Cocktail lists in Hong Kong bars are often dominated by syrup- or fruit-based drinks aimed at a female clientele. But at Bliss, in Central, the sugar makes way for alcohol in their dozen-or-so potent signature mixes. A look at the cocktail list reveals the reason for this - with drinks called Queer As Folk, Philadelphia, The Crying Game and others unprintable in a family newspaper, the clientele is mostly male (and just in case anyone misses the clues, the homo-erotica on the walls of the downstairs club provides further edification).
Straight customers are welcome, nonetheless, and the cosy, dark, glamorous cocktail bar is quiet on most weekday evenings. Besides the staple martinis, daiquiris and shooters, Bliss has an impressive list of its own drinks, none of which are for the faint of heart.
'Our customers like strong drinks. But they're best drunk slowly,' says owner Garry Bissett. The Brokeback Mountain, for example, is a mixture of four liquors (rum, amaretto, schnapps and Kahlua) and ice. The secret to making this sickly sounding combo work is in the shaking and serving. 'Use lots of ice to shake and then strain into a glass half filled with ice,' says Bissett. Surprisingly, all the flavours come through, with the almond essence of the amaretto lingering.
A few of the drinks are so heavy on alcohol, La Cage aux Folles being one, they rival the Long Island Iced Tea for the most lethal drink award.
Try Bliss' signature cocktails (HK$78) at 1 Elgin Street, Central, tel: 2147 2122.
Brokeback Mountain (above)