Finest Sips is a look-back on essentially the most unbelievable drinks — alcoholic or in any other case — we had in the previous week. These which renewed our love for established venues; caught our consideration at a brand new opening; or freshly impressed upon us the creativity and talent of Hong Kong’s gifted bartenders and mixologists alike. From tipples at charming dive bars to award-winning apéritifs at five-star institutions, these are one of the best drinks to attempt in Hong Kong; the drinks we’d advocate you make a particular journey for.
These had been one of the best drinks we sipped and savoured on this week:
Smoke & Barrel
The drink: Bloody Mary
Should you’re muttering “One other Bloody Mary?!” underneath your breath proper now, I’m sorry. Effectively, not that sorry. I like what I like! And I like Bloody Marys. Smoke & Barrel’s model just isn’t formally on the menu, however it’s there — they make it. And what an ideal BM it was. The drink itself arrives blanketed with a dusting of what appears to be like like pepper that then makes itself generally known as very, very aromatic herbs. Don’t ask me what herbs, I don’t know. However they’re herbs! Then, you begin your sips and it’s all tomato-y, a little bit spicy; the archetypal Bloody Mary if there ever was one. Lastly, when you’re nonetheless studying, a skewer of snacks: two olives and a folded-over piece of cucumber, precariously balanced throughout the lip of the glass. Dunk it in like an Oreo and let it soak earlier than you chug, chug, chug. — Joey Wong, Editor
Smoke & Barrel, 1/F-2/F, Wyndham Mansion, 32 Wyndham Road, Central, +852 2866 2120
Saicho
The drink: Hojicha (HK$195 for 750ml)
Right here’s a thought: Fizzy drinks simply style higher. It doesn’t matter if it’s one thing as generic as water or seasonal like fizzy Ribena and Lemon Tea (superb stuff, by the way in which), it’s luxurious. A sip you’d savour on particular days. Nonetheless drinks? Save that for a weekday.
I’ve one other so as to add to the checklist of fizzy greats: Saicho’s Sparkling Tea. The Hojicha, to be precise. It tastes similar to a traditional Kyoto roasted inexperienced tea — deep and really earthy — however then brightens up with a fragile effervescence that sparkles on the palate. Every of Saicho’s glowing blends are made with genuine brews and the Hojicha mix occurs to be sourced from Japan’s Shizuoka Prefecture, which roasts second flush Sencha inexperienced tea. A single sip is mildly candy with grape juice and notes of nori, roasted hazelnut and dry tannins spherical out the delectable palate. And I’ve so as to add — it wouldn’t be my entry if I didn’t — that this is able to make for the right chilled beverage while on a seaside trip. I can already think about it. — Lorria Sahmet, Editor
Store Saicho’s choice here.
Smoke & Barrel
The drink: BBQ Spice & Hibiscus Margarita (HK$98)
Smoke & Barrel — the one with out the “s”, for these preserving rating at dwelling — is a superb place to go for any event that requires sturdy drinks, however this event occurred to be my birthday, so the stakes had been even larger. I’ve already sang my praises for the cider glazed baby back ribs, a rack of which I promptly took down, and one of the best factor to go along with a plate stuffed with saucy southern BBQ is a spicy drink to match. Don’t overlook to order a pair of Picklebacks (HK$78) — the right bookends to a correct S&B meal. — Nathan Erickson, Editor-in-Chief
Smoke & Barrel, 1/F-2/F, Wyndham Mansion, 32 Wyndham Road, Central, +852 2866 2120
The Globe
The drink: Behemoth Brewing Firm’s All Day Breakfast – Blueberry Maple Bitter Ale ($50/half a pint)
It’s no secret I really like a superb drink; my Instagram handle speaks for itself. My go-to at any time when I’m in The Globe are inclined to differ by the season: I really like a golden ale or NEIPA when it’s heat, an amber ale or roasty porter when it will get cooler. Nonetheless, no matter season, the fashion I can by no means steer clear of are sours. I really like the tart, acidic, yeasty gloriousness which might be sours. Their names are all the time so cute, and the flavours so engaging. To make issues for a semi-alcoholic worse, The Globe arms down has one of the best picks on their rotating faucets, so I can’t keep away — shoutout to Pat!
Behemoth’s seasonals are all the time a delight to attempt, however this Blueberry Maple Bitter actually took the cake. Contemporary in after a protracted stroll from dwelling (we had been making an attempt to be wholesome), this brew was on the highest of this week’s checklist, and actually, the one factor I wished as a superb thirst quencher. The color is attractive, positive, however you’re instantly hit with the unmistakable scent of maple syrup. It’s so sturdy! After a sip although, the bitter berries positively received out on the palate. The wedding of each substances work — which shouldn’t be a shock, contemplating, effectively, pancakes. Truthfully, what a delight of a brew. The keg might already be completed, now, but when it ever comes on once more, don’t hesitate to give it a go. — Sandra Kwong, Options Editor
The Globe, Garley Constructing, 45-53A Graham Road, Central, +852 2543 1941
