23Whisky Cocktail Bar: A Creative Boozy Gem in the Lido Rough
advertisement
Qiqi’s
demeanor is as refreshing as the drinks she serves. Unlike the
buttoned-up barkeeps at far too many self-important lounges, the 23Whisky Cocktail Bar bartender
wears a baseball cap and plain dark long-sleeved T-shirt, and in
keeping with one of her well-balanced cocktails, Qiqi counters her
casual attire with accomplished stirring, mixing, and the use of fancy
spirits that are infused in-house.
The bar infuses a number of its own spirits in-house
A
prime example is the jujube-infused tequila used in the bar’s 210
Degree Cocktail (pictured above). Rounded out with walnut-infused
whiskey, pineapple syrup, and lemon juice, this tart RMB 85 drink packs a
wallop thanks to its generously portioned, hefty ABV spirits. But the
jujube flavor gives it a distinctly savory tinge, one that 23Whiskey
bartender Liu Jie says
is inspired by why those dates are eaten in chillier Chinese locales
210 degrees from the equator (hence the drink's name); namely, they're
rich in fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, and other nutrients which all help
“nourish blood and regulate health in cold places.”
advertisement
In
fact, each drink is named after degrees of latitude, and use
ingredients common to those areas. Anyone more inclined to warmer spots
will no doubt appreciate the sunnier mix of gold rum, orangey Grand
Marnier liqueur, soy milk, and Ceylon tea in the 180 Degree Cocktail.
Regions in the absolutely sweltering 45-degree latitude range,
meanwhile, inspired a cocktail made with rum, tomato, guava passion
fruit, and soda.
The bar is located in a long narrow room with throwback decor
Aside
from the cocktails, there are also a few dozen Islay and Highland
whiskey options, along with a smattering of Lowland and Campbeltown
varieties. The uninitiated can try sets of five glasses ranging from RMB
160-180, depending on which of the four sets you order.
23Whisky
Cocktail Bar also stands out for its layout, in particular, the almost
bunker-like narrow but deep room that houses the 12-meter-long bar, with
dozens upon dozens of bottles running along the shelves behind it. Less
successful are the projectors which screen scenes from Chinese soap
operas and comedies on the wall above the shelves of spirits, a tacky
and distracting flourish. A DJ booth is hidden in a nook next to the
laid-back '70s-style furniture and equally vintage paintings on the
wall, all of which make for a comfortable throwback vibe that isn't too
on the nose.
The bar isn't fancy but has fun, throwback decor
Its location in a Lido apartment and shopping complex (down the hall from a couple of gyms, a yoga studio, and IDC Dental)
also help make 23Whisky a diamond in the rough that is the Lido bar
scene. Additionally, lower than average drink prices, higher than
average ambition (in terms of in-house infusions and drink concepts),
and the casual vibe should all make this bar a fun and inviting watering
hole for those nearby.
23Whisky Cocktail Bar
Daily 6pm-late
2/F, Richmond Park Clubhouse, Bldg 9, 9 Courtyard, Fangyuan South Street, Chaoyang District
芳园南街芳园南里9号院7号楼丽都水岸会所2层203
(010) 8432 0799
Photos courtesy of 23Whisky Cocktail Bar, Kyle Mullin
advertisement
Want to know what awesome events are happening in town? Scan/Extract the QR code above to get the list of our Editors' Picks.
Got something to sell? Looking for a job? Or an apartment? Then scan/extract the QR code above to visit our Classified Ads.
Do you have what it takes to be a True Runner?
Scan/Extract the QR code above to check out our current job openings.
The Beijinger
Always something fresh
Scan/Extract this QR code to follow us!