What better way to celebrate a special occasion or unwind after a hectic day than with a good cocktail? A handcrafted cocktail with a view! From harbour-facing lounges to the highest sky bar, we’ve searched far and wide across Hong Kong to find 8 snazziest rooftop bars with views to die for.
Come for the sunset; stay for the buzz-worthy cocktails. Sitting atop Swire’s EAST hotel, Sugar is the go-to lounge bar for the ladies on a GNO (girl’s night out) or for a romantic date. The queues can be long, so be sure to make a reservation. Fancy cocktails such as the prosecco-based Petal Fizz and the aromatic Pandan Forest will definitely hit the spot. Those feeling peckish can dig into light snacks like truffle fries and fiery jalapeño peppers.
Must-try: By the Sea, a refreshing cocktail made from sencha-infused Amsterdam gin with passion fruit syrup and Chardonnay, crafted by award-winning mixologist Alvin Ching
A favourite for those in the know, Skye plays host to a curved illuminated bar with lookouts of the bustling streets below. Guests often opt for a glass of bubbly or maybe even two here, but the different themed cocktails have also proven popular. Best be warned that The Park Lane’s bar gets busy, so head up early on weekends to avoid the crowds and nab a stool closest to the view. After a tipple, scoot inside for Florian Muller’s devilishly delicious menu.
Must-try: Buttersweet Symphony, a sweet cocktail made from Bourbon whisky with butterscotch, cookie syrup and peanut butter mix — even better than a boozy dessert
Inspired by chattery parrots, Popinjays sits on The Murray, a Niccolo Hotel, and is a sociable nesting ground for high-flyers from all over town. While the main dining room offers elegant afternoon teas and a refined menu crafted by British-born chef Lexine Hepworth, the expansive wrap-around terrace is the perfect place to wind down with drinks. If gin is your poison, this splashy restaurant-bar offers a sublime selection of G&T concoctions. For bird lovers out there, Popinjay’s Aviary Collection features bird-themed cocktails, such as the Eagle Eye made with Hennessy VSOP and port, and The Brooding Macaw, which uses Bauhinia gin and sakura syrup. Guests often dress to the nines here, so feel free to follow suit.
Must-try: Bloody Mary, a classic, punchy cocktail that’s best enjoyed over brunch and as a well-earned weekend drink
Want to soak in views of the Victoria Harbour from a lesser-known vantage point? Cruise, Hyatt Centric’s humble yet sleek waterfront resto-bar, won’t disappoint. Resident mixologist Mack Ross aka ‘Le Mak’ has created a series of signature cocktails, which can come by the jug. One popular drink is the Cha Cha Twist, an interesting mix of genmaicha sake and agave syrup; while Cruise Control is the perfect pick-me-up pumped with coffee and lime leaf cordial. The bar also has a generous menu of Asian delights. If your appetite allows, try the ‘Feed Me’ set. This foodie feast dishes out the chef’s top six favourite food items — the wagyu beef cheek massaman alone is worth trying — completed with a round of alcoholic shots.
Must-try: Drake: Passionfruit, an energising cocktail made from dark rum and ginger beer, crafted by resident mixologist ‘Le Mak’
Among all the sky-soaring terraces in Hong Kong, Ozone is undoubtedly the most well-known. On the 118th floor of the glitzy Ritz-Carlton Hotel in West Kowloon, this bucket-list bar sits 480 m above sea level, making it the highest rooftop bar on the planet. Known for its dashing drinks and snacks on the terrace, this celebrity-clad watering hole is popular with locals and travellers alike. The futuristic dining room offers a revolving roster of eccentric dining concepts, from jungle brunches to crab and cocktail combos. The view is spectacular even on a rainy day, so be sure to take a snap!
Must-try: Magellan’s Cup, an ocean-inspired cocktail made from dill-infused Cambridge gin with seaweed flavours and Aperol that slips down the throat like a fruity treat
Perched on the 30th floor of iSquare, Eyebar is an ideal people-watching spot right on Nathan Road, one of the most popular shopping districts in the city. While sipping on local favourites like the Suzie Wong cocktail or the fruity Mango Mama, guests can take in unobstructed views of Hong Kong Island just across the harbour as they whittle away the hours at this Tsim Sha Tsui drinking den.
Must-try: Kiwi Caipiroska, a delightful cocktail made from Bacardi and fresh kiwi that tastes refreshing and light
As its name suggests, Hutong is inspired by hutongs (traditional narrow alleyways and courtyard houses commonly found in northern China), with dramatic red interiors. Designer and founder of Aqua Group David Yeo cleverly merged traditional elements with contemporary fare by incorporating glowing silk lanterns, beautifully carved wooden panels, and intricately woven tassels that were reminiscent of those found in the Imperial Palace of the Forbidden City. Be sure to try some of the apothecary bar’s seasonal specials, such as Blush in Love, which uses gin from local distillery Two Moons. Besides alcoholic beverages, the restaurant’s flaming Peking duck and red lantern soft-shell crab are also highly recommended.
Must-try: Comfortably Numb, a tangy, lip-tingling cocktail made from Sichuan pepper honey and lychee liquor, crafted by expert mixologist Ryan Cheung
A popular choice for date nights, Aqua — Hutong’s sister establishment — sits conveniently one floor down from the restaurant with two gigantic garden terraces. As a staple of Hong Kong’s rooftop scene, the bar gives visitors a bird’s eye view of the city, making it a perfect place for sundowners. There are a number of cocktail options on the menu, including the Negroni No 5 with tequila and Campari, as well as the Tropical Sour, which is topped off with a fruity blast of guava and mango juice and spiced with pink peppercorn vodka. The lavish Italian-Japanese restaurant overlooks Victoria Harbour — an extension of the aquatic-themed interiors featuring water droplets and rippling lights.
Must-try: Eye of the Storm, a distinctive cocktail made from asparagus-infused Don Julio tequila with Frangelico, Earl Grey, pineapple and Seedlip Garden 108, as championed by mixologist and Aqua Restaurant Group’s creative bar director, Lorenzo Coppola
Thirsty for more? These Instagrammable Nightlife Spots in Hong Kong offer more than just fancy drinks.
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