The Buzz : Shanghai Cocktail News March 2025

By Heather Millet
Openings

HQ Penthaus by HQ SUHE

Photo courtesy of HQ Penthaus


The typically exclusive team behind HQ SUHE and HQ Listen In (an invitation-only bar) has opened a new lounge in Jing'an called HQ Penthaus.


Rooftop entrance to HQ Penthaus. Photo courtesy of HQ


It's perched atop the same building where they have previously hosted events for fashion brands Manolo Blahnik and Ferragamo, in a creative space curated by artist Oscar Wang and co-founder Jimmy Cheng.


HQ Penthaus Bar. Photo by Heather Millet / That's


HQ Penthaus Interior. Photo courtesy of HQ Penthaus


The lounge is bathed in blue from floor to ceiling—curtains, plush couches, carpet, tables, even the ice-block bar—creating a cool, monochrome aesthetic.


There's a mysterious balance of retro and modern sensations here, as if stepping both forward and backward in time, free from the pressures of the outside world.


Above the lounge will soon sit a secondary, more casual bar, which is flanked by two rooftop terraces with sweeping views of Suzhou Creek.


Shisha Fitted into the table. Photo by Janet Suryasta


HQ Penthaus offers bespoke shisha, classic cocktails, and a full wine list, with plans to introduce small plates and pop-up chef menus.


Michael Chen, HQ Penthaus GM and shisha connoisseur. Photo by DJ BO


So, what exactly is 'bespoke shisha'?


According to HQ General Manager Michael Chen, rather than choosing from a fixed menu of flavors, his team will craft a unique blend based on preference, tailored through discussion with each customer.


Kind of like the J.Boroski of the shisha world.


READ MORE: Joseph Boroski: The Mind & Mixology Behind J.Boroski


HQ Penthaus Drink Tokens. Photo by Janet Suryasta


Drinks are also gamified with tokens that look like poker pieces, bringing an old-school Vegas vibe.


The Last Word (RMB98): Gin, Raspberry, Green Chartreuse, Lime Juice. Photo by Janet Suryasta


Negroni (RMB88): Gin, Red Vermouth, Campari. Photo by Janet Suryasta


Cosmopolitan (RMB88): Vodka, Cranberry, Cointreau, Lime Juice. Photo by Janet Suryasta


The classic cocktails are solid, and the bar will soon debut 'Haus Cocktails'—a selection of six signature drinks designed to complement the shisha.


HQ Penthaus is now open to the public at the weekend, on weekdays by appointment, and available for private event bookings.


This month, the bar will be hosting Disarrono Week with a guest bartender. And, come summer, the terrace will be available for open-air shisha relaxation.


Fri & Sat, 9pm-Late


Weekday by appointment—WeChat Mike on 185 1866 4854


HQ Penthaus 5/F, 30 Wenan Lu Jing'an District 静安区文安路30号苏河皓司5F露台

Penicillin

Agung and Laura Prabowo, original co-founders of Penicillin Hong Kong


This month, Shanghai has the good fortune to welcome the arrival of Penicillin, the wildly inventive Hong Kong bar that ranks among Asia's most celebrated.


Famous for its inventive fermentations, apothecary-meets-science lab aesthetic, and ferocious creativity, the opening here is going to bring new mischief and mayhem to our cocktail universe.


'The Original' – a Penicillin, Hong Kong cocktail by Agung Prowobo 


The Shanghai outpost will be helmed by Penicillin Hong Kong co-founders Agung and Laura Prabowo, alongside Jamie McCleave (Penicillin Hong Kong Bar Supervisor) and well-known Shanghai mixologist, Chris Wu.


Located on Nanchang Lu in Huangpu District, further details remain a little mysterious for now. One thing is for certain, though: there will be nothing dull on the menu here.

Matto by Mammamia

Image courtesy of Matto


The arrival of Matto by Mammamia in the old Little Catch space on Yanping Lu has created quite the buzz—and for good reason.


Dale Chihuly-esque glass adorn the bar. Image courtesy of Matto


Beneath a ceiling draped in Dale Chihuly-esque glass sculptures, guests can sip on expertly crafted cocktails, with a balance of timeless of classics and bold signatures, all priced at RMB88 a pop.


All cocktails are RMB88. Image courtesy of Matto


Thursdays get particularly packed due to a RMB98 free flow charcuterie deal (see poster, below) and though the team is busy, busy, busy, reservations are still up for grabs.



