Hot on Dianping: Japanese Drinks in Beijing Edition

In Hot on Dianping, we introduce the restaurants that are whipping up hype among locals in-the-know on China’s favorite review app.

Bubble on you Beam, livin’ the dream

The country of Japan has famously fallen hard for whiskey – a love affair that’s resulted in no few Japanese brands of the spirit that are now held in high regard. But classic popular labels like Jim Beam haven’t fallen out of favor, which is more than apparent at Chikusoko restaurant and bar in Wangjing.

Here, their Jim Beam high balls come in a variety of flavors – eleven different choices to be precise, from lemon to strawberry, blueberry, and grape. But kicker is the “ball” that stands high over the glass. The bubble ball, that is.

These bubbly cups go for between RMB 20-35, and provide perfect picture-snapping moments to go along with the flaming avocado-and-egg and other photographable bites.

Chikusoko 筑底食堂小酒馆
Yuananlu, 8 Baolizhongyang Park, lower level
远安路保利中央公园底商8号8-20

Lemons to the sky to make you feel high (on life)

In another very similar Japanese diner (right down to the egg-in-avocado, though this one isn’t on fire), the drink that’s exciting netizens is the Lemon Tower. Kyū-pon crafts these refreshing iced sippers using a series of lemon peels that climb high to the sky. It’s available in original or plum-wine flavor for RMB 38.

Meanwhile, they won’t put a bubble on your highball, but they will mix in a little passion fruit!

Kyū-pon 九本居酒屋
1 Xidawang Lu building 1, 104
西大望路1号一号楼104

Sippin’ on tea when life is just peachy

Catching waves among tea-lovers is the arrival of Wakemura Momo, a milk tea brand that’s heavy with the peach. The top recommendation from netizens is the Pink Peach, a sweet, icey drink that comes with a realistic peach cake topper.

When this brand landed in Shanghai, fans lined up for upwards of an hour to try it, but apparently the new Beijing location doesn’t require such a wait!

Wakemura Momo 和气桃桃
Zhonghaihuan Yuhui Shopping center, L402-B1
中海环宇荟购物中心L402-B

READ: Booze News: Monday is the New Friday and Other Assorted Alcohol Goodness

Images: Dianping