A city that epitomizes the fusion of the ancient with the ultra-modern, Shanghai offers a bar scene that reflects its vibrant and diverse spirit. This dynamic landscape is home to establishments that set the stage for memorable nights out, building on the cocktail culture momentum we explored in our feature on Hong Kong’s Top 5 Bars.
Here are highlights of Shanghai’s cocktail culture, featuring bars recognized in the Top 100 of Asia’s Top 50 Bars 2024, along with other noteworthy spots reshaping the city’s nightlife. From the relaxed ambiance of Suzu to Speak Low’s enchanting experience, these establishments offer more than just drinks.
Epic
Located in Shanghai’s Former French Concession, Epic secured the No. 54 spot on Asia’s 50 Best Bars list in 2024, showcasing its continued rise as a destination for innovative cocktails. With a sleek, modern design and an inventive approach to mixology, Epic stands out as a beacon of creativity in Shanghai’s dynamic nightlife scene, living up to the motto “Do epic shit!” championed by owner and mixologist, Cross Yu.
The three-storey bar’s innovative menu features and unexpected ingredients that promise an unparalleled drinking experience. Signature cocktails like the “Gemini Feel Good,” a blend of saffron-infused bourbon, osmanthus wine, coffee Campari, plum bitters, and coconut foam, and the rare playful “Half & Half Libra,” made with vodka, green grape jam, sour apple, citrus, and simple syrup, exemplify the bar’s creative and non-conformist mixology.
Sober Company
Ranking No. 92 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024 list, Sober Company exemplifies Shanghai’s innovative cocktail scene with its comprehensive experience spread across three floors — blending café, restaurant, and bar elements. The inviting atmosphere and focus on expertly crafted cocktails featuring Chinese ingredients make this multifaceted venue a standout destination.
Sober Company’s innovative cocktail menu showcases creative concoctions like the “Blue Moon,” which exemplifies the bar’s use of rare Asian ingredients. This gin-based drink incorporates ylang ylang flower and butterfly pea, both of which lend distinctive bittersweet and refreshing flavors and colors to the cocktail. The result is a visually striking and aromatic libation that transports guests on a sensory journey, further underscoring Sober Company’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of traditional cocktail making.
Speak Low
The hidden speakeasy Speak Low opened in Shanghai in 2014 and immediately earned a spot on the World’s 50 Best Bars list. When the Asia’s 50 Best Bars awards launched in 2016, it grabbed second place, and since then Speak Low and its sister establishments have accumulated 50 local and international awards.
Accessed through a sliding bookshelf, this three-level cocktail haven offers serious pours on the second floor and rare whiskeys upstairs, creating a low-key and cozy atmosphere to enjoy with friends — though guests may have to queue up to experience Speak Low’s standout status in Shanghai’s bar scene.
Barules
After a temporary closure in 2020, veteran bartender Sam Kuan has reopened the acclaimed Barules cocktail bar in Shanghai’s fashionable Jing’an District in 2024. The new Barules pays homage to legendary British bartender Dick Bradsell, known for creating classics like the Espresso Martini and Bramble. The bar itself features a contemporary, geometric design with a marble-topped counter and cozy seating nooks.
The cocktail program is the real highlight, offering a three-part menu of custom cocktails with over 100 possible ingredient combinations, reimagined versions of Bradsell’s iconic recipes, and Barules’ own signature drinks, starring ingredients such as tomatoes and pu’er tea.
Complementing the elaborate drinks is a small selection of food items like fries, noodles, and fried chicken. Barules’ innovative approach is expected to earn it a spot on next year’s list of the World’s 50 Best Bars.
Suzu
Situated just around the corner from Julu Road, one of Shanghai’s main nightlife thoroughfares alongside areas such as Fumin and Changle Roads, Suzu is a classy cocktail bar that pays homage to the elegance of Japanese bartending. Founded in late 2018 by Japanese mixologist Toshiya Suzuki, the bar offers a refined escape for discerning drinkers with every detail — from the bartenders’ impeccable tuxedos to the meticulously crafted cocktails.
While the laid-back vibe invite guests to unwind in style, the bar’s cheeky personality (the staff known for their good sense of humor), and painstakingly prepared drinks, often complemented by a comforting cup of hot soup on cold days, make it a standout destination in Shanghai’s bustling cocktail scene.
These five bars elevate Shanghai’s drinking scene through creativity, quality, and diverse influences. Their inventive cocktails and memorable experiences invite guests to explore the city’s dynamic nightlife. Embarking on this sensory journey is about immersing oneself in Shanghai’s ever-evolving story, one glass at a time.
Banner image by Haedi Yue.
