Liquid Fantasies: The Most Imaginative Cocktails to Try in Hong Kong This Month

This month we’ve unearthed treasures in which taste plays second fiddle to whimsical and enchanting presentations. More than being simply cocktails, these libations promise a full-blown experience.

Doomsday at The Old Man

This intimate Hong Kong bar needs little introduction, as does its dedication to Ernest Hemingway and his literary masterpiece, The Old Man and the Sea. Just as Hemingway’s prose captivates readers, The Old Man’s cocktails are equally enchanting, simultaneously paying tribute to the drinks he adored and the tippler he once was. Anyone with a penchant for theatrics will delight in the bar’s glowing Doomsday, which has been brightening up Instagram feeds all over town. Sandalwood-dunked steel wool is blowtorched while the aroma mingles with the bold and dark liquid that lies beneath. A fusion of vetiver rye takes centre stage, accompanied by more subtle notes of jasmine and grapefruit.
The Old Man, 37-39 Aberdeen Street, Central

Soul Phyre at Duddell’s

In a city with a constant stream of new bars and restaurants, it’s often easy to overlook the timeless classics. However, since Duddell’s chef Chan Yau Leung joined in May, the beloved institution is back in the limelight with a revamped menu of Cantonese classics. But the transformation doesn’t stop there; there’s also a new cocktail menu inspired by the five elements: wood, fire, metal, earth, and water. From the fire section, the dynamic Soul Phyre ignites tastebuds with its blend of smooth Bulleit rye whiskey combined with zesty ginger aperitif, plum bitters and chrysanthemum tea. Note that it comes with a warning: “Served hot with fire.”

Duddell’s, 1 Duddell Street, Central

Tempo Tempo’s Mermaid Punch

Nestled among the towers of Quarry Bay, Tempo Tempo’s popular Mediterranean- inspired terrace tempts city slickers with its lively ambiance and happy-hour offerings. Adding a touch of fun to the cocktail menu is the enchanting Mermaid Punch, which promises to take you on a full-blown tropical fantasy. Designed for sharing, this whimsical cocktail is served in a shell-inspired cup. Allow the flavours of aged rum, apricot liqueur and peach brandy to transport you to white-sand beaches and emerald waters where mermaids roam free.

Tempo Tempo, 2/F Oxford House, Taikoo Place, 979 King’s Road, Quarry Bay

Wonder at Intervals

Waiting for a plane just got a whole lot more sophisticated with the opening of Intervals bar at Hong Kong International Airport, brought to you by The Woods founder Victoria Chow. Whether you’re ready for the first sip of a holiday or looking to be suitably sedated ahead of a long flight, Intervals has you covered. Located at Skybridge, it benefits from stunning golden sunset views over the runway and its sleek interiors are adorned with pendulums and hourglasses, so there’s no danger of missing your flight. We loved Wonder, a charming cloudy- translucent concoction featuring a foamy tip reminiscent of the clouds you’ll soon be passing through. Made with aromatic Baiju, it’s enhanced with flavours of pineapple skin shrub and strawberry bubbles.

Intervals, Level 9, Skybridge, Hong Kong International Airport

TokyoLima’s Smoking Gun

Hong Kong’s only restaurant that proudly boasts Nikkei cuisine, ToykoLima’s Peruvian-Japanese- inspired menu doesn’t stop at sushi and ceviche: its cocktails also promise a fusion of ingredients from South America and Japan. A truly memorable offering with its captivating presentation, is Smoking Gun, a Japanese twist on the classic Negroni. Served in a miniature vintage pirate’s chest, it arrives in a swirl of mystique. Apple chip mist adds to the smoky and sweet flavours of Lapsang-infused gin, blended with Campari and rosso vermouth, while chocolate bitters add cinnamon and spice notes.

TokyoLima, G/F, 18-20 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central

Check out our round up of the best savoury cocktails to try in Hong Kong here.