Aqua
The Aquatini, $188. Only the finest liquors go into making what the bar calls its “jewel in the martini crown” – Grey Goose vodka, Chambord and the obligatory twist of lychee liqueur. And then it’s shaken over ice with gold leaf for that wealthy aftertaste that’s so often missing from lesser drinks. Those go for around $90; beers for $60 and wines (20 by the glass) are $80 and up.
30/F, 1 Peking Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui, 3427-2288.
JJ’s
The Caviar Martini, $190. At one point, it was considered the height of elegance to serve dollops of caviar on perfectly trimmed toast rounds. In today’s rather post-modern circles, dropping the stuff into a paint-stripping mix of vodka, vermouth and Cointreau is de rigueur. Fret not, plebian indulgers – the martini bar at JJ’s also serves ordinary cocktails for around $90.
1/F, Grand Hyatt Hotel, 1 Harbour Rd., Wan Chai, 2588-1234.
MO Bar
The Truffle Martini, $265. You know you’ve made it when you mash the world’s second most expensive foodstuff into your dry martini for kicks. What’s next, swirling Red Bull into your Moet (the “d 2,” $175)? For the more determined purists, MO also serves classic drinks and fruity sake cocktails for around $80, and of course, has an extensive wine and champagne list.
G/F, The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, 15 Queen’s Rd., Central, 2132-0077.