List of 11 Cocktails to try in Hanoi you cannot miss when visiting
Hanoi at night is transforming strongly with the "Hidden Bar" and Speakeasy culture. The quiet atmosphere, dim lights, Jazz music, and the cheerful sound of shakers is addictive. This is the ideal space for you to shake off all your worries. Let's explore the Top list of 11 cocktails to try in Hanoi, from unique local flavors to world classics right below.
Category 1: Hanoi Signatures | Unique Local Flavors (Must-Try)
If you are looking for cocktails to try in Hanoi that bear the bold identity of the capital, this list is designed just for you.
1. Tía Highball - Dalat Purple Haze (A Novelty Worth Trying)
This deserves to be one of the most unique drinks this year. Inspired by the familiar Perilla leaf (La Tia To), it creates an irresistible dreamy purple color.
- Experience: You will immediately feel the characteristic warm aroma of perilla. A slight spiciness is cleverly blended with the refreshing coolness of the Highball style. The smoky purple color (Purple Haze) creates an extremely mysterious and photogenic look.
- Advice: This drink is strictly for those seeking a modern Vietnamese flavor that doesn't "clash" with anything else. It is very suitable to enjoy in open spaces like Rooftops.
Tía Highball
2. Spicy Neighbor (Spicy Personality)
True to its name, this is an interesting challenge for the taste buds. A bold combination of spicy notes (usually from chili, ginger, or pepper) with a strong spirit base creates a distinct personality.
- Experience: An explosive and warm flavor spreads through the palate. This drink is extremely suitable for cold windy Hanoi nights or those who want a strong "kick" to start the fun.
- Advice: If you are bored with the usual sweet cocktails, try Spicy Neighbor to awaken all your senses.
Spicy Neighbor
3. Phở Cocktail (The Icon)
Don't rush to think of a salty bowl of broth. Visualize the art of Aroma. This is the iconic mix drink of the capital.
- Experience: An explosion of cinnamon, grilled star anise, cardamom, and fresh cilantro on a Gin or Vodka base. You will feel a slight spiciness, a warm aftertaste, and a fragrance that is incredibly familiar yet full of novelty.
- Advice: This is exactly the best mix drink to start a story with international friends. It is also your ticket to check-in and prove "I am enjoying Hanoi".
Phở Cocktail
4. Omai / Sấu Sour (Hanoi Street Flavor)
A drink inspired by famous sidewalk snacks. Talented Bartenders often use pickled Dracontomelon (Sấu) or apricot/plum jam (Omai) to create the soul of the cocktail.
- Experience: A perfect blend of sour, slightly salty (Umami), and mild sweetness. It stimulates salivation extremely well and is very "drinkable," especially during the sweltering summer days of Hanoi.
- Advice: If you love nostalgia, this is an excellent representative of good mix drinks with a strong local twist.
Sấu Sour
5. Cốm Cocktail (Autumn Breeze)
Capturing the entire romantic Hanoi autumn into a glass. The main ingredient is usually fragrant young green rice (Cốm).
- Experience: The glass usually has a beautiful young green color. The nutty, rich taste of green rice combined with coconut milk or cream. The sweet, smooth flavor is like a premium dessert.
- Advice: This drink is born for those with a "Sweet tooth" who love gentleness and sophistication.
Cốm Cocktail
Category 2: The Classics | The Measure of Sophistication (Spirit-Forward)
If you want to "test" the skills of a Bartender at Hidden Bars in Hanoi, don't look at the menu, just order a Classic.
6. Negroni (The King of Classics)
A seductive amber-red color lying quietly in a rock glass with a crystal-clear ice cube. Negroni is an irreplaceable icon in the enthusiast world.
- Experience: The perfect balance between Bitter and Sweet (Bittersweet). Complex herbal aromas from Vermouth and Campari will lead your taste buds through many emotional levels.
- Advice: Only for those who can drink bitter flavors. Ordering a Negroni is your way of silently affirming your mature and sophisticated taste at the bar.
