With its impressive array of tequilas and Mexican food, Los Sotano has been making a name for itself as a favorite among Lan Kwai Fong regulars since it opened late last year.
That’s in no small part thanks to head bartender Robert Kariakin, who has worked at a number of famous West Hollywood bars — including The Abbey, SoHo House, West Hollywood, and The Horn — has curated a new lineup of cocktails for Los Sotano.
On Friday evening, we went down to the underground (literally) Mexican restaurant and bar — hidden in a basement in Lan Kwai Fong — to sample five of his 10 tequila cocktails that are part of the bar’s new spring menu.
First up we had the Tamarindo, a sour and sweet cocktail made using Ocho Blanca Tequila, fresh lime, agave, orange liqueur, and served with a piece of candied tamarind on top.
Next, there was the aptly named Slow Burn, a spicy cocktail that uses Casamigos Anejo Tequila infused with Szechuan chili, the perfect drink for anyone who can handle their spice. Other ingredients include Montelobos Mezcal, Ancho Reyes chili liqueur, cherry liqueur, fresh citrus, and agave.
Fans of Netflix’s Narcos may remember the first time Pablo Escobar offered someone the choice: “silver or lead?” Taking inspiration from that famous ultimatum is the refreshing Plato O Plomo, made up of Gran Centanario Plata Tequila, cucumber, mint, ginger syrup, fresh lime, yellow chartreuse, and period absinthe.
This drink comes in two shot glasses that you pour into a larger glass, and served on a tray with a line of salt (get it?).
Next up was another refreshing drink called Good Clean Livin’, because nothing screams “healthy” like a green alcoholic drink with tequila and a stick of celery in it. This concoction combines Sangremal Mezcal, lime, green chartreuse, and Q tonic water.
And finally, one cocktail that Kariakin tells us is popular with the ladies is A Rose By Any Other Name, a reference to a line from Romeo and Juliet. This light, frothy and sweet drink is made up of Casamigos Blanco Tequila, raspberries, house rose liqueur, fresh lemon, soda, egg white, and two pink rose petals.
This subtle, understated cocktail is probably the most dangerous on the menu, Kariakin warns. You might find yourself ordering more once you get a taste of one.
Address: Los Sotano Basement, 21 D’Aguilar Street, Lan Kwai Fong, Central (enter through the barrel-shaped entrance on Wing Wah Lane)
Reservations: +852 2970 3887
More details: Facebook page
