Hutong Creates New Elixirs of Spring
Inspired by Ancient Chinese Herbal Remedies
(Hong Kong, 12 March 2019) – Hutong’s stylish Moon Gate Bar launches five new seasonal cocktails each inspired by ancient Chinese healing ingredients. The new and innovative Elixirs of Spring seriesis available from 11th March.
World-famous and award-winning Hutong – with spectacular views from the 28th floor of One Peking, recently launched the Moon Gate Bar to conceptualise and celebrate traditional Chinese ingredients. Guests will enter through a moon gate archway, to discover delicious concoctions that feature herbal Chinese elements such as chen-pi, chamomile and dried yam. These unique ingredients are paired with intricate flavours namely lychee, vanilla and grapefruit, which help to encourage energy renewal. The springtime period after Chinese New Year and before summer is considered the prime season to cleanse and heal the body.
The foundation of Herbal Treasures (HK$265) is time. Hutong’s expert mixologists patiently infuse a blend of ginseng, goji berries and dried yams for three weeks with Ron Zacapa 23 rum. This immune system-boost is then blended with homemade Chinese-spiced Angostura bitters and poured into a clear bottle, similar to one that you may have found in an old medicine shop. The edible garnish includes dehydrated orange peel coated in hand-mixed layers of sugar and crushed Sichuan pepper. A preserved cherry – soaked in bourbon and cherry brandy – is the treasure of this cocktail, exploding with juicy, fiery syrup which is unveiled amongst a dramatic mist of dry ice.
Famed for its properties to repair the throat and respiratory system, sweet and sour chen-pi (dried tangerine peel) is introduced to a warm and stimulating cocktail, The Yellow Dragon (HK$158). A must-have in the traditional Chinese kitchen and a prized medicinal herb, chen-pi is infused with Tanqueray Gin for seven days to create an elegant and fresh citrus spirit. This is then combined with a carefully measured mix of limoncello, yuzu purée, fresh lemon juice, honey and a dash of osmanthus flower Chinese sweet wine. The drink is then shaken and served in a coupe glass dusted with coriander seeds and garnished with delicate gold leaf.
Presented in a traditional Chinese tea bowl, Shui Revive (HK$158) is a feminine and bright addition to the menu, incorporating chamomile flower as its main ingredient, to promote clarity and purification of the body and mind. Combined with chrysanthemum, a popular element to springtime teas in China, the buds are infused with white rum and Ketel One Vodka for three weeks, along with a host of citrus fruits including grapefruit, orange and lemon. The floral essence is then mixed with rose water, briskly shaken, double strained and crowned with fresh flowers.
Infusing Ketel One Vodka with vanilla pods and lychee liqueur, Chuan Energy (HK$158) is a dynamic addition featuring Chinese five spice – which is believed to balance out stress. The vodka is shaken with Sichuan chilli, honey and lime juice whilst the glass is delicately coated with Sichuan pepper seeds to add a spicy finish to this naturally cleansing libation.
The final drink on the apothecary-like list isa truly rejuvenating mocktail. Amber Awakening (HK$118) has a soothing imperial yellow appearance. The smooth and sweet juice is a blend of fresh mango with an abundance of freshly grated ginger and a spoonful of honey to harmonise the body. The replenishing drink is also rich in vitamins, balanced with zests of orange and lemon.
These new remedial creations are the perfect way to celebrate the start of spring and a make for a delicious aperitif to cleanse the palate before, during or after enjoying Hutong’s spicy delicacies.
The Moon Gate Bar is open daily from 12pm – 12am. Menu prices are subject to 10% service charge.
Hutong | 28/F, One Peking, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
T 3428 8342 | www.hutong.com.hk |FB and IG @hutonghk
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Issued by GHC Asia on behalf of Aqua Restaurant Group
For media enquiries, please contact:
Grace Brewer| 3163 0108 | [email protected]
Images:
Herbal Treasures
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The Yellow Dragon |
Chuan Energy |
Shui Revive |
About Hutong
Reminiscent of an ancient family courtyard in one of Peking's fast disappearing hutongs (courtyard houses set between narrow lanes); Hutong’s interiors are set against the most breath-taking skylines of Hong Kong. The sense of adventure and sheer avant-garde creativity continues in the innovative cuisine inspired by the culinary Lu School from Shandong province. Originally born in Hong Kong over 15 years ago, Hutong opened in London in 2013. Hutong is part of Aqua Restaurant Group.
About Aqua Restaurant Group
In 2000, former lawyer David Yeo, launched aqua restaurant with a vision to bring some of the chic restaurant buzz of New York, Tokyo and London to Hong Kong. It proved such a phenomenal success that today Aqua Restaurant Group has grown to a formidable culinary empire of 19 ground-breaking outlets in Hong Kong, London and Beijing. A remarkable portfolio which embraces Hong Kong’s most innovative destination restaurants including aqua, Hutong, tivo, Shiro, Dim Sum Library. A traditional authentic Chinese junk experience – aqua luna and aqua luna II and most recently two new restaurants in Tai Kwun; The Chinese Library, Statement as well as a bar - The Dispensary. Throughout the years, Aqua Restaurant Group’s fundamental philosophy has remained unchanged; to prepare exquisite food using the freshest, highest quality produce and to prepare it in a way where the true flavours shine.
This is coupled with service that is approachable and unobtrusive, and always in a jaw-dropping stylish environment that features the very best of innovative Asian-inspired contemporary design, right down to the last small details, which has become the hallmark of the Aqua Restaurant Group. In early 2012, David Yeo was awarded ‘Restaurateur of the Year’ by the prestigious World Gourmet Series. This was followed by the ‘Ospitalità Italiana’ award in September 2012 for Best Italian Restaurant in Hong Kong which was presented to aqua by the Italian Chamber of Commerce.
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