The world’s best bars

Από MO Magazine

Φεβρουάριος 27, 2023

Mandarin Oriental is home to some of the best bars – and cocktails – in the world. Here’s where to head, and what to order once you’re there.

The bartender serving cocktails to a couple at the main bar at The Aubrey bar, Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong

The Aubrey at Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong

The concept…

Currently ranked at number ten among Asia’s 50 Best Bars, The Aubrey at Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong takes the city’s cocktail scene to new heights. Set on the 25th floor, with spectacular views of Victoria Harbour, it takes its inspiration from a Japanese izakaya. Cocktail legend Devender Sehgal is behind its seasonal creations and themed signature drinks, which are currently riffing on shochu and awamori, two Japanese spirits. Meanwhile, the omakase experience takes four guests on a voyage of discovery with a series of custom cocktails and paired Japanese snacks.

What to order... An award-winning In Between the Line, which balances shochu with botanicals-rich gin before adding a spicy-sour twist of citrus, habanero and ginger.

The signature bar snacks... Good luck choosing between the yellowtail sashimi, soft-shell crab roll and Wagyu beef katsu sando sandwich (caviar and gold leaf optional).

The bartender at Origen, Mandarin Oriental, Santiago, mixing up the Three Wishes Time cocktail, served with a puff of smoke

Origen at Mandarin Oriental, Santiago

The concept…

Origen at Mandarin Oriental, Santiago is set in the Las Condes neighbourhood, known for its agenda-setting bar scene and panoramic vistas of the Andes. The bar’s specialty is gin, with over 50 bottles spanning every nuance of flavour. This is the place to try something a little different, whether it’s a small-batch beauty from Barcelona, spiked with cardamom, or a Chilean dry gin with forest-foraged botanicals. Struggling to pick? Head bartender Sebastián Rojas is particularly partial to Trä Kál, a Patagonian spirit distilled with wild herbs and native berries.

What to order... A creative concoction like the Hakuto, which blends Peruvian pisco with orange peel-macerated sake. Add cherimoya (custard apple) purée, citrus and house-made tropical soda and you’ve got yourself a truly special cocktail.

The signature bar snacks... Small, beautifully-crafted bocados (bites) – keep them coming while you ponder your next drink.

MO Bar at Mandarin Oriental, Singapore

The concept…

Cocktail bars don’t get much sleeker than the MO BAR at Mandarin Oriental, Singapore, kitted out in muted golds and softly-gleaming teals. Its drinks list, entitled ‘Blueprint’, is an equally polished proposition – an inventive, four-chapter menu which explores the evolution of Singapore’s cityscape and culture. The Helix references the futuristic bridge of the same name, while the gin-fuelled White Rabbit was inspired by an old-school local candy. As you gaze out over Marina Bay, it’s “Singapore in every sip”, says bar manager Charlie Kim.

What to order... Travel back in time with a Grandfather’s Road, a peppery twist on an Old Fashioned, then try a cutting-edge Elysium, an intriguing version of a wet martini served in a striking ‘cliffhanger’ glass.

What to order... Something deliciously decadent, whether it’s lobster laksa or the pillowy truffled cheese naan.

The stylish interior of Pictura bar at Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid

Pictura at Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid

The concept…

Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid is perfectly placed for the city’s biggest art museums – and that’s the inspiration behind Pictura. Behind the bar is a gallery of 14 gilt-framed portraits, which look like Old Masters but actually depict contemporary artists and creatives. The cocktail list, too, is a masterful blend of old and new, running from los clásicos (a precision-mixed Sazerac, perhaps) to more modern creations. The bar menu, meanwhile, comes courtesy of super-chef Quique Dacosta, who also masterminds Deessa, the hotel’s two-starred fine-dining restaurant.

What to order... Discerning drinkers will appreciate the menu’s ‘Forgotten Cocktails’ section, which shines a light on lost classics. Laced with Paris-made absinthe, the A La Louisiane feels like a taster of another – more decadent – era.

What to order... There’s artistry in every plate. Try the velvet-centred Iberian ham croquetas or panko-crumbed crispy prawn brioche.

All offers and experiences available at time of publication. Please contact the relevant hotel team for more information.

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