The Buzz: Shanghai Cocktail News April 2025

By Heather Millet, April 29, 2025

Openings

Penicillin Shanghai

The entrance of Penicillin Shanghai. Photo by Maria Menand / That’s

Sustainability meets spectacle as Penicillin, Hong Kong’s pioneering eco-conscious bar, opens its Shanghai sibling on May 8.

Founded by Agung and Laura Prabowo—whose award-winning flagship redefined waste-free mixology—the venue merges mad-science fermentation with community ethics, like repurposing avocado seeds from local restaurants as cocktail ice.

The Shanghai space features a typhoon-salvaged tree stump, a frost-lined bar counter, and a 'Stinky Room' for funk-driven ferments.

Bar manager Chris Wu gave us an exclusive, behind-the-scenes preview tour—click the link below to read all about it.

Official Opening: Thu May 8, 7pm

Penicillin, 62 Nanchang Lu, by Yandang Lu, Huangpu District 南昌路62号, 近雁荡路

The O Bar

The Frozen Pear (RMB128): Mixed Gin, Limoncello, Pear Brandy, Cucumber, Bitters, Sichuan Pepper, Peeled Pear. Photo by Jimmy Jordan / That’s

While Shanghai’s cocktail elite grab headlines, The O Bar—a cozy newcomer near Tianzifang—quietly crafts liquid love letters to China’s diverse regions.

Born when two regulars rescued a pair of mixologists from a shuttered bar, it’s a 12-drink odyssey where Harbin’s frozen pears collide with Tianjin’s dough twists and Xinjiang's milk candy.

For unexpected ingredients, technical finesse, and a menu that reinvents itself seasonally, click the link below.

Daily, 6pm-2am

The O Bar, 114 Jianguo Xi Lu, Huangpu District 黄浦区建国西路114号

Homeslice Kitchen

Margherita Pizza Sour (RMB65): Julu Dry Gin, Cherry Tomato, Lemon Juice, Sugar Syrup, Basil. Photo by Jimmy Jordan / That’s

Pizza just got a proper drinking partner. At Homeslice Kitchen's revamped Shankang Li space, the OG NYC-style pizzeria elevates its game with bold, pizza-inspired cocktails.

Try the Margherita Pizza Sour (basil-tomato gin fizz with parmesan dough garnish) and the Spiced Hawaiian (pineapple-chili gin sparkler that defies dilution).

Agave lovers aren’t forgotten: the Desert Spoon Negroni, smoky with rare sotol, anchors a curated Mexican spirit selection (tequila, mezcal, raicilla).

Pair them with new Italian-American dishes—melting eggplant parm, four-cheese mac, or garlic butter shrimp—or stick to the classics: slices and Aperol spritzes under string lights.

La dolce vita, Shanghai-style. Read all about it through the link below.

Sun-Thu 11am-11.30pm, Fri & Sat 11am-1.30am

Homeslice Kitchen, Shankang Li, 358 Kangding Lu, Bldg 3, Unit 103, by Shaanxi Bei Lu 康定路358号3幢103室

New Menus

Union Trading Company

Union Trading Company has launched a new menu, bringing big summer flavors to tease our hearts and taste buds.

They’re throwing in lots of Thai and Chinese influences—keeping things classically hip, just like their music.

Three-Cup Chicken (RMB108)

The Three-Cup Chicken (RMB108) is the star cocktail of the launch, featuring an inspired coconut top layer to cushion three floating oil droplets.

Each drop transforms the drinking experience, drawing inspiration from the traditional dish ‘Three-Cup Chicken.’

A drop of basil oil, one of sesame oil, and another of chili oil take the cocktail from fresh and light, to rich and savory, finishing with a surprising vinegary spice—thanks to a dash of Tobasco in the chili oil.

Mulled Wine Fizz (RMB98)

For a light, summery twist on a winter classic, the Mulled Wine Fizz (RMB98) is a bubbly, refreshing cocktail with a low ABV and a strong apple kick.

