Stylish Bar Botany Revamps Menu With More Surprising Cocktails

After opening its doors half a year ago, beloved cocktail bar Botany has revamped its menu for the cold weather, introducing two warm cocktails and a few other specials. Regulars needn't worry, however, as Botany hasn't got rid of its signature drinks, such as the black truffle martini, Tokyo Bay, Such a Good Thyme, and Sangfroid. 

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Botany has added seven seasonal cocktails, all priced at RMB 85. Our three favorites were the Sunshine, which features Calvados, nanguo pear, homemade limoncello, and lime; the Youth, which includes gin, grapefruit, lemon, homemade ginger ale, and black pepper; and the Harvesting, which has Absolut vodka, and crystalized persimmon, with their own spiced tree bitters. We especially enjoyed the Youth with it's rhubarb-induced sweetness, spicy notes, and strong finishing kick of ginger. 

There are also two hot drinks on offer: the Forager Tea, which is creamy with spiced vanilla ice-cream, has a strong flavor of chamomile tea, and a smooth kick of Havana Club rum, and the Lum, which is a fruity combination of mixed-berries tea, gin, brown rice, homemade limoncello, and lavender bitters.

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Owner Frankie Zou is continuing his apothecary experiments, making 11 kinds of bitters, three whiskeys, vermouth, cider, and ginger ale. These ingredients are what make the cocktails at Botany unique. In fact, the cider and ginger ale are delicious enough to drink alone. Botany will make a cocktail snob out of anyone overnight. 

Each of their three homemade whiskeys has a different character: Tauras has a strong flavor of custard, candy, and cream from the oak; Hongyundangtou is grainy and peaty; and Bamboo has aromas of coffee and smoked malt. 

Thanks to owner Frankie Zou and mixologist JC, service is impeccable. The atmosphere is as good as ever; sitting up on the 12th floor of Yoolee Plaza, ensconced on a leather bar stool, and sipping a delicate cocktail, a night at Botany makes you feel like a real winner in life. We can’t wait to come back and show this relaxing place to more friends.

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Email: tracywang@thebeijinger.com
Twitter: @flyingfigure
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Photos: Botany, Tracy Wang