Best Cocktail Bars in Hong Kong

An Italian-style neighborhood spot, this cocktail bar transports guests to Rome. Unassuming on the outside, the popular bar's interior features framed football jerseys, vintage Italian spirits and even movie posters from the founder's own family collection. Its central philosophy is to create "cocktail popolari," meaning "cocktails for the people. Must haves include their twist on an espresso martini, the appletini and their savoury il cacciatore. The bar also includes a long list of aperitivo serves from mortadella focaccia to their famous smoked olives.

Quinary is a staple in SoHo, Hong Kong, headed by world-renowned mixologist Antonio Lai. Guests enter a multi-year "Asia's Best Bar" candidate where the detail-oriented staff know just how to make your experience tailored to you. The bar is known to mix fusion tastes in a beverage bringing signature drinks like the Earl Grey Caviar Martini, the Mystique and more to the forefront.

COA is an award-winning cocktail bar nestled in the heart of Hong Kong, celebrated for its innovative and expertly crafted agave spirits. It's a haven for those seeking a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere, where the focus is on quality ingredients and a deep appreciation for tequila and mezcal. Beyond the exceptional drinks, COA offers a welcoming ambiance, making it a perfect spot for both intimate gatherings and solo adventurers looking for a unique taste of Hong Kong's vibrant bar scene.

Gokan is the eponymous bar of the acclaimed Japanese mixologist Shingo Gokan, located on Ice House Street in Central, Hong Kong. Known for his innovative approach and multi-sensory experiences, Gokan has crafted a bar that embodies the "five senses" concept, drawing inspiration from Japanese culinary traditions. The bar's design, created by Atsuhiko Sugiyama, blends classic Japanese and American vintage styles, creating a unique and inviting atmosphere. The menu is thoughtfully organized around five tastes (sweet, sour, spicy, bitter, and umami) and five colors, offering a diverse range of meticulously crafted cocktails. Beyond drinks, Gokan also offers a food menu developed in collaboration with chefs Zaiyu Hasegawa (of the two-Michelin-starred Den in Tokyo) and Tsukasa Uraguchi.

The Aubrey is an "eccentric Japanese izakaya" located on the 25th floor of the Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong, offering stunning panoramic views of Victoria Harbour. It's a collaboration with Maximal Concepts and aims to be a "home-away-from-home" for both locals and global travelers seeking an elevated izakaya experience. The bar program, led by award-winning mixologist Devender Sehgal, is a highlight, featuring Japanese craft cocktails, whiskies, sake, and champagne. They offer a signature cocktail menu that evolves annually and also provide an Omakase Cocktail Bar experience for a more personalized journey through Japanese spirits and flavors. The Aubrey has garnered recognition as one of Asia's 50 Best Bars.

Conceived by award-winning mixologist John Nugent, it offers a reimagined take on classic American cocktails with a touch of whimsy and a focus on high-quality ingredients. Stepping inside, you'll find a warm and inviting atmosphere with leather seating, brass accents, and a lively buzz. The cocktail menu features creative twists on familiar drinks, often drawing inspiration from notable diplomats and historical figures. For those in the know, there's also a hidden pink VIP room with a private DJ and bar, accessible by referral.

The Savory Project is a modern and innovative cocktail bar located in Central, Hong Kong, known for its experimental approach to drinks and its focus on culinary-inspired cocktails. It distinguishes itself by treating the bar as a "kitchen," where bartenders utilize techniques and ingredients more commonly found in gastronomy. You can expect a menu that pushes boundaries, featuring cocktails crafted with house-made infusions, fermentation, and unconventional flavor pairings.

001 is a pioneering speakeasy-style cocktail bar in Hong Kong, known for being one of the city's first hidden bars when it originally opened in 2010. True to its speakeasy roots, finding 001 remains part of the adventure. Its entrance is marked by an unassuming black door with a vintage doorbell within the Tai Kwun complex. The interior retains a dimly lit and intimate atmosphere, often featuring a color palette of blues, greens, and golds, with comfortable suede booth seating and Jazz Age-inspired geometric patterns. 001 is celebrated for its expertly crafted classic and spirit-forward cocktails. The menu, curated by returning original bartender Sky Huo, features a mix of signature drinks, including their popular Earl Grey Marteani. They also boast an impressive collection of whiskies, including rare and sought-after bottles.