Negroni
7. Old Fashioned (Gentleman’s Choice)
Minimalist but incredibly deep. This is a classic drink that has existed for hundreds of years and has never gone out of style.
- Experience: You will clearly feel the oak smoke scent, the deep sweetness of brown sugar, and the aromatic twisted orange oil. The Whiskey flavor is softened by cold ice but retains its strong, masculine quality.
- Advice: Always in the top popular mix drinks for gentlemen. This is the perfect choice to sip and contemplate after a long day.
Old Fashioned
8. Whiskey Sour (Balanced & Smooth)
A wonderful combination of the strength of the base spirit and the softness of mixing techniques. This cocktail is much easier to drink than the Old Fashioned.
- Experience: The most charming highlight is the egg white foam layer, smooth as velvet touching the lips. The sourness of fresh lemon soothes the harshness of the Whiskey, leaving a smooth aftertaste.
- Advice: A safe, balanced, easy-to-drink choice that is still "chill" enough. Suitable for both men and women in all situations.
Whiskey Sour
Category 3: Modern & Refreshing | Fresh & Cool (Crowd Pleasers)
Not heavy or challenging to the taste buds, this group of drinks is the definition of fun (Fun & Easy). With fresh fruit flavors and herbs, these are popular mix drinks that easily conquer even those going to a bar in Hanoi for the first time.
9. Gin Basil Smash (Herbal Freshness)
Imagine drinking an entire green garden in a wine glass. This drink brings instant freshness.
- Experience: The brilliant green color immediately attracts the eye. The intense aroma of fresh crushed Basil leaves intertwined tightly with the Gin base. An extremely refreshing and clean feeling remains in the throat.
- Advice: This is the ideal cocktail mix drink to cool down in summer or "warm up" gently before joining the party.
Gin Basil Smash
10. Espresso Martini (Energy Booster)
The perfect meeting between "alcohol" and "caffeine". A drink for souls who do not want to sleep.
- Experience: The aromatic bitter taste of freshly brewed Espresso awakens all senses, blending strongly with Vodka. The smooth, seductive brown foam (crema) covering the top creates an irresistible richness.
- Advice: It's like an energy boost helping you stay awake to continue the fun. The perfect choice and a top popular mix drink for "sleepless" nights in Hanoi.
Espresso Martini
11. Clover Club (Fruity & Silk)
A colorful masterpiece dedicated to the ladies. A cocktail with a sophisticated appearance but an incredibly flattering flavor.
- Experience: Luxurious baby pink color. The dominant flavor of sweet and sour Raspberry spreads gently. A texture as smooth as silk thanks to the technique of shaking evenly with egg white.
- Advice: Not only delicious, but this is also one of the best mix drinks for photos (Instagrammable). Don't forget to snap a check-in photo before enjoying it!
Clover Club
Revealing the secret Speakeasy sanctuaries home to the masterpiece cocktails listed above: Explore the locations here.
Tips & Tricks to Master the Bar Counter
Don't let the menu full of foreign names confuse you. Keep these tips in mind immediately to confidently order drinks like a connoisseur at any bar.
- Understand your Taste Profile: Instead of trying to remember every name, describe the taste you want to the Bartender. Do you like: Sour, Sweet, Bitter, or Creamy? This is the most important key.
- Communicate with the Bartender: Don't be shy. Try saying "Surprise me" accompanied by the base spirit you like (Gin, Rum, Whiskey...). The Bartender will create the best mix drink tailored to your mood tonight.
- Take advantage of Happy Hour: Most bars in Hanoi have golden hours (usually from 5 PM - 8 PM). Remind yourself to check the time to enjoy premium cocktail mix drinks at extremely good prices.
The world of cocktail mix drinks in Hanoi is an interesting journey of taste and emotion. From standard classics to variations bearing the unique Vietnamese soul like Phở or Cốm. Have you picked a favorite from this list of Cocktails to try in Hanoi yet? Don't hesitate, visit a bar tonight to discover these amazing flavors yourself!
