23 July, 2014
Eat & Drink

Sassy’s Best Summer Cocktails in Hong Kong

23 July, 2014
The sweltering heat this summer is truly insane, we can’t seem to walk five steps without breaking out into a sweat! Never fear, as we’ve scoured Hong Kong high and low to find you some of our favourite summer cocktails. You’re going to need more than air-conditioning or a dip in the pool to beat this summer heat, so as the days get hotter, you can depend on these icy drinks to keep you cool. With summer officially here and the holidays just around the corner, this couldn’t have come at a better time, so here’s to our best summer cocktails… cheers!

drunken brambleDrunken Bramble at the Common Room!

What’s in it?
This gin and crème de mure cocktail is served with a berry-based boozesicle!

Why we love it!
Nothing says summer more than a popsicle on a hot sunny day. In a collaboration with Lola’s Ice Pops, the Common Room are bringing us alcoholic adult versions of the ice-lollies we loved as kids… except these ones are much more fun! Their drunken boozesicles are icy cocktails served with an alcoholic popsicle (booze + popsicle = boozesicle!), and we can’t get enough of these unique summer drinks. There are three different drunken boozesicles to try, but the Drunken Bramble has got to be our favourite. The gin and crème de mure cocktail and berry boozesicle take refreshing to a whole new level, making summer the best season to be a drinker!

Price: $130

Common Room, 8-12 Wo On Lane, Wo On Building, Central district, Hong Kong, 2525 3599, www.common-room.hk

summer cocktails mott 32 hk iced teaHong Kong Iced Tea at Mott 32!

What’s in it?
This delicious drink is made of Reposado Corralejo tequila, Lillet Blanc, blackcurrant and jasmine tea, with dragon fruit seeds and lemon wedges.

Why we love it!
Mott 32 is one of our favourite new restaurants, and a winner at the Sassy Awards 2014 to prove it! This Cantonese restaurant’s dishes completely embrace the flavours and ingredients of Hong Kong, so why should their cocktails be any different? Inspired by the beloved refreshment, the adult version of Hong Kong Iced Tea is made from ice tea (obviously!), tequila and lots of other summery ingredients – need we say more? With its slight Asian vibe, this drink is the perfect partner to a hot summer day in Hong Kong… drink up!

Price: $130

Mott 32, Standard Chartered Building, 4-4A Des Voeux Road, Central, Hong Kong, 2885 8688, www.mott32.com

gdhF1kUPEkYt8drD3nCEgk4VBcFn3zfYL2e2CypCJ7E,8aRS3teSmfJIT7B_36NxOhsCOEm_YAHNrkqSF56ugtoJoh San at Fu Lu Shou!

What’s in it?
Ketel One Citroen, homemade lemongrass syrup, fresh ginger juice, lemon juice, vinegar, lime leaves and fresh chilli!

Why we love it!
We’re huge fans of this casual, cool Chinese eatery and bar, especially with it’s chilled out rooftop space (we even had to have our Sassy meet-up here!). While away the hours at this relaxed space, and of course don’t forget to order our favourite cocktail here, the ‘Joh San’. The refreshing flavours of lemongrass and ginger are given a kick by the fresh chilli, creating a unique flavour that’s reminiscent of Tom Yum. Warning – this cocktail is especially easy to to drink and moreish, so make sure you keep track of how many you’ve had! Drink it with some of their tasty, tongue-in-cheek Chinese food and you’re set for a fabulous evening.

Price: $118

Moscow mule cocktail mama sanMoscow Mule Cocktail at Mama San!

What’s in it?
This cocktail is a combination of vodka, citrus sugar, homemade ginger beer and mint… all served in an adorable little copper bucket!

Why we love it!
Newly opened Mama San combines flavours from all over Southeast Asia. Right in the middle of the city on Wyndham Street, this restaurant is the ideal place for dinner and pre-drinks. The food here is sublime, and the same can be said for their drinks. Every cocktail is well crafted and each dished up differently, but our favourite has got to be the Moscow Mule. Served super chilled, this drink is the best accessory for a hot summers day, and its refreshing ingredients give it the kick and spice this cocktail is famous for! This drink is the perfect pick me up for when you’re battling the heat and humidity. Read our full review of Mama San here!

Price: $110

Mama San, 1/F, 46 Wyndham Street, Central, Hong Kong, 2881 8901, www.diningconcepts.com/tandoor/index.php

birds of a feather - the envoy2Birds of a Feather at The Envoy!

What’s in it?
Talisker 10 years, Ballantine’s finest scotch, blueberry and pomegranate tea syrup, blueberry purée, malt essence and lemon juice… yum!

Why we love it!
If you’re looking for a drink with the visual wow factor, then head on down to one of Hong Kong’s newest bars, The Envoy. Each quirky drink is an experience in itself, with a backstory and unique arrangement! The Birds of a Feather cocktail is served in an Instagram-worthy bird shaped glass, and we’re happy to say the cocktail itself tastes pretty unique too. This fruity drink is sure to make you feel like you’re enjoying a picnic under the sun…we can almost hear the birds tweeting! And don’t forget to try their Milo Dinosaur cocktail too for more presentation surprises (wink, wink!).

The Envoy, 3/F, The Pottinger Hong Kong, 74 Queen’s Road Central, Hong Kong, 2169 3311, www.theenvoy.hk

10455583_1421561571465675_468425111963911300_nThe Smoked Lychee Sake at Ozu!

