• DARKSIDE UNVEILS NEW COCKTAIL MENU INSPIRED BY THE CLASSICS OF THE 1920s-1930s FROM 9TH DECEMBER

    The latest cocktail menu led by new Director of Bars Bob Louison and Darkside’s award-winning team of mixologists

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    <<9th December, 2024 – Hong Kong>> DarkSide at Rosewood Hong Kong, the sophisticated sultry jazz and cocktail parlour that is currently ranked no.17 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024, is proud to unveil its latest collection of innovative drinks inspired by the iconic cocktails of the 1920’s and 1930’s starting from 9th December. Under the direction of Bob Louison, the new Director of Bars at Rosewood Hong Kong together with Assistant Bar Manager, Toby Lo and team, each cocktail pays homage to its classic predecessor, telling a story of history, glamour, and creativity that captures the spirit of the Roaring Twenties.

    Introducing New Director of Bars, Bob Louison

    Bob Louison brings extensive experience and expertise to his role as the Director of Bars at Rosewood Hong Kong, overseeing the bar programs for the hotel’s eleven outlets, including DarkSide and XX. His impressive career has taken him through some of the globe’s most renowned cities, including London, Barcelona, New York, and Seoul. In 2021, he excelled as the Beverage Manager at Rosewood Le Guanahani in Saint Barthélemy, where he played a pivotal role in launching an exceptional beverage program that received widespread international recognition. Most recently, at Rosewood Phnom Penh, Bob spearheaded operations as the Director of Bars and Beverage Director, enhancing the guest experience across six restaurants and seven bars. With a passion for mixology and a sharp eye for industry trends, Bob Louison is poised to redefine hospitality at Rosewood Hong Kong, crafting unforgettable experiences through innovation, elegance, and exceptional service.

    New Menu: Classic Cocktails, Reimagined

    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.

    <<ENDS>>

    About DarkSide

    DarkSide is a sophisticated, timeless celebration of rare aged spirits, vintage cigars and confident classic cocktails complemented by sultry live jazz. The dark spirits selection spans back to the early 19th century and includes exclusive casks of single harvest tawny port from 1994 and Grande Champagne cognac aged in oak, as well as an extensive library of choice rum, whisky and calvados. The concise cocktail list pays homage to Kowloon’s “Dark Side” moniker and focuses on time-honoured traditions updated with innovative techniques.

    Contact DarkSide

    Address: Level Two, Rosewood Hong Kong, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong

    Website: https://www.darkside.hk/

    Instagram: @darksidehk @bobeverages @tobylotoby

    Award and Accolades

    World’s 50 Best Bars 2021 – #49

    World’s 50 Best Bars 2023 – #97

    Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2022 – #13

    Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2023 – #9

    Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024 – #17

    Tatler Dining Bar Awards 2022 – Top 10 Bars of Hong Kong + Best Service

    Tatler Dining Bar Awards 2023 – Top 10 Bars of Hong Kong

    SCMP Top 100 Tables – Best Bars of Hong Kong

    Time Out Hong Kong Bar Awards 2022 – Best Cocktail Program + Best Sustainable Cocktail

    Time Out Hong Kong Bar Awards 2021 – Best Bar, Best Hotel Bar

    Tatler Asia Best of Asia 2024 Awards – Top 100 Bars of Asia

    About Rosewood Hong Kong

    The 413-room Rosewood Hong Kong is located at a prime Victoria Harbour waterfront location at the former New World Centre on Salisbury Road in Tsim Sha Tsui. The ultra-luxury hotel occupies 43 floors of the multi-use Rosewood Tower, a new landmark on the world-famous skyline. Eleven restaurants and lounges are complemented by recreational facilities including Asaya, Rosewood’s integrated wellness concept. The Manor Club executive lounge provides exclusive privileges while The Pavilion, the brand’s signature residential-style meeting and function space, hosts corporate events, conferences and social celebrations. The 186 luxury Rosewood Residences have been designed for residents electing short and longer-stay rentals, with a dedicated private club, along with special services and dedicated amenities.

    For more information: rosewoodhotels.com/hongkong

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    @RosewoodHongKong #RosewoodHongKong