The Buzz: Shanghai Cocktail Calendar – June 2025

By Heather Millet, May 30, 2025

Grand Opening Party

Bar O.J. – May 31

Bar O.J. is throwing their official launch event, championed by drinks on the street and in the bar, celebrating fun flavors in a sunny mindset.

The celebration will be joined by neighboring businesses Hungry Bird Izakaya and Yakitori Golden Express.

Expect surprises—starting with a secret, out-of-the-ordinary 'orange juice,' followed by DJs, dancing chefs, and more!

Running from 4pm, this mini-block party will have enough to keep you going until dawn.

Sat May 31, 4pm-Late

Bar O.J., 80 Shanxi Nan Lu, by Julu Lu, Jing'an District 陕西南路80号, 近巨鹿路

Sebastian Robinson, Four Pillars Gin Guest Shift

Gallows Humor – May 31

This Saturday, the bold and flavor-forward Gallows Humor bar will host a guest shift with Sebastian Robinson, Brand Ambassador of Four Pillars Gin.

Imbibe Sebastian’s libations under the bar’s glowing, expansive light, hidden behind dark glass overlooking Shanghai’s streets.

Sat May 31, from 8pm

Gallows Humor, No.35-1, F/1 Shanxi Nan Lu, Huangpu 黄浦区陕西南路35号-1F-1

3rd Anniversary

Sugar Area – June 1 & 2

In celebration of their third anniversary, Sugar Area is hosting a trio of guest bartenders over two days.

On the Sunday, June 1, Jacko—World Class Bartender of the Year 2015—and Leslie from Shenzhen’s RMK Bar will take the stage.

Jacko will be behind the bar from 7pm to 10pm, followed by Leslie, who will keep the party going til late, late, late.

On the second day—Monday, June 2—Ken from Paper Planes Beijing will take over, starting at 8pm and keeping the drinks flowing into the late hours.

Sun June 1, 7pm-Late

Mon June 2, 8pm-Late

Sugar Area, 71 Jianguo Zhong Lu, by Ruijin Er Lu, Huangpu District 建国中路171号, 近瑞金二路

Anniversary Month Guest Shifts

Speak Low – June 3, 8 & 16

June is a big month at Speak Low, as they host multiple guest shifts from top bars across Asia in celebration of their 11th anniversary.

The Curator, Manila

June 3

First up, The Curator out of Manila is taking over Speak Low for a guest shift, featuring Co-founder David Ong and Head Bartender James Simon R. Maquirang.

Known for celebrating what they consider the two best things in life—spirits and caffeine—The Curator is currently ranked #33 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars, has ranked in the top 50 numerous times, and has been acclaimed the best bar in the Philippines.

They’ll bring their signature energy and Filipino flavor to Shanghai’s most iconic speakeasy.

Tue June 3, 7-11pm

Reka:Bar, Kuala Lumpur

June 8

On Sunday, June 8, Joel Poon from Reka:Bar in Kuala Lumpur will take the helm.

The bar’s name is a play on 'Reka' (Malay for 'creation') and 'Eureka' (ancient Greek Archimedes' famous cry at the joy of discovery), reflecting Joel’s experimental approach behind the bar.

With experience spanning Dubai, Singapore, and Malaysia, expect interesting combinations and inventive cocktails.

Sun June 8, 7-11pm

Offtrack, Singapore & Mizunara, Hong Kong, Tokyo & Singapore

June 16

In a grand celebration of their 11th, Speak Low will be hosting bartenders from Offtrack, Singapore and Mizunara of Hong Kong, Tokyo and Singapore.

Offtrack is a music-centric bar that keys into classic cocktails, while Mizunara is a group including Mizunara: The Library—#66 in Asia's 50 Best Bars 2024—and Mizunara: The Shop in Hong Kong, as well as Mizunara: In Tokyo in Japan and Mizunara: The Shop in Singapore.

This cross-Asian collaboration promises a packed, wild night as Speak Low celebrates 11 legendary years.

Mon June 16, 7pm-Late

Speak Low, 579 Fuxing Zhong Lu, by Ruijin Er Lu, Huangpu District 复兴中路579号, 近瑞金二路

Himkok, Oslo Guest Shift

J.Boroski – June 6

Himkok-Image-for-J.Bo.jpg

Ranked #11 on the World's 50 Best Bars, Himkok of Oslo, Norway is hitting up Shanghai, when bartenders Paul Voza and Maroš Dzurus get behind the dark and mysterious bar top of J.Boroski on June 6.

Fri June 6, 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

9th Anniversary

The Cannery – June 6-8

Celebrate The Cannery’s 9th anniversary with a wild three-day bash featuring crab feasts, pool parties, and quirky competitions!

And what would a birthday bash be without cocktails? From 5pm on Friday, June 6 enjoy Old Fashioneds for just RMB8.

Yes, you read that right, just 8 RMB an Old Fashioned.

Hot Deal Alert!

For a limited time, snag RMB100 The Cannery vouchers for just RMB80—that's enough for a dozen Old Fashioneds!

Scan the QR code below to get yours now:

Fri-Sun June 6-8

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

Bar Choice Pop-up

Columbia Circle – June 6-8

During this three-day Columbia Circle market event, Bar Choice will hold a pop-up menu featuring two cocktails shaken on the spot alongside their full array of tea spirits. Guests can enjoy these spirits neat, on the rocks, or as highballs.

Fri-Sun June 6-8, 12 noon-10pm

Columbia Circle, 1262 Yan'an Xi Lu, by Panyu Lu, Changning District 延安西路1262号, 近番禺路

Evgeny Shchelkanov, 1929 by GG Guest Shift

Nowhere – June 8

Nowhere bar in Yangpu celebrates its 5th anniversary with a special guest shift by Evgeny Shchelkanov, Head Bartender of 1929 by Guillaume Galliot.

He'll bring his steady hand and clear vision to the evening's cocktails, featuring creations like a pandan twist on a Piña Colada and a mezcal variation of a Basil Martini.

Sun June 8, 9pm-Midnight

Nowhere, 103 Daxue Lu, by Jinjia Lu, Yangpu District 大学路103号, 近锦嘉路

Hope & Sesame Takeover

The Tuxedo – June 18

The Tuxedo will see Hope & Sesame doing a bar takeover on June 18. Consistently the highest ranked Chinese mainland bar, Hope & Sesame currently sits #14 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars, and never disappoints.

Wed June 18, 7-11pm

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

SIP Supernova Champions

12-Bar Blues – June 20

12-Bar Blues will host 2025 SIP Supernova Cocktail Grand Prix Asia Champion Sara Wen from Shake’s Office in Chengdu, as well as finalist I Chang Kim from Zest, Seoul.

You can read all about the 2025 SIP Supernova Cocktail Grand Prix Asia, which took place right here in Shanghai in April, through the link below.

Fri June 20, 8pm-Midnight

12-Bar Blues, 2/F, 1331 Fuxing Zhong Lu, by Fenyang Lu 复兴中路1331号2楼, 近汾阳路

Bar Termini, London Guest Shift

Triple Neck – June 23

Italian in style, located in London, Bar Termini is making the journey to Shanghai for a guest shift at Triple Neck on June 23.

Known for its full Negroni menu, coffee, and craft cocktails, manager Alessandro Belometti will be joined by colleague Marco Mussi for a blend of cultures and spirits here in Shanghai.

Mon June 23, from 8pm

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