Wave Bye-Bye To Dry January With Enticing Cocktails At Pho

Promotion

THE story of Pho’s cocktails begins in the bustling streets of Vietnamese capital Hanoi. When owners Stephen and Jules decided to visit a bar called Highway 4, little did they know it would be the start of transcontinental love affair...with Nếp Phú Lộc. To the uninitiated, that’s a premium rice wine, produced by Vietnam’s leading liquor producer Sơn Tinh and using fragrant sticky rice from the Red River Delta. A few shots in, the duo could see just why it won Gold at the World Spirit Awards and decided to import, making Pho the first European restaurant to do so.

Cocktails contain either a double serve of Sơn Tinh liquor or the esteemed Hànội vodka

Now, Pho cocktails contain either a double serve of Sơn Tinh liquor or the esteemed Hànội vodka, combined with carefully-chosen ingredients for the ultimate flavour. When Confidential decided to hotfoot it out of the office and test them out, we could see just what the fuss was about...

Pho’s signature cocktail is Phojito; a refreshing mix of Nếp Phú Lộc, mint, soda and lime. It’s difficult to put a successful spin on the Cuban mojito classic yet even rum-lovers will agree the supplementary Vietnamese liquor is a surefire winner. A sprig of fresh mint, meanwhile, makes the perfect accompaniment to the sharpness of the lime.

Phojito

Ginger is the predominant ingredient in Ha Noi Mule, whose thicker texture gives it the air of an indulgent smoothie. Traces of lime and mint, coupled with an understated hint of apple, join with the national Vietnamese vodka for a beverage both satisfying and energising.

Ha Noi Mule

Rose Apple Bellini couples Prosecco with a generous splash of Táo Mèo liquor. Part of the award-winning Sơn Tinh family, the rose apple flavour is derived from Vietnam’s northern mountains and adds a sweeter facet to the dryness of the wine.

Rose Apple Bellini

For a Bloody Mary that really snaps you out of a hangover, Pho’s Vietnamese version is spot on; a typical blend of tomato juice and spices mixed in with a scorching wildcard of Sriracha chilli sauce. Garnished with a slice of lemon, it’s one hot potion.

Vietnamese Bloody Mary

Far from the savoury delights of Bloody Mary is Cà phê Martini, a cocktail that’s truly for the sweet-toothed. This uses Vietnamese coffee, known for its surprising undertones of chocolate. Blended with condensed milk to counteract any bitterness, plus that essential serving of Nếp Phú Lộc, it’s a perfect choice for the caffeine addicts or chocoholics.

Cà phê Martini

Last but certainly not least is the Lemon and Basil Martini, which blends lemonade with muddled Thai basil. Contrary to Italian basil, the Thai variety is characterised by a delicate aniseed flavour. Together with homemade lemonade and Sơn Tinh’s sticky rice liquor, it makes this revitalising martini another winning concoction. Now how to choose...

To see the full menu or book click here.