Breezing through the bright and spacious lobby of The St. Regis on the Bund, Shanghai, we move from the afternoon delights of tea time toward the evening pleasure of cocktails.
Stepping from tall white marble into dark wood fixtures, the St. Regis Bar suddenly reveals old-world charm, with a crystal chandelier hanging cake-like over the center of the room.
The furniture is deep and low, tall-backed and regal. Art Deco mirrors reflect ceiling-high shelves of curious antiques; windows the size of walls look out at the modern city.
Staff are clad in carefully coiffed white jackets or green plaid, ready to serve. Echoes of Ella Fitzgerald and Frank Sinatra solidify the sensation of stepping back to the turn of the last century, under the glow of emerald lamps with dangling jeweled fringe like flapper dresses.
The bar speaks to relaxation—of escaping the day’s obligations by settling into a cocktail. Just as it beckons a visit at dusk, the drinks follow concepts of Classics, Springtime, and the Violet Hour.
In fact, The St. Regis Bar has a 'Violet Hour' special every day from 6-8pm, when selected cocktails and wines are just RMB78, beers and mocktails RMB38, and bar snacks RMB48.
Then, from 10pm until 1am, enjoy 'Midnight Revelry'—with a lengthy list of cocktails free flow for just RMB228 per person.
Globally, the St. Regis has its own cocktail bible, from which locations can draw internationally tested and beloved cocktails.
These dance alongside signatures crafted with local ingredients, designed by the bar’s own talents.
Calle Cotorce (RMB108) – Gin / Passion fruit / Osmanthus Syrup / Grapefruit Juice / Sauvignon Blanc
The main menu is divided into sections, one entirely dedicated to cocktails reminiscent of old New York. Among these, the Calle Catorce (RMB108) is a luminous cocktail named for New York’s 14th Street, once known as 'Little Spain,' an epicenter of Spanish and Latin culture.
The drink sings with a festival of fruits, yet stays fresh and crisp, winking at osmanthus flower and stronger than expected—like a white sangria with added class.
The Bund Snapper (RMB128) – Vodka infused with celery / Tomato Juice / Shanghai Five-Spice / Zaolu / Osmanthus / Lemon Juice
Another segment of the menu focuses on Bloody Mary twists, the crowning jewel of which is The Bund Snapper (RMB128).
This rendition lightens the usual hangover cure with Zaolu spirit, osmanthus, and a sugared tomato jelly garnish. It arrives with an osmanthus cake, like an odd couple waltzing into a gala.
The cocktail itself is light, gently sweet, and connects to the Shanghai palate via its unique five-spice blend.
The Violet Hour (RMB128) –– Gin / Aromatized wine / Orange Liqueur / Violet Liqueur / Orange Bitters / Lemon Oil
Truest to the bar’s sentiment is the section devoted to the Violet Hour, that magical early evening moment when the sun is setting, casting a vibrant hue of light and transition.
The St. Regis menu dubs it “…the boundless possibility of night.” Every cocktail here is a martini.
The namesake drink, The Violet Hour (RMB128), boasts a glorious indigo shade, garnished tastefully with a lemon orb like the early moon.
In strength, it stays faithful to its origin, yet softens with floral violet liqueur and aromatized wine.
Pro Tip: The above three cocktails are all on the aforementioned 6-8pm Violet Hour special, when they are priced just RMB78.
Newsweek Knickerbocker (RMB88) –– Seedlip Spice / Yuzu / Sage / Raspberry
Spirit-free options are also available, such as the Newsweek Knickerbocker (RMB88), which blends tart yuzu with Seedlip Spice, sage, and raspberry for a biting yet nuanced non-alcoholic cocktail.
Blossom Serenade (RMB98) –– Light Rum / Rice Wine / Lime Juice / Fig Syrup
Just as day fades to night, so the seasons shift—and the St. Regis Bar ensures a rotating menu of seasonal creations by their team. The current spring lineup features seven spirited drinks and two spirit-free options.
For something mysterious, the Blossom Serenade (RMB98) combines light rum and Guangzhou rice wine, yielding an aroma almost like tequila, warmed by fig syrup.
The story goes that this cocktail was inspired by a staff member’s idea of alcohol as a truth serum for confessing romantic aspirations.
The Gleaming Fusion (RMB98) –– Pineapple Rum / Mancino Blanco / Southern Comfort
The Gleaming Fusion (RMB98) is a gorgeous concoction hiding macadamia and banana (via rum infusion) among pineapple, Mancino Blanco Vermouth, and Southern Comfort.
The result is like the perfect spring day, before summer’s heat arrives.
Aroma Glimmer (RMB98) – Pineapple Juice / Egg White / Maple Syrup / Earl Grey Tea
On the spirit-free side, Aroma Glimmer (RMB98) offers a lighter mocktail, Earl Grey tea mingling with pineapple and maple syrup for complexity beyond simple juice or tea.
As evening settles—for guests, cocktail lovers, or those seeking refuge from the long day in a lost decade—the St. Regis presents a taste of everything.
Their expertly trained staff can craft off-menu classics, from a straight-and-true Martini to an Old Fashioned or steadfast Bloody Mary.
The establishment was created for luxury and respite, which can be found, as always, in a glass.
The St. Regis On The Bund, Shanghai, 538 Zhongshan Dong Er Rd, by Longtan Lu, Huangpu District 中山东二路538号, 近龙潭路
Jazz Night: Swing After Dark
Step into an evening of smooth melodies and rhythmic sophistication at The St. Regis Bar on Friday, June 13, from 8-10pm.
Swing After Dark will brings together a stellar lineup of international jazz talents for an unforgettable night of live music and crafted cocktails.
June Koo – Renowned jazz guitarist from South Korea, weaving intricate harmonies.
Harrison Wardley – Australian jazz double bassist, laying down deep, resonant grooves.
YiDu Jiang – Rising Chinese jazz trumpeter, adding vibrant brass brilliance.
Early Bird tickets are just RMB288 per person, which includes free flow selected wines, beers, and New York-inspired cocktails, ensuring a night of refined sips alongside world-class jazz.
Tickets will be RMB328 after June 10, so reserve your spot now by scanning the QR code on the poster above.
[All images by That's]
0 User Comments