Cocktailsmiths
All cities have pet names. Diminutives that natives and transplants use with fondness to refer to their home. New York has Big Apple. London has Old Blightly. Kuala Lumpur has the very concise KL. Hong Kong usually goes by the “Pearl of the Orient’, a label shared with Manila and Penang, but the more rooted prefer 852 – the calling code for the territory. Which explains the intent behind InterContinental Hong Kong’s new cocktail menu that explores the tale of Hong Kong in liquid form: #852Tails
The setting is the hotel’s Lobby Lounge and its mermerising panorama of Hong Kong’s soaring skyline. The menu is mixology milestones of Hong Kong’s unique history and position. The combination? Exquisite. The act of indulging in cocktails is usually ephemeral; with #852Tails, it becomes educational as well.
President’s Gift
White Rabbit infused Vodka, Espresso, Chocolate Rabbit
In 1972, Premier Zhou Enlai gave White Rabbit candies as a gift to American president Richard Nixon when the latter visited China. Today White Rabbit candies are found throughout Hong Kong and are available around the world.
Sai Yeung Choi Street
Watercress, Citrus, Local-Honey, Champagne
Over the past century, Hong Kong’s villages and fields were replaced by high-rise buildings. The name Sai Yeung Choi is the Cantonese name for watercress. The street was built in 1924 on watercress cultivation in a village, Mong Kok Tsuen now known as Mongkok.
From Condiment to Confection
Bourbon, Citrus, Local Honey, Ginger, Bitters
The ginger industry is one of the oldest in Hong Kong, with the first ginger preserving company set up as early as 1846. Ginger was preserved by soaking it in syrup. Samples were sent around the world; and orders began to rush in. The Chinese have a natural aptitude for food preservation, such as salted fish, preserved eggs and ginger, a consequence of necessity as a reserve in periods of famine or flood.
New Territories
Gin, Tonic, Citrus, Cucumber, Bitter Melon
The New Territories are a stone’s throw away and nestled within them are all the farms in Hong Kong, where we have sourced our bitter melon.
Mr. Yu
Cognac, Port, Berries, Vanilla, Citrus, Yu Kwen Yick Hot Sauce
A local talent, Mr. Yu Siu Kee was born in Hong Kong. His sauces are now legendary. He spent years perfecting his skills to make the perfect hot sauce before opening a chain of stores and factories. Now Mr. Yu’s hot sauce is sold around the world.
Jia Jia
Yellow Wine, Spicy Mango, Citrus, Bamboo, Bitters
A tribute to the oldest ever giant panda. Jia Jia lived in Ocean Park here in Hong Kong, where she was notorious for her love of bamboo.
Tea Time
Butter Rum, Pineapple, Local Honey, Citrus, Pineapple Bun
Inspired by the pineapple bun or Bo Lo Bau, a sweet bun found all over Hong Kong after the government listed it as part of Hong Kong’s intangible cultural history in 2014. This delicious treat is often eaten at exactly 3:15pm, the time at which most Hong Kongers break for tea.
Victorian Lager
Chinese Tea, Tequila, Orange, Hong Kong Beer
World famous for its spectacular views, Victoria Harbour is a major tourist attraction of Hong Kong. This illustrious harbour has witnessed history as ships of all kinds and sizes have sailed through its prestigious waters.
Non-Alcoholic #852Tails
Sleeping Dragon
Dragon-fruit, Citrus, Orange Blossom, Lavender
The dragon is the icon of Brand Hong Kong, used to promote Asia’s World City internationally. Kowloon translates to “Nine Dragons”. Accordingly to legend, the hotel lobby of the InterContinental Hong Kong provides an alluring pathway for the mythical “Nine Dragons” to access the harbour for their daily bath and refreshments. Meanwhile lavender is a soothing flavour and scent to calm the soul and the dragons.
Fist of Fury
Ginger, Chili, Sugar Cane
Named after the 1972 Hong Kong martial arts film directed by Lo Wei, starring Bruce Lee. In the film, Lee plays Chen Zhen, a student of Huo Yuanjia, who fights to defend the honour of the Chinese in the face of foreign aggression, and to bring to justice those responsible for his master’s death. This drink packs a punch, just like Bruce Lee.
Caged Birds
Jasmine, Apple, Citrus
Tea culture in Hong Kong has unique qualities you might not see elsewhere in the world. Many Hong Kong locals meet for tea in the morning before work and read their newspapers. Elderly people often bring their caged birds to local tea houses where you can hear both chatter and chirping.
Fanling’s Bees
Grapefruit, Honey, Mint
Hong Kong’s first bee farm Po Sang Yuen is over 90 years old. It is located in the middle of Fanling, a thriving area in the heart of the New Territories.
Oolong Lemonade
Lime, Sugar Cane, Salt, Oolong Tea
A local favourite, this drink dates back to the 1890’s when many believed that salted limes could relieve a cough as well as a sore throat. Salted limes are prepared by preserving fresh limes with coarse salt in a bottle for an extended time.
