Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund’s Long Bar Unveils a Revitalized Experience, Where Timeless Heritage Meets Cocktail Innovation

Cocktail Innovation at Waldorf Astoria Shanghai

The Long Bar at the Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund, a celebrated social hotspot, has reintroduced the Shanghai Buck, China’s signature cocktail. This classic beverage honours the city’s rich history. Its return coincides with unveiling a new cocktail and dining menu that melds Shanghai’s grace with its contemporary essence. As a cultural hub, the Long Bar plays a significant role in Shanghai’s and China’s history. Today, it is a tribute to the city’s legacy—where tradition meets innovation.

Established in 1911 with the creation of the Shanghai Club and followed by the opening of Shanghai’s first KFC in 1989, the Long Bar has quietly witnessed remarkable changes along the Bund. With an impressive 34-meter raw mahogany bar, it is often called “The Longest Bar in the Far East.” The 2010 debut of the Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund featured a detailed restoration of the Long Bar, rejuvenating its grand James I-style and once again captivating visitors worldwide.

The newly launched cocktail menu is inspired by the Bund’s evolution over the last hundred years, showcasing drinks that reflect the spirit and culture of various periods. Guests can indulge in remarkable mixology while immersing themselves in the Bund’s rich history, from the 19th century’s prosperity to the 20th century’s transformations and the 21st century’s commitment to sustainability, with each sip narrating a distinct tale.

The Early Years — The Famous Shanghai Buck

In 1911, the Long Bar unveiled the Famous Shanghai Buck, the first classic cocktail from China, which caused a stir in the Shanghai Club’s lobby. This iconic drink is reinterpreted using modern mixology, incorporating fresh pomegranate juice, orange peel, jasmine, and Shanghai pomegranate syrup infused with Sichuan peppercorns. Naturally coloured with beetroot, it uses ginger juice and honey instead of traditional ginger beer and soda water for a bubbly finish. This cocktail takes guests back to the 1920s.

The Art Deco Era — Astoria Cocktail

The classic Waldorf Astoria inspires this cocktail and blends the unique gin and white vermouth flavours. The original recipe, reflecting the Bund’s history as Shanghai’s fishing port, is elevated with white vermouth infused with oyster shells, adding a touch of maritime minerality. A subtle hint of honeydew melon remains on the palate, complemented by homemade watermelon gummies shaped like pink fish, a nod to the Bund’s former waterfront eatery, Pink Oyster.

The Bund’s Transformation — Second Tango

By the mid-20th century, the Bund emerged as the epicentre of Shanghai’s jazz scene, playing a crucial role in the city’s nightlife. The combination of jazz music and coffee culture flourished, turning cafes and bars into vibrant social hubs. Inspired by this lively period, Second Tango fuses popular coffee tonic water with deep coffee flavours and zesty grapefruit notes, all enhanced by the sparkling bubbles of tonic water. Both refreshing and invigorating, this cocktail is ideal for relaxing to jazz rhythms or sparking creativity on the dance floor.

Towards the Future — Green Revolution

Celebrating Shanghai’s modern green revolution of the 21st century, this cocktail blends the aroma of roasted brown rice with the crisp flavours of pineapple and dill, reflecting the relationship between urban life and nature. Its herbal freshness provides a revitalizing taste while honouring sustainability, an eco-friendly future, and the lively spirit of Shanghai.

A Journey Through History – The Wooden Box Menu

Furthermore, the Long Bar offers a wooden box menu that showcases classic cocktails from various historical periods. This menu enhances guests’ cultural and historical knowledge with hand-drawn cards. Drawing inspiration from the Long Bar’s distinctive atmosphere, these cards artfully connect the Bund’s past and present. As guests enjoy each cocktail, they will experience a sense of time travel, immersing themselves in the Bund’s history.

As guests delve into the history of each cocktail, they will discover an exclusive “hidden” menu that reveals more surprises and insights throughout their cocktail adventure. Whether they’re reminiscing about the opulence of the early 20th century, enjoying the energetic jazz age, or celebrating a sustainable future, the Long Bar’s new cocktail collection invites guests to embark on an unforgettable experience of time and flavour. Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund is located at No. 2 Zhong Shan Dong Yi Rd, Huang Pu District, Shanghai, 20000, 2, China.