Where To Get A Drink In Hong Kong While Bars Are Closed

It’s 2021, and day drinking has become socially acceptable while we continue to live our lives socially distanced

While one of the most common new year’s resolutions is to commit to a dry January, it hasn’t been the most typical of times. With wave after wave of Covid-19 generating record-breaking infections around the world, social distancing measures restricting operations of already-struggling F&B businesses, and the continuing cycle of bad news, most would be forgiven for craving a cheeky glass of wine or a nightcap by the end of yet another exhausting week.

Since 10 December 2020, bars in Hong Kong have been closed as part of the government’s strict measures to combat the fourth wave of infections; the closures came after a brief respite before the festive season when they were allowed to reopen, albeit with restrictions put on capacity and operating hours. With the current round of measures extended until 20 January—and the likelihood of further extensions if the situation doesn’t improve dramatically very probable—then it will be another hit for the industry.

Some bars have sought out creative solutions—for example, The Old Man recently collaborated with Brazilian-Japanese restaurant Uma Nota to do a pop-up guest shift in order to serve their signature libations, ditto Tell Camellia who did a pop-up on New Year's Eve at Zuma. Others continue to promote their bottled cocktails that will bring a taste of their bar to your home. Other venues have amended their offerings and hours to serve food and drink during the day. Also, don’t forget that you have until 31 January to try drinks creations by 20 top bars as part of the Hong Kong Cocktail campaign to decide on what should be the city’s defining drink. Venues serving the Hong Kong Cocktail have been indicated in the list below.

Lastly, whether you’re dining out or having a drink, remember to stay vigilant with personal hygiene and to avoid going out if you’re feeling under the weather—there are some things a drink can’t cure.

1. Caprice Bar

Previously only open in the evening, Caprice Bar is now serving from 12pm to 6pm daily—note that you’ll need to order food with your drinks, which is no hardship considering the cheese and charcuterie selection available. Also don’t miss Lorenzo Antinori’s featured Hong Kong Cocktail, the Bauhinia Sour.

Caprice Bar, 6/F, Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong, 8 Finance Street, Central, Hong Kong

2. COA

Jay Khan’s agave spirits bar has temporarily changed its opening hours from 1pm to 6pm daily, though if you still prefer to enjoy their cocktails from the comfort of your home then their online shop is the place to go. Visit the bar to try Khan’s featured Hong Kong Cocktail, the Bauhinia Sour.

COA, Shop A, LG/F Wah Shin House, 6-10 Shin Hing Street, Central, Hong Kong

3. The Daily Tot

This Hong Kong rum specialist, opened just late last year at the cusp of the third wave, is still going strong despite the curveballs that Covid-19 has thrown their way. Open from Tuesday to Sunday, 12pm to 6pm, the bar is serving food, cocktails and wines to make your day a little brighter. Visit for a taster of unique rums from Barbados, Bermuda, Cuba, Martinique, Panama and the Dominican Republic and more, plus tropical bites like Brazilian tapioca cheese cubes.

The Daily Tot, G/F, Shop E, Felicity Building, 58 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong

4. Dead&

Newly opened dive bar Dead& is serving from 12pm to 6pm daily, and selling bottled cocktails to go after 6pm. Visiting at off hours? Their alcohol vending machine will have you sorted.

Dead&, G/F, 18 Wo On Lane, Lan Kwai Fong, Central, Hong Kong

5. Doubleshot

Open all day for coffee, cocktails and food, Doubleshot has been a staple for daytime tipples ever since they launched. Visit to try Chanel Adams’ featured Hong Kong Cocktail, the Double Happiness.

Doubleshot, 1/F, Hilltop Plaza, 49 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong

6. The Diplomat

During the third wave, The Diplomat pivoted to up it daytime offerings by launching The Diplomat Cafe, serving food and cocktails. Head over for a satisfying Three Martini lunch and also to try John Nugent’s featured Hong Kong Cocktail, the Hollywood Highball.

