Starting this December 2024, Darkside at Rosewood Hong Kong is rolling out a new cocktail collection inspired by the classic drinks from the 1920s and 1930s. Led by Bob Louison, the new Director of Bars at Rosewood Hong Kong, and Bar Manager Toby Lo, each cocktail pays tribute to its iconic predecessor. They bring a blend of history, glamour, and creativity that captures the vibe of the Roaring Twenties.
New Menu: Classic Cocktails, Reimagined
There are eight new cocktails on the menu. The first one is Blood and Sand, a classic combining DarkSide’s Blended Whiskey with Mancino Rosso Vermouth. This drink goes way back to the 1930 Savoy Cocktail Book and is said to honor Rudolf Valentino’s silent film about a bullfighter, capturing all that glam and drama from back in the day. Next is Brown Derby, which pays tribute to Hollywood’s flashy past. It’s made with Matusalem 15 Rum, Michter’s Bourbon, grapefruit, honey, and maple. This cocktail originates from the Vendome Club, the hotspot for celebs on Sunset Boulevard in the ’30s.
The Mai Tai is a fun tropical drink that mixes Jamaican and Agricole rums, Cointreau, and a splash of absinthe, possibly dating back to its roots in the tiki scene from 1933. The Champs Elysees is a classy mix of Remy Martin VSOP Cognac and Chateau Laubade VSOP Armagnac, taking inspiration from the classic Sidecar and named after the famous street in Paris. Then there’s the Fallen Angel, which has a bit of a mysterious vibe with NIP Gin and crème de menthe, based on Harry Craddock’s recipes from the Savoy Cocktail Book.
The Scofflaw Cocktail is all about enjoying the bold vibe of its roots, mixing Michter’s Rye Whiskey, Mancino Secco Vermouth, grenadine, citrus, and bitters. Then there’s the Bloody Maria, which gives a fresh twist to the classic by using Altos Blanco Tequila and Siete Misterios Mezcal, blending tomato and spice for a thrilling drink that traces back to its beginnings in 1920s Paris. Lastly, the Hanky Panky brings together Monkey 47 Gin, Mancino Rosso Vermouth, and a mix of Fernet Hunter and Fernet Branca, created by Ada Coleman at the Savoy to satisfy a regular’s martini cravings.
Darkside Bar
Rosewood Hong Kong
Victoria Dockside, 2/F, Rosewood, 18 Salisbury Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
