Wondering where to go for drinks this month? We’ve got you covered.
Whether its 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 breezy alfresco rooftops to literary-inspired cocktails and CBD drinks. Keep scrolling to find out more…
Read more: New Restaurants In Hong Kong
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Where To Drink In Hong Kong
November
Stockton
Hong Kong’s resident speakeasy takes inspiration from its namesake this month with the new “Creativity of Sins” menu. The series of 12 cocktails tells stories of Hunter S. (Stockton) Thompson’s wild life (spoiler alert: expect copious amounts of alcohol, illicit drugs and a lifelong love for firearms!). Highlights include Rum Diary ($130), which combines room temperature rum with familiar South American flavours like clarified banana, coconut, cocoa and hazelnut bitters, and the Hells Angels ($125), which uses American lager as the base, infused with local farm plum honey to sweeten and emulsified clear corn and milk punch for texture.
Stockton, 32 Wyndham Street, Central, Hong Kong, 9179 9737, www.stockton.com.hk
Asahi x Zuma
Just in time for breezy Hong Kong nights, Zuma teams up with Japan’s top beer brand, Asahi, this month to bring us an alfresco “Yokocho” experience. Inspired by the country’s boozy hidden izakayas, expect sake-beer pairings and robatayaki skewers galore, to be enjoyed on Zuma’s spacious rooftop terrace. We’re talking home-made Japanese Pickles ($90), Rockshrimp Tempura with Chili Mayonnaise ($150), Hokkaido Scallops with Ume Boshi Butter and Mentaiko ($280) and more, washed down with copious amounts of Asahi Super Dry and specially-curated sake-beer concoctions ($180). Kanpai!
ZUMA, 5/F, The Landmark, 15 Queen’s Road Central, Central, Hong Kong, 3657 6388, www.zumarestaurant.com
Unbothered
LKF, with a CBD twist. Central’s newest drinks spot infuses CBD across its whole menu of cocktails and teas. Available in 15mg and 30mg variations, Unbothered hopes to break down the stigma surrounding CBD products, spotlighting the compound’s therapeutic properties, including the reduction of stress, anxiety and inflammation. If you’re not sure where to begin, have a chat to one of the bar’s expert CBD consultants before ordering.
Unbothered, UF/F and LG/F, 1 Lan Kwai Fong, Central, Hong Kong, www.unbotheredhk.com
Read more: Your Guide To CBD In Hong Kong
MO Bar
It’s that time of year again – Movember! Celebrate the art of the moustache, and raise awareness for men’s health while you’re at it. Luckily, growing a mo isn’t the only way to show support – we prefer to drink for the cause instead at MO Bar. Head here for a range of exclusive Movember-themed highballs, including the MO Highball with tequila, chamomile cold brew soda and pineapple citrus foam; the gin, hibiscus and mango citrus Little Kiss Highball; and the Passion Club Highball with whiskey, oolong soda and passionfruit sorbet. All drinks are priced at $178 each, with $20 per cocktail going to support the Movember Foundation.
MO Bar, 1/F, The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, The LANDMARK, 15 Queen’s Road Central, Hong Kong, 2132 0077, www.mandarinoriental.com
Candour
Brought to us from the team behind Club Rangoon, new bar and lounge concept Candour is set to turn heads with its unique combination of hip hop culture and luxury. Group Chef Karisa Cheque will be serving up an exciting menu of delectable plates which take their cue from classic local flavours, while Chanel Adams takes charge of the drinks with a selection of urban-inspired cocktails. A curated playlist sets the scene for a transitional day-to-night destination, where themed brunches and the happiest of happy hours reign supreme.
Candour, 65 Peel Street, Soho, Central, www.candourbar.com
EXIT
A rooftop view with a difference, coffee and cocktail bar EXIT swaps your standard harbour panorama for the bustling streets of Causeway Bay. Visit by day for coffee and pastry pairings sourced from local suppliers, while signature cocktails and an American-themed dinner menu reign supreme at night. Drinks-wise, the Shhhh, Don’t Speak Loud, an unassuming concoction of five different types of alcohol, and the Hollywood Sour, which features the buttery flavour of popcorn, are our top picks.
EXIT, 22/F, Aura on Pennington, 66 Jardine’s Bazaar, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, Instagram: @hedonic.exit
October
Winston’s Coffee
Sure, it may still be 30 degrees out, but that’s not going to stop us from embracing all the autumnal vibes. Thankfully, it seems old favourite Winston’s Coffee is on the same wavelength – the coffee and cocktail neighbourhood hangout has just launched its Pumpkin Spice Latte Martini, and let me tell you, we are here for it. A tongue-in-cheek homagae to all things “basic”, the cocktail mixes house-spiced rum with Mr. Black Coffee Liqueur, Allpress coffee and a splash of Bailey’s for a drink that can only be described as autumn in a glass. The Pumpkin Spice Latte Martini ($100) will be available until the end of November.
