Tea is a way of life in Hong Kong. The drink reigns supreme across different establishments and is popular any time of day—from milk teas served at breakfast at humble cha chaan tengs to upscale afternoon tea sets at five-star hotels.
But traditional teas aren’t the only drinks of choice for lovers of the infusion. The bubble tea concept Potion House has won customers over with its delectable creations, which, of course, come complete with jellies and chews. The brand also celebrates the Taiwanese craft of bubble tea-making, which continues to dazzle foodies around the world some four decades after its invention.
With two locations across Hong Kong, in Wan Chai and Tsim Sha Tsui, Potion House has now opened a new branch at BaseHall 02 in Jardine House—but that’s not all. This new Potion House outpost offers bubble tea by day, and in the evenings, it transforms into a chic cocktail bar.
Salty Ruby (Photo courtesy: Potion House)
Experience menu from Potion House (Photo courtesy: Potion House)
Taking up a spot at Shop 07 Area II, the space takes inspiration from the aesthetics of a traditional tea house, though with a modern twist, with lab-like touches like an LED wall that reflects wave-like movement that mimic the brand’s signature jellies.
In addition to its famed bubble tea creations, the new location presents a curated selection of tea-infused cocktails, as well as wine, beer and Taiwanese malt. These libations, crafted with care, can be personalised with the same delightful jellies and chews found in the brand’s bubble teas.
Inside Potion House (Photo courtesy: Potion House)
Top picks include Emerald’s Love Potion, a vodka-infused winter melon tea with a dash of fresh lime; and Signature Potion, an alcoholic version of Potion House’s best-selling signature milk tea, comprising Baileys Irish Cream liqueur, whisky and a sprinkle of cinnamon, resulting in a complex and warming taste. These are part of Potion House’s experience menu, a must-try for any mixology lover: the drinks are presented in an array of test tubes, and guests are encouraged to mix their own bubble tea cocktail. Add jasmine green tea jelly for a fresh, floral flavour, or honey-coated white tapioca for a perfectly sweet chew. Alternatively, keep it classic with the reimagined whisky sour, made with whisky, orange zest, egg foam and oolong tea.
For brews that blend the artistry of bubble tea with the craft of mixology—or simply the drink in its purest form—head to Potion House’s newest location.