It's time to raise a glass as National Tequila Day is just around the corner, and there’s no better place to celebrate it than in Hong Kong’s buzzing bar scene!

From smoky sips of artisanal mezcal to vibrant tequila-laced cocktails that burst with citrus and spice, the city’s best bars are shaking up bold creations that pay tribute to Mexico’s most iconic spirit. Whether you're a seasoned agave aficionado or a curious first timer, this is your chance to explore the smooth, complex world of tequila like never before. Ready to toast to good times?

Here’s where to go for the perfect pour of tequila.

COA

COA is a critically acclaimed agave spirits bar opened by industry veteran Jay Khan in 2017. Inspired by the rustic mezcalerias of Oaxaca, this intimate, candlelit space is anchored in Mexican tradition and hospitality, with raw materials, striking murals, and a hand-carved coa embedded in the wall. COA has earned global recognition, topping Asia’s 50 Best Bars from 2021 to 2023 and consistently ranking among the world’s best.

The bar boasts one of the most extensive agave spirit menus in Asia, with a 41-page book categorizing tequila, mezcal, raicilla, sotol, bacanora, and more by agave species and terroir. Signature cocktails include the La Paloma de Oaxaca (HK$120), blending tequila blanco, mezcal joven, lime, grapefruit soda, and worm salt, and the Ancho Highball (HK$120), a bright mix of tequila blanco, salted plum, ancho chile, and guava soda.

COA operates on a walk-in basis only. Join the waitlist upon arrival if full. For inquiries, contact +852 2813 5787 or +852 5610 4695 (WhatsApp) or send an email to info@coa.com.hk.

Location: COA, Wah Shin House, Shop A, LG/F Wah Shin House, 6-10 Shin Hing Street, Central, Hong Kong

Operating Hours: Tuesdays to Sundays, 6 PM to 12 AM; Fridays and Saturdays until 1 AM; Closed on Mondays

El Taquero

El Taquero is a lively taqueria and agave bar that brings the authentic flavors of Mexico to the heart of Hong Kong. Known for its trompo-grilled tacos and fresh corn tortillas made in-house daily, the bar pairs its vibrant food offerings with a serious love for agave spirits, making it a go-to for both taco lovers and tequila connoisseurs.

The restaurant's tequila menu is thoughtfully curated into blanco, reposado, and añejo expressions, offering a deep dive into the complexity of agave. Blanco tequilas like Don Alvaro Organico (HK$80) and Corazon (HK$130) deliver bright, unaged purity. For something with mellowed richness, the reposado range includes options like Pedro Infante (HK$80) and El Espolón (HK$80), rested just long enough to absorb golden notes from the oak. Fans of depth and complexity will enjoy the añejo selection, such as La Cofradia (HK$80), with warm notes of spice and vanilla from barrel aging.

Whether sipping straight or pairing with tacos, El Taquero serves up tequila in its most honest and flavorful forms. For reservations, contact +852 2811 1998 or send an email to info@eltaquero.hk.

Location: El Taquero, Shop B-F, G/F, Yan King Court, No. 119 Queen’s Road East, Wan Chai, Hong Kong

Operating Hours: Mondays to Wednesdays, 12 NN to 3 PM and 5 PM to 11 PM; Thursdays and Fridays, 12 NN to 3 PM and 5 PM to 12 AM; Saturdays, 12 NN to 12 AM; Sundays, 12 NN to 11 PM

Tequila Mex

Located on the ground floor of Union Mansion along the bustling Chatham Road South in Tsim Sha Tsui, Tequila Mex is a vibrant revival of the beloved Tequila Jack’s. Reopened in March 2025, this lively cantina is now reimagined with fresh energy while honoring over two decades of Mexican-inspired dining and drinking in Hong Kong. It blends bold flavors, lively atmosphere, and live music to deliver memorable nights filled with zest and rhythm.

Tequila lovers will find plenty to sip on here, with a menu packed full of playful, fruit-forward tequila cocktails. The T Mex (HK$108) is a frozen delight, mixing tequila with triple sec, guava, mango, and pineapple for a tropical kick. For something cheeky, try the Coronita (HK$108), combining tequila, lime, sour mix, and an upside-down Corona. Purists will appreciate the Tequila Sunrise (HK$98) and Mexican Mule (HK$88), both offering bright, refreshing profiles that pair well with the bar’s fiesta-like vibe.

Reservations require a minimum one-hour notice. Walk-ins are welcome but subject to availability. To book, call +852 7010 6310 or fill up the contact form on their website.

Location: Tequila Mex, Shop 7-8, G/F, Union Mansion, 33-35 Chatham Road South, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong

Operating Hours: Daily, from 12 NN to 2 AM

Courtroom

A cheeky new player in Hong Kong’s bar scene, Courtroom sits high on Graham Street in Central and serves up cocktails with a legal twist. Designed like a judicial chamber with witness stands, judges' benches, and Lady Justice holding a martini, this theatrical bar turns drinking into an immersive experience. Helmed by co-founder Saan Dhakal, formerly of Penicillin, Courtroom blends serious cocktail technique with playful creativity, earning a loyal following since its opening in September 2024.

Tequila takes center stage in several standout drinks on Courtroom’s “Cocktail Casefiles” menu. Habeas Corpus (HK$120) is a savory, subtly sweet mix of Sugar Snap Tequila, fenugreek distillate, peach cordial, and mushroom. Meanwhile, Show Me the Evidence (HK$120) pairs passion fruit tequila with lemon geranium liqueur, bitter gourd, and a clever fake egg yolk for a bittersweet, conceptual concoction. Ingredients are house-made in the bar’s underground kitchen-lab, and cocktails push boundaries while staying rooted in quality craft.

Courtroom operates on a walk-in basis. For inquiries, email info@courtroombarhk.com or call +852 6185 1968.

Location: Courtroom, 52-54 Graham Street, Central, Hong Kong

Operating Hours: Mondays to Wednesdays and Sundays, 5 PM to 1 AM; Thursdays to Saturdays, 5 PM to 2 AM

PENICILLIN

Penicillin is Hong Kong’s pioneering closed-loop cocktail bar and a leader in the sustainable drinking movement. Founded by Agung and Laura Prabowo, the bar has earned global acclaim for its inventive low-waste ethos, blending scientific precision with eco-conscious flair. With accolades from Asia’s 50 Best Bars and The World’s 50 Best Bars, Penicillin is on a mission to reshape the way we drink.

Among its offerings is One Pot Pan, a carbonated highball brimming with tropical freshness. Made with redistilled pink guava tequila and vitamin B-infused strawberry, the drink layers fruity vibrancy with a smoky undertone from charred chives sprig cordial. A splash of clear makgeolli adds an effervescent lift, making it as bright and playful as it is complex. True to the bar’s philosophy, ingredients are locally sourced and upcycled where possible, and the drink is served with a chives garnish for a finishing herbal touch.

The bar doesn't take reservations, but you can send your inquiries via email info@penicillinbarhk.com or call +(852) 9880 7995.

Location: Penicillin, L/G Amber Lodge, 23 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong

Operating Hours: Mondays to Saturdays, 5 PM to 2 AM; Sundays, 5 PM to 1 AM