Over the past decade, the Hong Kong bar scene has truly flourished, with new openings springing up across the city, and countless MICHELIN-recommended hotels transforming their traditional bars into cool cocktail spots. From unique interiors to memorable menus, here are eight of the best hotel bars in Hong Kong.
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What to Drink at The Garage Bar:
Infused with grapefruit juice and jasmine, the Jasmine Aperol elevates the traditional Aperol with a beautiful floral aroma.
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Tucked in the basement of Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong, Argo is an artsy cocktail bar driven by innovation. Designed by AB Concept, its conservatory-inspired interiors feature hanging terrariums and insect-themed installations, while the central column encompasses a revolving display of spirits. (hero image: ©Argo)
Argo’s seasonal cocktail menus are thoughtfully crafted around a central theme, with the latest “Combinations” menu showcasing a dynamic exploration of blended single ingredients including pineapple, grapefruit, grapes, corn, bergamot, hops, marigolds and wood.
In addition to minimising waste by using every part of the ingredients, the bar team collaborates closely with local suppliers to source key ingredients, such as kombucha from Tabooch.
What to Drink at Argo:
Refreshing, fruity and savoury, the Pineapple Highball is crafted using Havana Club 7 rum, fermented pineapple honey, jasmine-infused pineapple and pineapple tomato shrub.
Served in a wooden cup, the Bergamot & Wood Gimlet invites guests to apply bergamot and sandalwood hand cream before sipping the cocktail to create a harmonious interplay of scents and flavours. The cocktail features Grey Goose Vodka, fino sherry, sandalwood-smoked bergamot and citrus.
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What’s more, the bar features a selection of Champagne cocktails, including the Champagne Colada, a reimagined Piña Colada in which fine bubbles liven up a tropical treat.
What to Drink at Champagne Bar:
Airmail For You combines tequila, citrus honey, lime and Champagne for an energising, sweet-and-sour cocktail.
The Lobster Bar and Grill frequently hosts guest mixologists from around the world, with many of its patrons enjoying classic cocktails such as the Martini, Old Fashioned and Negroni. The bar also boasts an extensive selection of spirits and wines. Live jazz performances from Thursday to Saturday add a touch of romance to the bar’s classic ambience.
What to Drink at Lobster Bar and Grill:
Smoked Peach is a concoction of Rinomato Aperitivo Deciso, crème de peche and Da Hong Pao tea, which is topped with soda water to release a captivating tea aroma.
The menu from late 2024 features cocktails crafted with shochu sourced from Japan’s four main production regions, including Satsuma Shochu from Kagoshima, Iki Shochu from Nagasaki, Kuma Shochu from Kumamoto and Ryukyu Awamori.
What to Drink at The Aubrey:
Glory Gimlet incorporates bergamot and cardamom, blending Imo Shochu with Nikka gin and Yuzu liqueur for a refreshing flavour.
In Between the Line features a mix of Yasuda Imo Shochu and gin, complemented by Spanish habanero for a spicy kick.
What to Drink at Avoca:
A tribute to Hong Kong’s street food, the Sesame and Peanut Butter Sour combines sesame and peanut with whisky as a creative reinterpretation of the classic Whiskey Sour.
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Situated in the basement of Rosewood Hong Kong in East Tsim Sha Tsui, DarkSide takes its name from the jest of Hong Kong Island residents, who playfully refer to Kowloon as the “dark side”. Since opening in 2019, DarkSide has captivated guests with its opulent décor, a rare collection of aged spirits and live jazz performances, swiftly becoming one of Kowloon’s most talked-about bars.
Equally renowned for its conceptual approach, DarkSide has featured cocktail menus inspired by yin-yang, traditional Chinese philosophy and even games like mahjong. At the end of 2024, it returned to its roots with a series celebrating iconic bars from the 1920s and 30s, paying homage to classic cocktails.
What to Drink at Darkside:
Brown Derby is a testament to Old Hollywood glitz and glam, crafted with Matusalem 15 Rum, Michter’s Bourbon, grapefruit, honey and maple. This cocktail originated at the Vendome Club, the epicentre of celebrity culture on Sunset Boulevard in the 1930s.
The elegant Champs Elysees combines Rémy Martin VSOP Cognac with Chateau de Laubade VSOP Armagnac. Inspired by the classic Sidecar, it exudes exquisite herbal and citrus aromas.
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Adjacent to the restaurant, the bar has become a popular spot for the office crowd in Admiralty, offering breathtaking city views that are especially enchanting at dusk. The cocktails feature house-made pickles, infused spirits and seasonal ingredients while incorporating many Mediterranean elements. The Galician Lemonade blends Nordés gin from Galicia with Ceylon tea, lemon, pineapple and rosemary for a mildly sweet and tart flavour.
What to Drink at Salisterra:
Green Silk Martini blends yoghurt, parsley, olive oil and orange juice to create a refreshing and savoury cocktail that resembles a drinkable salad.
The article is written by Gloria Chung and translated by Iris Wong. Read the original article here.
All photos courtesy of respective hotels and bars.
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