New Drinks Menus This Summer: Top Cocktail Bars & Speakeasies In Hong Kong

Wondering where to go for drinks this month? We’ve got your next night out covered with new must-try menus, alongside a list of our favourite cocktail bars and speakeasies in Hong Kong.

Whether it’s Hong Kong’s newest drinking destination, an unmissable happy hour deal or a must-try new menu, you’ll find it all in our ultimate guide to where to drink in Hong Kong. This month, we’re spotlighting everything from alfresco rooftop bars to Asian-inspired cocktails and seasonal drinks. Keep scrolling for our pick of the best cocktail bars and speakeasies in Hong Kong.

Read More: Where To Find The Best Happy Hour In Central

Editor’s Note: The situation in Hong Kong regarding COVID risk and restrictions is constantly evolving. If choosing to head out for a drink, please exercise your own judgement as to whether it is safe to do so and comply with the latest social distancing regulations where applicable.

New Drinks Menus This Summer

Seasonal Drinks Menu At Sam Fancy

Recently opened Sam Fancy is divided into three distinct spaces spread over the third and fourth floors of The Plaza on D’Aguilar Street. Sat on the higher floor you’ll find The Merchant, which offers modern cocktails featuring Pan-Asian flavours (think baijiu, five spice and star anise). This month, guests can enjoy seasonal drinks such as Las Americas, a cocktail named after a small Chinatown shop made with a kick of Sriracha.

Sam Fancy, 3/F and 4/F, The Plaza, 21 D’Aguilar Street, Central, Hong Kong, www.instagram.com/thesamfancy

Summer Happy Hour At Plume

Offering panoramic views, an extensive European-focused wine list and contemporary French bar bites by Écriture’s Executive Chef, Maxime Gilbert, we’ve always had plenty of reason to stop by rooftop bar Plume. Adding to that list is Plume’s newly launched Summer Golden Hour, offering $50 wines by the glass (yes, you read right) between 5pm and 7pm daily. Order a bottle and enjoy a complimentary charcuterie and cheese platter, and a free bottle of wine for every two bottles purchased.

Plume, 27/F, H Queen’s, 80 Queen’s Road Central, Central, Hong Kong, 5200 1683, www.plumehk.com

ZZURA’s 1st Birthday Guest Shift

In celebration of its one-year anniversary, contemporary Middle-Eastern speakeasy ZZURA has lined up an exciting guest roster of master mixologists who will be stirring up exotic libations for the night. Joining ZZURA’s Santosh Gurung behind the bar on this occasion will be Nikita Matveev from The Old Man, Taki Li from The St. Regis Bar, Paul Chan from B’Hood and Natalie Lau from London Essence.

When: Wednesday, 24 August, 7pm onwards

ZZURA, 2/F, Amber Lounge, 23 Hollywood Road, Central, 2639 9155, zzura.hk

Top 12 Cocktail Bars & Speakeasies In Hong Kong

COA

Topping the list of Asia’s 50 Best Bars for the past two years, this Oaxaca-inspired cocktail bar was opened by Jay Khan in 2017 with the mission to bring agave spirits to the forefront of Asia’s cocktails scene. Boasting an impressive 41-page spirit menu, COA serves a diverse range of 100% agave tequila, traditional mezcal and cocktails inspired by the flavours of Mexico. Dimly lit by candles, this drinking den is the perfect stop for weekend drinks or date night.

COA, LG/F, Wah Shin House, 6-10 Shin Hing Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, 2813 5787, www.coa.com.hk

Read More: Your Neighbourhood Guide To Poho

The Diplomat

The Diplomat needs no introduction as one of the city’s top drinking destinations. The first speakeasy concept opened by acclaimed bartender John Nugent, it specialises in reimagined takes on classic cocktails (try the Gibson and Tuxedo), with mini cocktails available for those who want to sample more than one. This classy neighbourhood cocktail bar is always buzzing with energy and high spirits.

The Diplomat, Shop 1, LG/F, H Code, 45 Pottinger Street, Central, Hong Kong, 3619 0302, www.thediplomat.hk

The Old Man

Tucked away on a corner of Aberdeen Street is The Old Man, an award-winning speakeasy inspired by Ernest Hemingway’s “The Old Man and the Sea”. Helmed by bartender Agung Prabowo (previously of Lobster Bar and Mandarin Oriental), cocktails on offer here carry a sophisticated Hemingway-Asian theme to match the tastefully styled interiors.

The Old Man, LG/F, 37 Aberdeen Street, Central, Hong Kong, theoldmanhongkong.com

DarkSide

Paying homage to Kowloon’s “Dark Side” moniker, The Rosewood Hotel’s swanky cocktail parlour houses a coveted selection of dark spirits that harks back to the early 19th century, alongside an extensive library of fine rum, whisky and calvados. Lounge on the al fresco terrace, soak in the harbour views and splurge on a premium cocktail — you deserve it!

