Tom Hanoi would probably not rank high on your list for artisanal cocktails but during this trip to Vietnam, we found a gem at The Unicorn Pub. Located in the Ba Đình of Hanoi, Unicorn Pub is starting to become a well-known destination for creative cocktails. Artisanal cocktails are delicious cocktail creations that aren’t the run-off-the-mill cocktails like mojito nor mai tai. Instead, you’ll be treated to exciting cocktails from Unicorn Pub’s cocktail laboratory with roots in Vietnam. How does tasting pho in a cocktail sound to you? We were about to find out…
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The Unicorn Pub Hanoi Review – The Ambience Inside
Before entering Unicorn Pub, there will be a staff who sits outside and will open the door for you. After entering the premise, there is like a little holding area. There, you’ll see a large red curtain. Beyond which lies the pub. In a sense, it feels like a “secret little passage” that you’ll pass through before entering into the pub proper. Once inside, you’ll first enter the bar counter area. This is where the bartenders will be concocting those exciting cocktails. Right in front of the cocktail bar are bar-height seats. Here, you’ll be able to see how the bartenders put your cocktail together as they prepare it individually – sometimes with a little performance that you can capture for Instagram or TikTok…
Further inside, there is another larger seating area. More for lounging. There are comfortable leather seats and a huge sign that says “FREE”. For a moment, we thought there will be free cocktails. No free cocktails but close…
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The Unicorn Pub Hanoi Review – Cocktail Menu and Happy Hours 1-for-1
At Unicorn Pub Hanoi, happy hours happen daily from 6pm to 8pm daily, even on weekends! With average prices of a cocktail at 200K ($12SGD), the 1-for-1 deal translates to 100K a cocktail or about $6. This way cheaper than the typical prices that we pay in Singapore. Not only that, the cocktails at Unicorn Pub are artisanal cocktails or creative cocktails, which, in Singapore, would be in the range of $20 to $30 at upscale cocktail bars. For an idea of what artisanal cocktails are available, here’s the snippets of menu from Unicorn Pub…
The “Taste of Vietnam” cocktail menu is Unicorn Pub’s take on the unique tastes and flavours in and around Vietnam. When we first saw “Pho Cocktail”, we thought to ourselves whether it would be possible to create a cocktail with the taste of Pho? Unicorn Pub made it happen and it is actually very delicious. Here’s the description that Unicorn Pub has on its rendition of “Taste of Vietnam” cocktail menu…
“Each of these unique libations were designed in-house by our cocktail artisans and take their inspiration from the scents and flavours of Vietnam. As our artisan-crafted cocktails are complex blends of spirits and hand-crafted ingredients proudly made by our staff, they take a little extra time to create. Be patient, each creation is worth the wait.”
Besides cocktails based on tastes and themes from Vietnam, Unicorn Pub also does cocktails with tastes around Asia based on flavours from Thailand, Japan, Korea and more. Drinks include:
Sushi Tsukiji Cocktail – 180K
(Inspired by Tokyo’s World Famous Fish Market)
“If you have read through the Unicorn’s menu thus far, you will no doubt realise that we draw on the rich culinary history of Asia as an inspiration to our menu. A curious marriage of the base elements of sushi, this refreshing drink both surprises and delights those with a sense of adventure. Try it and you will join the growing chorus of fans.”
[Gin, Vodka, Yuzu, Giner, Wasabi, Sweet & Sour]
Tom Yum Thai – 185K
“The result of a challenge from a Thai customer, our expert mixology team rose to the occasion by producing a dead-on version of this Southeast Asian culinary classic. Must be tried to believe!”
[Bourbon infused with grilled Coconut, White rum, Pineapple juice, Lime, Lemongrass, Chili]
Besides the destination-themed cocktails, Unicorn Pub also create their own delicious artisanal cocktails.
“More from our cocktail laboratory. Keep experimenting – we’ll keep mixing! The Unicorn responds to our patrons’ tastes. If you can’t decide, don’t dismay! Our artisans are masters of cocktail creation. Tell us how you feel – we’ll mix you something to match your mood!”
Some of these cocktails from Unicorn Pub’s cocktail laboratory includes:
Forgotten Memory – 185K
[Gin, Dry Vermouth, Sweet Vermouth, Lime, Yuzu, Pink Grapefruit, Elderflower, Bitters, Green Peppercorn]
The Great Outdoor – 210K
[Rum Plantation, Malibu, Pineapple, Lime, Pink Grapefruit]
Wonderful Land – 190K
[Vodka Infusion with Green Cardamon & Black Pepper St Germain, Lime, Rose]
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The Unicorn Pub Hanoi Review – Artisanal Cocktails We Had
During our first visit to Unicorn Pub, we totally enjoyed our time – not only because of the affordable artisanal cocktails but also because of the delicious and unique tastes that we do not usually enjoy during our travels. We have actually tried many cocktails during our travels in Mexico, Cuba, Spain, Norwegian Cruise Line Ultimate Beverage Package and most recently Royal Caribbean’s Deluxe Beverage Package, trying different creation from around the world. However, the cocktails at Unicorn Pub is really something else. It was so good that we decided to visit again just before we left the Old Quarter area and here are the 8 drinks that we had during the two visits…
Pho Cocktail – 200K
(The drink that made the Unicorn Pub World-Famous)
“World class international cocktail of the year 2012. No time in Hanoi is complete without experiencing this world renowned libation. Uniquely crafted before your eyes the essence of Vietnam’s utmost contribution to world cuisine is cleverly captured in this amazing concoction. You have to try it to believe it!”
