Binge Hong Kong - The Invention Of "The Summer Cocktail"

Summer sizzles and here in Hong Kong where there are four seasons, there is every reason for the invention of something called the "Summer cocktail". 

What is a Summer cocktail, you ask? Fizzy, spritzy and will make you no less light headed ... where to go for one?

G marks the spot and the spot is at IFC Mall's Level 4 Podium where the G Bar holds it fort over a stunning view with a DJ called Johnny who spins from 9pm, every Saturday in July and August. Entry is free and the cocktails to try are as pretty as the crowd who go there to have a drink. 

For a zippy start, order the colourful “Flower-blooming Cocktail” with six different kinds of summer drinks including Sakura (red), Fuzzy Navel (orange), Egg Nogg (yellow), Grasshopper (green), Blue Island (blue) and Rain (purple). Presented in special champagne glasses, 6 glasses at HK$388.

Like it sour? The “Shochu Sour” offers six refreshing flavours at HK$328 (6 glasses) infused with coriander, lemongrass, Japanese ginger and mixed with fresh juice and Japanese shochu.

G bar is located at Shop 4010, Podium Level 4, ifc mall, Central. Reservations: 2234 7739

Directly across IFC, on the Kowloon end, at the Elements Mall, head to the Civic Garden to Domani where they are serving an Italian style cocktail called the Summer Spritz, a time-honoured fizzy cocktail hailing from Northern Italy which promises to deliver the perfect antidote a sultry Hong Kong summer day. 

This drink is said to be the official cocktail of Venice and legend has it that it was created during the Austrian invasion of Italy, when the Austrians added water to the strong Venetian wine. Later, the Venetians then perked up this refreshing drink by adding sparkling water and Aperol to make it light and frizzy. HK$88 per glass with a special 2 for 1 promotion on Saturdays and Sundays between 4-9pm on the Terrace and the Bar.

- Elaine