Ah, Hong Kong! A city where the skyline reaches dizzying heights, shopping malls overflow with luxury goods, and finance gurus rule the streets. But beyond the high-paced hustle of stockbrokers and CEOs, another side of the city thrives after dark—the cocktail scene. While Lan Kwai Fong (LKF) remains the go-to party district for tourists, where “happy hour” can stretch far into the night, Hong Kong’s drink culture has grown more refined, branching out from beer-chugging crowds to sophisticated cocktail dens. Here, some of Asia’s and the world’s best mixologists mingle with high-spending patrons in venues where creativity flows as freely as the booze.
Hong Kong’s financial prowess means that bars here cater to an audience that demands innovation. This city is one of the most economically powerful in the world, and its residents have the spending power to match. When Hongkongers aren’t busy striking billion-dollar deals, they’re sipping HK$200 cocktails made with rare spirits and exotic ingredients. With its multicultural identity, the city blends influences from all corners of the globe, giving rise to a cocktail culture that’s as cosmopolitan as the people sipping their drinks.
Now, if you're wondering where to start your adventure through Hong Kong’s cocktail wonderland, here’s a handy guide to some of the best bars in town.
1. The Aubrey
Nestled in the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, The Aubrey brings Japan’s izakaya-style drinking to Hong Kong’s elite. Think of it as a cocktail bar where art and craftsmanship meet. Each drink here feels like a meticulously designed exhibit, and the bartenders are more artists than mere drink slingers. While the decor screams elegance, the vibe is surprisingly laid-back. You’ll sip on cocktails that blend seasonal Japanese ingredients and spirits like Shochu and Awamori with top-shelf spirits, giving you a refined yet accessible drinking experience. Their signature Japanese highballs prove that sometimes, less is more—elevated simplicity at its best. The hotel’s beverage manager, Devender Sehgal, one of Asia’s most influential bartenders, was recently voted amongst the drinks industry’s 100 most influential global personalities by Drinks International.
Location: The Mandarin Oriental, 5 Connaught Road, Central, Hong Kong
2. Argo
If The Aubrey is an ode to tradition, Argo is where innovation takes centre stage. Located in the Four Seasons Hotel, this bar is all about pushing the envelope with futuristic drinks that flirt with science. Argo doesn’t shy away from using cutting-edge techniques and global ingredients to craft its forward-thinking cocktails. Imagine sipping a super chilled martini, but with a twist—this version could include ingredients you’ve never heard of but will definitely want again. It’s all about adventure here, in both taste and presentation. Especially if you catch Federico Balzarini, the beverage manager, at the bar. An Italian who has called Southeast & East Asia home for more than half a decade now, he’s delightfully funny and an excellent host. Argo has recently launched a new menu that celebrates local fruits and botanicals found in Hong Kong.
Location: The Four Seasons Hotel, 8 Finance St, Central, Hong Kong
3. Bar Leone
Ever wanted to feel like you’ve stepped into a stylish Italian neighbourhood bar while in the heart of Hong Kong? Enter Bar Leone, a cosy, vibrant spot with an Italian soul and Hong Kong flair. Opened by seasoned industry legends Lorenzo Antinori & Justin Shun Wah, Bar Leone raced to the top of Asia’s 50 Best Bar’s rankings earlier this year within their first year of opening. Known for its warm and welcoming atmosphere, this is where you go for great cocktails without the stuffiness. Their aperitivo-styled drinks and Negronis are legendary, but they also excel at creating simple and hearty bar eats with the mortadella sandwich, which is quickly becoming a stuff of legends! Combining Italian traditions with a dash of Hong Kong innovation makes Bar Leone a favourite among locals and expats looking for something familiar yet fresh.