[Gin, Cointreau, Pho Spices, Lime]
This was probably the cocktail that made the experience for us. It really featured tastes of Pho but not in a “ee-yer” type of way but in an elegant, classy and yummy-I-want-more-of-this kind of way. As the description says, you have to try it to believe it. Moreover, there’s a little performance during the cocktail concoction process…
Com Cocktail – 190K
(Vietnam’s Best Cocktail 2015)
“Conceived right here in our humble little bar, “Com” means “young rice” in vietnamese. A carefully handpicked rice, sweet and earthy – it is reminiscent of a fresh spring morning in the countryside.”
[Rum, Cointreau, Orange, Young Rice, Honey, Lime]
This cocktail came in a close second for us. It does have the simple and fragrant taste of the young rice. We love it as it is so easy to drink and even reminds one a little of pandan flavours, typical of southeast asia. A great cocktail!
“Rock It, Man!” – 185K
“Inspired by the 2019 North Korea-USA summit in Hanoi as mixed live on TV and social media worldwide, this world-famous cocktail is a diplomatic dance of East and West whilst mirroring the 2 countries’ leaders’ spicy personalities. The outcome of this libation leaves you hanging in the balance with the hope of a peaceful resolution at some point in the future.”
[American Bourbon, Korean Soju, Fireball Whiskey, Pineapple, Raspberry, Vanilla, Orange Bitters, Hot Chili Pepper]
We love it that Unicorn Pub uses a different cocktail glass to bring out the different tastes and ways their cocktails are to be savoured. This time, “Rock It, Man!” is served in a tall cocktail glass, seemingly suggesting that it is a ladies’ drink. However, it is not so. The culprit? The Hot Chili Pepper! Although it is not only spicy-till-you-need-cold-water-stat, but it is to us, a little too spicy for a cocktail. Nonetheless, a nice elegant cocktail to pose with for the ladies.
Last Time in Tay Ho – 185K
(Most Popular Cocktail 2018 Hanoi Gin Festival)
“Ahhh, Tay Ho…the Hanoi district famous as a respite for those who dont want to live in Vietnam. This peculiar mix is mostly Western, with a dash of Vietnam just to remind you what country you’re in. With the Designation of being the “Most popular cocktail” at the 2018 Hanoi Gin Festival, we are particularly proud of the happiness this drink has provided to so many.
[Tequila, Bourbon, Cynar, Espresso, Tiramisu]
From the ingredients, you can see that this cocktail is a more like a dessert. It has tastes of tiramisu and espresso making it a nice after-dinner cocktail to unwind with. There’s even a small ice cream cone with fresh cream that is something unique for us. Enjoy!
Crazy Hanoi Traffic – 190K
(Unicorn’s Best Seller)
“No doubt you survived Hanoi’s driving to get here. So why not raise a glass of the libation that honours one of the city’s most iconic experiences – the Traffic. True to its name, this drink takes you everywhere. Sweet, sour, salty, bitter & hot. It hits you from all directions at once and you are not sure you will survive it. In the end, it all works out. You enjoyed your exhilarating ride.”
[Rum, Dracontomelon Juice, Ginger, Caramel, Honey, Lemon & Spices]
True to its name, the cocktail does bring you everywhere. There’s a plum salt rim, there’s caramel, there’s spice and a piece of olive over your cocktail. It is indeed exhilarating to cross the roads in Hanoi, which was why we wrote a post on how to cross the roads safely in Hanoi Vietnam. This cocktail brings you to the different tastes and experiences, all in a cocktail glass.
O Mai – 190K
(The liquid version of a national sweet tart treat)
“This peculiar cocktails name means “dried, candied apricot”. Sweet, fruity with a bit of a bite. You’re tasting a spot-on liquid version of a favourite Vietnamese confection.”
[Gin, Apricot Brandy, Lime, Ginger, Honey, O Mai Spice]
It must be because we don’t usually drink brandy but this drink tasted quite strong for us. With the ginger candy on the top of the cocktail, it tops off an experience of trying out the candied sweets of Vietnam, in a drink. Clever.
La-La Land – 185K
[Bourbon, Amaretto Strawberry, Cranberry, Lime, Coconut, Popcorn Garnish]
La-La Land is a very interesting cocktail. Like “Last Time in Tay Ho”, it is like a dessert. The cream on top of cocktail gives off tastes of amaretto strawberry and coconut just like a liquor-based yoghurt. Then there’s the texture of the popcorn garnish. Yet another interesting experience from Unicorn Pub.
Bittersweet Dreams – 190K
(Hanoi’s Favourite Cocktail 2016)
“Awakening from a dream about a lost love, the sheer perfect complexity of this drink leaves you contemplating life. The bitterness gives way to sweet with a hint of lingering smoky afterthought that lives on long after it is gone. Just as memories of a love last.”
[Bourbon, Benedictine with Orange, Honey, Lemon, Herbs & Spices]
This cocktail is unveiled with a gaseous presentation. At first, we thought it would be just some dry ice presentation but it turns out to be a fragrant woody fog presentation. The woody taste is infused with the cinnamon based cocktail. Good techniques here.
@2bearbeartravel Bitter Sweet Dreams cocktail from Unicorn Cocktail Bar in Hanoi. Presentation with woody fragrance… #2bearbear #travel #hanoi #vietnam #unicorn #cocktail #cocktails #pub #bar ♬ original sound – 2bearbear
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We hope you have enjoyed our coverage of our visits to Unicorn Pub in Hanoi. In our opinion, it has produced some of the most interesting and delicious cocktails that we have tasted to date. We are still astounded as to how they managed to fit the taste of Pho into a cocktail so perfectly. Excellent technique and a must-visit for any cocktail fans out there. Even if you’re not a particular fan of cocktails but still enjoy a drink or two, make a visit to Unicorn Pub (during Happy Hours) for pre-dinner drinks – you won’t regret it!
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