Best tequila in Hong Kong, according to Saan Dhakal of Courtroom

The drink: Mexican Firing Squad

Oh, you definitely can’t miss Lockdown. It’s the one with a toilet bowl and ladder at the entrance. The curious minds behind this cheeky Prohibition Era-inspired bar? Agung and Laura Prabowo. Dhakal is no stranger to this place; he helped launch it as Group Beverage Director. He also previously worked with the Prabowos at The Old Man and its sister venue as co-founder. Lockdown as its name suggests, is inspired by the Prohibition Era in the US which gave rise to hidden speakeasies.

“Being the prohibition Era (1920-1933) inspired bar that Lockdown is (also referencing the untimely lockdown that we lived through), every cocktail is about vintage spirits and forgotten styles. Mexican Firing Squad is a milk punch-style cocktail that gives guests a silky mouthfeel with an exciting spicy kick, and a hint of chocolate from the cocoa husk.”

The drink: Bloody Beef Maria

Having COA on this list shouldn’t come as a surprise. Not only is it a Mexican-inspired cocktail bar, but it’s also one of the best. In fact, the best in Asia for three consecutive years — the only bar to achieve this feat on the Asia’s 50 Best Bars list. With COA, bar veteran Jay Khan brings agave spirits to the forefront. The diverse beverage menu features 100% agave tequila, traditional mezcal, and innovative cocktails that draw inspiration from the flavours of Mexico.

“Once you hear the name COA, I don’t think I need to explain further in terms of the cocktail itself! But the lively atmosphere always transports me to Mexico or Brazil as soon as I step foot inside, which makes the tequila and mezcal drinks feel even richer in context. Personally, I’m allergic to tomatoes but still, I take my chances on Bloody Beef Maria every time. It’s a beautifully layered cocktail showcasing four flavour profiles in perfect balance, sweet, sour, umami, spicy.”

Image credit: coahongkong/Instagram

The drink: Show Me The Evidence

Courtroom is the latest addition to Dhakal’s stunning portfolio, cementing himself as a seasoned mixologist and hospitality veteran. Industry heavyweight Ranjeet Khatri, the ex-manager of Tell Camilla joins Dhakal in this venture. The “sensibly contradictory” bar is inspired by the range of infamous court cases that blur the lines of convention and blend order with chaos. This philosophy of “sensibly contradictory” extends to their drinks so guests can easily sample interesting flavours that don’t normally go together. In addition to the unorthodox elements, they also offer inventive zero-proof mocktails. Those who love tequila but are on the hunt for something “investigation-worthy” shouldn’t miss out on this one.

“Obviously I’m biased towards Courtroom! Show Me The Evidence came to me in the essence of the bar’s ‘Sensibly Contradictory’ concept. It’s Tequila-based but not in the orthodox sense. It’s herbal in your nose, fruity when you first sip, followed by a bittersweet and briny aftertaste. It goes with the seemingly simple but contradictory interior and ambience that we aim to foster.”

The drink: Supernova

Artifact, a speakeasy bar at Basehall 02, focuses on brown spirits. It boasts a stellar team including Beckaly Franks, Ezra Star, J Frank and Nishant Vargas. Even more admirable is the surreal, futuristic geometric interior design that feels as if you’re at an underground cistern or inside the set of Cloud Atlas. Their cocktails are all about “telling the stories of aged spirits” that taste familiar but also unpretentious.

“Artifact is also one of my favourites, given the incredibly conceptual interior, welcoming ambience and immaculate hospitality. I love Supernova especially because of the subtle spice it carries, on top of the refreshingly fragrant notes on the nose.”

The drink: Amor Prohibido

Chicano is a Mexican cantina on Gough Street, Central. Founder Gabe Pérez and chef Edgar Vigo bring LA-influenced Mexican food to Hong Kong. But more importantly, to allow Hong Kong diners to sample chef Vigo’s Mexican grandmother’s traditional recipes and home cooking. Beyond the food, diners can also appreciate the range of drinks. Dhakal himself agrees.

“Chicano is Mexican cuisine’s simplest and most powerful form. Apart from that, I love their whole range of non-alcoholic cocktails. But Amor Prohibido is my favourite and definitely not to be missed. Amor Prohibido is a super refreshing, fruity long drink that keeps you feeling light while you chow down on Chicano’s delicious seabass tacos.”

The drink: One Pot Pan

Penicillin is familiar to Dhakal. Also, by Agung and Laura Prabowo, Penicillin is on a mission to become Hong Kong’s first scrap-less bar. That means, to produce as little waste as possible by using kitchen by-products that can be recycled and upcycled. The drinks have a life of their own too, with ingredients made through self-brewing, fermenting, growing, and re-using botanicals locally sourced within Hong Kong. The bar celebrates fermentation and is at the heart of its mission to offer sustainable cocktails.

“To me, Penicillin will always be the loveliest bar in all of Hong Kong. One Pot Pan is the most refreshing and fantastic tequila-based cocktail. The wonderful team, genuine hospitality, and the Koji Fried Chicken — need I say more? And the perfect drink to go with the fried chicken is One Pot Pan. It’s fruity, savoury, with a bit of vegetal notes.”