Location: 11-15 Bridges St, Central, Hong Kong
4. Thirsty Shaker
Thirsty Shaker is your spot for a taste of retro charm and casual vibes. The bartenders here are as fun as they are skilled, taking a playful approach to classic cocktails. Opened by one of Hong Kong’s most seasoned pros in the bar business, Sandeep Hathiramani, vintage-inspired drinks are the star of the show here, with a focus on flavours that transport you to a time when “stirred, not shaken” was the gold standard. The menu is filled with timeless favourites done right in a manner that appeals to the modern palate. The Punch menu is a must-try if you go there in a group. This is the kind of bar where you can expect good drinks, great company, and a lot of laughs—because drinking doesn’t always have to be serious business. Did I also mention that it is a pet-friendly bar? Most days, you’ll find the bar’s mascot (and its true owner – I suspect!) Archie, a loveable Corgi, has his own Instagram page and fan following, strutting around and making friends. Be sure to get a picture with him
Location: Hilltop Plaza, 3/ F 49 Hollywood Road, Graham St, Central, Hong Kong
5. Coa
As Asia rides the agave popularity wave, this bar was instrumental in unlocking the category to consumers in the continent at a time when Tequila or Mezcal was reserved for wild nights. A trip to Coa is like a pilgrimage for lovers of mezcal and tequila. Named after the tool used to harvest agave, Coa takes its agave spirits seriously. It boasts one of Asia's most extensive agave spirit collections – painstakingly collected by owner Jay Khan on his many trips to Mexico, offering rare mezcals that even seasoned drinkers might not have encountered. The space is rustic yet refined, the hospitality is top-notch, and the cocktails are crafted to let the agave spirit shine. Their signature drinks, like the Ancho Highball, La Paloma de Oaxaca or Mole Negroni, are balanced, complex, and utterly delicious. Coa is perfect for those looking to explore the world of agave, one sip at a time.
Location: Shop A, LG/F Wah Shin House, 6-10 Shin Hing Street, Central, Hong Kong, Central, Hong Kong
6. The Savoury Project
Have you ever thought about drinking a salad? Well, at The Savoury Project, you might come close. Opened by the same team behind Coa, this bar is all about savoury flavoured drinks, pushing the boundaries of what you thought could (or should) be in a drink. Think tomato, herbs, and spices in your martini instead of the usual vermouth. The Savoury Project is not for the faint of heart but a must-visit for adventurous drinkers looking for something different. Led by the charming & softspoken Ajit Gurung, the team of bartenders here are culinary mixologists, merging flavours that challenge your palate and make you rethink what a cocktail can be. A cocktail with a burst of vegetables? Yes, please. And if you are hungry, Fiata Pizza next door is one of HK’s most popular Pizza spots – and guess what? You can order from them as you sip on your Thai B**f Salad.
Location: 4 Staunton Street, Soho, Central, Hong Kong
7. Quinary
At Quinary, cocktails are not just drinks—they’re multisensory experiences. This bar was one of the first to put the city on the global cocktail map and is still going strong. The flagship outlet of one of the city’s most celebrated bartenders, Antonio Lai, drinks at Quinary are all about engaging your sight, smell, and taste all at once. Known for its technique-forward drinks, Quinary uses molecular gastronomy techniques to create drinks that look as good as they taste. For example, their Earl Grey Caviar Martini is a perfect blend of innovation and flavour, with bursts of Earl Grey “caviar” adding a textural surprise. Quinary is ideal for those who want more than just a drink; they want an experience. It’s where science meets mixology, and the result is nothing short of magical.
Location: 56, 58 Hollywood Rd, Central, Hong Kong
8. Penicillin
If you’re eco-conscious but still love a good cocktail, Penicillin will be one of your favourite spots. Their drink program is themed around sustainability, focusing on zero waste and locally sourced ingredients. Named after the antibiotic, Penicillin is the cure for wasteful cocktail practices. A labour of love by the HK industry’s power couple, Agung & Laura Prabowo, the drinks here are creative, resourceful, and delicious, proving that sustainability doesn’t mean sacrificing flavour. Penicillin leads the charge in Hong Kong's green drinking scene with its “closed-loop” cocktails, where every ingredient is reused or repurposed. You can sip guilt-free, knowing your drink has a minimal environmental impact while still packing a flavorful punch.
