From futuristic alcoholic "capsules" to Okinawan cocktails, we introduce the most novel ways to quench your thirst this summer
Cooling down in a heatwave, taking your mind off a global pandemic, or merely to spirit your mind away to another time and place amidst another summer without travel... whatever your reason for drinking, Hong Kong is one of the best cities to do it in this season. Whether your ailments call for a splash of gin in your Chinese soup or a full medley of supposedly curative cocktails, our city's bars and distilleries have you covered with a number of exciting openings, pop-ups and collaborations to imbibe. Keep scrolling for our full round-up.
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Darkside Collaborates With Fernet Hunter For A Foraged Amaro
As part of its push towards a more sustainable form of mixology, as well as to celebrate Hong Kong's local flavours, Darkside has partnered with professional forager Wanda Huang and Fernet Hunter to create a one-of-a-kind amaro. Called 'Hunter In The Dark', the amaro will be showcased into four cocktails, alongside herbs hand-foraged by Huang around Tai O, and available only for one week at Darkside from August 23 to 29.
First up is the Austrian Fashioned, which mixes Fernet Hunter with Plantation 5 Years Rum, Bourgoin Pineau, Cherry Heering, agave, Abbotts and peach bitters. The Bee's Hunt is made with Hunter In The Dark amaro, Barr Hill Gin, Barr Hill raw honey, Mancino Bianco, absinthe, Cedrata and prosecco. Meanwhile, the Chalming Highball includes Fernet Hunter Granit, Chamomile, Michel Huard Fine Calvados and soda; while the Melange Martini features Hunter In The Dark amaro, Mr Black coffee liqueur, Remy Martin VSOP and absinthe melange foam. Each drink is priced at HK$180.
On August 25, Huang and Fernet Hunter co-founder Raphael Holzer will also host a seminar on the art of foraging, the importance of local agriculture, and how to include indigenous herbs into the process of spirits-making. For more information, head to Darkside's website here.