What’s in it?
You can’t come to this cheeky sake bar and not try one of their sake cocktails. The Smoked Lychee Sake uses fresh lychees, Sake, lychee liqueur, lemon juice and simple syrup

Why we love it!
We love lychees as a summer ingredient, and this really brings out the sweet, refreshing flavour of the fruit. The theatrical presentation with the dry ice poured into the martini glass makes this one feel extra special, and leaves a swirling, cool mist behind – perfect! With a relaxed vibe and a convenient location, OZU Bar is the ideal place for that much needed after work drink, and their Happy Hour only sweetens the deal. That’s what makes them one of our favourite new bars, check the rest out here! And don’t forget to try out their brand new summer cocktail, Tranquility – $100 for a sweet blend of home made Chamomile Tea,Vanilla Vodka, Honey, Lemon Juice, Sake and Plum Wine, yum!

Price: $110. Stop by during Happy Hour from 5-8pm to nab it at only $50 – bargain!

OZE Sake Bar, Shop G6, 1 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong, 5244 1417, www.facebook.com/ooosake

Fish & Meat - Farm house jamFarm House Jam at Fish & Meat!

What’s in it?
This summery drink uses Ice Fox vodka, delicious homemade blueberry thyme jam and prosecco to top it up!

Why we love it!
Fish & Meat is already top of our list when it comes to the best summer spots for wining and dining. This chic restaurant on Wyndham Street is welcoming and warm, and the outdoor terrace is the perfect place to spend a balmy summer’s eve. This drink not only tastes deliciously sweet with the blueberry jam, but it looks super cute too, presented in a vintage-looking mason jar with thyme leaves. Loved by many as a go-to Sunday brunch bevvie, this drink is refreshing and seasonal… and will look great on Instagram! If you’re keen to try and re-create it at home, check out our former That Girl Geneva‘s post here.

Price:

Fish & Meat, 32 Wyndham Mansions, Wyndham Street, Central, Hong Kong, 2565 6788, www.fishandmeat.hk

Gin Basil SmashGin Basil Smash at the Island Shangri La!

What’s in it?
This drink uses gin as a basis, and is perfectly combined with fresh lemon and basil, and a little bit of a sugar.

Why we love it!
This summer, Island Shangri La welcomed Joerg Meyer from the award winning Le Lion Bar de Paris in Hamburg, Germany to Hong Kong to make his signature summer drink, the Gin Basil Smash! This timeless cocktail has become a classic, and you will never get bored of it. The drink spread like wildfire across Germany, and we are sure it will be just as popular here. This revitalising cocktail is like a cool breeze on a hot day… in liquid form! Plus, you can enjoy it in the sophisticated setting of the Shangri La (check our staycation review here).

Island Shangri La, Pacific Place, Supreme Court Road, Central, Hong Kong, 2877 3838, www.shangri-la.com/hongkong/islandshangrila

1458646_764148753598091_174247857_nPC-50 at Chachawan!

What’s in it?
Made with Sipsmith Gin, pomegranate, cucumber and egg white.

Why we love it!
One of our favourite Thai restaurants, Chachawan, has created a brand new irresistible cocktail list! The buzzy Sheung Wan eatery has become a utopia for after-work dwellers looking for a place of unwind with a glass of something cool. Chacha Hour drinks are from 5.30-6.30pm every evening, with treats like buy-one-get-one-free on beers and wines, as well as the ‘Hot Deal of the Week’ cocktail for $75. There are tons of drinks for you to try but we love the PC-50, a delicious and healthy concoction that makes us feel slightly less guilty for choosing this over our detox juices!

Price: $95

Chachawan, G/F, 206 Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, 2549 0020, www.facebook.com/chachawan.hongkong

10513396_1449172472008803_1376731984186575873_nThe Caprese at The Woods!

What’s in it?
An interesting concotion of Tito’s Vodka, fresh tomato water, basil, cherry tomatoes, aged balsamic vinegar, Himalayan pink salt, black pepper and a black lava salt rim.

Why we love it!
Although The Woods is brand new (stay tuned for our review!), this cocktail is already making a name for itself, with regulars swearing by it as the ultimate hangover cure. Say bye bye to your regular Bloody Mary, because The Caprese brings that savoury, refreshing punch you so desperately need… and more! The completely unique blend of vodka, tomato water, basil and balsamic vinegar is inspired by that light salad we all know and love, and it seriously tastes like ‘salad in a glass’. So if you’re after something that’s more on the savoury side, this is definitely one to try.

Price: $120

The Woods, 17 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong, 2522 0281, www.facebook.com/thewoodshk/

Papi - cocktail - Infusion Grappatini (1)

Infusion Grappatini at Papi!

What’s in it?
Looking for some true craftsmanship? Papi’s Grappatini is made with their very own homemade infusion grape grappa, fresh grapes and pisco. Yum!

Why we love it!
Homemade infusions always taste so much fresher, with intense flavour that hits the spot! Papi’s Grappatini is the perfect cocktail to try in this relaxed little Italian resto, with it’s chilled out atmosphere and tasty dishes to snack on. We love the strong yet refreshing taste of grapes that’s slightly sweet and sour at the same time… these could go down a little too well!

Price: $78 – a very reasonable price in our opinion!

Papi, 26/F, QRE Plaza, 202 Queen’s Road East, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, 2151 2868, www.papi-hk.com

mojo and lauren sig

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