8 cocktails to try at Hong Shing’s new Baijiu bar

They say if it’s not broken, don’t fix it. But what about adding on and making something new? Hong Shing restaurant has been feeding Toronto delicious Chinese cuisine for the last 26 years, and they’ve just added a brand new Baijiu bar to the mix. Pun intended.

A Rich History

Hong Shing first opened their doors in 1997 and has since made a name for itself in Toronto by offering delicious and accessible Chinese food with a focus on community and togetherness. 

The New Baijiu Bar

The Baijiu bar is their most recent addition, bringing an upscale cocktail ambiance to their newly renovated space. The goal is to demonstrate the versatility of this traditional Chinese spirit and complement the taste profiles of their beloved dishes. 

Hong Shing’s Baijiu bar is the perfect blend of a traditional spirit with modern mixology. Every cocktail has been curated to bring the fullest expression of the spirit to the forefront, combined with classic Asian flavours to enhance and elevate your food pairing. 

A Bit About Baijiu

In case you didn’t know, Baijiu is a spirit category encompassing all traditional Chinese grain spirits. While most commonly distilled from sorghum, Baijiu can also be made from rice, wheat, corn and millet. Baijiu can have very different expressions depending on how it’s produced and varies greatly by region in China. 

While Baijiu is often drunk as a shot, Hong Shing’s Baijiu bar aims to make it more approachable with specialty cocktails curated to enhance and compliment the flavours of the kitchen. 

It’s a pairing made in foodie heaven, and with a bunch of new signature cocktails to try, you will want to make this a repeat visit. Here are 8 Baijiu cocktails to try next time you stop by Hong Shing.

Lucky Red
Luzhou Laojiao Baijiu, Lilet Blanc, Strawberry, Yogurt, Milk.

Pina Co Baijiu
Baijiu, Coconut Rum, Coconut Cream, Pineapple.

Rose Lemon Tea
Rose Baijiu, Tromba Blanco Infused Orange Pekoe Tea, Ceylon Tea, Limoncello, Lemon.

Shanghattan
Luzhou Laojiao Baijiu, D.O.M. Bénédictine, Seedlip Grove 42, Angostura.

Suntory Not Sorry
Chenpe Infused Baijiu, Toki Whiskey, Lagavulin Scotch Whiskey, Wintermelon.

The Grape Gatsby
Baijiu, Lemongrass, Hennessy, Red Wine Syrup, Verjus.

Ovaltini
Baijiu, Maltose, Chocolate Milk, Ovaltine.

Shiitake Happens
Shiitake Mushroom Infused Jiang Xiao Bai, Brown Butter, Junmai Sake.

If you really want to dive deep and explore the flavours of Baijiu, you can also try Hong Shing’s introductory or master Baijiu flights. 

Take a culinary trip to China and visit Hong Shing to experience their new Baijiu bar. Who knows, by mixing it up, you might just discover your new favourite cocktail. Okay, okay, we’ll stop now.

HONG SHING BAIJIU BAR

Where: 195 Dundas St West, Toronto