Located at the top of the Ritz Carlton in the tallest building in Hong Kong, Ozone is the world's highest bar. That credential alone should make it well worth anyone's while to visit, and I'd recommend stopping in for at least a drink if you're ever anywhere nearby.
The place isn't bad, either. It's expensive, but not unjustifiably so, given its tourist appeal and stunning views. I went with my family on a Tuesday night, which was a) probably not the busiest night b) the perfect night for us to go. There were seven of us, and we were able to get some lounge space straight away. We wandered around the bar and checked out the gorgeous views of Hong Kong from the outside deck. The inside of the bar was also visually appealing in a weird, clubby way. It was clear that a lot of money was put into the bar's design, which featured a lot of glowing white furniture and a prevalent design motif that reminded me of the cell structure diagrams I studied in middle school. Even the elevator had this pattern printed in leather plates on its walls.
Service was good and quick. We got complimentary cashews and almonds to munch on and ordered a round of cocktails--this was all we could handle before the jet lag knocked us out. I got the Lady Thyme, a drink made with Michter's rye, white peach, thyme, and orange bitters. The flavors were kind of muddled in a way that tilted medicinal, but it wasn't terrible. The Woodland was in a similar vein, with Woodford Reserve, lemon peel, rosemary, and cardamom bitters. It was strong and unbalanced. I feel like Ozone should probably figure out how to make good whiskey cocktails, but maybe it just isn't that kind of place. Honestly, the best drink on our table was the bright pink Dragontini, a vodka cocktail with raspberry liqueur, raspberry, yuzu, basil foam, and a big wedge of dragonfruit garnish. It was sweet and tasty, but I don't think a drink called a Dragontini should be the best cocktail at a bar this lavishly expensive. The Thai Spritz was tolerable, too, a cocktail of chili-infused tequila with strawberry, prosecco, and lemongrass. Points for effort all across the board, I guess.
I was glad we checked out Ozone, but didn't want to stay any longer than we did. The view was great, and the drinks were okay, but it didn't seem like the kind of place I'd want to linger all night. I'd probably come back for more of the same if I make it back to Hong Kong. It's not a perfect spot, but it's certainly worth a visit. read more