Sofitel Macau’s compact bar RendezVous is closed off from the bustling lobby and casino entrance. A limited number of semi-private booths and tables are scattered here and there, giving an exclusive, intimate atmosphere for tea during the day or drinks as evening sets in. Jazz-age paintings hang on the champagne-coloured walls, and an oversized statement fishbowl mirror sits behind the bar, making RendezVous appear larger than its confines.
Each elegant libation has been created by lead mixologist Hnin Pwint Aye and is inspired by the roaring 20s, fitting for the bar’s opulent interior. We saw Aye strut her stuff at Diageo’s World Class competition a few months back, and over the past few years, she has won Cointreau’s Art of the Mix in Dubai and was the runner-up at the Lady Amarena 2017 global cocktail competition.
The Burmese-born mixologist has seven years of international experience under her belt. Initially, Aye discovered her passion for bartending in Dubai, and she’s been mentored by legends such as Matthias Giroud, co-founder of Buddha-Bar, while Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto and Shingo Gokan at Renaissance Downtown Hotel in Dubai solidified her unique style. To this day, her original concoction Michiko remains a popular signature at Buddha-Bar, and she is one of the few who can replicate Gokan’s unique Japanese approach to cocktails. With such an impressive background, we were excited to begin our evening and try her newest creations.
Cocktails are a steal here compared to other luxury hotels in Hong Kong and Macau – priced at MOP$78 for one cocktail or MOP$200 for three.
Our first round rolled out with the Mr & Mrs, a tea-infused cocktail that is refreshing and bursting with bergamot and citrus, and Trust Me You Can Dance, infused with in-your-face smoked apple woodchips. The latter is dangerous but delicious nevertheless – whisky is disguised with apricot brandy and marmalade, making this drink slightly sweet, with a creamy aftertaste.
For more refreshing flavour profiles, I would recommend ordering Arabica Mint or Prohibition Ends Here.
Arabica Mint is inspired by Aye’s time in Dubai, where she discovered her passion for bartending. Black pepper, cardamom, cumin seed and star anise are blended to create an Arabian-influenced spice mix that enhances the coffee-infused vodka. This warm, delicious drink is heavenly and slightly sweet owing to the use of vanilla syrup and ginger ale.
Playing around with botanical ingredients, Prohibition Ends Here is a refreshing gin-based cocktail infused with earthy and aromatic rosemary. It’s not sweet, a little fizzy and super refreshing courtesy of the coconut water and tonic.
We finished with Meet Me at RendezVous, a French-style drink that pairs well with Sofitel’s brand and is inspired by the mint julep. Made with cognac, honey, chocolate bitters and chocolate powder, it’s a smooth aperitif – simple and zingy, with a slightly tart aftertaste.
Verdict
Infused with a touch of French Prohibition glamour while upholding Sofitel’s legendary hospitality, we are impressed with the new cocktail list offered at RendezVous, and we let Aye and her team drive our evening and provide suggestions. The drinks are simple in aesthetic and well balanced so that guests can focus on the flavour profiles of each one. We like the diversity of the menu; there’s something for everybody – from light and refreshing to robust and warm. Make sure to put this on your list for an overnight trip to Macau or be sure to join the Mixologist Madness Night hosted once a month at Sofitel Macau!
Lobby, Sofitel Macau at Ponte 16, Rua do Visconde Paço D’Arcos, 999078 Macau, +853 8861 0016
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