It’s a very fine balance of Remy Martin VSOP Fine Champagne Cognac, mulled Tempranillo reduction, citrus, egg white, and sparkling water.

Somehow it says refreshing and fall-winter holidays at the same time.

Thai-Tanic (RMB98)

For those seeking adventure and umami, the Thai-Tanic (RMB98) draws subtle inspiration from Tom Yum soup—rich in taste without overdoing the seafood.

It comes with an in-house dried shrimp garnish, adding a satisfying chew that complements the cocktail.

Dirty Dreams (RMB98)

Hitting sweeter notes is the Dirty Dreams (RMB98), that matches clarified oat milk with taro for a warming beverage.

A crispy taro chip on top adds a needed hint of salt. It’s playful while elegant, and joyfully purple.

Mon-Sat, 6pm-2am

Union Trading Company, 306 Hengshan Lu, by Yongjia Lu 衡山路306号，近永嘉路

[All photos courtesy of The Union Trading Company]

Guest Shifts & Events

Bar Choice x Chunzen Plum Wine Tea Cocktail Pop-Up @ BFC

Bar Choice partners with artisanal plum wine brand Chunzen for a 16-day immersive tea cocktail experience at BFC Bund Financial Center's North District Outdoor Plaza Atrium.

Set within a striking 'Jyubako' structure—a movable wooden house designed by renowned Japanese architect Kengo Kuma for outdoor brand Snow Peak—this urban oasis blends Intangible Cultural Heritage teas with artisanal plum wine.

May 1-16

BFC Bund Finance Center, 600 Zhongshan Dong Er Lu, by Renmin Lu, Huangpu District 中山东二路600号, 近人民路

Kwant, London Guest Shift @ Triple Neck

Rising star bar Triple Neck will host a special takeover featuring two bartenders from London’s Kwant (ranked #52 on The World’s 100 Best Bars).

The guest shift will showcase four of the duo’s signature cocktails, offering a taste of their acclaimed London mixology.

Tue Apr 29, 8pm-Sold Out

Triple Neck , 1750 Xinzha Lu, by Jiaozhou Lu, Jing'an District 新闸路1750号, 近胶州路

5th Anniversary Party @ J.Boroski

J.Bo-Flier-for-5-Year-Anniversary-Party.jpg

J.Boroski will mark its 5th anniversary with a rare departure from tradition—uncharacteristically offering a menu, for one night only.

The menu will feature two cocktails each by their six bartenders, showcasing ideas they feel represent their time at the bar.

Wed Apr 30, 8pm-Late

J.Boroski, 2/F, 177 Fumin Lu, by Julu Lu, Jing'an District 富民路177号2搂, 近巨鹿路

Guest Shift with Bar Buonasera, Hong Kong @ The Tuxedo

Hong Kong’s Bar Buonasera takes over The Tuxedo. Embracing their philosophy that "every cocktail tells a story," the team will showcase meticulously crafted drinks blending Japanese techniques with their own signature style.

Fri May 2, 7.30-11.30pm

The Tuxedo, 46 Ruijin Er Lu, by Xiangshan Lu, Huangpu District 瑞金二路46号，近香山路

Highball Flavor of the Month @ Lucky Mart

This May, Lucky Mart's featured Highball Flavor of the Month comes from Karen Chung—Jameson Irish Whiskey's China Brand Ambassador.

Her creation, the 'May Flower Jamo Social Hai,' is available all month for RMB88, but mark your calendar for May 8 when Karen jumps behind the bar and the drink is on all-night-long happy hour at RMB58.

Thu May 8, 8pm-Late

Lucky Mart, 185 Fumin Lu, by Julu Lu, Jing'an District 富民路185号, 近巨鹿路

Cabinet 8 KL, Kuala Lumpur Guest Shift @ Bar Choice

Bar Choice welcomes Malaysia’s acclaimed Cabinet 8 KL for a special guest shift celebrating Kuala Lumpur’s vibrant nightlife heritage.

