Hong Kong’s cocktail scene is among the best in Asia, and nowhere is that more clear than in Central and SoHo. This part of Hong Kong Island is packed with stylish hotel lounges, inventive speakeasies, and neighborhood hangouts that serve some of the most creative drinks in the region.
In this guide, I’ve rounded up my take on 13 of the best cocktail bars in Central Hong Kong, with a few SoHo favorites mixed in. Several of these spots also appear on the Asia’s 50 Best Bars list, while others are hidden gems worth seeking out on your next night out. Whether you’re after a perfectly made classic, a sustainability-driven creation, or an over-the-top themed bar, you’ll find it here.
Bars are listed roughly in order of my personal preference as a whole, not on just the cocktails themselves.
1. Apothecary
Apothecary is tucked away on the 3rd floor of an office building in Lan Kwai Fong, marked by a discreet entrance that adds to its speakeasy feel. Inside, the dark, minimalist design creates a refined atmosphere without feeling overly formal.
The bar’s philosophy is to take classic cocktails as the “core” and build on them with herbs, spices, and unexpected ingredients as the “shell.” The result is drinks that feel familiar yet unique, leaning herbal or slightly savory without being too experimental.
Signature cocktails include:
- Matcha Irish Coffee: Matcha, coconut, and vanilla layered into a hot drink topped with cold foam.
- Tarragon White Negroni: A twist on the White Negroni with tarragon and baijiu, creating a sweet-bitter balance.
- Hazelnut Sour: Reimagines the Amaretto Sour with hazelnut, apricot, and clove.
Apothecary is an excellent choice for couples or small groups who want a more upscale night out compared to the high energy Lan Kwai Fong party scene just outside.
2. Penicillin
Penicillin is Hong Kong’s first bar fully dedicated to sustainability and zero waste. Everything from the spirits and botanicals to the glassware is designed with minimal impact in mind, and most of the ingredients are sourced locally within Hong Kong. The goal is simple: to have as little waste left at the end of the night as possible.
The space itself is sleek and extremely minimalist, keeping the focus on what’s in the glass. Bartenders look almost like chemists at work as they prepare drinks, but the service is still approachable and friendly.
Highlights include the signature “One Penicillin, One Tree”, a cocktail that plants a tree in Borneo with every order, and the “Slow Grind”, a rich mix of pistachio-paste bourbon, blackened malt, buttered cascara rum, and caramel-ghee foam. The rest of the menu is equally thoughtful and inventive without being overcomplicated.
Penicillin has earned a place on the Asia’s 50 Best Bars list and is worth visiting if you’re interested in eco-friendly drinking or simply want something more innovative than the typical cocktail bar.
3. Bar Leone
Bar Leone brings a laid-back Italian aperitivo feel to SoHo and has quickly become one of the most talked about bars in Hong Kong. It’s best known for perfectly made Negronis, other Italian classics, and simple but excellent bar snacks like the mortadella sandwich. The space is casual and welcoming, the kind of spot you can drop into for one drink and end up staying for several.
4. The Diplomat
Like many other bars on this list, The Diplomat is a small bar in SoHo that’s easy to miss from the street. But if you can find the small button to the left of the door, you’ll enter one of my favorite bars in Hong Kong.
The main bar has only a handful of tables and a small bar, giving it a cozy vibe without feeling unwelcoming. There’s also a short food menu with the popular wagyu burger and addicting chicken nuggets. It’s a comfortable place to stop in solo for a quick cocktail and bite to eat.
The cocktail list is tight and focused, with a mix of punches, classics, and an excellent espresso martini. The Irish Coffee is particularly well-regarded and perhaps the best in Hong Kong.
But the secret lies behind the main room in the Diplomat Member’s Lounge. This is a private back room reserved for members and their guests. It’s an invitation-only speakeasy within the bar, making the main space accessible to everyone while still keeping a layer of exclusivity.
