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Here are our top recommendations for cocktails, whisky, mixers, to get you in the spirit in Hong Kong...
COA
Run by highly-acclaimed mixologist Jay Khan, COA serves meticulously-handcrafted artisanal cocktails in an intimate environment. The Mexican-themed bar is nestled on Shin Hing Street, within Central’s Soho neighbourhood. Away from the crowds, the bar is slightly hidden on a not-so-obvious street, and if you’re not looking for it, you might just miss it. Come here to try Khan’s expert curations, which celebrate the diverse flavours of Mexico, integrating tequila and mezcal in its innovative cocktail menu.
COA, Shop A, LG/F Wah Shin House, 6-10 Shin Hing Street, Central, Hong Kong, Central, Hong Kong, +852 2813 5787, coa.com.hk
DR FERN’S Gin Parlour
Resembling an 1800s speakeasy, where alcohol was only found behind closed “Doctor’s Room” doors, DR FERN’S pays tribute to the classic gin parlours. Hidden behind a black door in the luxury LANDMARK shopping mall, the bar doesn’t feel like it’s within Hong Kong’s busiest business district. From the moment you enter, you’re whisked away to a sophisticated, yet eclectic environment, from its chic furnishings to the rows and rows of gin bottles. It’s pretty obvious what’s worth trying here—the G&Ts. If you’ve got a selective palette, not to fret—the menu lists over twenty pages of gins to choose from. Stuck for choice? Ask one of the “doctors” on duty to see what they recommend.
Dr Fern’s Gin Parlour, Shop B31A, First Basement Floor, Landmark Atrium, 15 Queen’s Road Central, Central, Hong Kong, +852 2111 9449, mingfathouse.com/dr-ferns
Whisky & Words
Located just opposite the Mexican bar COA, Whisky & Words sits behind a hidden wooden door, where a cosy whisky library awaits. The understated bar may be small and narrow when entering, but its cosy interiors and welcoming staff make it a unique respite away from the city. When one thinks of whisky, notions of old-fashioned interiors come to mind—Whisky & Words aims to eliminate these preconceptions, and instead bring whisky to a new light. The bar welcomes all levels of whisky drinkers through its cocktail menu—guests can try different concoctions of the age-old alcohol in smaller quantities in an easier-to-drink cocktail form. Try a selection of their scrumptious bar bites too.
Whisky & Words, G/F, 7 Shin Hing St, Central, Hong Kong, +852 9889 8590, whisky-and-words.com
Foxglove
Upon first glance, Foxglove appears to be a bespoke gentleman’s umbrella shop. Enter through the shop and you’ll find a contemporary-classic restaurant and bar, decked in sleek interiors. The hidden Duddell Street venue is under Ming Fat House, an F&B group well-known for its innovative concepts. Foxglove serves a delightful lunch and dinner menu, but if you’re coming to drink, the cocktails are definitely a must. Whatever you’re feeling, the professional staff are happy to cater to your every need and taste bud.
Foxglove, 2/F, Printing House, 6 Duddell St, Central, Hong Kong, +852 2116 8949, mingfathouse.com/foxglove
Tell Camellia
Bringing together two well-loved concepts—tea and cocktails—Tell Camellia was launched by the reputable F&B experts, Sandeep Hathiramani and Gagan Gurung. The duo opened the bar at the stylish H Code in Central with a vision in mind—they want to bring tea culture to new highs, like how coffee has done in recent years. Tea is no longer a traditional or old-school notion—instead of “let’s grab a coffee”, Tell Camellia wants to encourage, “let’s grab a tea” notes Hathiramani. Its day drinks menu includes a variety of non-alcoholic tea options, but if you want to try one of their delightful, homemade tea-cocktail concoctions, be sure to stop by and give it a go. Highlights include the floating Japan cocktail and the Australia cocktail. Ready to spill the tea?
