AlmosTea Pop-Up at SIHE
In the same building as Perry's on Xiangyang Bei Lu, you'll find the artistic bar and eatery SIHE, which opened last year after its Beijing counterpart became a hit up north. They are hosting month-long pop-ups from bars across China in their side room, a bright and colorful space.Currently, AlmosTea, a Chengdu bar owned by Eric Pan, Yue Cao, and Ethan Yang, is the featured pop-up, bringing their beautiful and thoughtful cocktails from their city to ours.AlmosTea pop-up menu. Photo by Maria Menand / That's.Eric's passion is immediately evident in his menu, which is designed around a map of Sichuan, showcasing teas and flavors specific to the province.Left - LinQiong Yu (RMB108): QiongLai Dark Tea Kombucha, Cranberry, Cornel Peppercorn, Passionfruit, Vodka; Right - Bi Tan Xue (RMB108): Mount Emei BiTanPiaoXu Jasmine Tea, Tabb Baijiu, Melon, Peach, Milk, Tonic. Photo by Maria Menand / That's.He enthusiastically shares the story behind one cocktail, the Lin Qiong Yu (RMB108), made with cornel—a pepper related to the Sichuan peppercorn—that packs a flavorful punch, evoking a sense of homesickness and nostalgia.Next, he proudly presents a baijiu cocktail, the Bi Tan Xue (RMB108), hoping to help younger Chinese rediscover this piece of their heritage.GuangYuan Eagle (RMB108): Sichuan Guangyuan Eagle Tea, Islay Whisky, Verjuice, Rose, Cocchi Rose. Photo by Maria Menand / That's.All of the cocktails incorporate tea. A twist on the Rob Roy, the Guang Yuan Eagle (RMB108), has a perfect appeal for Shanghai audiences—strong, dry, and featuring the distinct tones of 'Eagle Tea,' which has a strong woody flavor and pairs perfectly with peat whiskey.Eric says that this drink is favored in Shanghai not only for its higher strength, but also because "In Shanghai, people have a cocktail with a meal. In Chengdu, dinner is dinner, and drinking is drinking!"Chuan Huang Ju (RMB108): Ganzi Luding Golden Crysthanthemum Tea, Marigold, BaLong Dry Gin, Yellow Rice Wine, Plum Wine, Oloroso Sherry, Mezcal, Gardenia, Verjuice. Photo by Maria Menand / That's.He laughs and goes on to share one of the most culturally playful cocktails on his menu, the Chuan Huang Ju (RMB108). This cocktail comes topped with a white chocolate yin-yang, a traditional symbol in Chinese culture. The twist here is that in order to enjoy the drink, the yin-yang must be broken with a small wooden hammer!
Eric explains that in Chinese culture, there is a saying that translates loosely to "May you have peace all year," which carries the connotation that when we break something—whether intentionally or by accident—it absorbs misfortune that might otherwise befall us.Photo by Maria Menand / That's.In terms of fortune, the AlmosTea pop-up is bringing positive vibes—fun, lighthearted, and inspired. The bartenders are ready for a chat and a laugh, embodying the essence of what makes Chinese mixologists stand out globally: their ability to bring a vision of Chinese heritage and pride to modern cocktail appreciation.The pop-up will run until March 15, with a special abstract arts performance on March 8, Women's Day.Daily, 6pm–2am
SIHE 17 Xiangyang Bei Lu, by Changle Lu, Jing'an District
襄阳北路17-1号, 近长乐路J.Boroski: The Chamber Performance Mixology
J.Boroski founder Joseph Boroski. Photo by Maria Menand / That's.There has been a lot of anticipation surrounding the launch of performance mixology events at J.Boroski, with bar founder himself, Joseph Boroski, here for a week to test and launch this VIP experience. In fact, we landed an interview with him...Joseph Boroski in performance mixology mode. Photo by Maria Menand / That's.Held in 'The Chamber'—an intimate 'living room' sidebar—the concept is still in the testing phase, and the launch this weekend resulted in a casually intriguing presentation inspired by Thai mythology, as well as a more interesting set of cocktails with accompanying snacks.Firing things up. Photo by Maria Menand / That's.Although we might have expected bottle flare, dry ice, color-changing techniques, and other gimmicks, the show itself was more educational, featuring a voiceover accompanied by imagery about three Thai goddesses and how the drink flavors reflected their stories.What can be said is that the glassware, which was either specially ordered or custom-made for the concept, showcased some creative presentation. Each offered more than just a standard