Tue-Sun, 5.30pm-2am


Matto 2/F, Block C, 98 Yanping Lu, by Wuding Lu, Jing'an District 延平路98号C层2楼, 近武定路

Gallows Humor

Almost Famous. Photo by Maria Menand / That's


As if plucked from the galactic unknown, Gallows Humor has landed on Shaanxi Nan Lu, bringing strange flavors, thought-altering music, and striking design.


Photo by Maria Menand / That's


If you're seeking something unexpected, photogenic, and futuristic, this is your place.


If you are looking to hide in plain sight and watch the world from behind protective dark glass, this is your haven.


And if you're on the hunt for boldly dynamic cocktails, Gallows Humor will satisfy your craving, unapologetically—serving up a touch of biting satire in every glass.


Read our full review by clicking the link below.


READ MORE: Gallows Humor: Bold Cocktails & Dark Concepts


Daily, 7.30pm-2am


Gallows Humor No.35-1, F/1 Shanxi Nan Lu, Huangpu 黄浦区陕西南路35号-1F-1

Peekazoo

Photo by Jimmy Jordan / That's


Peekazoo opened earlier this month, glowing orange and tucked away behind the storefronts at the corner of Wuding Lu and Yanping Lu.



The name of the bar is a playful twist on the game 'Peekaboo,' and the concept harks back to the wonder of being a small child.


Mischief Maker (RMB98): Bacardi White Rum, Matcha, Pistachio, Coconut Water, Clarified Yogurt. Photo by Jimmy Jordan / That's


True to the childhood theme, the signature cocktail menu is crafted around preschool personalities, with names like The Mischief Maker and Lil Chubster.


Little Devil (RMB106): 400 Conejos Mezcal Artesenal, 1800 Silver Tequila, Fruit Pepper, Passion Fruit, Pineapple, Perilla Leaf, Sea Salt Solution. Photo by Jimmy Jordan / That's


It's fun, it's cool—read all about it through the link below.


READ MORE: Peekazoo – A Cocktail Playground with Edge


Mon-Thu & Sun 7pm-2am; Fri & Sat 7pm-3am


Peekazoo Room 101, Building B, 1101 Wuding Lu, Jing'an District 武定路1101号B幢101

Full House

Longjing Martini (RMB108): Longjing Tea Powder, The Botanist Gin, Sake, Magnolia Blossom, Dalon Dry Vermouth. Photo by Heather Millet / That's


Ring Zhao of Bar Choice has done it again—this time creating Full House 满堂, a gorgeous bar space at the Bund Finance Center.


Her latest venue introduces two new partners: Mango Yang, an experienced sommelier, and Chad Zhu, a Parisian-trained chef formerly of Huantao, Dangxia, and Ambra.


Longjing Tea Infused Prawns (RMB88). Image courtesy of Full House


Adding to the venture's prestige, the project is co-founded with Qi Yingjie, an Intangible Cultural Heritage Master of West Lake Longjing Tea.


Umami Dashi Tomato (RMB108): Umami Green Tea, Mezcal, Lemon Leaf, Dashi Consomme, Tomato, Raspberry, Green Chilli. Image courtesy of Full House


Head along for a full meal, wine, snacks and, most importantly, for transportive cocktails.


READ MORE: Transportive Cocktails at Full House by Bar Choice


Daily, 6pm-2am*


*Lunch hours will begin end of April


Full House 满堂 by Bar Choice 106A, N1, The Bund Finance Center (BFC), 600 Zhongshan Dong Er Lu, by Renmin Lu, Huangpu District 中山东二路600号, 近人民路

New Menus

LIQUID Cocktails & Pairing Snacks


We recently paid a visit to the always-stunning LIQUID bar at the W Shanghai – The Bund, which offers relaxed 1920s glam with a futuristic Lujiazui view, while serving up creative cocktails alongside pairing snacks.


East Culture & Cream Wafers, Pumpkin, Cheese


The new pairing menu is a collaboration between Head Mixologist Simon Wei, and W Shanghai's Executive Chinese Chef Alan Li.


Oolong Peach Whisper & Black Truffle and Cauliflower Mushroom


Individual cocktails plus their complimenting snacks are priced at RMB128, while any two cocktails with snacks are RMB228.


For those looking to go all out, the entire five-cocktail set with snacks is available for a steal at RMB558.


For a full review, click the link below.


