Latest RTD brands to hit HK

The outbreak of a pandemic definitely changes the way we drink. Since drinking at home is the new normal, one sector that has benefitted has been RTD cocktails sector, with several new brands hitting the market.

Catmurai

Created by Nick Tse and Ayako Miyake from Bar Buonasera, Catmurai plays with the variations on the classic Old Fashioned cocktail. With an aged Bourbon whiskey as its base spirit, the series comprises three expressions – Black Old Fashioned (with herbal liqueur), Shiso Old Fashioned (with Shiso plum liqueur) and Chestnut Old Fashioned (with chestnut and ginger liqueur). Distributed by Hop Hing Loong, the range of cocktail is priced HK$158/bottle (100m) and is available in various retailers including: HK Liquor Store, Lilionwine, One Cellar, Yata and Aeon Supermarket.

Píng

A locally crafted and bottled cocktail brand created by award-winning bartender Sonic Chan, winner of the Monkey Shoulder Mixologist Competition 2018. Chan reckons the culture of cocktail appreciation is lacking in Hong Kong, so he has designed a range of six, easy-drinking cocktails infused with local flavours, such as chocolate drink Milo and infused chrysanthemum sake. Ranging in strength from 7% to 22% ABV, each bottle is priced at HK$68.

The brand will launch different flavours varying from season to season. Orders are placed via their website. Order $400 or more now can enjoy free delivery to all Hong Kong addresses. Next day delivery (Monday to Saturday) is available for orders placed before 4 pm.

Laiba

Established in Shanghai and managed by founding partner and top mixologist Michael Chen, Laiba (meaning ‘come’ in Chinese) is a high-end range of cocktails that can be served quickly and easily by anyone by simply shaking, pouring and garnishing. The cocktails on offer are contemporary classic recipes with a twist, such as the Cold Brew Martini made with vanilla infused vodka with black rum, cold brew coffee and salted caramel; or the Twisted Negroni: strawberry and rosemary infused gin with Campari, Cinzano Rosso and punt e mes.

In Hong Kong, Laiba has collaborated with a host of renowned Hong Kong bartenders, including Antonio Lai, Agung Prabowo and Jay Khan, for the city’s exclusive “Laiba Bar In A Bottle Hong Kong Collection Set”. The initiative is designed to support local bartenders and businesses during COVID-19, with proceeds from sales going back to them.

Orders can be made via Metabev’s website, with regular bottles priced at HK$468 (for six bottles) and “Laiba Bar In A Bottle Hong Kong Collection Set” priced at HK$599 (for six bottles).

Dragon Water

Hailed as the largest craft beer brewery in Hong Kong, Double Haven Brewing has released a brand new hard seltzer this summer. The low-sugar and gluten-free alternative with 4.5% ABV comes in four flavours with an Asian twist: Lemongrass Lime, Cucumber Watermelon, Black Raspberry and Ginger Blood Orange. All the products are produced in Hong Kong and more flavours will be coming down the road. It is now listed in some of the major bars and bottle shops in Hong Kong, including: HK Liquor Store, The American Club, The Pontiac, 99 Bottles, HK Brewcraft and HK Island Tap House.