Top 10 HK winter cocktails

It never gets cold enough in Hong Kong to wear (faux) fur coats but we do it anyway. And to feel even more festive, here are a selection of Hong Kong’s top winter cocktails so we can pretend we’re somewhere much colder.

From actual log fires to pop-ice rinks and Santa’s grottos: Hong Kong really gets into the Christrmas spirit and Hong Kongers love nothing more than histrionically donning Arctic-wear and acting like it’s sub-zero temperatures outside.

But bars all over town have pulled out the stops to create the most festive cocktails and here is a selection of our favourites worth venturing out for.

Aberdeen Street Social – Mulled Wine

It’s a classic and definitely worth a mention. Aberdeen Street Social’s mulled wine will surely warm up the coldest and Scroogiest of hearts with a hefty kick of cinnamon, citrus and cloves served in a mug – reminiscent of when we were given hot chocolate as children.

Armani Prive/Aqua – Gingerbread Man

Created by Aqua mixologist John Ng, and available at Aqua Spirit and Armani Privé, the Gingerbread Man cocktail epitomises Christmas – a shaken cinnamon, sweet ginger syrup and vodka cocktail with lemon, and topped with an edible miniature gingerbread man. Naughty, but very nice.

The Artesian – Snowball

Rush Limbu, the genius behind the bar at the Artesian in the Langham Hotel has dreamed up this spicy, warming concoction with cinnamon whisky liqueur, Drambuie, ginger liqueur, Dubbunet and spice bitters all served in a frosted Martini ball glass.  

Duddell’s – Warm Mr Scrooge

Scrooge arrives in a different incarnation this year, made up of a heartwarming mix of peaches, orange peel and Becherovka vodka served over a candle light and accented with a bell – that rings or doesn’t ring? You decide.

Gradini – Raspcoco

Channel your inner Russian princess with Gradini at the Pottinger’s Raspcoco, a decadent mix of raspberry vodka, cocoa and mint liqueurs, raspberry, cranberry and pineapple juice topped with 70% dark chocolate and white chocolate. Sip while wearing your (faux of course), fur stole / ushanka.

Ham & Sherry’s Back Bar – Ron Burgundy

Watching Anchorman or Anchorman 2 is indeed most definitely for life and not just for Christmas. Ryan Nightingale’s inspired potent punch of Ron Burgundy is a blend of rum, Burgundy syrup and perfume bitters. Altogether now: “I love Scotch. Scotchy Scotch Scotch…”

Mahalo – Heart of Christmas

A heady mix of Bacardi Oakheart rum, cinnamon syrup, Shiraz, raspberry liqueur, egg white and lime juice make up Wan Chai favourite, Mahalo’s gorgeous looking offering. 

Mod Bar – Santa Hot

Tycoon Tann’s Mod Bar is serving up Santa Hot – a vibrant mix of apple juice, strawberry, blueberry, raspberry, lemon juice, honey and Chinese hua diao wine. Guaranteed to bring a festive flush to one’s cheeks.

The Optimist  – Tinto de Verano Punch

Cool Spanish bar and restaurant, the Optimist has dreamed up a warming concoction of Gran Feudo Crianza Merlot, cherry brandy, Crème de cassis, orange juice, lemonade and fresh fruit  – perfect for sharing and caring with up to six or seven of your mates. Or just one if you’re both greedy.

The Woods – White Christmas

The closest Hong Kong will ever get to a white-out, the Woods’ two dreamy mixes are a simple vodka martini and clarified milk punch. Simple, classic and festive so white, not?