Here’s where and what to drink this December to have a truly Merry Christmas!
DarkSide
DarkSide is continuing the success of its The Art of Mahjong Menu with Yin-Yang, a tribute to the ancient Chinese concept that describes opposite but interconnected forces like day and night, hot and cold, and good and evil. Guided by Rosewood’s “A Sense of Place” philosophy, the “Yin” half of the menu symbolises Kowloon (or “Dark Side” as it is known locally), while “Yang” represents Hong Kong Island. The menu, which features the skyline of both Kowloon and Hong Kong Island elegantly etched into the mirror surface, is made up of four Yin beverages and their corresponding Yang counterparts. Each pair is named after opposing forces, including Sun and Moon, Heaven and Earth, River and Mountain, and Brightside and Darkside.
Standouts from the Yin half include “River”, which captures the qualities of a flowing river with Grey Goose Vodka, Lotus Sake, aloe vera and cucumber. Over on Yang, try the “Heaven”, served on a 3D cloud-shaped coaster. Inspired by the iconic Ramos Gin Fizz, this heavenly libation combines the smooth Nikka Days Whisky with the herbal Fernet Hunter, enhanced with corn, biscotti, as well as cointreau, cacao and a dash of lemon.
Where: 2/F, Rosewood Hong Kong, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
Bar Leone
Bar Leone by bartending luminary Lorenzo Antinori has launched its own gin, in partnership with Australian distillery, Never Never Distilling Co. With limited bottles available, the Coffee & Cacao gin is about capturing the very first moment you plunge a spoon into a tray of fresh tiramisu, boasting notes of roasted coffee bean, cacao nib, cacao butter and bergamot peel.
Indulge in its symphony of flavours with the Leone Negroni, featuring campari and Italian sweet vermouth; Coffee and Cacao Martini, a number of French dry vermouth, Italian bianco vermouth and orange bitters; or Breakfast at Leone, a creamy blend of lemon juice, vanille syrup, chinotto liqueur, double cream and orange blossom water.
Where: 15 Bridges St, Central
Dr. Fern’s Gin Parlour
Dr. Fern’s Gin Parlour has just launched a new menu of six gin elixirs born from the fusion of ancient wisdom such as “Qi” and traditional Chinese and Indian herbs, with modern mixology techniques. To begin is the “Essence of Qi”, featuring a blend of medicinal herbs to stimulate your Qi energy, reduce inflammation and support gut health. There’s also sweet and floral “The Queen’s Tranquilliser”, which pays homage to classic English tea time with Earl Grey tea. Slake your thirst with Dr. Pho, the ultimate hangover cure thanks to sông cái dry gin, mixed citrus extracts, chartreuse green liqueur, elderflower tincture, bergamot, cucumber, Italy and Thai Basil, tonic, and black pepper. And sip on the “7 Chakra Elixir”, an experimentally concocted cocktail of potent Indian botanicals, sour mango, yoghurt, jalepeño, and more, engineered to awaken your spiritual senses and heal your inner being.
Where: Shop B31A, Basement, The Landmark, 15 Queen’s Road Central, Central
La Suite
Renowned chef Olivier Elzer’s newest venture is La Suite, a speakeasy hidden behind opulent curtains in his popular contemporary French restaurant, Clarence. Meaning “next” in French, the bar takes a deep dive into French culture, from the spirits to herbs and spices. Standouts include the “The Saffron Negroni” which spotlights saffron – a symbol of luxury and a staple in French gastronomy – with Tanqueray Gin, Campari, Cocchi Rosso vermouth and saffron syrup; “The Lucky Star”, a daring blend of J.M Fumée Volcanique, absinthe and star anise; and “Spicy Chocolate Rob Roy”, a lavish twist on the classic Rob Roy with Macallan Double Cask 12 Year Old, Cocchi Rosso Vermouth, chocolate bitters and Piment d’Espelette.
Where: 25/F, H Code, 45 Pottinger Street, Central
Takumi Mixology Salon
Takumi Mixology Salon is an intimate 18-seater venue that brings the bespoke Japanese cocktail bar experience to the city. Inspired by “takumi”, or “artisan”, the salon offers tailor-made cocktails that capture the essence of Japan’s renowned cocktail bars, where each cocktail is uniquely crafted to align with the guest’s preferences, offering a virtually unlimited array of choices. For those less inclined towards customisation, “Zen” takes inspiration from the serenity of Zendō (Japanese meditation halls) with Takumi sandalwood vodka, blended house vermouth, blended scotch and hojicha. On the citrus side is “Spumoni”, inspired by the Japanese anime series “Bartender”. And “Yukiguni” pays homage to Japan’s legendary bartender, Keiichi Iyama, with Japanese craft vodka, Cointreau, Takumi lime cordial and lime.
Where: 3/F, Cubus, 1 Hoi Ping Road, Causeway Bay
Kinsman
A joint collaboration between Singular Concepts and Tatler Dining’s Gavin Yeung, Kinsman on Peel Street is the latest addition to the city’s bustling bar scene. Meaning “to build people” in Cantonese, Kinsman is a tribute to all things Hong Kong. The interiors draw on Hong Kong’s cha chaan tengs, while cocktails resurrect long-forgotten Cantonese spirits. The light and refreshing “Milk and Honey”, for example, spotlights yuk bing siu (rice spirit macerated in pork fat featuring notes of milk, rose and pandan), along with milk liqueur, pineapple rum, lychee honey and sparkling milky oolong tea. And snake wine takes centre stage in “Dragon and Phoenix”.
Now in its soft-opening phase, Kinsman is open for reservations for a cocktail omakase experience led by Yeung himself. Priced at HKD$400 per guest, the tasting menu comprises of three signature cocktails: “Kowloon Dairy”, “Satsuma Snow” and “Papaya Van Winkle”.
Where: 65 Peel Street, Central
Neon Cider
Neon Cider – Hong Kong’s first local craft cidery, inspired by Hong Kong’s iconic neon signs – has been crowned the champion cider at the Asia Cider Championships 2023. Headlining their award-winning offerings is the Mulled Mala, an inventive concoction delivering shape-shifting flavours of sugar, spice, and everything nice. There’s also the Just Peachy, which brings warmth and comfort with aromas of baked peaches and tropical fruits; and Lucky Flower, a collaborative creation with Tai Wai Beer featuring notes of white peony tea and pomegranate. Other flavours include the Apple Cider, Mango Pomelo Cider, Lemon Tea Cider, Pandan Cider and Heritage Blend Cider.
Purchase here
