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From recreations of clay pot rice in cocktail form to using local Traditional Chinese Medicine-based liqueur, these nostalgic Hong Kong-inspired cocktails are Insta-worthy and absolute musts!
Seeing a cocktail based off our favourite local dessert or street food (there’s even claypot rice in here!) always sparks our curiosity. The nostalgia takes over, along with the Insta-worthy presentation! Our city’s known for its world-class bars – the 2024 Asia’s 50 Best Bars can attest to that! – and its rich history and culture. What better way to raise a glass and pay homage to the fragrant harbour than with a Hong Kong-inspired cocktail?
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Red Room
A speakeasy that’s gone viral on social media, Red Room is tucked behind a wall of lockers, entering quite a literal red room set in retro vibes. Though the cocktails here can be on the pricy side, you’re in for meticulous mixology reflected in themed drinks. The Tea Fist and Red Temptation go down easily (made with red dates and pu’er tea) – the vintage-style presentation means Insta drinks first! For those looking for a tipple that sums up the 852, the Hong Kong Island Iced Tea is your order.
Red Room, Shop 606, 6/F, K11 Musea, Victoria Dockside, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 2638 3382, lubuds.com/red-room
Read More: Best Hidden Bars And Speakeasies In Hong Kong
Avoca
Situated in the newly opened Mondrian Hong Kong, Avoca is the bar to go for local-inspired concoctions. Expect daring ingredients like bourbon infused with Chinese bacon, sesame oil and peanut butter rye whiskey in these balanced cocktails. The recreations of lap yuk (cured pork belly), mango pomelo (our favourite local dessert!) and even clay pot rice in cocktail form is both nostalgic and mesmerising!
Avoca, 38/F, Mondrian Hong Kong, 8A Hart Avenue, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 3550 0338, mondrianhotels.com/avoca
Quinary
A Hollywood Road favourite and Asia’s #26 best bar, Quinary’s known for whimsical cocktails that ace in interactive presentation. While you can expect new cocktail menus every now and then, some classics stay on the menu and amongst them, we recommend the Haak Lo Mai (using black glutinous rice), Happy Cake for those that love the pistachio craze and Big Spice in Little China that comes with rice crackers, all of which area quirky take on local flavours.
Quinary, G/F, 56-58 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong, 2851 3223, www.quinary.hk
Read More: Your Guide To Local Hong Kong Dessert Shops
Kinsman
Old-school Hong Kong meets mid-century design at this Cantonese cocktail salon. Kinsman’s beautifully illustrated menu introduces its skilfully crafted drinks by giving insight to Hong Kong’s history and culture, so take your time when picking your poison We usually dive straight into Kowloon Dairy and the easy-to-drink Gulu Fizz. Best paired with local nibbles like Typhoon Shelter Fries and Mapo Tofu Sando!
Kinsman, 65 Peel Street, Central, Hong Kong, 2865 5011, www.singularconcepts.com/kinsman
Bamboo Bar
Since its opening, Bamboo Bar in Lan Kwai Fong’s been delivering raunchy nights with cocktails that hit right. Though you may not find Hong Kong-themed drinks per se, you’ll find unique ingredients and Chinese liqueur like flavoured Baijiu. Some cocktails also infuse homegrown liquor brand based on Traditional Chinese Medicine, Magnolia Lab, definitely worth a try!
Bamboo Bar, G/F, 21 D’Aguilar Street, Lan Kwai Fong, Central, Hong Kong, Instagram: @bamboo_812
Read More: Where To Find The Best Happy Hour In Central
Main image courtesy of Red Room, image 1 courtesy of Red Room, image 2 courtesy of Avoca, image 3 courtesy of Quinary, image 4 courtesy of Kisman, image 5 courtesy of Bamboo Bar.
