Commemorate the birth of the cocktail with new libations at these local bars
May 13 marks the passing of World Cocktail Day, which commemorates the first time that the word 'cocktail' was published—specifically, in the New York tabloid paper, The Balance and Columbian Repository, in 1806. Defined as "a stimulating liquor, composed of spirits of any kind, sugar, water and bitters", the cocktail has come a long way since then in the intervening 215 years. Here, we've rounded up five bars to celebrate the birth of the cocktail at this year.
See also: 50 Signature Cocktails To Try At Asia's 50 Best Bars
1. MO Bar
In anticipation of Art Basel later this month, MO Bar at Landmark Mandarin Oriental is launching the Art Aperitivo menu for the duration of May. Designed by PDT head bartender Kervin Unido, the four cocktails are all inspired and named after lesser-known works by historically significant artists: for example, the Purple Collin (butterfly pea-infused Belvedere, Italicus, earl grey tea syrup, soda) was inspired by Shepard Fairey's mural of Nelson Mandela titled The Purple Shall Govern, while the Convergence (blue curaçao, crème de menthe, cacao liqueur, cream) takes its name from a canvas by Jackson Pollock.
All four cocktails can be had as part of the Art Aperitivo set for HK$712, accompanied by art-inspired bites created by chef Kay Ng such as lobster filo tart with spicy lobster mayonnaise filling, mini Impossible burgers, and organic crudités with avocado, sour cream and tomato. Alternatively, the four cocktails can be swapped out for a bottle of R&L Legras Brut Champagne for HK$999.