Winston’s Coffee (Kennedy Town), Shop 8, The Hudson, 11 Davis Street, Kennedy Town, Hong Kong, 2697 1878
Winston’s Coffee (Sai Ying Pun), Shop 4, G/F, Rich Court, 213 Queen’s Road West, Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong, 2559 5078, www.winstonscoffee.com
aqua spirit
Okay, if you’re looking for something a little more weather-appropriate instead, aqua has you covered with its new selection of Icepop Cocktails (from $128). There are five flavours to choose from, each featuring a three-layer medley of frozen summer fruits infused in alcohol, along with a glass of Saint Louis Crémant sparkling wine. We’ve got our eyes on the cantaloupe, mixed berries and mango version, which has been infused with sake – a fantastic balance of sweetness, tartness and acidity. The passionfruit, coconut and pineapple infused with Plantation 3 Stars rum would be a good shout to for a heady taste of the tropics.
Whilst you’re there, satiate your wanderlust with a tipple from the Travel-Tails series, also new in this month. Nodding to aqua’s Italian and Japanese influence, expect delicious drinks inspired from both regions, including the Fuji Fizz ($168), featuring the refreshing notes of Kikusakari sake, smoked hōjicha, clarified and carbonated Fuji apple and Sakura bitters, and the Spritz Veneziano ($158), a well-balanced drink of Tanqueray London Dry Gin, Aperol, sparkling wine, orange, lemon and clarified milk.
aqua, 29/F, 1 Peking Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 3427 2288, www.aqua.com.hk
Read more: Your Guide To The Best Free-Flow Brunch In Hong Kong
LPM Restaurant & Bar
Best known for its delectable French Mediterranean cuisine and that iconic French Toast dessert, LPM Restaurant & Bar is stepping up its bar game this month with the launch of its first ever experiential global cocktail menu. Eighteen months in the making, “Recipes for our Friends” presents an end-to-end thematic experience inspired by the life of influential French artist, writer and bon-vivant, Jean Cocteau.
Split over four chapters, each highlighting a place that Cocteau once called home, all the cocktails here tell a story relating to a person or event that marked her colourful life. The Room 22 ($220) for instance, which comes in the form of an absinthe fountain designed to be shared, is based on the room in which Cocteau regularly stayed in the legendary Hotel Welcome, where she would throw raucous parties with the likes of Charlie Chaplin, Coco Chanel and Kiki de Montparnasse; while the eye-catching Trinity ($180), featuring Bacardi Ocho Rum, cacao, strawberry, Islay honey water and bitters, takes after jeweller Louis Cartier’s iconic namesake ring, the design of which Cocteau partly inspired. To complement this new cocktail offering, LPM has crafted a series of Petit Jean Mocktails – a booze-free twist on their alcoholic counterparts. “Recipes for our Friends” will officially launch on Monday, 11 October.
LPM, 23 – 29 Stanley Street, Central, Hong Kong, 2887 1113, lpmrestaurants.com
Rosewood Hong Kong
A new era of beverage sustainability lands at Rosewood Hong Kong this month, ushered in by the hotel’s partnership with ecoSPIRITS – the world’s first closed-loop spirits technology that strives to reduce the carbon impact of premium spirits by eliminating single-use glass bottles. To celebrate, the hotel has unveiled a new menu of uniquely flavourful, environmentally conscious ecoCOCKTAILS created by DarkSide’s Arkadiusz Rybak and Simone Rossi, and Asaya Kitchen’s Bar Manager Francois Cavalier, all spotlighting ecoSPIRITS’ low-waste technology, along with locally sourced ingredients. Highlights include the Eco ALOES MARGARITA, a lighter, fruitier approach to its classic namesake made with low-waste Arquitecto 100% blue agave spirit, local honey syrup and homemade aloe vera liquer, as well as the Eco NEGRONI, comprised of low-waste Widges Gin, Mancino Bianco Vermouth and clear bitters made from leftover orange peels. The ecoCOCKTAILS are priced at $140 each and will be available in all of Rosewood’s food and beverage outlets.