DarkSide, Level Two, Rosewood Hong Kong, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 3891 8732, www.darkside.hk

Read More: Your Neighbourhood Guide To Tsim Sha Tsui

The Pontiac

With a rough and retro rock ‘n’ roll vibe, Soho’s resident local dive bar The Pontiac has an authenticity that’s seriously cool. The all-female staff keep it real with strong drinks, plenty of shots and a hell of a lot of fun. This is where you need to go if you want a seriously wild night out with your friends — trust us, you won’t regret it.

The Pontiac, 13 Old Bailey Street, Central, Hong Kong, 2521 3855, www.facebook.com/thepontiac

Penicillin

Hong Kong’s first fully zero-waste bar Penicillin has taken the culinary world by storm with its sustainable farm-to-bar movement. The magic happens in The Penicillin Lab and Fermentation Chamber, where Prabowo, Ghale and their team test new and creative ways to minimise their carbon footprint while coming up with clever concoctions. Proudly partnered with ecoSPIRITS, it’s with noting that each cocktail marked with the “eS” logo saves an average of 150g in CO2 emissions. We’ll cheers to that!

Penicillin, L/G, Amber Lodge, 23 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong, 9880 7995, penicillinbar.com

Read More: Your Guide To Zero Waste & Bulk Food Stores In Hong Kong

Dr. Fern’s Gin Parlour

A hidden gem within The Landmark, Dr.Fern’s is an absolute must for gin lovers. Using organic and locally-sourced ingredients and botanicals, and only premium gin, Dr. Fern’s cocktails are sure to cure any ailment. Tucked away in a corner, you’ll find two tiny office doors — one full-sized and one Alice in Wonderland-style — all that hint at the doctor’s office behind. It also whips up seasonal cocktails, and if you can’t decide what to go for, the doctor is always on hand to prescribe the perfect tincture.

Dr Fern’s Gin Parlour, Shop B31A, First Basement Floor, Landmark Atrium, 15 Queen’s Road Central, Central, Hong Kong, 2111 9449, www.mingfathouse.com

Read More: The Best Gin Bars In Hong Kong

Foxglove

Hidden behind what appears to be an umbrella store on Duddell Street, Foxglove oozes old-school luxury and charm. Vintage-inspired, expect live jazz nights, a decadent menu based on traditional Cantonese favourites and a refined atmosphere. Drinks buffs will love the menu that features a rare selection of cognacs and spirits, along with fine whiskies and expertly crafted cocktails.

Foxglove, 2/F, Printing House, 6 Duddell Street, Central, Hong Kong, 2116 8949, www.mingfathouse.com

Frank’s Library

Another speakeasy that can be found hidden within Foxglove. The tucked away and discreet space is found behind a hidden door in the bar and restaurant (find the hidden elevator buttons and hit the right number to gain entrance to Frank’s secret library!), and serves a menu of ‘Travel Diary Cocktails”, inspired by the namesake character, Frank Minza. Drinks start at $140 and include the inventive Confectionary, with marshmallow-infused gin, cacao white liqueur, mint liqueur, orange bitters and Champagne.

Frank’s Library, 18 Ice House Street, Central, Hong Kong, www.facebook.com/frankslibrary

Read More: Your Guide To Hong Kong’s Hidden Bars And Speakeasies

Finding Daisy

Cocktails and drama (the good kind) abound at this theatre-themed bar on Elgin Street. Exuding all the sleek speakeasy vibes, head here to indulge in classic cocktails with a contemporary 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, 5135 7337, www.instagram.com/findingdaisyhk

Quality Goods Club

Brought to us by the guys behind Shady Acres and Honky Tonks Tavern, Quality Goods Club brings together music, delicious bites and, of course, top-notch drinks, for a night to remember in Soho. Quality signature cocktails and fine spirits in vintage crystal decanters are what this location does best, complemented by exceptional Brasserie-style fare. Happy hour runs daily from 6pm to 8pm, and includes pitchers of draught beer, QGC craft cocktails, wines by the glass and $10 oysters.

Quality Goods Club, Basement, On Lok House, 39-43 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong, www.facebook.com/thequalitygoodsclub

Faye

Taking over the rooftop previously occupied by LKF landmark CÉ LA VI, this outer-spaced themed lounge and club promises over-the-top décor (we’re talking an infinity tunnel of ring lights, an inflatable spaceship, neon acrobat rings and more), along with iconic sweeping skyline views. Plus, its creative cocktail selection is out of this world.

Faye, 25-26/F, California Tower, 30-32 D’Aguilar Street, Central, Hong Kong, 3619 4282, www.facebook.com/faye.hkg

Read More: Your Ultimate Guide To Rooftop Restaurants And Bars In Hong Kong