Molecular Mixology At Shanghai's Alchemist Cocktail Kitchen
L.A. native and Shanghai restaurateur Kelley Lee pushed the envelope at both bar and table by opening Shanghai’s first molecular gastro lounge two years ago. The evocative Victorian era apothecary ambiance has a mad scientist twist with its clear glass cases filled with chemistry lab utensils and jars filled with dried fruits, roots and herbs. It immediately leads you to believe that there is something special in store.
Set in the bar and restaurant savvy section of Sinan Mansions, the Alchemist Cocktail Kitchen is a fave amongst industry insiders. Local chefs, foodies, gourmet geeks and spirited snobs are pulling in at all hours of the night for some of Shanghai’s most inspired plates and pours.
Lee has broken down the Asian inspired seasonal molecular menu in to four sections; sweet, sour, dry and bitter. You can expect foams, fogs, gels and vapors in your gourmet glass.
For those with a sweet tooth, the sweet Thai go Ren is made with coriander seed infused Sailor Jerry spiced rum and Tio Pepe dry Spanish sherry shaken with spiced mango syrup, lemon juice and “hell fire” bitters. It is served neat in a small wine goblet with a coconut air.
For sour fans, La Flora Fixe is made with Corralejo Blanco tequila, lemon juice, elderflower syrup and French absinthe. It is shaken and served neat in a stemless wine glass and accompanied with a lavender and sauvignon blanc fog.
The decadent dry Tiger’s Milk is made with a chamomile and lemon zest infused French pastis, white chocolate liqueur and almond syrup stirred and served in a champagne flute and topped with rose sparkling wine and a side of vanilla fairy floss.
The bitter beauty Huangpu Cocktail is the Manhattan of Shanghai made with Rittenhouse rye whisky, bitter Italian amaro, maraschino cherry and apricot liqueurs and yuzu bitters.
Pair your pours with Lee’s nose to tail approach to the plate, which is designed with the decadent in mind. The slider options on the small plates menu consists of Moroccan lamb, Honolulu pork, Wagyu BBQ beef, chicken friend chicken, bubba shrimp with bacon and fried quail egg and truffled oxtail sliders with foie gras.
If you are looking for a slightly bigger bite, try the Alchemist Foie Gras Burger made with 100 percent Australian wagyu beef, seared foie gras, caramelized onions, truffle-balsamic glaze and crispy bacon. If you are watching your weight, you may want to look the other way.
Alchemist Cocktail Kitchen, Sinan Mansions, Block 32 45 Sinan Lu, near FuxingZhong Lu
