DarkSide at Rosewood Hong Kong fuses art, technology and the power of imagination to present “The Moon Menu”

The Moon Menu – Cocktails Inspired by the Eight Phases of the Moon

During each lunar cycle, according to astrology, yoga practice and ancient philosophies, the moon’s different phases influence human emotions and behaviour.  DarkSide’s new menu is inspired by this belief.  Each cocktail corresponds to a different phase of the moon and the intensity of the drink is determined by its brightness or darkness.  As the moon becomes brighter, the drink becomes lighter, and likewise as the moon gets darker, the drink gets stronger.

“NEW MOON – New Beginning”

The first phase of the moon cycle is New Moon, invisible to those on earth, when it is believed to be a time for new beginnings and setting intentions for the month ahead. The corresponding cocktail is a stirred drink with a base of Johnnie Walker Black Label and Fernet Hunter, with aromatic notes provided by Japanese hinoki wood. The blend is approachable yet complex on the palate with the addition of Cantine Intorica Banana Aromatic Marsala Wine and is served in an elegant coupette glass with a single ice ball.

“WAXING CRESCENT – Fresh Energy”

The Waxing Crescent phase is the moon’s first step towards fullness, consistent with a build-up of personal energy.  The matching stirred cocktail is based loosely on an Old Fashioned with a Remy Martin VSOP cognac base. Nuttiness from tonka beans interacts with the complexity of Graham’s Fine Ruby Port wine and Bourgoin Pineau des Charentes. The aromatic cocktail is served in a teacup with a block of ice and spritzes of myrrh mist.

The First Quarter – Momentum

The First Quarter is the phase where the entire right side of the moon is illuminated. This is believed to be the perfect time for people to revel in what they’ve been working on.   “Momentum” is a shaken drink with fruity notes and hints of acidity from raspberries and herbal notes provided by fig leaves and distilled whisky.  The drink is served in a pony glass and garnished with rice paper.

The Waxing Gibbous – Patience

The Waxing Gibbous phase follows the First Quarter, just one small step away from the moon’s full power.  This is when to persevere and be patient.  The corresponding cocktail is a refreshing and tropical stirred Grey Goose vodka and Tio Pepe sherry libation, with exotic notes from coconut and pandan vinegar, balanced with sweet and fruity lychee. Taro provides a soft undertone of flavour, while a drop of sandalwood creates a complex aroma. Garnished with a single pandan leaf, the drink is served in a rocks glass over a block of ice that symbolises the Milky Way galaxy.

Full Moon – Gratitude

During the Full Moon, the orb is at full power; this is the occasion to be grateful and add extra strength to intentions. “Gratitude” has a base of Star of Bombay gin with a clarified milk punch and a touch of nuttiness and acidity from sour cherry wine. The drink is served in a ceramic cup designed by Ryan Foote to symbolise the rough and ridged texture of the moon’s surface.

Waning Gibbous – Giving

Waning Gibbous marks the winding down of the moon’s power, with a shadow on the right-hand side of the sphere. The related cocktail is a fizzy and refreshing take on a whisky highball. Created with Michter’s Bourbon and Mancino Bianco Vermouth, the cocktail exudes delicate herbal notes from Rosewood’s signature blend tea of passionfruit and cherry blossom, with a hint of acidity from strawberry gum. The drink is served in a ceramic rock-textured highball mug whose design was inspired by the form of a meteorite.

Last Quarter – Transition

The third quarter moon, or the Last Quarter, is illuminated on the left-hand side. The moon is now back to half-power and this is supposedly the ideal period to let go of any negativity.  The complementary “Transition” is a creamy shaken cocktail with ruby chocolate cordial. Aromatic and floral notes are derived from the shea butter calvados and a touch of London Essence soda water opens up the complex flavours. The drink is served over ice in a ceramic textured moon cup with a straw.

Waxing Crescent – Intuition