Tell Camellia, LG/Floor, H Code 45 Pottinger Street, Central, Hong Kong, +852 9821 5501, tellcamellia.com
Tiffany’s New York Bar
Whisky is no longer limited to the tastebuds of modern, older gentlemen—plenty of women and youths are in on the hype, who have learned to appreciate the popular tipple. With the increasing number of annual bar openings, Hong Kong is now home to an abundance of independent joints sharing their love for the old malts. Located within Tsim Sha Tsui’s InterContinental Grand Stanford Hong Kong, Tiffany’s New York Bar whisks you back to halcyon times of the roaring ’20s. Soak in the humble ambiance of the dim-lit venue, kitted with an expansive island bar in the centre of it all. Perch yourself on the plush leather sofas and bring a mate to impress—the vast selection of whiskies will have you drinking all night long. The night is best when the live band is in the house. A whisky beginner? Ask Lars for an expert recommendation catered to your palette—the independent brands are a must.
Tiffany’s New York Bar, InterContinental Grand Stanford Hong Kong, 70 Mody Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui East, Hong Kong, +852 2721 5161, hongkong.intercontinental.com/dining/tiffanys-new-york-bar
House Welley
Created by three whisky lovers, Vincent Leung, Eric Ho and Jason Ngai, House Welley focus only on whisky at its finest, meaning there are no cocktails or newbies in sight. Frequented by expert whisky drinkers, the bar welcomes beginners too and the friendly staff is more than happy to recommend a type based on preferences. Located discreetly up on the second floor of Welley Building, the bar isn’t a place you just stumble upon—guests are in-the-know based on word-of-mouth recommendations or thorough research. Sit at one of the barstools to conversate with fellow whisky enthusiasts or perch yourself in one of the regular tables—now, you may take your pick out of the 200 whiskies on the menu.
House Welley, Unit A, 2/F, 97 Wellington Street, Central, Hong Kong, +852 2424 3231, facebook.com/housewelley
The Whisky Gallery – Artisan Lounge
Opened by the founder of the much-loved whisky bar Ginger (now closed), The Whisky Gallery – Artisan Lounge is the entrepreneur’s latest venture located in the upscale K11 MUSEA shopping mall. Artisan Lounge is renowned for its divine afternoon teas, yet The Whisky Gallery aims to provide an in-house drinking den for drinking enthusiasts who may be on a shopping break or simply before a movie night or dinner. Serving a range of independent bottlers and popular brands, old malt lovers can reside here for a respite away from the bustle.
The Whisky Gallery – Artisan Lounge, Unit #008,008A, K11 MUSEA, 18 Salisbury Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, +852 2601 3428, instagram.com/the.whisky.gallery.hk
Honi Honi Cocktail Bar
Asia's first tiki lounge Honi Honi Cocktail Bar has been around for nearly a decade now, serving unique Polynesian-inspired drinks. The tiki joint was founded by French mixologist Max Traverse who has curated an island abode that transports Hong Kong drinkers to the serene shores. Expect upbeat tunes, funky cocktail presentations and a cheerful crowd – did we mention there are also fruit punch bowls and scrumptious snacks perfect for sharing?
3/F, Somptueux Central, 52 Wellington St, Central, Hong Kong, +852 2353 0885, honihonibar.com
Lounge Hakuba / The Alp
Inspired by ski chalets in the Japanese Alps, Lounge Hakuba is a peaceful respite away from city noise. The al-fresco venue features an indoor cabin-style interior which leads to its outdoor area, kitted with hammocks, camping chairs and faux grass. The cocktail menu frequently presents collaborations with renowned Hong Kong mixologists like Paul Chan from Dr. Fern's and Kit Cheung of Perfume Trees Gin. Open day and night, Lounge Hakuba transforms from a breakfast hub in the morning to a lunch and dinner spot come evening – or simply a cosy drinks place for post-work relaxation.
Unit 302, 3/F, Tower 535, 535 Jaffe Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, +852 2111 1707, instagram.com/lounge.hakuba