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Boticario transports us to Buenos Aires during the 1920s and explores the era of farmacias, when modern medication was prescribed alongside holistic herbs and flowers. Compared to nearby venues in the Tsim Sha Tsui East area, the cocktails here are much more creative, and some contain a theatrical edge, making them great for pictures. In addition, the bar incorporates local Chinese herbs in some of the drinks, fitting the crowd and location.
The menu lists an array of different cocktails, and guests can choose from the following categories:
- Serendipity focuses on happiness, with this section of cocktails being fresh, fruity or sour
- Sanguine is inspired by confidence and courage, where the cocktails are bold, rich and use stronger spirits
- Melancholy focuses on fragrant and aromatic cocktails to lift the spirit (literally)
- Nostalgia is focused on comfort and relaxation, where the drinks are sweet, rich and inviting
We began the night strong with the Prescription Old-Fashioned ($118). Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva rum, rye and Mancino Chinato are mixed with bitters. A touch of sweetness is consistent throughout this drink, but each sip ends with a subtle note of sandalwood, giving a sophisticated touch.
One of my favourites was Smoke Bomb ($98). Sitting in the Serendipity menu section, this drink is fruity and refreshing. Diplomático Planas rum is mixed with pineapple, almond, lime, sherry, cacao and bitters and is slightly fizzy from the addition of some soda pop. When you burst that impressive smoke bubble, the air fills with the sweet scent of strawberry, contrasting with the slightly sour cocktail.
The majority of the cocktails are pretty sweet at Boticario, but if you’re in for a real sugar rush, The Buzz from the Bees ($138) is something potent to try. Be warned – one too many and you’ll be feeling some side effects! This drink contains Avallen Calvados (a sweet apple brandy from Normandy), which smells and tastes floral and leaves the palate with a lingering, toffee-like aftertaste. Complemented with sweet vermouth, hay, honey, CBD oil and lemon, this drink will definitely chill you out. The hay adds a herbaceous and subtle toasty note to this unique cocktail.
If you’re hungry, we recommend getting the Pestle & Mortar ($168 for 2) – guacamole mixed in a heavy stone bowl served with warm, crisp tortilla chips scattering the tray – or the hearty beef empanadas ($148) as part of your evening. These snacks go well with the drinks, enhancing the Latin American theme of Boticario.
Verdict
Compared to other bars on the TST East promenade, Boticario is a playful, quirky spot for some innovative craft cocktails. Not only will you be wowed by the cool aesthetic, but the drinks also harness some unique flavours. Some were a little too sweet for me and others might need some tweaking, but Boticario is a fun bar to check out if you’re in the area on a night out.
Shop G5 & UG15, G/F & UG/F, Tsim Sha Tsui Centre, 66 Mody Road, TST East, 2765 0800, book online
This write-up is based on a complimentary media tasting provided in exchange for an honest review and no monetary compensation. The opinions expressed here represent the author’s.
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