Rooftop bars are tricky. At their best, they provide expansive views of glowing cityscapes; at their worst, too little cover from the elements.
We happen to visit Ding Sky Bar on a day that’s not only drizzly, but also unusually cold (for Shenzhen, at least). The shallow pool on the rooftop – separated from the bar’s seating area by a low wall – is half-drained, and the lounge chairs empty.
Still, it’s hard to deny the potential of this brand-new open-air bar, the grand opening of which is set for mid-March. Located on top of luxury serviced apartment complex Fraser Suites in up-and-coming Huaqiangbei, the establishment offers an unrestricted look at Futian District’s ever-changing skyline.
As brisk winds blow, we sample a tropical passion fruit mojito (RMB88 plus 10 percent service charge). The bar swaps out the traditional soda water for regular H2O, but we barely notice the switch: tangy and fruity with a hint of rum, the mojito is just as refreshing as it should be.
The acid-green color of the Irish (RMB78) belies a surprisingly sippable whiskey-based brew: mint liqueur gives it sweetness as well as a slight cooling sensation.
The Hall of Fame (RMB88), one of the bar’s six signature drinks, is less appetizing. Although served inside eye-catching goblets modeled on ancient Chinese drinking vessels, the cocktail’s bittersweet mix of grapefruit syrup, peach liqueur and vodka make it taste like lemonade gone wrong.
Well-seasoned, crispy potato wedges (RMB48) made in the kitchen downstairs demonstrate that sometimes it’s better to stick with the classics. They may not always fit the upscale aesthetic Ding Sky Bar is shooting for, but they’re at least reliably delicious.
Price: RMB78-88 a cocktail
Who’s going: high-flyers, aesthetes
Good for: classic cocktails, scenic views
Nearest metro: Huaqiangbei (Exit C), 5 minutes
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