Tuxedo opens in Shanghai

Coa alumni Robin Leung has opened a cocktail bar in Shanghai’s Former French Concession neighbourhood named Tuxedo.

The name takes cues from both the black-tie attire and the classic cocktail, which the bar describes as ‘mysterious and elegant’.

Leung was a senior bartender at Coa Hong Kong from 2018 to 2021, when the agave-centred venue was ranked as the best bar in Asia. He then led as bar manager when Coa opened its second outpost in Shanghai.

At Tuxedo, he said the focus is on ‘postmodern classic cocktails inspired by Shanghai’s unique blend of east meets west’.

The space is by the entrance of Fuxing Park in an old house on Sinan Road, which the team said ‘exudes a strong sense of modern vintage’. The narrowness of the space is described as ‘resembling a vintage train travelling from the western cocktail world to the east’.

Meanwhile, at the entrance, the bar’s namesake tuxedo set hangs on display behind a glass cabinet, while classic books on cocktails throughout the ages and vintage bottles used in its cocktails are also on show. On the walls, western cocktail elements complement vintage Chinese aesthetics.

For those seeking extra privacy, behind the bar is a private room, or a VIP space (the bar says the ‘I’ stands for introverted), modelled on a pawn shop with drawers and an abacus. The area could be imagined as a space for a vintage photoshoot, with models outfitted with qipaos (traditional Chinese dress) and tuxedos. Guests here can also be directly served drinks through a small window, ensuring maximum privacy.

Postmodern cocktails

The concept of the drinks menu is described as ‘postmodern classic’ cocktails. This, Leung says, is him ‘exploring his own new expression’ of cocktails crafted at the turn of the century. The team uses modern tools and techniques for preparation, and also brings in a range of spirits from around the world.

Highlighted cocktails include Leung’s version of a Tuxedo. Named Tuxedo #310, he adds mezcal to the drink – drawing from his experiences at Coa – and replaces the original Maraschino cherry liqueur with Italicus bergamot liqueur.

The Robin Fizz, a signature named after himself, was first created at Coa in Hong Kong. The drink is based on a Mezcal Tonic and features lime juice, a touch of sweetener, grape essence and a spray of cardamom.

A Soufflé Martini is inspired by an Espresso Martini, but topped with a cloud-like foam that mirrors the look of a soufflé cake. The foam is made from whipping egg whites with coffee, and the drink’s ingredients feature marmalade vodka, chocolate and coconut rum.

For a clash of cocktails, there’s also a Cosmo-Sangari – described as a ‘fusion of the classic Cosmopolitan and Spanish Sangría’. The drink is made by infusing Spanish wine with fruit and spices through freeze distillation, which the bar explains ‘not only fills the wine with fruity aromas but also purifies the Sangría from a traditional 14% ABV wine to a 35% ABV spirit’. The use of sangria instead of vodka, adds ‘more depth’ thanks to its aromatic and flavourful profile.

Leung added: “We are the first bar in the world specialising in postmodern classic, meaning a reinterpretation of classic cocktails with contemporary techniques to achieve the elevation of flavours.”

For more scope on Asia’s bar scene, check out The Spirits Business’s 2024 Global Bar Report.