Annie K.
Yelp
Hidden in the back of YongChuan restaurant, this new speakeasy boasts unique & modern Chinese inspired cocktails. From a range of tea flavors to savory spins, each one leaves you surprised with their creations! Worth a try if you are in this area for dinner. The place dies get very loud with their speakers spaced out almost every other table. I found myself having to almost shout over the music and other conversations around our table. They also have a DJ throughout the night and either an option of an intimate bar seating or tables for small groups. Wouldn't recommend coming with a group of more than 4 since the space is small and gets packed when full.
Signature Cocktails:
Old Ningbo (Scotch, Mezcal, Sherry, Yellow Wine, Plum) -- riff on a long island iced tea. Surprisingly very smooth with a sweet fruity note
Guilin Spice Tea (Gin, osmanthus tea, baijiu, lime, cane sugar) -- crowd favorite! The salty floral rim took this over the edge. Light, floral & citrusy. This is one for those who want something refreshing for the summer or a milder drink. (Personal favorite of all the signature drinks I tried)
Frozen Forest Martini (Gin, pine nuts, pearl, ginseng, cedar wood) -- herbal and ginseng forward with intense woody notes. Presentation was a shocker w this one because I thought it would come as a singular martini glass but ended up with a personal decanter and mini sake glass . If you want the best bang for your buck, this is the drink to order. Another shocker was how smooth this was to drink. I grew up on herbal teas so I liked the woody herbalness.
Shanghai 75 (elderflower gin, baijiu, lime, butterfly pea flower, champagne) -- a fail proof adult lemonade
Jasmine Breeze (gin, winter melon, yuzu, jasmine, sparkling water) -- another lighter cocktail that's easy to drink. I would say this is by far the least alcohol tasting. Reads more like a citrusy floral tea with subtle melon notes.
Silk Road Negroni (cognac, walnut, fig, dates, grapes, fernet branca) -- closest to a classic cocktail with extra nuttiness. Personally I am not a negroni girlie so this was a pass for me. As one of the highest abv signature drinks, the cognac is definitely very present (most alcoholic tasting)
Imperial Smoke (duck fat washed whisky, lemon, scallion, cucumber, honey) -- most unique and a whirlwind of flavors! But in a good way (at least to me). Controversial drink that you either love or are weirded out by. You get hit with the duck fat savory notes, then a sweet citrus vibe comes through before you end in a refreshing cucumber aftertaste. Didn't taste the scallion but I loved how transformative this drink experience was.
Mystic Rainforest (bourbon, mezcal, banana, pandan) -- we were honestly skeptical about ordering this one. Banana flavored anything is not exactly a top contender for me. Overall very confused w this drink
Spicy Madame (tequila, cherry tomato, lemon, tabasco, chili rim) -- spicy bloody mary! A little heat, tartness and savory all in one.
Flaming Tropic (aged rum, green kumquat, lime, cocoa, olive brine) -- savory citrus daiquiri vibes
Small Bites:
Pan Fried Dumplings -- very juicy! Were soup dumplings in the house? Watch out for the squirting
Crystal Shrimp and Crab Meat Dumplings -- filling was top notch with crab meat, elevated dimsum classics
