A selection of bars that have pioneered the local cocktail scene, pushed creative boundaries, and are the makings of new classics and institutions
The Hong Kong cocktail scene has blossomed over the years, going from a place best known for clubbing and its heaving streets of Lan Kwai Fong, to being the home of world class bars rivalling those in established cocktail cities around the world.
From bartender owned-and-run joints, to bars nestled within hotels and larger establishment, Hong Kong boasts a diverse range of venues for a good tipple. When visiting, don’t forget to say hi to the ladies and gentlemen behind the stick—a bar is just as much about the people who helm them as the cocktails they make.
See also: An Insider's Look At The Precarious State Of Hong Kong's Bar Scene In 2020
COA
If you have not had a chance to visit a mezcaleria in Oaxaca, Mexico before, this is as close as it comes outside of it. Jay Khan, co-founder and head bartender of COA, is your go-to man for all things agave not just in Hong Kong, but internationally. Let him take you on a tasting adventure through the wild and diverse world of tequila and mezcals, best enjoyed from copitas (shallow terracotta cups traditionally used in Oaxaca). Jay also frequently experiments with fermentation techniques to incorporate into his cocktails, so be on the lookout for specials. A mainstay is the Tepache, made with fermented pineapple skin and cinnamon, but also don’t leave without trying La Paloma de Oaxaca, a gentle twist of the Mexican classic with a rim of tangy worm salt. You can also purchase a canned version of their La Paloma, created in collaboration with Young Master Ales.
Shop A, LG/F Wah Shin House, 6-10 Shin Hing Street, Central, Hong Kong
See also: The Best Bottled Cocktails You Can Buy Right Now From Top Hong Kong Bars