Sassy Tip: Want to elevate your at-home mixology game? Don’t miss DarkSide’s new Sustainable Cocktails Masterclasses, where the experts will teach you how to recreate two classic cocktails and one sustainable cocktail, to be enjoyed alongside a complimentary cheese and charcuterie board. All guests will leave with a recipe booklet and DarkSide apron, plus DarkSide will plant one native tree in the Rosewood Hong Kong forest in Sumatra in your name – not bad for an afternoon of drinking, eh? Classes are priced at $1,388 per person – head here to book.
Rosewood Hong Kong, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, www.rosewoodhotels.com
Read more: Where To Buy Plastic-Free Essentials In Hong Kong
Oktoberfest
In the world of booze, October means only one thing: Oktoberfest! Yes, it’s your annual excuse to down beer in the name of culture, and in Hong Kong, there are a number of events taking place where you can get your ale on. BaseHall will hold its festivities on Saturday, 9 October, complete with a live Oompah band and DJ, and a traditional tapping of the cask ceremony. Meanwhile, Kennedy Town gastropub GRAIN pulls out all the stops for its celebration of Bavarian beer culture on Wednesday, 13 October, with a six-piece Der Hong Kong Oktoberfest Blaskapelle & MC Herr von Speigel Oompah band and an exclusive all-German malt lager developed especially for the occasion. Head here for all the details on these unmissable events.
Read more: GRAIN – Gastropub Delights In Kennedy Town
September
Quality Goods Club
New in from 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. Think bottle service with dinner, cocktails and live jazz, and late night dance parties set to pulsing DJ beats. Quality signature cocktails and fine spirits in vintage crystal decanters are what this location does best, complemented by a full menu of bites ranging from freshly shucked oysters, coral trout carpaccio, whole lemon sole on the bone, wagyu bavette, truffle toasties and more. Happy hour runs from 6pm to 8pm, and includes pitchers of draught beer, QGC craft cocktails and wines by the glass. Quality Goods Club is open Wednesday to Sunday, from 6pm til late.
Sassy Tip: Entrance is down the stairs on the corner of Hollywood Road and Lyndhurst Terrace.
Quality Goods Club, Basement, On Lok House, 39-43 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong, www.qualitygoodsclub.com
Read more: New Menus & Dining Deals
Amaro Santoni At Quinary
The famed Italian liqueur, Amaro Santoni, makes its Hong Kong debut this month by way of award-winning bar, Quinary. To mark the occasion, the Hollywood Road staple has been transformed into an enchanting Florentine garden, with flowers and vines aplenty (it’s perfect for the ‘Gram!). As for the drinks, Antonio Lai and the bar team have incorporated Amaro Santoni into two vibrant cocktail creations. Bomba Rosa ($160), dreamed up by bartender Kit Ho, offers a a refreshing and fizzy blend of Tanqueray Gin, carbonated watermelon juice, re-distilled green tea and yuzu sorbet; a little pack of popping candy is served on the side, bringing multi-sensory pleasure with every sip. And then there’s the classic Santoni Spritz ($140), which showcases Prosecco from the north east of Italy, which elevates the complexity of the Amaro. Each cocktail is limited to 10 orders per day, and guests who order them both will get a chance to take a selfie in the specially-designed photo booth for free!
Quinary, 56-58 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong, 2851 3223, www.quinary.hk
Negroni Week
It’s that time of year again: Negroni Week is back! Taking place from Monday, 13 September to Sunday, 19 September, the initiative encourages you to get your negroni on, all in the name of charity. In Hong Kong, top bars like ARGO, DarkSide, Tell Camellia, Veda, The Daily Tot and more will be serving up special renditions of the Campari, gin and sweet red vermouth cocktail, with a portion of proceeds going to a charitable cause. Looking to get more involved? Keep an eye out for dedicated events, including the official Negroni Week Opening Party presented by Duddell’s on Monday, 13 September, and the Awareness for Afghanistan negroni charity event at The Daily Tot on Wednesday, 29 September.
Negroni Week, www.negroniweek.com
The Joy House
Cocktails and tea are the order of the day at The Joy House, a relatively new Soho addition that opened earlier this year. Owner and chief bartender Chanel Cheung is an accredited Tea Master in addition to expert mixologist, and brings the artistry of brewing to the bar’s menu of creative Japanese-inspired gin and whiskey-based artisanal cocktails. Highlights include the Jumamji ($148), stylishly presented with a puff of oak-scented smoke, featuring Hakushu whisky, cucumber and lemon juice, along with the intriguing King Crab Martini ($138), which spotlights Alaska King Crab-infused vodka for a luxurious, full-bodied flavour. The signature “My Cup of Tea” ($168) deserves a noteworthy mention too; this two-course cocktail experience sees the same drink presented hot and cold – the hot version brings out the notes of rich Imperial Grade green tea, whilst the contrasting chilled drink emphasises the refreshing lighter taste of elderflower liqueur, yoghurt and apple juice.
