Copy Our Trip: Where to Drink in Hong Kong
Bustling bars and unique spirits.
Red Sugar
Hong Kong at night is intoxicating, even before you’ve had anything to drink.
There is something about the energy of this place once the sun goes down—it’s still hot, but no longer unbearably so; neon signs start to blink awake, giving everything a hazy glow; and the sounds of cars give way to people, who fill the winding streets with a renewed fervour.
Simply wandering the city once darkness falls is plenty enlivening all on its own, but for those who do want to imbibe, here’s where to pull up a chair.
Recently landing number one on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2025 list, Bar Leone is deserving of its praise. This rip-roaring Italian cocktail bar slings excellent drinks (opt for something on the negroni menu, or the Filthy Martini with smoked olive brine) and snacks (the olives are, quite simply, a must). But what really shines here is the hospitality, which is second to none. Despite its consistent recognition, Bar Leone is laid-back, warm, and unpretentious in its service. Grab a seat at the bar, if you can snag one, and enjoy the company of the friendly staff.
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With a giant patio that juts out over the harbour, the Kerry Hotel Hong Kong’s onsite bar Red Sugar is a mesmerizing place in which to watch the tall waterfront buildings come alive with video advertisements and bright signs once the sun goes down. With unmatched views and specialty cocktails featuring Asian flavours, Red Sugar makes it easy to fall under Hong Kong’s spell.
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Part gelato shop and part cocktail bar, Snack Baby is a whimsical, candy-coloured space. A scoop of ice cream can be made more adult with the addition of a “kicker” (a shot of flavour-paired alcohol). Alternatively, a Fernet-Branca spritz is a delightfully refreshing option for those who want to drink their sugar.
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For a well-made drink and perfectly salty frites, one-Michelin-starred French restaurant Louise has La Terrace: its more laid-back outdoor patio. The whole terrace is surrounded by tall, bright-green plants, making it feel secluded and special even though it’s in the heart of the city.
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Inspired by Earnest Hemingway, The Old Man is an intimate cocktail bar with accents of green and gold. Drinks are an art here, with creations such as In Another Country (white chocolate-infused cognac, spiced rum, and raspberry beeswax-infused Campari) and The Dangerous Summer (mango curd, kiwi-infused bourbon, fermented koji rice, liquorice salt). Just like digging into a good book, half the fun here is the thrill of the unknown.
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Slide up to the bar at Ho Lee Fook for a glass of Chinese wine or a Salty Plum Sour (Wild Turkey, Lazzaroni Amaretto, salted plum shrub, egg white, lemon). This lively underground restaurant is beloved by many, and for good reason: its food menu is just as fun as its bar list. Order the kurobuta pork char siu for something fatty and salty to pair with your drinks.
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Located inside the Eaton, Hong Kong hotel, Terrible Baby is a 1970s-inspired bar with a strong sense of play. Sit at the bar to watch the hotel’s Jetsons-like bubble elevators go up and down, and indulge in a drink like the Misfit (Johnnie Walker Black, chocolate bitters, Ardbeg 10, Fernet-Branca, and rhubarb liqueur).
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For a taste of Chinese wine, visit Zau Mei: a humble wine bar with a small but mighty list. A selection of rotating vintages are available by the glass. For a wider selection, buy the whole bottle and relax on the small patio out front, watching people come and go.
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Towering above the city in the Island Shangri-La, one-Michelin-starred Restaurant Petrus is best known for its French fare. And that, surely, is not to be missed—but if the occasion calls for nothing but a nibble and a good glass of wine, Restaurant Petrus might still be just the place. With a staggering wine list of over 12,000 bottles, there is something for everyone here, whether from France, Italy, Switzerland, or China.
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For First class passengers and Diamond members flying Cathay Pacific, a visit to The Pier, First is a must. This lounge at Hong Kong International Airport transcends the usual offerings, boasting spa treatments, private nap rooms, and a Mott 32 tasting menu. After a massage and a meal, retreat to The Bar, with its iconic horseshoe shape, to order a stiff one and toast to a trip well done.
