Summer’s a great thing. The days are longer, the sun’s out, and clothes are minimal. But in Asia, summer also comes with high temperatures and heavy humidity. So when it all gets a bit too much this summer, here’s where you should seek respite in this season’s best cocktails.
We don’t know about you, but there is just something about summer that makes us want to drink. We’re not talking about going out with a blast, but let’s be honest, the season lends itself to al fresco dining, beach BBQs and rooftop soirees like no other. It’s also a great time to check out your favourite watering hole for season-inspired libations crafted by your talented local barkeep.
Lebua No. 3
Bangkok, Thailand
The Lebua State Tower hotel is best known for its epic rooftop, but if you happen to be in Bangkok this summer, you might want to make a pit stop at Lebua No. 3, the hotel’s recently-opened bar. Located on the hotel’s 52nd floor, the bar is the only one in Thailand to stock Plymouth Gin. But more importantly, it’s home to the No. 3 cocktail that’s the perfect sundowner in Thailand’s tropical heat. The frothy cocktail mixes an exclusive Lebua-only blend of Absolut Elyx vodka with coconut puree, pineapple puree, agave and salt in a heat-beating long drink that’s best described as a little brother to the pina colada.
Back Bar
Hong Kong
Set behind Ship Street hotspot Ham & Sherry, Back Bar has long been a Wanchai favourite for in-the-know locals looking for inventive drinks in a secretive lair. This summer, the bar is seeking cocktail inspiration from an unlikely source: the humble comic book. It makes sense though – larger-than-life heroes and villains, along with unlikely madcap adventures, certainly provides fodder for drink. The “Heroes and Villains” collection boasts an array of appropriately named boozy and teetotaller tipples – think Ship Street Heroes and Sharpest when Sober. The one to try, though, is Standoff in the Alley. The fiery, villainous concoction of Monteloboz Mezcal, Cocchi Rosa, Aperol, Vermouth, cream, soda and chili salt packs a one-two punch of flavour and alcohol.
O Pedro
Mumbai, India
This Goan-inspired bar practically begs you to kick back and relax with its easy-going vibes. Goa is all about enjoying the beaches and sun, so it’s appropriate that O Pedro has a host of special summer cocktails. One to try? The Jamun Zing. Jamuns (Java plums) are only available in the Indian subcontinent, and O Pedro infuses it to create its own jamun vermouth. Paired with a demerara syrup and topped with Chandon Delice sparkling wine, this is an easy-drinking cocktail with just enough bite to keep things interesting.
Flair Rooftop Restaurant & Bar
Shanghai, China
Perched far above Shanghai at the top of The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong, this rooftop terrace has views for days – and a drinks list to match. This summer, the bar is breaking the mould with its very own interpretation of the mojito with a new signature drink. The Ritz Mojito puts a sophisticated spin on this popular summer cocktails by replacing soda water with Champagne, substituting Asian spices for fresh mint, and adding a dose of Earl Grey Tea syrup to add a touch of smoke to the usually saccharine drink.
The Old Man Pop-up at Mandarin Oriental Bangkok
Bangkok, Thailand
It’s just topped the list of Asia’s 50 Best Bars and came 10th in the World’s 50 Best Bars 2019 list, so it seems appropriate that The Old Man is spreading its mixology gospel through Asia with a pop-up at the Mandarin Oriental Bangkok. Like the original bar, the pop-up will shake up a menu of cocktails inspired by the life and works of Ernest Hemingway. One to look out for is the Garden of Eden #1985. Inspired by Hemingway’s novel of the same name, this drink takes a rotovap honeydew rye whiskey infused with goat’s milk bourbon and blends it with caramelised sauterne, cordial and orange-phosphate bitter, creating a potion that packs more of a punch than Hemingway was said to have.
Jacqueline
Bangkok, Thailand
A recent addition to the Bangkok bar scene, Jacqueline pays tribute to America’s most famous first lady – that would be Jackie Kennedy – who was famous for keeping a well-stocked bar at the White House. Masterminded by Bangkok nightlife impresario Sanya Souvanna Phouma – who was also behind Bed Supperclub and Maggie Choo’s – it should come as no surprise that everything from the cocktails to the location at Siri House is very cool and very sophisticated. This summer, sip on the 60s-inspired Camelot, an elegant drink that nods to summer with hints of orange amid whisky, bourbon and bitters.
Lobby Lounge at InterContinental Hong Kong
Hong Kong
To combat the unbearable humidity of Hong Kong summers, the InterContinental Hong Kong’s Lobby Lounge has whipped up a menu of exclusive cocktails made from Plantation Rum. Resident Mixologist Sabrina Cantini-Budden has handpicked a selection of the brand’s most complex Caribbean rums to create a range of tropical cocktails. The one to try, though, is the Lamma Lamma. A balanced blend of sweet and smoky, the cocktail uses Plantation Barbados Aged 5 Years rum as a base and tempers it with whisky liqueur, peach puree, pineapple juice, and Angostura bitters.
Havana Social
Bangkok, Thailand
When the summer nights turn sultry, it seems appropriate to head to this hidden bar and turn up the heat with a dose of Latin charm. Havana Social is a speakeasy given a pre-revolutionary Cuban twist with classic rum cocktails, exposed beams and crumbling plaster that call to mind a Havana of years past. Luckily, the mixology here is decidedly 21st century and among their drinks for the summer, you’ll want to try the dry yet fruity The Ricardo Robson. You could almost imagine Fidel and Che swapping revolutionary ideals over this concoction of Flora de Cana Gold 5y Rum, house hibiscus, grenadine, fresh orange and lime, blood orange liqueur and honey.
Lulu’s Lounge
Singapore
At this theatrical, playful cocktail divan, cocktails are a work of art with artisanal products and fresh ingredients designed for discerning drinkers. For summer, Lulu’s mixologists have revived a delicate, classic cocktail to that’ll cool you down when the temperatures rise. The Elderflower Spritz might seem a little girly, but you’re man enough to down some Prosecco spiked with elderflower in a bid to cool off, right? This is one to remember for date nights.
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