An institution within the Macau cocktail scene, The St. Regis Bar Macao embodies the swank of New York’s yesteryear, a theme that weaves its way through the global St. Regis brand. Beloved as a destination for luminaries to connect, converse, and celebrate, the bar promises a tailored experience inspired by the House of Astor. 

The equal parts sophisticated and stunning space, designed by Hong Kong architect Steve Leung, mirrors the historical elements of New York heritage synonymous with the hotel. Sleek and sexy, the softly lit onyx bar is outfitted in dark wood, rich fabrics, emerald countertops, and crystal accents, all to the backdrop of live jazz played from the onstage piano as the sun sets each evening. 

A heart-on-the-sleeve love song to New York’s golden era, the tome of a menu is replete with fanciful twists on classic cocktails – each evoking the mood of one of The Big Apple’s various boroughs – curated by mixologist and Taipei native Kevin Lai. After joining the team in November 2022 (following a stint at Guangzhou’s Hope & Sesame, Beijing’s Catail and Taipei’s Bar Mood), Lai released a series of inspired tipples. 

There’s the Garnet Sour – a riff on a New York Sour but with ruby port as an homage to the 1940s Portuguese immigration to the US – and the Maria do Leste, one of the 15 Bloody Marys that make up The St. Regis Bloody Mary World Collection. Applauding Macau’s diverse cultural history, the libation sees everything from Portuguese chorizo to Brazilian lime, from African piri piri to Indian cinnamon, plus lobster, sea salt, black vinegar and Chinese peppercorns.

St. Regis Bar Macao, 2nd Floor, The St. Regis Macao, The Londoner Macao, Estrada do Istmo, s/n, Cotai, Macau

This article was originally written for and published on the Asia's 50 Best Bars website here.