Former Ocean Grounds Mixologist Resurfaces with High-End Infusion Room

Paul Hsu, the mind behind delicious cocktail menus at JC Lounge, Ocean Grounds, and now Infusion Room, has honed his skills over time and joined the ranks of some of the city’s most elite mixologists. The Infusion Room is a testament to his dramatic ascent into the world of luxury inebriation.

Most of the high-end cocktail joints are reaching for a certain speakeasy vibe that feels overplayed and lacks the creativity required to set a bar higher. The Infusion Room doesn’t deviate from this standard too much, with things like keypad entry and sharply-dressed bartenders, but the reality is that this establishment has some of the most delicious and inventive cocktails we’ve had in a long while.

A little nervous about the steep price tag on all the drinks, we kicked off the experience with the Rum Martini, which was smoked out with Chinese cedar set alight in front of you. It was a little like drinking rum straight from a cigar box, or maybe like a long, cool sip of liquidized Harry Belafonte. Next we ordered up a Lavender Royal Sidecar (RMB 100). This is comprised of fine champagne cognac, lavender-infused organic honey, dry Curaçao, and fresh lemon juice, topped off with champagne. Very refreshing, and hey, we like bubbles.

After a couple samples of the delicious black magic being cast behind the bar, we couldn’t help but be really impressed with not only the quality of their offerings and service, but also their bottomless bowls of spicy shrimp crackers. If you are a seeker of the latest and greatest in the Beijing cocktail scene, then you have to check it out. Reservations are encouraged, but we doubt they would turn down a thirsty customer willing to drop RMB 100 on just one of these potions.

Infusion Room
Daily 8pm-2am. D Lounge Upper Level, Courtyard 4, Gongti Beilu, Chaoyang District (6415 9837)
朝阳区工体北路4号院D Lounge二层

Photos: Infusion Room