As its name suggests, the bar boasts an impressive "library" of whiskies, with a particular focus on rare and exclusive Japanese expressions, including those aged in Mizunara oak casks, which impart unique flavors. Beyond Japanese whiskies, Mizunara: The Library also offers a curated selection of other world whiskies and expertly crafted cocktails. It's a destination for discerning drinkers seeking a tranquil environment to explore and savor exceptional spirits, particularly those with an appreciation for the nuances of Japanese whisky culture.

Qura Bar, located on the lobby floor of the Regent Hong Kong in Tsim Sha Tsui, offers an "eclectic sensory journey" through a stylish lounge, a stunning bar, and a private cigar haven, all enhanced by captivating views of Victoria Harbour. The design blends the glamour of a bygone era with Art Deco and vintage accents, creating a sophisticated yet welcoming atmosphere. Qura Bar is known for its curated collection of exceptional and rare spirits, alongside classic and innovative cocktails crafted with high-quality ingredients. Adding to its unique appeal, the bar houses a dedicated cigar lounge with comfortable vintage leather seating and an impressive selection of premium cigars.

DarkSide is a sophisticated and award-winning cocktail bar located on the 39th floor of the Rosewood Hong Kong in Tsim Sha Tsui, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Victoria Harbour. Known for its expertly crafted cocktails, DarkSide's menu takes inspiration from classic drinks while incorporating innovative techniques and premium ingredients. They also boast an impressive selection of rare and vintage spirits, particularly whiskies and cognacs. Beyond the exceptional drinks, DarkSide also features live jazz performances nightly, adding to its sophisticated and alluring ambiance.

Ping Pong 129 is a distinctive and somewhat hidden cocktail bar located in Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong. Its entrance is intentionally unassuming, marked by a traditional Chinese chop shop storefront. Stepping inside reveals a surprisingly spacious and industrial-chic interior, a stark contrast to its exterior. The name "Ping Pong 129" is a nod to the building's former use as a ping pong parlor. Ping Pong 129 is known for its creative and often theatrical cocktails, with a focus on gin and Spanish-inspired flavors. Beyond the drinks, they also serve a selection of Spanish tapas, making it a great spot for both drinks and light bites.

Bar Butler is a discreet and highly regarded Japanese-style cocktail bar located in Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong. Often described as a hidden gem, it offers a sophisticated and intimate drinking experience with a strong emphasis on meticulous bartending and high-quality spirits, particularly whisky. Stepping into Bar Butler, you can expect a cozy and dimly lit atmosphere, often with a classic American bar feel infused with Japanese precision. The bartenders, typically dressed in white dinner jackets, are known for their attention to detail and ability to craft both classic and bespoke cocktails with exceptional skill.

Red Room is a relatively new and stylish cocktail bar located in Central, Hong Kong and as its name suggests, the design incorporates a striking red color palette, creating a visually bold and luxurious setting. Catering to a discerning clientele looking for a sophisticated after-work drinks spot or a stylish venue for a night out in Central, Red Room focuses on crafting high-quality cocktails, with an emphasis on classic recipes executed with precision and using premium spirits.

Draft Land HK is an innovative cocktail bar concept originating from Taipei. The brainchild of renowned Taiwanese mixologist Angus Zou and Hong Kong's own award-winning Antonio Lai, Draft Land distinguishes itself by serving a wide array of expertly crafted cocktails on tap. This unique approach allows for consistent quality, efficient service, and reasonable prices, making cocktail enjoyment more accessible for everyday life. Instead of individual bartenders mixing each drink to order, pre-batched cocktails are dispensed directly from taps, much like beer in a pub. Signature drinks like the Oolong Tea Collins and Guk Bou are popular, alongside seasonal specials and location-exclusive concoctions such as Yuwasabi and Watercress Honey.