Location: L/G, Amber Lodge, 23 Hollywood Rd, Central, Hong Kong
9. Darkside
Dark, moody, and just a little mysterious, Darkside is the place to go when you want your cocktail with a side of intrigue. This meticulously appointed bar in the luxurious Rosewood Hotel (recently ranked amongst the top 3 hotels in the 50 Best Hotels of 2024) is an ode to the city’s historical dark underbelly – Kowloon – and the drinks here take inspiration from the “dark spirits” like rum, whiskey, and cognac, giving them a starring role in their menu. The atmosphere is luxurious yet intimate, perfect for those nights when you’re feeling sophisticated but still want to kick back with a top-shelf drink. Their signature cocktails often blend aged spirits with creative twists, offering a deep, rich flavour profile that lingers long after the last sip. And if you ask nicely, their newly appointed Director of Bars, Bob Louison, who was helming the bar at the Rosewood Phnom Penh until recently, may even show you around their exclusive rare spirits room and fine chocolate corner.
Location: Rosewood Hong Kong Victoria Dockside, 18 Salisbury Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
10. Tell Camellia
Tea and cocktails are two of life’s greatest pleasures, so why not combine them? That’s precisely what Tell Camellia does. This quirky bar focuses on tea-infused cocktails, with teas from different countries. From a Japanese Sencha G&T to a Darjeeling sour, the drinks here are as global as the city. On Most evenings, you’ll find owner Gagan Gurung attending to guests and giving them a short immersion on how tea and booze come together in their cocktails. Tell Camellia is perfect for those who love a bit of experimentation in their drinks, offering a unique take on cocktail culture by blending it with one of the world’s most beloved beverages—tea. It’s the perfect fusion of the familiar and the exotic.
Location: H-Code, LG Shop 2, 45 Pottinger Street, Tung, On Wo Ln, Central, Hong Kong
Hong Kong’s cocktail scene reflects the city itself—dynamic, diverse, and ever-evolving. Whether you’re sipping a highball at The Aubrey or exploring sustainable cocktails at Penicillin, the bars here are as varied as they are exceptional. The city’s economic prowess and high-spending population have driven the evolution of a world-class drinking culture, where cocktails are more than just a way to unwind—they’re an art form. So, next time you’re in Hong Kong, skip the typical tourist spots and dive headfirst into its bar scene. Just remember: in a fast-paced city, the only thing you should take slowly is your cocktail. Cheers!
Pro Tip: Most of Hong Kong’s bars (and the ones on this list) are close to each other and can be easily accessed by walking. If you are staying in Central, you can plan your ‘bar-hop’ by walking to some of the recommendations above while discovering your own along the way. If you are staying in the Wan Chai area, which has a few good bars (Mizunara: The Library is a must-visit), you can take an HK taxi to Central, a 5-7 min drive away, depending on traffic. The city is humid through most of the year, so hydrate well, and you’ll find your hydration and post drink carb-craving fixes at an 7-11 near you!
Must Try Cocktails – Specials
Marigold Martini at Argo, Four Seasons
The Marigold Martini is part of Argo’s newly launched menu called “Combinations,” a new creative approach that showcases a dynamic exploration of artfully blended single ingredients that highlight 10 easily accessible and familiar fruits and botanicals available in Hong Kong. It combines gin, fresh and dry marigold distillate, a unique spirit called Empirical—The Plum, I Suppose, dry resiling, and marigold oil.
River at Darkside, Rosewood
"River" is a captivating cocktail inspired by the qualities of a flowing river. This exquisite libation combines the smoothness of vodka with the delicate flavours of lotus sake, creating a harmonious blend of spirits. Adding aloe vera and cucumber offers a refreshing and calming touch reminiscent of pure spring water. Infused with lotus leaf, which thrives in river environments, River exudes a subtle floral note, enhancing the drink's elegance. The drink is presented in a highball glass adorned with wave patterns, symbolising the gentle flow of water, and garnished with lotus leaf.
Biryani at The Savoury Project
This drink highlights the spices used in the dish to be the star of the show in this cocktail of the same name. Ghee and Biryani masala mix is mixed with Tequila and infused overnight. Fresh Bell pepper, Pineapple and dried plum are added to give a nice, refreshing contrast. Since Biryanis are always served with Raita, the drink is served with a playful Yogurt sphere on top of the drink for guests to enjoy.
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Rohan Jelkie is an avid drinks geek with more than 15 years of experience in the drinks business and often finds himself exploring new bars across the world on his travels. He’s the Head of Advocacy at Suntory Global Spirits, India. You can follow him on @thirstytippler on Instagram.
