Beijing Boyce

Welcome to part thirty-four of the Must Tries Series, which asks people working in the Beijing bar and restaurant scene for the top picks from their menus. Up this time: Ah Jian of cocktail bar 2F, also known to some from his time at The Tree.  See his picks below as well as these links for info about his Zombie and his erguotou-based cocktail.

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What is the ‘must try’ cocktail at 2F?

Some people like the Lemon Drop. It includes fresh lemon juice, vodka and a bit of sugar. The trick is to make it smooth and balanced. To make it very “Oh, yeah”. It’s difficult to find that balance.

What is the ‘must try’ whiskey?

Balvenie 15 Year. It’s not too smoky, not too light, and appeals to many people. I like it very much. If someone asks what is good, I recommend the Balvenie first. Then, I can see if the person prefers something smokier or lighter, and make more recommendations.

And beer?

Stella. In a bottle. No reason.

What are some ‘must tries’ at other places?

I like Glen. The cocktails, the whiskey — the bartender is very good. Twilight, Apothecary, Mao Mao Chong – I like them all for cocktails. And for beer, I like The Tree – it also has good bartenders and pizza!

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The first in a series of posts about Beijing bartenders and the drinks they make, this is a spin-off from a project with a local publication.

If you are what you drink, there seems to be  some appeal in guzzling a few Zombies — you would no longer have to think about life’s problems, your confidence would increase, and you would be able to party all night. For sure, being a zombie is a serious lifestyle decision, but it doesn’t mean you still can’t be a productive member of society.

Anyway, I dropped into 2F in Sanlitun, a bar that has developed a loyal following and a neighborhood vibe over the past year, and talked to co-owner and manager Ah Jian about how he makes this mind-altering drink. He shakes together nine – yes, nine – ingredients: white rum, dark rum, and spiced rum, lime juice, orange juice, and pineapple juice, and cointreau, apricot brandy liqueur, and grenandine. He then floats Bacardi 151 rum – that’s the 75 percent alcohol stuff – on top. That alone is almost guaranteed to turn you into a zombie, at least for one night.