Where To Drink In Hong Kong This April

Wondering where to go for drinks this month? We’ve got you covered.

The ban on bars is still in place, but that doesn’t mean we have to sacrifice happy hour. From guest bartending shifts at our favourite restaurants to cocktail masterclasses and cafes which offer wine in addition to coffee, plenty of watering holes have pivoted to ensure we can still get our drink on, all while staying safe and adhering to government restrictions. Ahead, 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.

Where To Drink In Hong Kong

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