Hong Kong is known for its vibrant nightlife and “work hard, play hard” ethos. Stroll down its historic Peel Street on any given weeknight and you’ll find scores of office workers blowing off steam over a pint or G&T. In Lan Kwai Fong, the city’s legendary party district, there’s no shortage of rooftop bars and pumping nightclubs.
If you look closely, though, you’ll also notice the beginnings of a non-alc wave that’s already sweeping other hubs like London and New York City. As reported by the South China Morning Post, more Gen Z in Hong Kong are opting for alcohol-free lifestyles, with premium non-alcoholic drinks gaining popularity. Tatler Asia echoes this sentiment, highlighting a growing distaste for hangovers among the city’s young adults.
Retail lags
Douglas and I just spent a fascinating month in Hong Kong, uncovering glimmers of this slow shift toward alcohol alternatives. But, first, what we didn’t see: in grocery and convenience stores, non-alc options were nearly impossible to find. Some premium grocers carried a non-alc lager from Heaps Normal, the Australian brand, and a non-alc pale ale from Hong Kong-based Gwei Lo. In the Sai Kung district, one liquor store did boast a solid alcohol alternatives section, with Seedlip and Lyre’s taking up considerable shelf real estate in addition to those two beer brands. Sadly, we didn’t find Lyre’s Baijiu Spirit, which is exclusive to Mainland China. I’m curious about non-alc variants of spirits that are so polarizing.
Despite this lag, the retail scene could soon be changing. While in Hong Kong, we had the pleasure of meeting the team behind Liquorles, the first non-alc bottle shop in the city. Without a brick and mortar location, they’re currently focused on delivery and pop-up events. Soon, they’ll work on improving non-alc distribution throughout the city, particularly for smaller international brands that don’t yet have a footprint there.
On-premise surprises
Given the relative dearth of non-alc options in retail, Douglas and I weren’t optimistic about what we would find out and about. That’s where we were wrong! From luxury bars like those at the St. Regis and the Four Seasons, to cozy enclaves like Tell Camellia, we had no trouble finding at least Seedlip and Lyre’s on nearly every cocktail menu. In the case of the Four Seasons, non-alc spirits were seamlessly integrated into the menu as one-for-one replacements in their elaborate cocktails.
Even more exciting than the presence of these options was the creativity with which the bartenders brought them to life. Besides the Four Seasons, Tell Camellia in particular stood out; their tea-based cocktails had a complexity and mouthfeel often missing in cocktails made with non-alc spirits.
Seedlip and Lyre’s were also prevalent at restaurants. At Frank’s Italian American Social Club, which featured several Seedlip cocktails, our waitress explained to us that one of the managers doesn’t drink. She also noted that most of the bartenders are flex drinkers, meaning they enjoy both alcoholic beverages and non-alcoholic ones, without a particular preference for either category. (Our waitress was also kind enough to waive the corkage fee for the Thomson & Scott Noughty Rouge we brought with us.)
Hong Kong gems
Besides Gwei Lo, I’ve focused here on British and Australian brands. So, what Hong Kong brands should you watch?
I’m personally most excited about Mindful Sparks, which boasts an impressive range of tea-based alcohol alternatives. The Mindful Sparks team was kind enough to show us their production facility—one of the most compact and efficient ones we’ve toured to date. I was delighted to see stacks on stacks of Mindful Sparks x Hello Kitty bottle labels, one of their many collaborations. But it’s what’s in the bottle that’s most important. Their White Peach Bergamot Sparkling Tea stands out as one of the best tea-based beverages I’ve ever had.
What’s next?
Despite non-alc’s early headway, it’s important to note that the traditional “work hard, play hard” vibe is still prevalent throughout Hong Kong. One of our outings with the Liquorles founders themselves, for example, was a booze-fueled party hosted on a traditional tram (although there was some Lyre’s Classico to enjoy). Alcohol is clearly a staple at parties. So, the non-alc movement is in its nascent stages, nestled within a culture that still largely celebrates alcoholic beverages.
But, as we look ahead, there’s a palpable sense that the budding non-alcoholic scene in Hong Kong will continue to grow, particularly as Gen Z worldwide are leading a shift in drinking behaviors. This vibrant city, always at the crossroads of tradition and innovation, is uniquely positioned to create a space where alcohol alternatives are not just an afterthought but seamlessly integrated within drinking norms. As cities worldwide increasingly embrace mindful drinking, Hong Kong’s innovative spirit and fusion of cultures make it a fascinating place to watch.
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