LIQUID at W Shanghai – Creative Cocktails & Pairing Snacks

By Heather Millet, March 13, 2025

We live in a city where casual luxury is the key to our hearts; where a single evening can include high-end drinks and underground clubs, minivan cab rides and Fireball shots, sequin-splashed gowns and bare-faced makeup.

In homage to this love of contrast, LIQUID bar at the W Shanghai – The Bund offers relaxed 1920s glam with a futuristic Lujiazui view, while serving up creative cocktails alongside pairing snacks.

Finding LIQUID requires an ascent through two separate elevators—like a hotel speakeasy—while stepping into the bar means being greeted by enthusiastic staff and settling into emerald velvet seating.

Emerald velvet seating, floor-to-ceiling windows, and stunning Lujiazui views

Floor-to-ceiling windows wrap around the space, with the Pearl Tower so close it feels like you could reach out and touch it.

The atmosphere is effortlessly chill, but the menu is adventurous and sweet, making this bar an ideal spot to kick off a date night or launch a full evening festivity, such as a birthday or bachelorette party.

Head Mixologist Simon Wei

The cocktail menu, created by Head Mixologist Simon Wei, is organized from highest to lowest alcohol by volume (ABV), and follows the current trend of tea-inspired cocktails, but with some surprises.

Executive Chinese Chef Alan Li

What makes the menu a bit more gamified (and a great deal) is that each cocktail is paired with a small snack specially matched by W Shanghai's Executive Chinese Chef Alan Li.

Individual cocktails plus their complimenting snacks are priced at RMB128, while any two cocktails with snacks are RMB228. For those looking to go all out, the entire five-cocktail set with snacks is available for a steal at RMB558.

Lotus Ethereal Harmony & Spicy Shredded Chicken Tart

Starting in the middle in terms of ABV, the Lotus Ethereal Harmony is delicate and intriguing, landing as gently as its floating flower presentation would suggest.

The cocktail is a careful balance of Le Tribute Gin, Sauvignon Blanc, La Quintinye Extra Dry Vermouth, Lotus Leaf Tea Reed Leaves, Robinia Flower, and Lotus Seed. The vermouth leads the way, yet allows a dry lotus tea quality to breathe through.

It is accompanied by a spicy shredded chicken tart that brings added life to the drink.

Oolong Peach Whisper & Black Truffle and Cauliflower Mushroom

For a burst of pure childhood glee, the Oolong Peach Whisper tastes like peach jelly candy, an effect created from a complex blend of Nordes Gin, La Quintinye Extra Dry Vermouth, Oolong Teach, Peach, Perilla Leaf, Strawberry, and Sakura, all clarified with Greek yogurt.

Its paired snack matures the cocktail by way of black truffle and cauliflower mushroom—a special kind of medicinal mushroom somewhat similar to bamboo fungus.

The strawberry white chocolate disc on top of the drink is a delightful bonus, and almost worth an extra order in and of itself.

The Oolong Peach Whisper is a Barbie Dreamhouse in a glass, running blissfully contrarian to the low-lit vibe of the bar.

Live Jazz Duo at LIQUID, every Thursday through Sunday

The real star of the menu is its strongest cocktail, ideal to order alongside LIQUID’s own jazz duo, who—every Thursday through Sunday from 9.30pm to midnight—bring fresh riffs to our favorite classic tunes from the last several decades.

East Culture & Cream Wafers, Pumpkin, Cheese

The East Culture cocktail delivers a richer vibe; classic elements of jazz meets whisky meets earthy notes.

Sandalwood upholds the Maker’s Mark, while other ingredients—such as Cocchi Vermouth, Ormosia Flower, Lv Yang Chun Tea and Bitters—all marry for a mellowing effect.

There’s an Old World charm to the flavor, adding a touch of sophistication to the playful menu.

Celestial Jade Spring & Mango, Shrimp, and Balsamic Pearls

The Celestial Jade Spring cocktail is the lightest on the list, ideal for those who don’t claim a high alcohol tolerance, or prefer to ease into their night.

It’s like a tasty grape juice with attitude. Made from Tanqueray No. TEN Gin, Long Jing Tea, Jasmine Flower, Grapefruit, Green Grape, and Verjus, it goes down easily.

The accompanying snack is tasty too—a crunchy combination of mango, shrimp, and balsamic pearls laid on a leaf of endive.

Shanghai Spicy Noodles with Minced Pork

To complete the experience of jazz, cocktails, and something delicious to offset the alcohol, the Shanghai Spicy Noodles with Minced Pork (RMB65) are a must.

The epitome of elevated traditional fare, without dismantling the original heart of the dish, the mince is full of buttery pieces of pork.

A generous portion, the broth is a wealth of umami flavor and whole cloves of stewed garlic.

Pork Belly Rolled Okra with Teriyaki Sauce

A final nod to street food, the Pork Belly Rolled Okra with Teriyaki Sauce (RMB85) is reminiscent of post-party skewers, delivering a major sweet-and-salty punch.

The massive portion for two comes with nearly half a lemon’s worth of wedges for a tangy finish.

Events and vistas at LIQUID

LIQUID is also hosting guest shifts, building on last year’s acclaimed events featuring mixologists from London's Donovan Bar, as well as an evening with Amir Javaid of Socio in Hong Kong.

Expect more guest shifts as the bar continues to deliver trending delights—and, of course, that iconic view remains a timeless draw.

So keep an eye on events at LIQUID, and stop in for date nights, early or late evenings, a solo cocktail while enjoying the band, or to schedule your next celebration.