Cocktails with a side of legal drama and media frenzy? Courtroom is a new bar inspired by the range of infamous court cases that blur the lines of convention – spanning serious matters to circus-like drama-filled affairs.

Started by Hong Kong bar industry heavyweights Saan Dhakal (former Group Beverage Creative Director of the LOCKDOWN and Penicillin Bar group) and Ranjeet Khatri (ex-manager of Tell Camila Bar), Courtroom is now serving up cocktails with a side of legal drama and media frenzy.

Perched on the winding slopes of Hong Kong’s Graham Street, Courtroom boasts a dark wood-outfitted judiciary-themed interior. Inside, guests are welcome to enjoy cocktails amongst a witness stand table, a judge’s bench, and a Lady Justice balance scale. It's not all so serious though, as this bar blends whimsy into the sombre - look closely at the hands of Lady Justice, and you'll find a martini glass instead of a balance scale. 

Inside "Cocktail Casefiles": What's On the Drink Menu

Habeas Corpus

Courtroom's cocktail menu, aptly titled, Cocktail Casefiles includes 16 experimental cocktails and 4 inventive zero-proof mocktails. Using a variety of unorthodox elements, the drinks program is an exploration of regional tastes, pushing the boundaries of mixology with ‘investigation-worthy’ concoctions.

The Alimony

Cheekily named libations, like The Alimony (HK $120) appeal to the senses with nutty yellow mustard root-infused gin and earthy beetroot distillate tempered by an in-house made rose petal and rosebud vinegar, in place of the more customary vermouth. A final spritz of botanical-forward aquavit and a dribble of kale oil round out this playful spin on the classic martini.

Like a slice of liquified cold pizza finding its way into a cocktail glass, the Conditional Discharge (HK $120) sees an infused and distilled pizza dough tequila coupled with the vegetal notes of clarified tomato and basil plus a hit of nuanced salinity owed to the amalgamation of Parmigiano Reggiano distillate and spicy salami distillate. Sitting at the cross-section of a sour and a milk punch, this anything but docile dram is at once savory and oh-so satisfying, regardless of the time of day, not unlike that last slice of leftover ‘za.

Lis Pendens

Lis Pendens (HK $120) – a milk punch-esque tipple poured with wasabi rum distillate, cold brew Thai tea and tonka bean-infused soy milk – is convicted of being nothing but a balanced blend, with a final nip of strawberry-laced gochujang paste lending layered spice.

The Sworn Affidavit

A long drink accused of being both an espresso martini and an Irish coffee, the Sworn Affidavit (HK $120) showcases orange rum fat-washed with homemade buttercream then stirred with hazelnut eau de vie, cheese coffee liqueur, and a touch of Ratafia Rossi vermouth. The tipple’s dessert-like tastes (and creaminess) stem from the dehydrated condensed milk foam garnish.

A range of non-alcoholic options range from a peanut butter iteration of a milky stout, dubbed Let Me Drive (HK $100), to an imaginative rendition of a clarified rum and coke, christened the Not Too High (HK $100), that features Lyres Amaretti for subtly bitter undertones, the zero proofs are no afterthought.

Sound the Gavel: Free Midnight Shots Help Keep Law & Order 

Augmenting the dynamic atmosphere, the music program is one that evolves in tempo as the evening progresses. Following the flow of the night, easy listening and jazz tunes emanate from the speakers from 6-9pm, rolling into upbeat 80s ballad rock, 90s R&B, and hip hop interplayed with fast-paced light techno as the night marches on.

Every night, Saan will sound the gavel behind the bar to kickstart the iconic Law & Order theme song when the clock strikes 12 AM, beginning the midnight proceedings where shots will be given out with gratitude to guests who have joined us for the night.

Whether you are seeking a night of lively banter or ‘hold trial’ with a discussion on current affairs, Courtroom invites everyone to savor the unexpected. Case closed.

Courtroom

Address: 52-54 Graham Street, Hong Kong

Opening Hours: 6pm-2am everyday Monday to Sunday

Walk Ins only for drinks, with bookings only for masterclasses & special events available for mixology enthusiasts in the coming future. Follow Courtroom on IG at @courtroomhk