The Joy House, G/F, Shama Soho, 11 Staunton Street, Central, Hong Kong, 9781 6881, www.instagram.com/thejoyhouse.hk
Read more: A Quick Guide To Type C & D Restaurants In Hong Kong
HYC Bar & Lounge’s Fever-Tree & Friends Pop-Up
Love gin? This is for you. Kowloon-side gin and shisha bar HYC has teamed up with Fever-Tree to bring us a medley of gin-inspired tipples, featuring gins from Hapusa, Procera, Two Moons Distillery and Greater Than. Four specialty Gin & Tonic cocktails and four classic Gin & Tonics await at this limited-time pop-up, which is in action until Sunday, 17 October. We can’t wait to try the Hima ($148), featuring Hapusa Gin and Fever-Tree’s Aromatic Tonic, with a touch of Cynar Infused Cacao Nibs and Infused Dried Chillies; followed by the refreshing Plantation ($138), with our favourite Two Moons Calamansi Gin with pomelo; and Strawberry Heist ($148), with Procera Gin, Fever-Tree’s fruity and peppery Mediterranean Tonic, Campari and Vermouth Infused Strawberries. The 270 degree view of Tsim Sha Tsui and Victoria Harbour is the cherry on top.
HYC Bar & Lounge, 22/F, Nathan Hill, 38 Hillwood Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 2572 6388, www.hychongkong.com
Read more: Your Ultimate Guide To Rooftop Restaurants And Bars In Hong Kong
Penicillin
Hong Kong’s first fully zero-waste bar, Penicillin, is revamping its entire cocktail, food and organic ferments menu for the first time since opening last year. Expect a roster of all-new seasonal, eco-conscious additions, all inspired by the “farm-to-bar” movement (a riff of the ever-popular farm-to-table trend). The cocktail menu now sees itself split into five core elements of Concrete, Wood, Ceramic, Metal and Glass, with drinks named after books and novels on sustainability. Highlights include “We are the Weather” ($100), which features pear rum, resurrected lime, banana-rye, house-blended oat oleo and black salt; “The Drawdown” ($100), a collaboration with Honky Tonks Tavern spotlighting its oyster shell whiskey, which is mixed with Penicillin’s frothed matcha, pandan rum, and apple sherbet; and “Cradle to Cradle” ($100), made with discarded bone gin, salted anise, lemon-buzz vermouth, and shio-koji onion. New organic ferments range in flavour from Coffee to Rose and Chocolate ($90 each), whilst the bar bites continue to impress, with seasonal newcomers like Shio-Koji Fried Chicken ($145), Fish & Chips ($150) and Assorted Skewers ($150).
Penicillin, L/G, Amber Lodge, 23 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong, 9880 7995, penicillinbar.com
Read more: Your Guide To Vegetarian & Vegan Restaurants In Hong Kong
August
CBD Cocktails At THE POET
CBD meets cocktail hour at THE POET. The hidden Staunton Street bar (look for the blue wall and golden door!), is teaming up with premium CBD brand OTO for a limited-edition menu of cocktails and mocktails. Utilising OTO’s “first-of-a-kind” non-alcoholic CBD cocktail bitters, expect classic drinks with a modern Asian twist, all with the added power of CBD to help amplify your experience. No flavour is too bold, with the menu encompassing the bar’s signature longan, osmanthus, shochu and hawthorn ingredients, alongside unexpected garnishes of baby carrot, coriander and pepper cordial.
THE POET, G/F, 13 Staunton Street, Central, Hong Kong, WhatsApp: +852 9880 1550, www.instagram.com/thepoet_bar
OTO, otocbd.com
Read more: Your Guide To CBD – Quick Facts, Where To Buy It & More
ZZURA
Inspired by the myth of Zerzura, a hidden oasis in the Sahara Desert, ZZURA is the latest addition to Hong Kong’s speakeasy scene. Founded by some of the team behind The Daily Tot, along with industry expert Gagan Gurung, this contemporary Middle-Eastern concept exudes style, with a sleek and intimate design, and a menu of intriguing cocktails. Highlights we can’t wait to try include the Tabib Shepherd, with turmeric gin, clarified mango juice and goat milk yogurt, along with the scotch-based Big Fig, complete with homemade fig jam, and the Smokey Rose, with gin, rose, Lapsang Souchong tea and clarified apple juice. Small bites sourced from Jashan restaurant will also be available if you get peckish, including spicy hummus with pita bread, zatar sweet potato and a chicken shawarma pita pocket.
