Gulou's Hidden Speakeasy Scarlet A Revamps its Menu, Adds Even More Quality Cocktails

Scarlet A's low-key style has made it a hidden gem in Gulou, just a stone’s throw away from Zarah. There’s no sign to indicate where exactly the bar is located – you have to carefully look for the bar's scarlet-colored name scrawled on the door.   

RELATED: Scarlet A Whips Gulou into Shape with Scandalously Delicious Cocktails

From the outside only empty glass containers and coffee bags resting on the shelf are visible – don’t be fooled, in fact the shelf is a craftily disguised sliding door, thanks to the same designer who helped deck out BBC. Scarlet A carries the same themes as its beloved Xingfucun brethren: textured black iron, sheet lighting behind the bottles, and an overall elegant and moody design with all the modern fixtures. The bar area can only seat seven eager patrons, however there is also an al fresco area with several sofas in the yard, catering to groups and private parties.

The menu consists of of 13 classic cocktails, as well as 10 new-school cocktails, and two fish bowl-style punches for groups to imbibe. Absinthe lovers will be happy to stumble across the bar for its 13 varieties, including this special Czech brand, which is home to a huge beetle:

As to be expected from any self-respecting speakeasy, the shelves are heaving with whiskeys, gins, vodkas, and rums, too.

As for cocktails, the names certainly come as interesting as the drinks they're describing. We particularly enjoyed the Don Diego (RMB 90), a mix of Mezcal, Aperol, yellow Chartreuse, and lime. This slow-sipper was all at once smoky, tart, bitter and sweet, and full of fruity and herby aromas. Next up, the Tuxedo, a dry and potent mix of gin, Luxardo liqueur, and orange bitters.

We continued down the menu, surprised by each niche the cocktails fulfilled and the joy hidden in each serving: the Al Copone is dry and smoky; the Jonky Panky is bitter and smooth; the Thai Swizzle is sweet and fruity; and the Gordon’s Buck is quick and refreshing.

At RMB 65-90 a pop, Scarlet A's range of cocktails are reasonably priced but put it in a bracket that'll see you visit on those more special of occasions, just don't repent completely and forget it's tucked away at all. 

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Email: tracywang@thebeijinger.com
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Photos: Scarlet A, Tracy Wang