The New Green Fairy On The Block: Mado Bar

While Mado has a decent selection of beer, cocktails and daily drink specials, the focus of this joint is the green fairy. I ordered the Reality Absinthe (RMB 60 per 30ml serving) because proprietor Sean Wang said it would be more bang for my buck. After schooling me about its preparation and history, he brought down a treasure from the top shelf: a bottle of Kubler 53 (RMB 100). This absinthe is considered one of the finest in the world, and with a mere sip, the RMB 40 difference between the two selections was obvious.

Wang has been personally collecting the boutique spirit for the better part of ten years and boasts an enviable collection.

Mado’s breezy roof terrace provides a perfect view of the Drum and Bell towers, while the interior is decorated with the leafy sacraments of Beijing’s counter culture. You’ll also find foosball, music performances on the weekends, and a projector for live sporting events.

For those simply seeking hallucinogenic elevation, you won’t find it at Mado. Most absinthes currently in production only contain 35mg of wormwood. It would require seven liters to channel the green fairy from Tom Verlaine’s day, which would be the end of you.

Mado Bar
Daily 7pm-3am. 60 Baochao Hutong, Dongcheng District (186 1066 0116)
东城区宝钞胡同60号
500m northeast of Shichahai station ( Line 8 )

Also try: Modernista, Salud

Photos: Ken