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Shanghai's 6 best new cocktail bars
After years lost in the open bar wilderness, Shanghai's cocktail culture has finally come to life
With nightlife aspirations of world-beating proportions, Shanghai can no longer rest on its “spectacular Bund view” laurels.
Mixologists from China and around the world are now plying their trade in Shanghai's cocktail bars, and according to industry insiders, recently relaxed alcohol import restrictions have seen more liquors and spirits available than ever before.
The following six bars all opened their doors in 2011 and demonstrate the best of Shanghai's blooming cocktail culture.
1. Apothecary
Apothecary's Shanghai venue lists more than 100 cocktail creations.
Apothecary's Shanghai venue lists more than 100 cocktail creations.
Why you should check it out: You want to catch the cocktail culture contagion.
Prices: Cocktails go for between RMB 60 and RMB 85.
This Beijing institution has brought an extensive cocktail list south to almost universal acclaim for Shanghai's cocktail aficionados.
Apothecary's oft-changing list of 100-plus cocktail creations include macerations, infusions, syrups, tonics and more, all made in-house by a dedicated mixology staff, led by mixologist major general Adam Devermann (formerly of Mesa & Manifesto and Velvet Lounge).
The decor is reminiscent of the NYC loft of our dreams, heavy on the reclaimed wood and exposed brick, and the crowd is an impressive mix of alcohol snobs and the uneducated masses, looking to learn a thing or two from the masters.
Despite only being open for a few months, Apothecary has already earned itself quite the reputation. Reservations are a good idea in order to guarantee your group a table.
More on CNNGo: What your Shanghai bartender knows
Apothecary, Sinan Mansions, Building 2, 4/F, Lane 507 Fuxing Zhong Lu, near Chongqing Nan Lu 复兴中路507弄思南公馆2号楼4楼, 近重庆南路, +86 21 3368 9419, 6 p.m.-midnight
2. CVRVE
Taking over the old digs of The Long Bar, CVRVE is expected to carry on its predecessor's cocktail fame.
Why you should check it out: These guys know more about Shanghai's cocktail scene than just about everyone else combined.
Prices: Cocktails are RMB 58 and up (customers can choose between premium house pours or more exclusive, and expensive, ingredients)
Occupying the space that housed Shanghai institution The Long Bar for 20 years, Shanghai's food and beverage watchers waited with bated breath to see what this replacement would have to offer.
With the opening of CVRVE (pronounced 'curve'), the answer to that question became obvious -- high-end cocktails have officially arrived on Nanjing Xi Lu.
Co-founder and operator Marcus Treamer has assembled a crack staff of faces familiar to the city's night owls, including homegrown Shanghainese mixology superstar Cross Yu (M1NT), Kiwi Jacob Prain (Glamour Bar, Hamilton House and Chinatown) and the Argentinian artistry of Pablo Toledo (The Drop).
Together the group has put together an extensive and eclectic cocktail list, including a page of special concoctions designed by CVRVE's awesome foursome.
More on CNNGo: Shanghai cocktail chain
CVRVE, No. 206 Shanghai Center, 1376 Nanjing Xi Lu, near Tongren Lu 南京西路1376号上海商城206室, 近铜仁路, +86 21 6289 8298, 11 a.m.-2 a.m. (Sunday - Thursday), 11 a.m.-3 a.m. (Friday and Saturday), www.CVRVE.com
