18 Wo On Lane, Central. Tel: 2167 7244. Its tucked-away alley location and cool, minimalist decor make this the perfect spot for a quiet drink before hitting SoHo or Lan Kwai Fong. Recommended: Around the World cocktail, a lethal combination of gin, Scotch, brandy, rum and vodka masked under fresh fruity flavours of orange, lemon and pineapple.

Captain's Bar

Mandarin Oriental, 5 Connaught Rd, Central. Tel: 2825 4006. Despite its location next to the lobby of the Mandarin Oriental, the Captain's Bar has a relaxed atmosphere, with comfy brown leather chairs and plenty of room around the bar. Recommended: the signature Royal Blush (HK$168), is a smooth combination of vodka, lime, mint and cherry puree, topped with champagne.

The Chapel

27 Yik Yam Street, Happy Valley. Tel: 2834 6565. Whether for a pre-race warm-up or post-win celebration, The Chapel's broad range of beers will satisfy anyone in Happy Valley. Recommended: the Chapel's curries are well-known in Hong Kong and are also a great way to soak up the booze after the races.

Dada Bar and Lounge

2/F The Luxe Manor, 39 Kimberly Road, Tsim Sha Tsui. Tel: 3763 8778. Bold leather couches and dim lighting make for a swanky and impressive destination in Tsim Sha Tsui. Recommended: the eponymous Dada cocktail includes pomegranate, light rum and lime, with a touch of spearmint.

Hush

G/F, 2 Gleanealy, Central. Tel: 2537 2281. This chill-out bar away from the hubbub of nearby Lan Kwai Fong and Wyndham Street offers a casual place to unwind, particularly on the outdoor rattan lounges. Recommended: the impressive molecular cocktails such as the Mr Grey (HK$110), a refreshing martini made of crushed cucumber, apple juice, Earl Grey tea, gin and elderflower syrup.

Hyde

2-3/F Lyndhurst Tower, 1 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central. Tel: 2522 2608. Spread over two floors, this New York-loft-style venue incorporates a lounge, club and terraces spread over 12,000 sq ft. Classy but unpretentious. Recommended: the selection of premium whiskies including vintage Macallan.

Kila

Upper Basement, 79 Wyndham Street, Central. Tel: 2522 8118. Hong Kong is not short of Irish bars, thanks to two large chains and a host of independent Irish-themed pubs, but the owners of Kila have taken a different approach: they have done their best to actually feel Irish. Recommended: the Guinness, of course, and the ice-cold Asahi on tap.

Lily

6/F LKF Tower, 33 Wyndham St, Central. Tel: 2810 6166. Modelled after the salons and supper clubs that flourished at the turn of the century, this slice of old-school cool comes courtesy of the people who brought us Volar and Halo. Recommended: the Elderflower Paloma, combining tequila, lime, grapefruit and soda water infused with elderflower.

The Living Room

6/F W Hotel, Kowloon Station. Tel: 3717 2222. It is easy to kick back and feel right at home in this sprawling, beautifully designed bar complete with board games and bookcases - just help yourself. Recommended: the awesome lychee martinis and the HK$198 deal for all the New World wine you can possibly drink

Phonograph

2 Austin Avenue, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon. Tel: 2730 6622. Phonograph is not a music venue but is one frequented by musicians. Staff do not mind plugging your iPod into the sound system while you sip a Yakult cocktail. Recommended: any of the Yakult cocktails - drinking on an empty stomach never felt so healthy.

Psychic Jack

1/F, 30-32 Wyndham Street, Central. Tel: 2868 6102. This deliciously decadent addition to the Wyndham Street scene is all comfortable relaxed hues, while the Central nightlife bursts into life around you. Recommended: the lemon drops (HK$76) and the Long Beach Iced Tea (HK$102).

Red Bar

4/F Two IFC, 8 Finance Street, Central. Tel: 8129 8882. With an open rooftop, Red has a consistently good DJ and an atmosphere which suits afternoon coffees or evening cocktails. Recommended: despite priceless views and rooftop cool, the area is also a public space, so crack open a 7-Eleven can of Tsing Tao.

Republik

108 Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan. Tel: 2261 1111. With its subtle opulence and eclectic charm, Republik exudes a character intentionally in line with the surrounding Sheung Wan vibe. Recommended: the Ohh La La La (HK$120), a refreshing mix of peanut-infused Havana Club, mint, Asian herbs, lime and palm sugar.

Salon de Ning

B/F, The Peninsula, Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui. Tel: 2315 3355. Hidden away in the basement of the Peninsula is this glamorous slice of 1930s Shanghai, inspiring a feeling of intrigue and mystery. Recommended: the Manhattan (HK$115), using Jim Beam rather than rye whisky.

Sugar

32/F, East Hotel, 29 Tai Koo Shing Road. Tel: 3968 3968. One of the few bars in the area to have an outdoor terrace, the chic Sugar at the boutique East Hotel is a rare escape from the city's Central-Causeway Bay hip-zone. Banquettes and daybeds allow you to relax in its lap of laziness, while its view takes in most of the city's skyline. Recommended: the music, with resident DJs Eric Byron and P. Grant spinning lounge, soul, electro and chill-out.

Woolloomooloo

31/F The Hennessey, 256 Hennessey Road, Wan Chai. Tel: 2893 6960. With amazing views over the city through the floor-to-ceiling windows, and from the breathtaking rooftop bar, Woolloomooloo is bringing a new kind of cool to Wan Chai. Recommended: everything tastes pretty good when you are already on top of the world.

Zuma

Level 5-6, The Landmark, 15 Queen's Road Central. Tel: 3657 6388. The local counterpart to the trendy London restaurant, Zuma is as popular for its innovative cocktails as it is for its divine Japanese cuisine. The well-placed terrace offers a smog-free, chic view of busy Queen's Road Central. Recommended: summer cocktails blending classic Western liquors with Japanese drinks such as sake and shochu.