New Hong Kong mixology haunt Coa serves a stunning range of authentic agave spirits and cocktails in dedication to the gods of tequila and mezcal.
Unless you’ve been hiding under a rock this past year, you’ll know that not only has tequila made real inroads in Asia, but its rough-and-ready sibling mezcal is also finding favour with cocktail lovers and the bartenders that sate their appetites. So it’s fitting that Hong Kong’s newest cocktail enclave – with mixology guru Jay Khan at the helm no less – is dedicated to Mexico’s agave-laced firewater.
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Khan, who was recently named Altos Bartenders’ Bartender for 2020, channels his love for Mexico’s vibrant drinking culture and passion for its native agave spirits at his new venue Coa, the city’s first Oaxacan-inspired artisanal cocktail bar. Named for the age-old machete-like tool used for harvesting agave, the new Shin Hing Street venue has taken over former cocktail spot Neo and brings to Noho a rustic, down to earth, and authentic take on contemporary mixology.
Jay is just the lad to school you on tequila and mezcal. A regular panellist at spirit-judging competitions such as the Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Competition, and ambassador to prestigious brands such as Remy Cointreau, the respected bartender has received numerous awards and accolades in mixology over the years.
“It’s a dream come true for me, as a bar person who has been working the past ten plus years to finally be running my own bar in Hong Kong,” says the self-confessed tequilaphile. “Throughout the years, I have developed the love towards mezcal and agave spirits and have travelled extensively in the past three years in Mexico to learn and source the best products.”
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With a strong focus on the interactions shared between staff and guests, Coa, which was recently named number three on the 2020 Asia’s 50 Best Bars list, is dressed in wood, brick, and concrete, with candlelight illuminating hand-drawn wall murals of goddesses and mythical creatures (in case you didn’t know, in the world of agave, the goddess Mayahuel reigns supreme). These industrial-chic interiors set the stage for an inventory of agave spirits never before offered in Hong Kong.
These rare spirits include Los Danzantes Still Proof Maturado Vidrio, which is matured (madurado) in large glass bottles (damajuana) for four years, to produce an extremely smooth, rich and buttery texture; and Los Javis Jabali, a distinctly complex and rich mezcal that occasionally explored during the distillation process.
If you’re not ready to hit the sipping spirits, try one of the new bar’s cocktails; taking inspiration from his travels to Mexico, Jay has transformed traditional cocktails into his own daring creations. Tepache, a traditional Mexican fermented drink crafted in-house, comes in two mouth-watering flavours: Pineapple & Cinnamon and Watermelon & Mint.
Alternatively, the Caffeinated Negroni is a delightfully strong signature mix that recreates the classic negroni with Don Amado Rustico mezcal, Master’s gin, coffee-infused Mancino Bianco vermouth, and Aperol. Cocktail connoisseurs will also love the Saladitos & Tea Punch, a rich and full-bodied ‘punch’ with Remy Martin VSOP, Mount Gay XO, salted plum, Darjeeling tea, peach, lemon, Angostura bitters, and a bouquet of mint.
During the soft opening period only, limited snacks will also be served at Coa. Bar bites include savoury Fries with Mexican Spices and fresh Guacamole with Tortilla Chips – the perfect accompaniments to your artisanal Coa cocktail of choice.
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