single cocktail.Dual-Cocktail Combination at the Chamber, J.Boroski's new performance mixology experience. Photo by Maria Menand / That's.To meet the expectations of the discerning Shanghai audience, the J.Boroski team will hopefully be elevating some performance aspects.That said, the value of the upcoming tickets—priced at RMB588 from Tuesday to Thursday and RMB688 on weekends—is reasonable, considering the combination of cocktails and snacks at this esteemed and unique establishment, which offers an intimate setting.Bottles at J.Boroski. Photo by Maria Menand / That's.Hot Tip: When attending J.Boroski, ask about the bottles of in-house liqueurs, infusions, and other mystery liquids they have crafted. Learning the flavors of these is a journey toward the right direction of a bespoke cocktail request.Reservations can be made via WeChat: @jboroskiTue–Thu, 8:30pm & 11pm; RMB 588 per guest
Fri & Sat, 7:30pm, 10pm & 12:30am; RMB 688 per guest
J.Boroski 2/F, 177 Fumin Lu, by Julu Lu, Jing'an District 富民路177号2楼, 近巨鹿路Anticipated Opening: Bar Choice #3
Image courtesy of Bar ChoiceRing Zhao, owner of Bar Choice—newly-crowned People's Choice That's Shanghai Food & Drink Awards Bar of the Year—is launching a third location! Co-founded with Qi Yingjie, the Intangible Cultural Heritage Master of West Lake Longjing, this new Bar Choice, named Full House (满堂), will host its soft opening at The Bund Finance Center (BFC) in early March.Image courtesy of Bar ChoiceAn exciting aspect of this venture will be a focus on elevated bar food, with Bar Choice collaborating with the incredibly talented team behind well-known Shanghai bistros Huantao, Dangxia, and Ambra.Guest Shift at 12-Bar Blues
Image courtesy of 12-Bar BluesThe inspiration behind Bar Dip stems from the traditional Hakka indigo dyeing technique in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. By blending this craft with mixology, Dragon has created a unique cocktail experience rich in cultural flavor.Image courtesy of 12-Bar BluesThrough the extraction of natural plant pigments and the artistry of mixology, every cocktail at Bar Dip tells a story, seamlessly merging tradition and modernity. Now, this distinctive mixology art is coming to Shanghai.Image courtesy of 12-Bar BluesLater this month, they will also host a guest shift from Stir, a renowned bar in Vietnam. The menu will be announced soon—stay tuned!Wed, Feb 26, 9pm–midnight
Sun, Mar 30, 9pm–midnight
12-Bar Blues 2/F, 1331 Fuxing Zhong Lu, by Fenyang Lu 复兴中路1331号2楼, 近汾阳路The Tuxedo
Ginger Snake (RMB118): Snake Skin-infused Chinese Rice Wine, Oloroso Sherry, Rosso Vermouth, Orange, Ginger Beer, Salak Fruit. Photo by RyiuchiThis shocking cocktail is a combination of snake skin-infused Chinese rice wine, oloroso sherry, rosso vermouth, orange, ginger beer, and salak fruit... also known as the snake skin fruit.The bar is also about to launch a new cocktail menu, which will include some old favorites alongside reimagined classic cocktails.Bohemian (RMB108): Czech Brandy, Martin Miller's Gin, Elderflower, Grapefruit, Gentian Flower. Photo by RyiuchiThe menu will also feature cocktail flights (RMB238 to try four select samples) and stunning new creations like the Bohemian (RMB108), made with Czech brandy, Martin Miller's gin, elderflower, grapefruit, and gentian flower.Additionally, they're introducing some intriguing bar bites, such as Dandelion Pork Dumplings (RMB68) and Lard Dregs Wontons (RMB58).The Tuxedo 46 Ruijin Er Lu, by Xiangshan Lu, Huangpu District 瑞金二路46号, 近香山路Yaya's Year of the Snake Cocktail
Yaya's Special Snake Bite Negroni (RMB78) – Peddlers Gin Co Limited Edition Snake Oil Gin, Campari, Sweet Vermouth, Orange; Hot Pot Spaghetti (RMB98) – Spaghetti, Sesame Peanut Sauce, Bresaola, Fermented Broadbeans, Parmesan, Egg Yolk. Photo by Graeme Kennedy.Beloved pasta fusion restaurant Yaya's is extending their special Year of the Snake cocktail, the Snake Bite Negroni (RMB78). It's a bold twist on the classic, using Peddlers' new Snake Oil Gin—distilled with erbajiang (that nutty, toasty Beijing hotpot sauce) for a silky, umami punch.Yaya's Snake Bite Negroni & Hotpot Spaghetti combo. Photo by Graeme Kennedy.Chef Dan is turning up the spice even more with his Hotpot Spaghetti (RMB98) to accompany the drink, a fiery riff on carbonara also loaded with erbajiang, as well as fermented broad beans, bresaola, and a golden egg yolk.
