled within the understated surrounds of Kau U Fong, DIO brings together two of our greatest loves in life: coffee and wine. Named after the Greek God of wine (naturally), head here for aromatic artisan brews by day, courtesy of the barista team from popular North Point hangout Coffee Obsession, along with wallet-friendly wines and cocktails, curated by co-founder and acclaimed local bartender Nick Tse, come nightfall. Highlights here include the pour-overs of single origin, served in low tea cups to even out temperature for improved drinking pleasure, along with the back vintage wines ranging from 1960’s to 1990’s, popular among wine lovers for their mint condition and exceptionally low price point. Consider us sold.
DIO, Shop A, G/F, 8 Aberdeen Street, Central, Hong Kong, 9199 3956, info@dio.com.hk, www.instagram.com/diostore.hk
The Daily Tot
Indulge in a taste of the tropics thanks to The Daily Tot’s new Rum Journey menu, which spotlights Caribbean ingredients found in Hong Kong, including local wet market fruits and herbs. On the menu, expect a selection of rum-infused tipples like the PG & G ($120), with Sous-vide Stiggins Pineapple Plantation with Basil, yuzu and guava, or the coconut-laden Mamacita ($100). And for those missing their regular Soho rendezvous, don’t miss the Peel St. Spritz ($100), complete with Prosecco and rosemary!
Sassy Tip: Scan the menu’s QR code to enjoy a sneak peek of how your cocktail of choice is made!
The Daily Tot, LG/F, Shop E, Felicity Building, 58 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong, info@thedailytot.com, www.instagram.com/dailytot.hk
Zuma x Quinary
The mixology stars align this month, with Zuma’s Lorenzo Coppola and Quinary’s Antonio Lai coming together to bring us a Japanese circus-inspired cocktail journey. Both Lorenzo and Antonio have crafted two unique drinks each, one featuring Johnnie Walker Black Label Scotch Whisky and the other with Copper Dog Speyside Blended Malt Whisky, for a new take on all things scotch. We love the look of Lorenzo’s The Acrobat ($145), which takes its cue from the majestic snow-capped Mount Fuji with its fresh apple and citrus aromas, complete with frothy hazelnut foam. Meanwhile, Antonio’s Kakuni ($160) pushes boundaries with flavours of black vinegar and plum syrup, presented in a bold, geometric vessel and garnished with mini dried crab. Lorenzo’s cocktail creations are available at Zuma while Antonio’s can be found at Quinary until Friday, 30 April, and can be ordered after 6pm.
Sassy Tip: Upon ordering one of these special cocktails at either location, guests will be given a token. Bring the token to the opposite venue and order another special cocktail to bag yourself a limited edition cocktail jigger or shaker.
Quinary, 56-58 Hollywood Road Central, Hong Kong, 2851 3223, info@quinary.hk, www.quinary.hk
ZUMA, 5/F, The Landmark, 15 Queen’s Road Central, Central, Hong Kong, 3657 6388, www.zumarestaurant.com
Tankyu Distillery
Easter may have come and gone, but there’s still one more holiday to celebrate this month: International Gin & Tonic Day! Falling on Friday, 9 April, it’s only right to raise a glass in salute, and we know the perfect place to do so. Enter Tankyu Distillery, the official tasting room of local gin label Perfume Trees Gin. Located within The Mills in Tsuen Wan, head here for daily tasting workshops which will teach you everything you’ve ever wanted to know about gin and cocktail culture in Hong Kong. Don’t forget to stick around for Omakase Cocktails too (from 5pm on Thursdays to Saturdays), where expert mixologists will customise your drink according to preference, mood and even weather! By appointment only – head here to book now.
Tankyu Distillery, Unit 301, The Mills, 45 Pak Tin Par Street, Tsuen Wan, Hong Kong, 6324 6437, info@perfumetreesgin.com, perfumetreesgin.hk
DarkSide
Take a trip over to the “dark side” this month and you won’t be disappointed. Rosewood’s resident cocktail parlour, DarkSide, delights with a new cocktail masterclass where guests will learn how to take their mixology game to the next level. Over the course of 90 minutes, get involved as Arkadiusz Rybak teaches you how to create three cocktails, to be enjoyed alongside charcuterie and cheese bites. Whilst you’re there, don’t miss DarkSide’s new menu of “forgotten classics”; with libations like Martini vs Vesper ($160) and the mysterious Secret Cocktail ($160) on offer, how can you resist?
The cocktail masterclasses are priced at $1,388 per person and are available to book from Thursdays to Sundays, 2pm and 4:30pm.
DarkSide, Level Two, Rosewood Hong Kong, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 3891 8732, hongkong.restaurants@rosewoodhotels.com, www.darkside.hk
Okra Hong Kong x Mizunara Library
Whiskey fans rejoice. Back by popular demand, beloved Ginza-style haunt Mizunara Library is popping up at lively neighbourhood izakaya Okra for a limited time only. Enjoy an array of speciality cocktails, paired with delicious otoshi bites like the House-made Charcuterie Stone ($388) with Shochu cured duck breast, Kirin smoked salmon and more, or the delicate 22 days Dry-aged Tuna Tasting Platter ($530). This exclusive collaboration is available on Friday, 9 April and Saturday, 10 April, from 5pm to 10pm. Booking is essential – secure your spot by email or WhatsApp.
Okra, G/F & 1/F 110 Queen’s Road West, Sai Ying Pun, WhatsApp: 2806 1038, info@okra.bar, okra.kitchen
Hero image and image 1 courtesy of Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong, image 2 courtesy of DarkSide, image 3 courtesy of Twenty Fifth Hour via Instagram.
