Hong Kong’s first Tiki themed bar- serving authentic Tiki cocktails in convivial indoor / outdoor space
March 31st, 2013
Honi Honi Tiki Cocktail Lounge launched in November 2012- bringing to Hong Kong its first Tiki-themed bar. Set within an indoor- outdoor space on the third floor of a Wellington Street building, the interior design of Honi Honi is a sophisticated interpretation of tropical beach escapism- combining bamboo walls and timber floors with elegant, contemporary furnishings. Hong Kong based cocktail aficionado- and founder- Max Traverse- brings his passion for boutique rums, and the creativity behind the classic Tiki cocktails- crafting mixtures of exotic seasonal tropical fruits, premium rums from original recipes to create the enticing menu of delicious concoctions. Expanding on the list of faithfully re-created classic Tiki cocktails such as “Mai Tai”, ” Pina Colada” and “Dark & Stormy”, Honi Honi offer their own house creations- exploring the complexity of tropical fruit flavours to produce a wide variety of delightfully refreshing beverages. Drinks are served in playful Tiki mugs, hollowed-out fruit, and premium glassware- colorfully garnished with combinations of edible flowers, paper parasols and wedges of fruit.
Tiki cocktail culture has always been about escapism and fun- evoking the idyllic beachcomber lifestyle of the South Pacific Islands. Originating in 1930’s America- the first Tiki themed bar- “Don the Beachcomber”– opened in LA in 1931 and sparked off a trend in crafting cocktails from mixtures of rums with fresh tropical fruits to create complex flavour combinations, and colorful presentations. Tiki bars were designed to resemble a tropical beach hut- with bamboo walls, Polynesian artifacts, and tropical plants. Originally confined to an upmarket, Hollywood clientele, the appeal of Tiki cocktails reached a broader market in America- and abroad- through the expansion of the famous “Trader Vics” chain of Tiki themed restaurants and bars. The popularity of the Tiki cocktail culture trend continued until the 1970’s when mass-market penetration resulted in a proliferation of syrupy and fruity “cruise ship” drinks that discredited the gourmet culinary origins of the true Tiki cocktail.
The last decade has seen a revival of authentic Tiki cocktails as the sophisticated cocktail industry in leading centres such as New York, London and Melbourne embraced firstly the classic cocktails of the Speakeasy / Prohibition era, and then more recently attention returned to the original Tiki cocktails of the 1930’s and 40’s. And now Hong Kong, with its vibrant and innovative cocktail culture, has its first- and currently only- dedicated Tiki cocktail lounge- Honi Honi.
Inside Honi Honi
The handsome bamboo bar is the visual highlight of the lounge space. The back bar shelving showcases the extensive collection of premium and artisanal rums, plus numerous other luxury spirits.
The interior lounge features elegant, retro-styled furnishings.
Bamboo lined walls and timber floors in the lounge evoke the “beach-hut” feel of the South Pacific islands.
The cosy outdoor terrace opens out directly from the main bar and lounge and has generously spaced table and lounge settings. Honi Honi can comfortably seat around 60 guests in the combined indoor and outdoor spaces.
The outdoor terrace is fenced in with bamboo stalks and luxuriant tropical plants. A series of semi-circular lounge settings are arranged across the back and side walls a providing relaxed and comfortable atmosphere.
Highlights from the Honi Honi Drinks List
In addition to offering their renditions of the classic Tiki cocktails such as the Mai Tai, Daiquiri, and Pina Colada, Honi Honi have created an extensive list of their own Tiki-themed creations. Signature cocktails include Devil’s Tiki Man – Michter’s rye whiskey, Jerry Thomas bitters, fresh lemon juice, fresh ginger, fresh orange wedge, sugar syrup and infused cherry bourbon juice; Maori Spring Punch – a refreshing mix of 42 BELOW vodka, fresh lime juice, fresh watermelon, red thai chilli, lemon grass and honey syrup; and Honi Honi All The Way– Plantation 5yo Rum, Grand Marnier, passion fruit puree, fresh watermelon, fresh orange juice and fresh mint- for sharing and served in a hollowed-out watermelon.
In addition to the Tiki cocktails, the drink list also offers a selection of Home-Made Infused Flavoured Rum– flavours include coffee, banana, lychee, ginger and mango. Other drinks available include premium vodkas and gins, and a compact list of champagnes, red and white wines, draught and bottled beers.
Maori Spring Punch- 42 Below Vodka, fresh lime juice, fresh watermelon, red Thai chili, lemongrass & honey syrup.
Honi Honi Kiss- 42 Below Passion Fruit Vodka, passion fruit puree, French vanilla syrup, fresh guava juice, and Tattinger Brut Champagne.
Pina Colada- Pampero Blanco Rum, Koko Kanu Rum, coconut milk, fresh pineapple juice, fresh lime juice, fresh pineapple & coconut syrup
Honi Honi – Tiki Cocktail Lounge- Hong Kong
Address: 3/F Somptueux Central, 52 Wellington Street. Central. Hong Kong
MTR: Central station – Exit D1 – 5 minutes walk.
Enquiries: + 852. 2353 0885
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/HoniHoniTikiCocktailLounge
Website: www.honihonibar.com/
Opening hours:
Monday to Saturday 5:00 pm ~ 02:00 am
Sundays 4:00 pm ~ 11:00 pm