The Diplomat, Shop 1, LG/F, H Code, 45 Pottinger Street, Central, Hong Kong

7. Maka Hiki Lounge at The Upper House

Head to the sixth floor at The Upper House to discover a Tiki bar paradise. From now until the end of May 2021, the space—including The Lawn terrace—plays host to the Maka Hiki Lounge by Honi Honi, Max Traverse's iconic tropical bar. The pop-up is open from 8am to 6pm, with cocktails served from 2pm onwards; guests can enjoy a selection of rums and Honi Honi signatures.

Maka Hiki Lounge, 6/F, The Upper House, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty, Hong Kong

8. MO Bar

While PDT is sadly closed, but you can still find bartender Kervin Unido shaking things up downstairs with the team at MO Bar. Classic cocktails and contemporary libations are still on the menu, along with satisfying snacks and early aperitivo.

MO Bar, G/F, Landmark Mandarin Oriental, 15 Queen's Road Central, Central, Hong Kong

9. Ozone

While the bar is closed, weekend brunches at Ozone are still on—that’s your golden opportunity to sample Oscar Mena’s featured Hong Kong Cocktail, the Bauhinia Sour.

Ozone, 118/F, The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong, 1 Austin Road West, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong

10. Penicillin

Hong Kong's first "closed loop" bar focuses on sustainability—drinkers come here for the unique fermented drinks and creative cocktails crafted from ingredients others wouldn't give a second pass. Right now, the bar serves a "Flawless Feed" lunch set with drinks pairing Monday to Saturday from 12pm to 3pm featuring appetisers, a choice of main and organic house-fermented drinks.

Penicillin, L/G, Amber Lodge, 23 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong

11. Q88

JW Marriott’s spacious bar is hidden away from the buffet lounge and a calming spot to relax with a few drinks—including Bryson Rivera’s featured Hong Kong Cocktail, the Double Happiness.

Q88, Lobby Level, JW Marriott Hotel Hong Kong, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty, Hong Kong

12. Quinary

We’ve always loved Quinary’s snack game, with selections including Sichuan chicken wings and wood-smoked Peking duck rolls, and their inventive cocktail menu. Their take on the Hong Kong Cocktail is the Bauhinia Sour.

Quinary, 56-58 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong

13. Room 309

Open from 12pm to 6pm Wednesday to Sunday, this hidden bar inside The Pottinger Hotel offers respite from everyday life. Visit to try Antonio Lai’s featured Hong Kong Cocktail, the I Love Hong Kong.

Room 309, 3/F, The Pottinger Hong Kong, 74 Queen's Road Central, Central, Hong Kong

14. Red Sugar

Grab a spot on the airy terrace overlooking Victoria Harbour—or, on frostier days, ensconced in the brick-and-leather interiors of the bar—for drinks mixed by Simon Kong. Don’t miss his take on the Hong Kong Cocktail, the Hollywood Highball.

Red Sugar, 7/F, Kerry Hotel, 38 Hung Luen Road, Hung Hom, Hong Kong

15. Stockton

At this secretive Central den, you’d never know what time it is—so settle in for food and fine cocktails from 12pm to 6pm Monday to Saturday. And don’t forget to ask for the signature Hong Kong Cocktail, the I Love Hong Kong.

Stockton, 32 Wyndham Street, Central, Hong Kong

16. Tell Camellia

This tea-centric bar is open daily from 12pm to 6pm, and it’s up to you whether you want to stick with a cuppa or opt for something considerably stronger. Visit to try Gagan Gurung and Sandeep Hathiramani’s featured Hong Kong Cocktail, the Double Happiness.

Tell Camellia, LG/F, H Code, 45 Pottinger Street, Central, Hong Kong

17. Zuma

A Central icon, Zuma is open throughout the day from 12pm to 6pm serving cocktails and contemporary Japanese nibbles to go with them. The bar has been supportive of the industry throughout the pandemic, and will soon announce another exciting new initiative designed to support bars.

Zuma, 5/F-6/F, Landmark Atrium, 15 Queen's Road Central, Central, Hong Kong

Topics

cocktails Hong Kong Cocktail bars

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