Hutong is launching a new cocktail menu entirely dedicated to mahjong

Slamming down a winning mahjong hand on a green felt table is always a moment, but you don’t need to master the game to enjoy the drama – ordering a drink presented in a bespoke wooden mahjong case is a pretty thrilling way to get in on the action too.

Hutong’s new immersive cocktail programme, ‘Tale of Mahjong’, is designed as a tribute to the rich heritage and social spirit of the iconic game. Rather than just handing over a simple menu, guests are invited to join an interactive ritual where they have to draw a custom tile from a wooden case to determine their drink, turning their order into a moment of play and chance. 

The menu comprises of 16 drinks split into four chapters to mirror the natural flow of the game, beginning with ‘Qǐ’ (Shuffle The Tiles), which consists of four zero-proof drinks inspired by the Four Winds. Highlights include Dong, an herbaceous opener with peppermint soda, sage, and elderflower; Gentle South Wind, which layers jasmine pearl cold brew with lychee and yuzu; and West Twilight, which packs a subtle kick of heat with a fruity Sichuan chilli known as dan long jiao, kumquat, and yuzu.

Things get punchier in the second chapter, ‘Chéng’ (Draw A Tile), which focuses on unexpected flavour combinations like Moonlight – a milk punch with goji berry, passion fruit, coconut, and hibiscus, topped off with an almond lollipop – and Misty Bamboo, a bourbon drink laced with Sichuan peppercorns and smoked tableside with applewood.

The third chapter, ‘Zhuǎn’ (Form The Hand), blends ingredients from the East and West with indulgent options such as Plum Blossom, which mixes salted caramel popcorn vodka with tropical liqueur, Pingyin rose oil and blackberry. For something lighter, Flower Two combines vanilla-infused vodka, red date, goji, and Kwai Feh lychee liqueur under a delicate cloud of coconut foam.

The final stretch is ‘Hé’ (Win The Hand), where the presentation goes all out to celebrate the high of a big win. The Red Dragon twists a bittersweet profile using The Botanist gin, Chinese bayberry, strawberry-laced Campari, and Rinomato Scuro vermouth, while White Dragon is a two-part experience featuring a tangerine peel mezcal and tequila cocktail presented in a carved dragon vessel.

The ‘Tale of Mahjong’ cocktail programme is officially launching on August 28, and will be available across Hutong locations in Hong Kong, London, Dubai, New York, and Miami.

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