READ MORE: LIQUID at W Shanghai – Creative Cocktails & Pairing Snacks



Tue-Thu, Sun 5pm-12 midnight; Fri & Sat 5pm-1am; Closed Mon


LIQUID W Shanghai – The Bund, 6/F, 66 Lvshun Lu, by Dongchangzhi Lu, Hongkou District 旅顺路66号6楼, 近东长治路

Events

12-Bar Blues X Stir, Ho Chi Minh


First up, if you're free tonight 12-Bar Blues is hosting a guest shift from Ho Chi Minh City's Stir.


Stir is a wonderful combination of contemporary cocktail bar with vintage touches, and all firmly informed by its Vietnamese roots.


The bar previously placed in Asia's 100 Best, and has a firm standing for experimentation with novel ingredients. 


Mon Mar 31, 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

Bar Choice X Antidote, Seoul


Joseph Lee, the owner and head mixologist of Antidote in Seoul, will be doing a guest shift at Bar Choice Tea Bar.


Antidote is self-described as a "prescription-inspired cocktail bar," meaning they offer exactly what the doctor ordered in terms of quality and flavor. 



Don't miss this unique opportunity to experience new tastes and aromas!


READ MORE: Bar Choice: Cocktails from a Tea Field of Dreams


Thu Apr 3, 8pm-Midnight


Bar Choice 777 Huashan Lu, Jing'an District 静安区华山路777号

Boo's Bar X SIP Supernova Cocktail Competition

Photo by Jimmy Jordan / That's


On April 14, Boo's will be hosting a special two-hour shift as part of SIP Supernova, the Pernod Ricard cocktail competition in Asia that sees bartenders from across the region come together to showcase their creativity and passion for mixology.


READ MORE: Boo's: Clever Cocktails & Chinese Bar Bites


Mon Apr 14, 8.20-10.20pm


Boo's 50-3, Ruijin Er Lu, by Gaolan Lu, Huangpu District 瑞金二路50号-3, 近皋兰路

Lucky Mart's Monthly Highball by Danica of Peddlers

(And there's noodles!)


Lucky Mart always features a monthly special highballApril sees a pineapple conconction by Peddlers Gin Brand Ambassador Danica, who will be slinging them in person at a guest shift on April 17.



Lucky Mart has also launched a new Japanese noodle menu to accompany your highball cravings.


Tonkatsu Ramen (RMB60)


Sesame Cold Soba (RMB48)


Daily, 3pm-4am


Guest Shift Apr 17, 8pm-Late


Lucky Mart 158 Fumin Lu, by Julu Lu, Jing'an District 富民路158号, 近巨鹿路

Ladies Saturday at Azul SKL


Every weekend until the end of April, any member of the fairer sex who dines in at Azul SKLspending just RMB99 per personcan enjoy free flow of 12 signature cocktails from 6pm to 9pm.


There are also electrifying beats from international DJs, who will elevate the night with their energy. Sip, savor, and dance the evening away in style.


Every Sat, 6-9pm; RMB99+ per lady


Azul SKL Shankang Li, Building 6, 358 Kangding Lu, by Shaanxi Bei Lu 康定路358号, 近陕西北路

Good Beer Festival


Finally, beer rather than cocktails, but we don't think you're gonna want to miss this one.


Glorious Shanghai spring weather, a big pimpin' mansion in the heart of Xuhui, and a massive party with 12 of China's top craft breweries, incredible food vendors, DJs, silent discos, artists and more fun things than you can shake your sexy beer drunk ass at.


Nope, not a fever dream—the Good Beer Festival is stone cold (yet anything but sober) reality!


It's right by Yongkang Lu—remember that place?!


Your ticket for the event gets you a reusable beer cup (to use throughout your session, let's save the environment!) and a three-hour free flow with which to try all the incredible beer your little heart (and stomach desires.



On the food front there are some of Shanghai tastiest eateries in attendance, including GOODMAN, Grumpy DogSmokin' Hog and Chuar Bar.



It's all going down on Saturday, April 12, with three three-hour 'sittings':

  • 11am-2pm

  • 3-6pm

  • 7-10pm

So there you have it. Sit out in a beautiful location, drink beers, listen to music, eat good food.


What else do you need?


Early bird tickets are available for RMB188 until April 6, after which time they will be RMB228.


Click below to get yours now:


Sat Apr 12, 11am-2pm, 3-6pm & 7-10pm; RMB188-228


Big Pimpin' Mansion 319 Jiangguo Xi Lu, by Xiangyang Nan Lu, Xuhui District 建国西路319号, 近襄阳南路

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