7 best Christmas cocktail menus in Hong Kong: from JW Marriott’s Asian-inspired mulled wine and a spin on Irish coffee, to spiked masala chai and naughty milkshakes
These unique drinks offer a festive twist on classic favourites – perfect for celebrating with friends and family or a romantic tête-à-tête
Having a merry Christmas is practically an order at this time of year. Fortunately, Hong Kong’s best bars and bartenders are here to nudge you in the right direction with a plethora of seasonally inspired drinks. Whether you’re seeking a winter tipple for an extra special romantic occasion or a work do, or you’re just looking to get in the spirit of the season with friends, these concoctions will surely bring some Christmas cheer.
1. DarkSide
The bar team at DarkSide are among the most creative in town, so it’s no surprise they have an entire mini-menu dedicated to seasonal cocktails. Their annual All The Way mulled wine makes a return, topped up with Rémy Martin VSOP cognac and sherry. Plenty of Christmas spices feature in their Festive Manhattan and another classic recipe gets a twist with the Fig Old Fashioned, with toasted pecan-infused Michter’s sour mash, a smoked fig cordial and chocolate bitters. The Hot Apple Toddy swaps whisky for spiced rum and adds Calvados and apple liquor to the traditional citrus notes and, rounding out the menu, the White Christmas is an indulgent dessert of a drink with rum, vanilla, cognac, milk, cream and nutmeg.
2. Feather & Bone
Feather & Bone is an obvious go-to for Christmas, whether you want to eat out or take home a turkey and tackle Christmas dinner yourself. However, the butcher/restaurant chain also serves one of the best mulled wines in town. Made in-house, this rich and fruity wine is expertly blended with a symphony of Australian red wine, warm winter spices, and a splash of orange and lemon juice. It can be ordered by the cup during Christmas meals but is also available for purchase by the bottle (HK$188) while stocks last. It flies off the shelves, so don’t miss out.
3. Bar Q88
The JW Marriott’s intimate lobby bar has long enjoyed a reputation as one of the best spots in Admiralty to unwind. This year, the establishment is offering two festive drinks for the Christmas period. The first is an Asian-inspired take on mulled wine rippling with layers of flavour including red wine, dark rum, red dates, pandan leaf, lime, cinnamon and more.
Those looking to break with tradition can opt for the house special Jingle Bells cocktail, which combines raspberry-infused gin, hibiscus, cherry and lemon – a suitably tart rejoinder to all the sweets on offer at this time of year.