Titled ‘Snapshot of the Time’, the menu showcases to guests the techniques across different cocktail eras from the 19th to 20th century; from the Golden Age and Prohibition to the Tiki craze, modern revival and even tosses in contemporary minimalism.

Aside from this, the different drinks on the new menu are also based off the personal memories from each member of the team, their personal touch seen from the ingredients and flavors selected and assembled.

For example, Peas in a Pod was inspired by bartender Pawa Li’s trip to Guilin in China and a street snack she particularly enjoyed: green mango with honey and plum sauce. Adding her own southern twist, Li's creation marries Guangdong pineapple beer with gin, asparagus, pear, matcha, peas and mint.

 Peas in a Pod.

Another key creation was put together by bartender Rico Wei. His Three Cup Chicken was inspired by his favorite dish of San Bei Ji (Three Cup Chicken). The cocktail’s ingredients of Olmeca Silver Tequila, rice wine, coconut, basil, Tabasco and sesame oil are clarified until it presents the savoury texture of the original dish, while said to be ‘perfect’ for summer sipping.

It is topped with three droplets of infused oils to finish (as well as adds quite a colorful flair).

Founder and owner Yao Lu also has their Mi Amor, a post-dinner sipper built with vodka, along with a rich cheesecake blend of cream cheese, slated biscuits and vanilla. It was said to be inspired by someone close to Lu and that person's love of Basque cheesecake.

Lu also made the Mulled Wine Fizz, which he calls a ‘chilled reinterpretation’ of classic mulled wine. This cocktail is a spiced Tempranillo reduction with Cognac, fresh citrus, egg white and soda.

Beyond the usual offerings, you'll find inventive concoctions like the Captain Patrick: a playful nod to SpongeBob SquarePants crafted with mezcal, parmesan cheese, mint oil, pineapple, palm sugar, Greek yogurt, and lemon.

Then there's the Thai-Tanic, a contemporary take on Milk Punch boasting umami notes of Thai curry shrimp, cleverly created by blending vodka, lemongrass, guava, honey, lime, coconut milk, and curry.

Open daily from 6pm-2am daily, The Union Trading Company is located in Shanghai’s French Concession neighbourhood.

Kanpai!

88 Bamboo Editorial Team