ZZURA, 2/F, Amber Lodge, 23 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong, www.instagram.com/zzura.hk
CRUST Italian
What’s better than cocktail hour? Cocktail hour with snacks! CRUST in Wan Chai has us covered with its happy hour Aperitivo spread, available from 5:45pm to 7:45pm daily. Indulge in complimentary meats, cheese, pizza and other Italian snacks galore upon purchase of any drink. This was the location of our most recent Team Sassy social, so rest assured, it’s 100% Sassy approved. Look out for its newly-launched takeaway counter, Sciuscia, where you can get Peronis and Aperol Spritz for the bargain price of just $48 daily, from 5pm to 8pm,
CRUST Italian, 60A-66 Johnston Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, www.crustitalian.com.hk
Club Rangoon
Summer nights in Soho await at Club Rangoon’s revamped kiosk. Newly-equipped with a flip-down high table and a refreshing menu of warm weather-inspired beverages, we can’t wait to while away our August weekends here. Spritzes, a Klear Kaffir Punch and the signature Kumquat Old Fashioned (which is big enough to share!), are the order of the day here, along with the Weekly Slushies, available in a rum, lime and honeydew or gin, ginger and passionfruit flavour.
Club Rangoon, 33 Aberdeen Street, Central, Hong Kong, 2503 3077, www.clubrangoon.com.hk
Sustainable Cocktails At Stockton, The Pontiac & More
Eco-friendly premium rum label, Flor de Caña, is joining forces with ten of the city’s most popular bars this month to raise awareness of food waste in the drinks industry, one sustainable cocktail at a time. The carbon neutral, Fair-Trade certified rum knows a thing or two about all things green, and it’s tasked the likes of Stockton, The Pontiac, ARGO, Foxglove, The Wise King and more to create a sustainable rum-based drink using ingredients derived from re-purposed food or leftovers. Must-try concoctions include Lorenzo Antinori’s Upcycled Gimlet at ARGO, featuring leftover lemon from the bar and sustainably-sourced cocoa, as well as Lok Gurung’s tropical Coco de Caña at Stockton, which uses all parts of the coconut, including the meat which is transformed into a cordial, and the shell which is used to hold the drink.
Flor de Caña’s Zero Waste Month, zerowastecocktails.com
The Daily Tot
The Daily Tot’s popular rum masterclasses are back! Join the bar’s resident rum connoisseur Luca Andrei and Bar Manager Gerry Olino for a deep dive into rum discovery, along with tastings of limited-edition Havana Club bottles, and a cheeky welcome drink of G.H MUMM champagne. Taking place on Sunday, 15 August, from 4pm to 6pm, book in now via email or WhatsApp.
The Daily Tot, LG/F, Shop E, Felicity Building, 58 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong, WhatsApp: +852 5226 9382, info@thedailytot.com, www.instagram.com/dailytot.hk
Rise by Classified
Making the happiest hour of the day even happier, Central’s Rise by Classified brings us a new selection of discounted drinks and snacks, available between 5pm to 8pm, Monday to Friday. Knock off work that bit earlier to enjoy a free-flow bottled beer package for $150, alongside a selection of cocktails, beers and wine starting from just $38. Food-wise, line your stomachs with Chicken Bites, Cheese Sticks, Mushroom Skewers and more at just $60 each.
Rise by Classified (Central), Exchange Square Podium, Shop 313, 3/F, 8 Connaught Place, Central, Hong Kong, www.risebyclassified.com
The Aubrey
Hot on the heels of its inaugural Omakase Cocktail programme, The Aubrey brings us a new dynamic drinks experience in the form of its Champagne and Sake Bar. Accommodating four guests, the bar showcases over 50 champagne labels and an exclusive selection of 25 sakes, including three sparkling sakes. Hosted jointly by The Aubrey’s Head Sommelier, Dirk Chen and Maximal Concept’s Group Sommelier, Marie-Paule Herman, the experience has been designed to take guests on an educational, yet fun, frolic through the Champagne region and unique sake breweries in Japan.
To celebrate the launch, the new bar will be offering a series of Champagne Masterclasses, available every Saturday at 3pm from Saturday, 14 August. Priced at $888 per person, the afternoon will feature five glasses of Champagne, along with a light snack.
The Aubrey, 25/F, Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong, 5 Connaught Road Central, Central, Hong Kong, 2825 4001, www.mandarinoriental.com
Read more: The Best Sake Bars 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