Side note: For those hankering for a reliable grilled cheese in Shanghai after the loss of long-standing Co. Cheese, Yaya's has the fix! Nailing fusion favorites as always, the Kimchi Grilled Cheese (RMB58) is launching as of Wednesday.Yaya's Pasta Bar 1/F, 329 Tongren Lu, by Beijing Xi Lu, Jing'an District 铜仁路329号1层, 近北京西路Random Bar Find: I Am
For those looking for somewhere new, perhaps a bit random, and mostly empty to explore, I Am is a rather unexpected establishment on Jianguo Lu, just outside Tianzifang.Though it has been around for about a year, it doesn't seem to have appeared on any radars yet.Ramos Gin Fizz Twist (RMB118): Gin, White Crème de Cacao, Bread, Lemon Cream, Egg White. Photo by Heather Millet / That's.It's keeping up with trends though, offering a solid Ramos Gin Fizz Twist (RMB118), several cool signature drinks, and reliably crafted classics.But more importantly, this bar is worth mentioning for the genuine theater it provides when you order a hot cocktail; by chance, we caught bartender Kyle Chen—previously unknown to us—flinging alcoholic flames to craft a single cocktail.
While this may not be an earth-shattering, it's also not a common sight, making I Am a worthwhile stop to try something hot before winter ends.Daily, 7pm–Late
I Am 147 Jianguo Zhong Lu, Ruijin Er Lu, Huangpu District 建国中路147号, 近瑞金二路UTC Upcoming Calendar
Always fun and delicious, Union Trading Company has a great schedule over the next month, starting with a Wednesday night guest shift by Gavin Teversan from Moga at the Pullman Hotel & Resort Singapore.Another date for your diaries: March 23, whenAndra Satar of The Golden Tooth, a hideaway bar in south Jakarta, will be in town.Wed Feb 26, 8pm-Midnight
Sun Mar 23, 8pm-Midnight
Boo's: Pop Corner's New Sister
Located around the corner from big boys like COA and Speak Low, Boo's is the newly-arrived sister location to well-loved and homely bar, Pop Corner; the two share an owner, Lucky Huang.
READ MORE: Big Mac in a Glass? Try Pop Corner's New Cocktails
From left: Simon Yang, Nicole Xiao, & Vickie Wu. Photo by Jimmy Jordan / That's
Boo's has instated prior Flask mixologist Nicole Xiao as their bar manager, and for their opening weeks borrowed Simon Yang, winner of last year's Maker's Mark Whisky competition, from Pop Corner.
Read all about their cocktails through the link below…
READ MORE: Boo's: Clever Cocktails & Chinese Bar Bites
Photo by Jimmy Jordan/That's
Juanito's has reopened streetside at Shankang Li, once again helmed by front man John Gonzales, who was trained as a mixologist by Shanghai legend Johan Holmberg, under the Funkadeli Group.
Juanito's front man, John Gonzales
Read all about his cocktails, and the Filipino food specialties served on sizzling plates, by clicking the link below.
READ MORE: Juanito's Returns: Cocktails & Karaoke are Back on the Menu!
Feel free to add Heather and tip her off:
▼For more news, click 'Read more' (阅读原文) below.
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