Cocktail & Tapas Pairings at Asoka Bar

Discover this Kloof Street haunt’s ‘trendier-than-a-hashtag’ happy hour combos

If you’re on the bandwagon that swears that food and wine pairings are so 2000 and late, you probably also know that cocktails and tapas are the next big thing. Nearly every restaurant and bar in Cape Town has conjured up their own creative take on one or the other, but it took original nightlife visionary Asoka to put the two together to make for one brilliant happy hour.

The Asian-inspired Kloof Street institution’s partnered with top-shelf liquor labels – think Ron Zacapa rum and Johnnie Walker Gold – to conjure up monthly cocktail concoctions that its kitchen team’s then married off to some of their signature dishes. Both the tipple partners and the pairings, which are designed to give spirit fans the chance to sample a range of flavours and brands, will change regularly, so follow the Asoka Facebook page to keep abreast of all the happenings (they take place sporadically).

Even when there’s not a special match made in heaven on the cards though, Asoka’s vast and varied selection of mixes and its eclectic fusion food are ripe for the after-work pairing session.

As one of the first bars in the Mother City to dream up its own array of artisan cocktails, the hotspot knows a thing or two about shaking and sieving. To date, there are nearly 50 drinks creations on the menu, including an entire page devoted to the noble but often cast aside martini (we recommend the racy Porn Star version by the way).

And while the tapas offering isn’t nearly as robust, what it lacks in quantity it makes up for in quality. In line with Asoka’s pan-Asian motif, the sharing numbers include options like prawn tempura and miso-cured salmon spoons. Not to mention, there’s also more familiar options for the more conservative eaters – think typical Mediterranean favourites and even mini lamb burgers.

Needless to say, nearly everyone can find a combo that goes together like a good and proper Mickey and Minnie (mouse that is). Throw in Asoka’s wind-protected terrace, its cosy and trendy interior and its legendary music selection and you’ve got more than just one reason to beat the traffic with a killer combo at this long-time locale.

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Want to know more about this long-time Cape Town hotspot? Read up on our experience at Asoka restaurant and bar.

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