Known for their inventive cocktails showcasing local Malaysian flavors, the Cabinet 8 team will transport you to the heart of KL’s drinking culture through their signature creations.

Sun May 11, 8pm-Sold Out

Bar Choice, 777 Huashan Lu，Jing‘an District 静安区华山路777号

Three X Co, Kuala Lumpur Guest Shift @ Dentree

Dentree host Amanda from Three X Co (#47 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2021), a Kuala Lumpur bar hidden behind a barber shop.

Recognized as one of Kuala Lumpur’s earliest craft speakeasies, they celebrate individuality in both their bartenders and guests.

Tue May 13, 8pm-Midnight

Dentree, Anken Air, #1, 465 Zhenning Lu, by Xinzha Lu 镇宁路465弄1号楼, 近新闸路

The Old Man, Hong Kong Guest Shift @ The Cannery

At the end of the month, The Cannery will host a guest shift from Hong Kong's legendary The Old Man.

Consistently ranked among Asia's 50 Best Bars, and crowned #1 in 2019, this iconic establishment brings its award-winning expertise to Shanghai, with Head Bartender Seto showcasing four of their top selling cocktails.

Hot Deal Alert!

For a limited time, snag RMB100 The Cannery vouchers for just RMB80!

Scan the QR code below to get yours now:

Wed May 28, 8pm-Late

The Cannery, 1107 Yuyuan Lu, by Jiangsu Lu, Changning District 愚园路1107号, 近江苏路

SIP Supernova Cocktail Grand Prix by Pernod Ricard

Finally, Shanghai played host to the SIP Supernova Cocktail Grand Prix for Asia this month, which named three top competitors in what organizers called ‘the next generation of bartenders’—two of whom were Chinese nationals.

Day 1, guest shift at Boo’s with Danil Nevsky, named the 2nd most influential personality in the bar industry, according to Bar World 100. Danil also judged at the competition. Photo by Heather Millet / That’s.

The three-day event kicked off with judges attending guest shifts at EPIC, COA, and popular new bar Boo’s.

In the early rounds, competitors faced challenges such as crafting cocktails using local ingredients, and under strict time constraints, alongside more playful tasks like rolling cigars and salsa dancing—the latter specifically to win a chance to compete in the 2026 Havana Club competition in Cuba.

After narrowing the field from 20 down to 10, the competition remained tight, with China’s Nick JioQi emerging as a frontrunner.

Though his presentation was polished and impeccably timed, he ultimately secured third place, behind Bangkok’s Ruben Koloso in second.

Instead, it was Sara Wen from Shake’s Office in Chengdu who was crowned champion.

Sara Wen (held aloft) winning the SIP Supernova Cocktail Grand Prix, alongside Nick JioQi (left) who placed third—both from the mainland.

She impressed the judges with her calm precision, bold flavor revelations, and excellent presentation.

Sara had begun learning English specifically to compete in SIP Supernova—a decision that added pressure, as she had to narrate her process fluently while crafting three cocktails in the final round.

Sara Wen, SIP Supernova Champion, during the final competition round

She admitted considering a more theatrical approach to her mixology but ultimately chose to stay true to her style—a gamble that clearly paid off.

Sara Wen During the Final Competition Phase at SIP Supernova

When her win was announced, Sara took the stage to thank the crowd but was overcome by tears of joy, leaving her momentarily speechless

Soon, she was swarmed by fellow competitors rushing to lift her up in a collective celebration of their hard work.

The emotional moment Sara was congratulated by fellow competitors

“This menu was inspired by the concept of music," she explained. "The opening melody, the crescendo of rhythm, and the resolution into harmony—flowing like time itself. Each drink is a journey, a musical note, a feeling that is turned into reality.”

As a gesture of gratitude, Sara shared the recipes for her three winning cocktails.