5. COA
Coa is Hong Kong’s go-to bar for anyone who is a fan of tequila, mezcal, and other agave spirits. They stock over 200 bottles from Mexico, and the cocktails are designed to showcase those flavors in approachable ways. The signature La Paloma de Oaxaca comes with a worm-salt rim and is one of the bar’s must-try drinks. The space is low-lit, relaxed, and focused on what’s in your glass rather than flashy décor, making it a standout for people who want depth of flavor and a taste of Mexico in Hong Kong.
6. The Thirsty Shaker
Thirsty Shaker stands out from many of Hong Kong’s other cocktail bars for two reasons: it has an outdoor terrace and it’s well suited for larger groups.
Located on the 3rd floor, the bar and terrace are much more casual than high-end cocktail spots nearby. The vibe is relaxed, more like a local hangout than a hidden speakeasy. The menu covers a solid mix of classics and a few signature drinks, all well-made without being overly elaborate.
If you’re looking for a break from fancier cocktail bars and want something easygoing but still high quality, Thirsty Shaker is a good choice.
7. ARGO
Argo is the cocktail bar at the Four Seasons Hotel that is known for its stylish design and inventive drink menus that change seasonally. The cocktails often play with unusual ingredients and techniques, but the results are balanced and approachable. With floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Victoria Harbour, it’s as much about the view as the drinks, making it a good choice if you want a polished night out.
8. The Aubrey
The Aubrey is a Japanese izakaya-style bar on the 25th floor of the Mandarin Oriental. The space is divided into different rooms, each with its own character, and the menu highlights shochu and sake-based cocktails alongside Japanese bar snacks. With its elegant setting and high-rise views, it’s a polished spot for both drinks and atmosphere.
9. The Iron Fairies
Iron Fairies is one of Hong Kong’s most distinctive cocktail bars. The underground space was inspired by an Australian mine with tunnels and hidden rooms. It is dimly lit and filled with heavy iron details, hanging chains, and tiny jars of “fairy dust” scattered throughout.
The cocktails are creative, but the dramatic setting is the real highlight. And with its larger space, Iron Fairies works well for small groups or as a memorable spot to take out-of-town friends.
There are also sister locations in Kuala Lumpur and Bali.
10. The Savory Project
The Savory Project stands out by focusing on umami flavors rather than sweet ones. Cocktails here use ingredients like mushrooms, miso, and spices to create drinks that are bold but well-balanced. One of the most talked-about options is the Thai Beef Salad cocktail, which combines rum with chili, kaffir lime, and herbs. It’s a place for adventurous drinkers who want something different from the usual.
11. GOKAN
Gokan is a Japanese-inspired cocktail bar built around the idea of the five tastes: sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami. The space is intimate and minimalist, with a calm atmosphere that matches its thoughtful approach to drinks. Cocktails are precise and refined, leaning on Japanese spirits and seasonal ingredients. It’s a good option if you’re looking for something elegant and understated.
12. The Mixing Room
The Mixing Room is the sister venue to Iron Fairies, located right next door and run by the same team. While it shares a touch of the same whimsical style, it has its own distinct identity with a separate cocktail menu and atmosphere.
The large, underground space is known for its dramatic ceiling installation of more than 22,000 glass bottles suspended overhead. The result is an immersive environment that feels intimate yet theatrical. Cocktails lean creative and theme-driven, making it a great option for anyone who enjoys a mix of storytelling and atmosphere with their drinks.
13. Artifact
Artifact is a futuristic, design-forward cocktail bar tucked beneath Jardine House. The space feels almost like the interior of a spaceship, with curved walls, soft lighting, and sleek textures that create an otherworldly atmosphere.
The cocktail program takes inspiration from Japanese ingredients and minimalist design, focusing on precision and balance. Expect drinks built around umami flavors, fresh citrus, and seasonal botanicals, served in carefully chosen glassware that complements the modern aesthetic.
It’s a more polished and experimental spot than many others in the area. So, it’s an ideal spot if you want cocktails with a sense of artistry in a unique setting.
