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After more than a month of at-home activities, even the best of us will get stir-crazy. A bar lover’s gotta do what a bar lover’s gotta do—hit the bars! Check out some of the most exciting new openings and cocktails to be found in Hong Kong this March.
The Italian trattoria’s second location in Tai Hang will bring a chilled-out dining experience to the heart of the eclectic neighbourhood. A fan of well-crafted Negronis, mysterious namesake Alonzo perfected his personal recipe over the years; a blend of gin, vermouth, Campari, Ardbeg whiskey, and guanciale. Smooth and smoky, the Deluxe Negroni ($98) is Ask for Alonzo’s best-selling signature, served short with a single large ice cube and a squeeze of lemon. The rest of the drinks selection is inspired by family members and nostalgic childhood memories. Be sure not to miss out on their happy hour!
Ask For Alonzo, 11 Lin Fa Kung Street West, Tai Hang | (+852) 3101 8045
The newest addition in town, Rubia is a Spanish taberna curated by the same team behind Pica Pica. While wine connoisseurs will want to dig into the selection of Spanish reds and white straight away, it’s actually the cocktail menu that wins us over. Highlighting an ethos of ‘quality over quantity’ with eight key cocktails, all creations are focused on the ingredients. The quintessential Rubia Old Fashioned ($140) is concocted with Rubia’s steak-fat-washed Maker’s Mark and topped off with bitters and sugar. Another mentionable is the Mon Cheri ($120) brewed with crème de cassis, espresso, and Mr Black coffee liqueur.
Rubia, UG/F & 1/F, C Wisdom Centre, 35–37 Hollywood Road, Central | (+852) 2889 1199
The Wise King’s cocktail menu has always been full of surprises and the new R&R Negroni ($128) doesn’t disappoint. Made with a secret Wise King blend of rhubarb and raspberry gin, Mancino Vermouth Bianco, Amontillado vinaigrette, Amaro, and bitters, this unique cocktail is royalty amongst negronis. Another exciting menu addition is the claypot-aged Olla De Barro Dos ($128), a remake of the original Olla De Barro, this time with Mancino Vermouth Bianco, Rinomato Americano, Suau 8-year brandy, and brined gherkin. Come hither, wise men!
The Wise King, 25 Staunton Street, Basement in Tsung Wing Lane, Central | (+852) 2326 5822
Launching new flavoursome cocktails as well, Ruam is bringing a bit of Thai spice to the scene. Their new creations include One Night in BKK ($88) made with tequila, triple sec, chilli, lime, mango, fresh orange juice, mint leaves, and a fiery chilli rim, and the spice-soothing Lima Coco ($98), featuring rum, lime, toasted coconut, and cooling pandan. Be ready to welcome to warmer climes with these cool drinks in hand!
Ruam, Shop 9, 1/F, J Senses, 60 Johnston Road, Ship Street, Wan Chai | (+852) 3160 8535
The Belgian beerhouse has launched two new locations in North Point and Kwun Tong, which brings even more opportunities to indulge in your favourite brews across the city! Keeping with their original aesthetic of high ceilings and large communal halls, be sure to bring your large gatherings in tow for their for quality Belgian beer and hearty comfort food. The long benches and medieval Europe-inspired furnishings will make you feel like a hero dining in the halls of Valhalla!
Available every day from 6 pm to 7 pm, the newly-introduced Honjo Hours will fill your evenings with delight. Pop by Sheung Wan for a taste of the luxurious Japanese restaurant’s classic cocktails, such as Pisco Sour ($65) and the quintessential Aperol Spritz ($60). Honjo’s special signature, Sakura Blossom ($70), created with a homemade Honjo sake with sweet and fruity flavours of peach and Green Chartreuse, is also a must-have.
Honjo, 1/F, 77–91 Queen’s Road West, Sheung Wan | (+852) 2663 3772
John Nugent’s The Diplomat has already established a place for itself in Hong Kong’s bustling bar scene despite a recent opening. There‘s a story behind it as well: the cocktail menu draws from the experiences of influential state leaders, ambassadors, and historical figures—hence the name.
There’s the Pearl ($95), inspired by Perle Reid Mesta, the late American socialite and renowned US ambassador to Luxembourg. Known for her lavish parties for the political elite, Mesta was the inspiration behind the first-ever Black Russian. Meanwhile, the Tarling ($95) references the 20th-century cocktail, created by a British bartender and named after the famed train that travelled between Chicago and New York City, which—as the story goes—carried diplomats on board.
The Diplomat, LG/F, High Block, H Code, 45 Pottinger Street, Central
Having lived in Hong Kong, Beijing, and London sure is a fun fact whenever people try to guess Ching’s accent. She loves switching between all these language channels and her “mother tongue” is just determined by how many drinks she’s had for the night! She loves movies, travelling, and exploring cities, from hidden alleys to gourmet dining, so feel free to hit her up if you need any suggestions for dinner!
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