The cocktail scene at DarkSide is experiencing a thrilling revival of reimagined classics from the exuberant eras of the 1920s and 1930s. A total of eight new cocktails include Blood and Sand, which harmonizes DarkSide’s Blended Whiskey with Mancino Rosso Vermouth, brightened by orange and citrus, and a hint of Cherry Heering. This cocktail’s origins trace back to the 1930 Savoy Cocktail Book and is believed to pay homage to Rudolf Valentino’s silent film, portraying the life of a bullfighter—a nod to the glamour and drama of its time.
Brown Derby stands as a true testament to Hollywood’s glitzy past, crafted with Matusalem 15 Rum, Michter’s Bourbon, grapefruit, honey, and maple. This drink was born at the Vendome Club, the epicentre of celebrity culture on Sunset Boulevard during the 30s.
The Mai Tai offers a tropical twist with a blend of Jamaican and Agricole rums, Cointreau, and a dash of absinthe, harkening back to its possible 1933 origins in tiki lore. A more sophisticated choice, the Champs Elysees combines Remy Martin VSOP Cognac and Chateau Laubade VSOP Armagnac, inspired by the classic Sidecar and named after the iconic Parisian avenue, promising a burst of herbal and citrus notes. Meanwhile, the Fallen Angel provides a mysterious allure with NIP Gin and crème de menthe, adapted from Harry Craddock’s writings in the Savoy Cocktail Book, inviting drinkers to ponder the angel’s fate.
The Scofflaw Cocktail invites patrons to savour the rebellious spirit of its origins, featuring Michter’s Rye Whiskey, Mancino Secco Vermouth, grenadine, citrus, and bitters. Named for those who defiantly enjoyed spirits during Prohibition, this cocktail first appeared in 1924 at Harry’s Bar in Paris. The Bloody Maria breathes new life into a classic with the zing of Altos Blanco Tequila and Siete Misterios Mezcal, layering tomato and spice in an invigorating concoction that links back to the drink’s storied beginnings in 1920s Paris.
Finally, Hanky Panky features a sophisticated blend of Monkey 47 Gin, Mancino Rosso Vermouth, and both Fernet Hunter and Fernet Branca, for a rich herbal complexity and character. Originating from Ada Coleman at the Savoy, it was designed to please a regular patron’s martini cravings. Legend has it he exclaimed, “By Jove! This is the real hanky-panky!” upon tasting it.
The Classic Cocktails Menu, offering patrons a taste of history alongside DarkSide’s modern mixology, will be exclusively available at DarkSide at Rosewood Hong Kong from 9th December, with cocktails priced at HKD170 + 10% each.