A guide to the best Negronis in Hong Kong. Adam Bires, a self-confessed Negroni addict, tells us where to sample the tastiest versions of the classic cocktail
From scouting out the best happy hours deals to the finest wine bars and gin bars in Hong Kong, it’s no secret that we love a drink. And if you’d like to find out where to grab the best Negronis in Hong Kong, then you’ve come to the right place.
Our picks for the best Negronis in Hong Kong
As a classic drink – one part gin, one part vermouth, one part Campari, with a heavy emphasis on an ice block and orange peel – you’d be inclined to think that it tastes the same everywhere. Is it strange to say every Negroni we’ve ever had is different? Each bartender does their own thing with it, and it’s even used as the test of a good mixologist. Pro Tip: if it is served with ice cubes (plural) and a slice of orange (not peel) – run away.
1. COA
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Solidifying Mezcal as a trend in the city, presents one of the most unique Negronis on the list. Things can usually go array when messing with the classics, but here we have hints of coffee that pair so perfectly we kick ourselves for not thinking of it first! Add to that a splash of Mezcal and a garnish of chocolate, we’ve got a solid new age Negroni worth writing about. After a few sips, when the chocolate hits the ideal ice-block-melting-in-a-Negroni ratio, pop the chocolate in your mouth and order another! This is without a doubt one of the best Negronis in Hong Kong.
COA, Wan Shin House, 6-10 Shin Hing Street, Hong Kong, Central, Hong Kong, p. 2813 5787, 中環善慶街6-10號
2. The Old Man
One of the top bars in Hong Kong has been drawing cocktail lovers to their little alley for some time now. These experts of the cocktail craft know how to take care of your thirst. Their Negroni is a bold take, leaning on the darker side, and fitting for the environment. When drinking a Negroni, sometimes it requires a whole vibe with it, and we particularly like how The Old Man pairs it with a playlist that sets the mood. Strange? Maybe, but we love a classic with a classic. After all, the bar was built in honor of Ernest Hemingway.
The Old Man, G/F, 37 Aberdeen Street, SoHo, Central, Hong Kong, p. 2703 1899, 中環蘇豪鴨巴甸街37號地下
3. 8½ Otto e Mezzo Bombana
This fine-dining restaurant is at the top of our list of favorite Italian gastronomies – and they also make a mean Negroni! Also great for after work drinks, the Cocktail Bar and Lounge at 8½ Otto e Mezzo hosts some of the best mixologists in the game. The 8½ Negroni comes with extra pizzazz with fortified wine and grapefruit bitters.
8½ Otto e Mezzo Bombana, Shop 202, 18 Chater Road, Central, Hong Kong, p. 2537 8859
4. Please Don’t Tell
Secret bars are always good for a lark!. This bar within a bar is hidden in the mezzanine level on MO Bar (Psst. Enter through a secret phone booth.) PDT’s Stop Light cocktail whimsically blends Campari, Strega, and Tanqueray 10 to match the colours of a traffic light (no mixed signals here!). Mixed with Dolin Dry Vermouth, this house Negroni may be drier than your usual but we love this spin on the classic.
Please Don’t Tell, G/F, The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, 15 Queen’s Road, Central, Hong Kong, p. 2132 0110
5. The Wise King
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Birthed from the same co-founder as Tell Camellia, Sandeep Hathiramani, The Wise King is inspired by King Alfonso X of Castille also known as El Sabio, the Wise from the 13th century. It comes as no surprise that the drinks pay an ode to the golden drinking era. Their signature Mandario Negroni infused N.I.P Rare Dry Gin with Mancino Secco and Rinomato Bianco, the extra kick comes from the Manarino liqueur, this golden drink also comes bottled for takeaway delivery! Aside from the Negroni, we’re also huge fans of their classy decor and ambiance.
The Wise King, 25 Staunton Street, Basement, Soho, Tsung Wing Lane, Central, Hong Kong, p. 6258 1344
BONUS: The Macallan Whiskey Bar & Lounge
Bonus Macau mention! A Whiskey Bar? At Galaxy Macau? We know it may not be your first stop for a gin based cocktail, but The Macallan Whiskey Bar & Lounge serves a sweet version of a Negroni, much like the Campari drenched Negronis of Italian coastlines. For all the Campari lovers, this a solid choice for Negroni nights. They also have a Davidoff cigar room with a fair selection you can enjoy on the terrace.
The Macallan Whiskey Bar & Lounge, 146, R. do Alm. Costa Cabral, Galaxy Macau, Macau, p. +853 8883 2221
Lily & Bloom a la Blind Pig (NOW CLOSED)
There’s something about a cigar with a Negroni, the bold smokey flavors do wonders for a palette (think cheese to wine). When you can’t actually fly out of Hong Kong for an escape, we recommend you find peaceful moments with a cigar from Blind Pig, the hidden cigar room inside Lily & Bloom’s 6th floor, and a Negroni from the famed cocktail haunt. It’s a quiet retreat and the mixologist here doesn’t shy at stirring a drink to your liking.
Find out why Lily & Bloom also makes our list of top brunches in Hong Kong.
Lily & Bloom, 5/F & 6/F LKF Tower, 33 Wyndham Street, Central, Hong Kong, p.2810 6166, 中環蘭桂坊雲咸街33號LKF Tower 5樓及6樓
