GBA Lifestyle News
Let’s admit it – documenting bar drinks on social media is fun. And now, there’s a growing band of bars that are more than happy to accommodate, by specializing in expertly crafted cocktails complete with exquisite flasks and quirky names. These are the best bars in Hong Kong for instagram-worthy cocktails:
TokyoLima
TokyoLima draws inspiration from the Japanese-Peruvian or Nikkei culture, fusing the culinary essence of Japan with that of South America. While the casual restaurant boasts an impressive range of sakes, what really stands out from its drinks list is its range of eccentric cocktails, which are arranged under two headings: Tokyo and Lima.
Try This: Smoking Gun ($110) is not for the faint-hearted. Served in a miniature pirate chest with apple chip smoke, which brings out smoky aromas, this Lapsang tea-infused gin will surely earn you plenty of social media likes.
18-20 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central, 2811-1152.
This French-inspired bar is no stranger to bar-crawlers and Instagrammers. With a menu crafted by head mixologist Paul Fan, the cocktails are well-known for their crowd-pleasing flavors and jaw-dropping presentation.
Try This: Let your followers drool over The Cash Cow ($138). Presented in a flask that mimics a retro paper milk box, this drink serves a fine mixture of Ron Zacapa, Ron Pampero Añejo, half-and-half, chocolate liqueur, banana puree, banana liqueur and egg white.
3/F, Hilltop Plaza, 49-51 Hollywood Road, Central, 2866-6485.
The Envoy
As the brainchild of homegrown mixologist legend Antonio Lai and bar manager Amanda Wan, The Envoy is known for cocktails with beautiful flavors and even better looks. Bonus: you get to sip on those cocktails on an outdoor terrace overlooking the bustling streets of Central.
Try This: Update your Insta-food diary with Elephant’s Tea Party ($248), an umbrella-framed concoction presented in an exotic elephant-shaped flask. Featuring a mix of Chai tea slow-cooked Beefeater gin, Falernum, lemon and lime juice, orgeat syrup and a comforting spray of spices, this tea-infused drink will transport you to a carefree beach getaway.
3/F, The Pottinger Hong Kong, 74 Queen’s Road Central, 2169-3311.
This dimly lit speakeasy transports visitors back to 20th century London. Think flickering candles, vintage furnishings, leather sofas and Persian rugs. The mixology team has just created 13 new cocktails that pay homage to their favorite storytellers, poets and journalists.
Try This: Named after Dorothy Parker, a controversial American writer known for her flair in poetry, prose and screenplays, Fiery Ginger ($130) is a photogenic creation with flavors of ginger, Martell Cognac, Aquavit, cynar, Plstachio, lime, celery shrub and walnut.
1/F, 32 Wyndham Street, Central, Hong Kong, 2565-5268.
Aside from its hearty pastas and cozy family-style setting, this contemporary Italian joint offers guests a creative cocktail menu, thanks to bar manager Matt. Grab a drink at the bar on the top floor, where industrial décor is juxtaposed against vintage furniture.
Try This: Fulfill your beach holiday craving by sipping on a fruit-filled cocktail with tropical vibes. Enter Pirata Tiki Allspice ($95), a handsome drink that features Plantation 3 stars rum, fresh apple juice, fresh lemon juice, orgeat, house-made vanilla & cinnamon syrup, house-made allspice dram and mint.
239 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai, 2887-0270.
Quinary
This legendary bar needs no introduction. Quinary has been taking the bar scene by storm since its debut back in 2012, thanks to its pioneering molecular cocktail selection. This handsome spot on Hollywood Road is a popular checkpoint for after work drinks.
Try This: Forgo obligatory choices such as the Earl Grey Caviar Martini, and try out Miss Rosa Gimlette ($140), a delectable rendition of the gin Gimlet, created with Tanqueray gin, sweet vermouth, lemon juice, homemade rose cordial and served up with a lemon verbena-scented cacao ice ball.
G/F, 56-58 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong, 2851-3223.
Zuma
Known for its stylish culinary aesthetic adopted straight from the gastronomic traditions of Japan, Zuma never fails to surprise diners with its creative cocktail collection.
Try This: Earn those likes with the Nekuta & The Venus Fly Trap ($115), an unusual Amazon-inspired drink that combines coconut rum, Japanese mango and yuzu juice.
LANDMARK, 15 Queen’s Road Central, Central, 3657-6388.
