Hope & Sesame

Hope & Sesame is a pioneering cocktail bar located in the heart of Guangzhou, China. Known for its boundary-pushing approach to mixology, the bar seamlessly blends Eastern flavors with Western techniques. Housed behind the façade of a vintage café, it invites guests into a hidden world of molecular cocktails, creative experimentation, and immersive hospitality. Hope & Sesame is not just a place to drink — it’s a place to experience innovation in every sip.

History & Concept

Opened in 2016 by industry veterans Andrew Ho and Bastien Ciocca, Hope & Sesame is recognized as China’s first speakeasy-style bar. The concept revolves around creative cocktail craftsmanship and scientific precision. By incorporating lab equipment and culinary techniques like centrifugation, fat-washing, and carbonation, the bar aims to deconstruct classic cocktails and reconstruct them with an entirely new identity. It’s a place where heritage meets high-concept experimentation.

Design & Atmosphere

The bar’s entrance is cleverly disguised behind a traditional Cantonese café, creating a feeling of exclusivity and discovery. Inside, Hope & Sesame is intimate, dimly lit, and buzzing with energy. A small stage hosts live jazz on select nights, adding rhythm to the evening. The overall ambiance is sophisticated yet relaxed, blending vintage furniture, soft lighting, and curated soundscapes to create a welcoming yet mysterious atmosphere.

Hope & Sesame Menu

The Hope & Sesame menu showcases a rotating collection of experimental cocktails and elevated bar bites. With a strong focus on locally sourced ingredients and cutting-edge techniques, the drinks are bold, unusual, and unforgettable. Each cocktail is a story — some drawn from Chinese traditions, others inspired by modern gastronomic ideas. The food offerings, while minimal, are carefully crafted to complement the cocktails without stealing the spotlight.

Cocktail Menu

• Charcoal Martini. A twist on the classic, featuring clarified tomato juice, vodka, and activated charcoal for a savory, smoky punch.
• Sesame Old Fashioned. A reimagined favorite with sesame-infused whiskey and palm sugar syrup.
• Kumquat Negroni. Gin, Campari, sweet vermouth, and kumquat peel — citrusy, bitter, and bright.
• Wasabi Mule. Vodka, ginger beer, lime, and wasabi foam — fiery and refreshing.
• Miso Banana Daiquiri. A rich and funky creation using rum, fermented banana syrup, lime, and a miso twist.

Food Menu

The food menu at Hope & Sesame is compact but deliberate:

• Sichuan Chicken Skewers. Spicy, aromatic, and perfectly grilled.
• Truffle Taro Fries. A local spin on a comfort classic with truffle oil and crispy taro.
• Mini Bao Burgers. Steamed buns filled with pulled pork and pickled veggies.
• Crispy Lotus Chips. A crunchy, lightly salted snack to pair with any drink.

Price Level

Hope & Sesame sits in the mid-to-premium range. Cocktails average between ¥90–¥120, offering impressive value given the technique, presentation, and flavor complexity. It’s not a budget spot, but it’s worth the spend for a memorable, high-quality drinking experience that you won’t find elsewhere in Guangzhou.

Awards & Recognition

Hope & Sesame has consistently ranked among Asia’s 50 Best Bars, making it one of the most celebrated cocktail destinations in China. Its founders are regularly invited to speak and present at international bar shows, and the bar is a frequent stop on the global cocktail circuit. It has been featured in Forbes, Drinks International, and countless industry publications.

Opening Hours & Guest Policy

• Monday to Saturday: 7:00 PM – 2:00 AM
• Sunday: Closed

Guests must be 18 or older to enter. While the atmosphere is informal, smart casual attire is recommended. The venue is small and intimate, so groups of more than four should consider making a reservation in advance.

Reservations

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends and live music nights. They can be made through the bar’s official WeChat account or via phone. Walk-ins are accepted but are subject to availability.

Why Visit?

Hope & Sesame is a destination for those who crave something beyond the ordinary. From the secretive entrance to the avant-garde cocktails and occasional live jazz, every element of the experience is thoughtfully curated. If you’re looking to explore the future of cocktail culture in China — with a local twist and international flair — this is the place to go.