Booze News: Hatsune x Jing-A, New Nugget Cocktails, QS Goes Members-Only
Thirsty? Wet your whistle with Booze News, our wrap-up of the week's best deals, parties, concoctions, industry gossip, and more.
QS goes members-only
In a strange twist to the saga that is Queenie's Diner, AKA QS – and from what we can tell, in no way an April Fool's joke – the sandwich shop, bar, and generally debauched hangout have decided to operate a "VIP-only entry policy from Apr 1." The notice was published via their official WeChat account on Tuesday, describing how the new policy intends to "provide costumers [with a] better vibe, arrange future discounts, and such." The Beijinger reached out to management to learn more about the change but they did not reply by the time of publication. For now, it seems all you must do is register via the post, provide various details, and you'll be added to their system and allowed into the venue next time you visit.
New spring/summer cocktail menu at Nugget
In anticipation of the warmer weather, humble gig space, cozy cafe, and hutong tape emporium Nugget have shaken up four new cocktails. Inspired by musicians they have worked with or music they have released under the Nugget Records imprint, there's the Messed Up Boy (London dry gin, Chambord raspberry liqueur, lemon juice, raspberry jam, and mint; pictured above), the Office Girl (Scotch whisky, Islay single malt, passionfruit liqueur, lemon juice, litchi syrup, and pink peppercorns), and the StrawberryPapa (Buckfast, cream, milk, orgeat, strawberry syrup, and freeze-dried strawberries). Finally, there's the Nugget Mule, a healthy mix of Sichuan peppercorn-infused vodka, rum, lime juice, vanilla syrup, ginger, angostura bitters, and mint (pictured at top). All go for RMB 65 a pop. Read more about the inspiration behind each cocktail here.
Hatsune kitchen takeover at Jing-A CBD
This Thursday, Beijing's favorite California-roll resto Hatsune heads to Jing-A CBD for an exclusive kitchen takeover to celebrate the brewery's launch of their new Hokkaido-inspired ale. The crisp, sushi-rice brewed lager also uses "Hokkaido-grown Sorachi Ace hops for notes of dill and lemon." Head down between 5-9.30pm for RMB 40 pours of the new brew, a special RMB 88 set that includes a pint plus salmon and avocado rolls, as well as five special Hatsune-made snacks. If you can't make it, don't worry because the Hokkaido Classic will head to Jing-A's other locations come Friday. More details here.
The Hutong and Pebbles mezcal tasting
Also this Thursday from 7pm onwards, The Hutong will hold their latest agave experience event. They've recruited spirits expert Edson Orozco to walk attendees through the tasting of three tequilas and four mezcals, explaining their idiosyncrasies in flavor as well as the cultural significance of each, despite both having been being made from the same plant – agave. There'll also be skewers and fries to nibble on. Tickets are RMB 300 for Hutong members and RMB 350 otherwise and can be bought via this link.
Slow Boat and Side Street Qingming specials
Finally, some exciting news for the upcoming holiday, both Side Street and Slow Boat will be offering the latter's Monkey's Fist and Stone Boat Pilsner for only RMB 35 a glass throughout. The deal runs all day, every day between Apr 3-5.
Hungry? Get all the latest food deals and news, right here.
Images courtesy of the venues, Joe Pilié (via Unsplash)
