Hong Kong opens first ‘cocktails on tap’ bar

Taiwanese drinks maestro Angus Zou has partnered with Tastings Group’s Antonio Lai to bring Taiwan’s “cocktails on tap” bar concept to Hong Kong.

Draft Land is a new cocktail bar that serves cocktails on tap

The bar called ‘Draft Land’ will be the city’s first cocktail bar that replicates a standard beer dispensing bar and replaces bartenders completely, “seeking to re-define the cocktail experience”, according to the company.

Zou first opened the bar in Taipei last year, and this will be his first foray into Hong Kong. The bar will serve seasonal pre-batch-only and garnish-free cocktails on tap starting from HK$90 per serving.

With the opening of Draft Land, Zou seeks to simplify the bar-going experience down to the essentials, starting with serving everything on tap. With the ability to pour and sample different flavours before picking a favourite drink, and the replacement of bartenders with engineering and consistency-focused “draftenders”, says the company.

Zou and Lai have created more than 40 different cocktail flavours together, which will be available on a rotational basis on the 24 taps.

Starting at HK$90 per cocktail and HK$70 for spirit-free options, signature flavours include Angus Zou’s Silver Fizz ($90), a simple infusion of gin, dill and citrus. Soju Martini (HK$120), incorporating the flavours of soju, Sherry and pandan. Rum Stout (HK$100) is served in a Nick & Nora glass with dark rum, black tea, pandan and Porter beer, evoking rich notes of fruit and a creamy and nutty finish. Other spirit-free options include Hibiscus Fizz (HK$70) with honey, hibiscus, pineapple and soda, and Ginger Lemonade (HK$70) made with ginger, lime and soda.

A range of street food-style snacks are also available for guests to nibble on including vegetarian options.