After all, the Big Apple is where many of the world's most memorable cocktails were invented.

The bar and restaurant, in the shopping mall above Kowloon Station, has a comprehensive champagne and cocktail list identical to the one at the two branches in New York.

Its most popular mix is a signature cocktail that is the venue's namesake: Blessing (megu means 'blessing' in Japanese). The drink is a smooth blend of strawberries, vodka, Triple Sec, antioxidant-packed pomegranate juice and lemon juice.

'It's very easy to drink,' says Maiko Tsuji, who moved to Hong Kong from Japan to manage Megu's bar. 'Our cocktails are fairly straightforward to make but have fresh ingredients and distinguished flavours.'

Another Megu classic is the Blushing Geisha, a zippy mix of raspberries, vodka, whisky, lemon juice and syrup.

Tsuji says Megu's cocktail philosophy is closer to the west than the east.

Although sake and shochu cocktails have become popular of late in some of the larger cities of Japan, most aficionados prefer to drink them straight. To accommodate the connoisseurs, Megu has more than 40 sakes to sample as well as 300 wines, including 20 by the glass.

Try the signature cocktails (HK$90) at Megu, R002, Elements, Kowloon Station, 1 Austin Road West, Tsim Sha Tsui, tel: 3743 1421.

Blessing (above)

2 shots vodka

1/2 shot Triple Sec

1 or 2 fresh strawberries

Dash of pomegranate juice

Dash of lemon juice

Cut the strawberries into four pieces. Pour the liquids into a shaker, add the strawberries then shake vigorously. Strain the mixture into a martini glass and garnish with a coil of lemon zest.

Blushing Geisha (below)

1 shot Absolut Raspberry

1 shot Jack Daniels

4-5 fresh raspberries

Dash of lemon juice

Dash of sugar syrup (equal parts sugar and water)

Put the raspberries and liquids into a shaker and mix well. Strain into a tumbler and garnish with a slice of lime.