DarkSide at Rosewood Hong Kong has unveiled its latest collection of drinks, which have drawn their inspiration from the iconic cocktails of the 1920s and 1930s
Darkside’s new cocktail menu was curated by Bob Louison, the new Director of Bars at Rosewood Hong Kong, along with Assistant Bar Manager Toby Lo and his team. Each cocktail pays homage to its classic predecessor and tells a story of history, glamour, and creativity that captures the spirit of the Roaring Twenties.
About Bob Louison
Bob Louison (shown below) brings extensive experience and expertise to his role as the Director of Bars at Rosewood Hong Kong, overseeing the bar programs for the hotel’s eleven outlets, including DarkSide and XX. His impressive career has taken him through some of the globe’s most renowned cities, including London, Barcelona, New York, and Seoul.
In 2021, he excelled as the Beverage Manager at Rosewood Le Guanahani in Saint Barthélemy, where he played a pivotal role in launching an exceptional beverage program that received widespread international recognition. Most recently, at Rosewood Phnom Penh, Bob spearheaded operations as the Director of Bars and Beverage Director, enhancing the guest experience across six restaurants and seven bars.
With a passion for mixology and a sharp eye for industry trends, Bob Louison is poised to redefine hospitality at Rosewood Hong Kong, crafting unforgettable experiences through innovation, elegance, and exceptional service.
What’s on the new Cocktail menu?
The cocktail scene at DarkSide is experiencing a revival, thanks to the addition of reimagined classics from the exuberant 1920s and 1930s eras.
The new menu will boast eight new cocktails, including Blood and Sand, a drink that harmonises DarkSide’s Blended Whiskey with Mancino Rosso Vermouth, brightened by orange and citrus and a hint of cherry heering.
The cocktail’s origins trace back to the 1930 Savoy Cocktail Book. It is believed to pay homage to Rudolf Valentino’s silent film, which portrays the life of a bullfighter—a nod to the glamour and drama of its time.
Brown Derby stands as a true testament to Hollywood’s glamorous past. It is crafted with Matusalem 15 Rum, Michter’s Bourbon, grapefruit, honey, and maple. This drink was born at the Vendome Club, the epicentre of celebrity culture on Sunset Boulevard during the 1930s.
The Mai Tai (above) offers a tropical twist with a blend of Jamaican and Agricole rums, Cointreau, and a dash of absinthe, harkening back to its possible 1933 origins in tiki lore. A more sophisticated choice, the Champs Elysees combines Remy Martin VSOP Cognac and Chateau Laubade VSOP Armagnac, inspired by the classic Sidecar and named after the iconic Parisian avenue, promising a burst of herbal and citrus notes.
Meanwhile, the Fallen Angel provides a mysterious allure with NIP Gin and crème de menthe, adapted from Harry Craddock’s writings in the Savoy Cocktail Book, inviting drinkers to ponder the angel’s fate.
The Scofflaw Cocktail (above) invites patrons to savour the rebellious spirit of its origins. It features Michter’s Rye Whiskey, Mancino Secco Vermouth, grenadine, citrus, and bitters. Named for those who defiantly enjoyed spirits during Prohibition, this cocktail first appeared in 1924 at Harry’s Bar in Paris.
The Bloody Maria breathes new life into a classic with the zing of Altos Blanco Tequila and Siete Misterios Mezcal. It layers tomato and spice in an invigorating concoction that links back to the drink’s storied beginnings in 1920s Paris.
Finally, Hanky Panky (above) features a sophisticated blend of Monkey 47 Gin, Mancino Rosso Vermouth, Fernet Hunter, and Fernet Branca for a rich herbal complexity and character. It originated from Ada Coleman at the Savoy and was designed to please regular patrons’ martini cravings.
Legend has it he exclaimed, “By Jove! This is the real hanky-panky!” upon tasting it.
The Classic Cocktails Menu, offering patrons a taste of history alongside DarkSide’s modern mixology, will be exclusively available at DarkSide at Rosewood Hong Kong from 9 December. Cocktails are priced at HKD170 + 10% each.
A photograph of the Darkside team from June 2023.
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