Zuma Hosts “Friends of the House” Bar Takeover for Asia’s 50 Best Bars Week
In celebration of Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2025 award ceremony, Zuma threw an exclusive “Friends of the House” bar takeover on July 14 — a buzzing, boozy gathering of top-tier mixologists from across the region and a one-night-only cocktail lineup.
On the roster of talents was Shanghai’s Ryohei Yamagishi, Bar Manager at The Odd Couple; from Bangkok, Attapon De-Silva, Head Bartender of G.O.D. (No. 26 on Asia's 50 Best Bars 2025 list), and Santo Metodo, Bar Manager of Zuma Bangkok.
Representing the home team, Zuma Hong Kong’s very own Bar Manager Andrei Makarevich, who kept the crowd buzzing with bold pours and inventive pairings.
We kicked things off with Andrei’s Spicy Hebi Highball, which tasted more like fruity sunshine than spicy fire. A clean and refreshing blend of Olmeca tequila, clarified Calpis soda, raspberry, orange liqueur, and mango, it came with a dried mango slice on the side, which Andrei advised we eat first to cleanse our palettes.
Next up was Ryohei’s T n T, an aromatic mix of Kinobi gin with earl grey, hoji tea, plum, grapefruit, and tonic. It was floral yet crisp, with layers of complexity that snuck up on you.
Santo Metodo from Zuma Bangkok presented the refreshing Ueno Blossom, a floral drink featuring Ki no Bi gin, Sakura vermouth, Sakura liqueur, clarified yuzu, and jasmine rice syrup. It was slightly sweet, with a rice-forward depth that grounded the blossom-y notes.
His Shinjuku Neon was just as poetic: Beefeater 24 gin meets ratafia, shiso liqueur, yuzu, lemon, soda, and a milk wash — light, citrusy, and finished with that unmistakable hint of shiso.
A highlight on the lineup was Attapon De-Silva’s Saketini 2.0, served with a slice of watermelon crowned with uni and a sprinkle of toasted rice salt and black pepper. A fizzy mix of Absolut Elyx, sake, CO₂, and more, this cocktail was tart, and had a subtle balsamic vinegary flavor from the balsamic glaze.
And because it wouldn’t be a night at Zuma without a feast, we were served delicious bites on the side. Freshly made hand rolls with tuna, avocado, wagyu fillings bursting with flavor were the perfect complement to the evening’s electric cocktail lineup.
Plan your next visit to Zuma Hong Kong and read all about their new Shūmatsu Brunch!
For more information, visit Zuma Hong Kong on their website, Instagram, and Facebook.
Location: Zuma Hong Kong, Landmark Level 5 & 6 15 Queen's Road Central Hong Kong
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