Wondering where to go for drinks this month? We’ve got you covered.
It’s been a long time coming, but the bars are finally back. And we know just where to go for your evening of socially-distanced tipples. From the newest bar destinations to our favourite deals, 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
May
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
Featured image courtesy of Honky Tonks Tavern via Instagram, image 1 courtesy of Ozone, image 2 courtesy of Penicillin, image 3 courtesy of Sake Central.
