The Diplomat: A New Speakeasy Cocktail Bar

If drinking under the radar is your thing, then we’ve sleuthed around for the newest speakeasy-style bar in Central. Award-winning American mixologist John Nugent, known for putting modern twists on old classics, has opened his first speakeasy in Hong Kong. Located at the hip, lifestyle enclave in SOGO, H Code, The Diplomat with its unpretentious, whimsical vibe makes for a great friendly-group-hang joint. When a renowned mixologist enters the tippling scene, you expect drinks to run the gamut.

The Diplomat, a cozy, 18-seater bar with its artistic ode to vintage cocktails, does not disappoint. The menu is concise and creative and easy on the pocket. Highlights include a refreshing spin on the Irish coffee, Tarling (a pandan gin, white port, baking spices with a dash of coconut and orange juice), Pearl (vodka, Campari tossed with French herbs) and Boulevardier (a rye-bourbon blend).

While the unabashedly well-priced drinks (around HK$95 for a cocktail and HK$40 for a mini-version) will keep you satiated, make sure not to forget to check out their limited hot food selection, which includes suckling pig, truffle mac n cheese, pommes frites and espelette pepper, is top-notch too.