On Tuesday, 18 July, Rosewood Hong Kong will host the eighth edition of Asia’s 50 Best Bars awards ceremony, where this year’s list of the region’s best bars will be unveiled. Marking the very first time the seminal event will take place in Hong Kong, the event will also be the first since 2019 to see a reunion of the bar community.
As travellers return to this cosmopolitan city, Rosewood Hong Kong celebrates the momentous reunion of Asia’s cocktail luminaries and bar aficionados with a series of new happenings across the hotel’s eleven distinctive dining, showcasing creativity and a contemporary interpretation of accessible gastronomy and refined beverage craft.
Inspired by the concept of a “business with purpose”, BluHouse whisks guests on a whirlwind trip to Italy by way of its latest cocktail menu, which provides the perfect aperitivo experience with a strong focus on artisanal Italian ingredients and liquor brands. Rosewood Hong Kong also unveils a new “A Sense of Taste” Bar-Hopping Journey through seven of its bar venues, including BluHouse, CHAAT, DarkSide, HENRY, The Dining Room, Bayfare Social and Asaya Kitchen. This experience will be available to purchase on Rosewood’s online shop between 20 July and 30 September. Finally, on 16 and 17 July as a lead-up to the anticipated awards ceremony, DarkSide is set to host an exclusive pop-up by Paradiso cocktail bar from Barcelona, renowned for winning the no.1 spot on World’s 50 Best Bars 2022.
ROSEWOOD HONG KONG’S BAR-HOPPING JOURNEY
Experience the full might of Rosewood Hong Kong’s award-winning beverage programme with the launch of “A Sense of Taste” Bar-Hopping Journey through 7 of the hotel’s bar venues. Available as a gift card experience on Rosewood Hong Kong’s online shop from 20 July until 30 September, with validity for use until 30 December, customers can purchase a set of tokens containing either a 3-bar hop (HENRY, Bayfare Social and Asaya Kitchen OR DarkSide, The Dining Room, and BluHouse) or the full 7-bar hop.
| BluHouse | Signature Italian Cocktails
Drawing inspiration from an old Italian newspaper, a selection of the Italian’s favourite cocktails is presented with a simple twist. Focusing on Spritzes and Negroni, the menu evokes a reminiscent feeling. |
| The Dining Room | Vintage Italian Cocktails
From Aperol Spritz to Negroni, sample selections of classic Italian cocktails from the 1980s using Vermouth bitters and spirits. |
| DarkSide | The Art of Mahjong
Guided by Rosewood’s A Sense of Place® philosophy, DarkSide celebrates Chinese culture by showcasing the craftsmanship of hand-drawn mahjong tiles and the creation of 8 new cocktail experiences inspired by mahjong flowers and the different seasons. |
| Bayfare Social | Sherry O’Clock
Inspired by the famous Sherry wines of Spain, this menu celebrates Sherry as one of the most versatile cocktail ingredients. From saline to nutty, the 6 cocktails offer guests a combination of whimsical flavours. |
| CHAAT | Colours of India
Echoing India as a country of bold and symbolic colours, 5 cocktails derived from different colour schemes are created by drawing inspiration from various Indian regions, history, and attractions. |
| HENRY | Taste and Culture of Southern States and Mexico
Taking notes from the rich and varied heritage of the Southern states of the US and Mexico, this signature menu features 6 innovative cocktails crafted to elevate the HENRY experience. |
| Asaya Kitchen | Mediterranean Flavours
The cocktail menu celebrates seven staple ingredients in the Mediterranean diet, featuring 5 concoctions crafted with refreshing and delicious produce such as tomato and oregano. Perfect to enjoy at the restaurant terrace overlooking the stunning view of Victoria Harbour. |
THE WORLD’S BEST BAR 2022, PARADISO FROM BARCELONA TO TAKE UP RESIDENCE IN DARKSIDE ON 16 AND 17 JULY
From 9 pm until midnight on 16 and 17 July prior to Asia’s 50 Best Bars award presentation in Hong Kong, DarkSide at Rosewood Hong Kong (#13 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2022) is set to host an exclusive pop-up by Paradiso, a speakeasy cocktail bar from Barcelona ranked number 1 on World’s 50 Best Bars 2022. Renowned for its avant-garde cocktails that blend creativity, an ethos of sustainability, and a touch of playful whimsy, Paradiso offers a uniquely personal take on the modern speakeasy experience. Tuscany-born Giacomo Giannotti, owner and head bartender of Paradiso, will be joined by Rosewood Hong Kong’s Director of Bars Simone Rossi, Bar Manager KT Lam and the DarkSide team behind the bar to re-create their world-class signature mixes for two nights only.
NEW ITALIAN COCKTAIL MENU AT BLUHOUSE
BluHouse brings a taste of everyday life from the streets of Italy for its guests to immerse in an authentic Italian experience, starting from the barista corner where the rituals of aperitivo come to life. A pre-meal drink designed to whet the appetite, aperitivo is a drinking ritual ingrained deep in the Italian culinary tradition. BluHouse unveils seven new cocktails inspired by this ritual, presented with a simple, modern twist.
The perfect pre- or post-meal tipple, Aperitivo Biondo (HK$140) is a light and refreshing mix of Rinomato Aperitivo Bianco, aromatic prickly pear, and an undertone of peach given by Persichetto, served on the rocks with a fresh slice of peach. Nocciola Fashioned (HK$140) is a take on a classic Old-Fashioned, created with Italian brandy and rye whiskey, which gives it a lighter and more approachable headiness. The drink is infused with Italian hazelnut and served on the rocks with a strip of dehydrated plum. Acqua di Blu (HK$140) is a light and aromatic drink resembling punch, with predominant pear notes. Its sweetness is balanced by tamarind and sparkling wine prosecco, served elegantly in a tulip glass over a block of ice with a rim of sugar, salt and cinnamon.
BluHouse’s take on a classic Amaro Sour, Amarognolo (HK$140) features a blend of three Amaro with distinctive characteristics, layered with a floral jasmine flavour from gelsomino liqueur. Paloma Amara (HK$140), an Italian interpretation of a classic Paloma, contains equal parts blanco tequila and Italian bitters, with citrusy freshness provided by grapefruit, watermelon and a refreshing Italian carbonated soft drink called Gazzosa. A romantic summer drink, Amaretto Amore (HK$140) bursts with flavours of Amaretto, bergamot, Fernet Branca and Tio Pepe sherry wine, with extra aroma from a few drops of passionfruit cordial.
The must-try special for lovers of the Dirty Martini is the Martini Saporito (HK$140), created with a complex and mineral blend of vermouth, crispy Vermentino wine, Marsala Secco, and capers water. A simple yet essential highlight of BluHouse’s cocktail programme, Chinatino (HK$140) is a vermouth highball featuring Mancino Vermouth Chinato and Chinotto, an Italian sparkling soft drink.