Pinkster gin launches in Hong Kong with a cocktail in aid of Hong Kong Cancer Fund

Hong Kong Cancer Fund’s fantastic new campaign to improve awareness of breast cancer kicks off this October. To support the cause and celebrate its launch in Hong Kong, Pinkster gin is teaming up with Central bar and restaurant Duddell’s to offer a specially made pink cocktail, the Mao, throughout next month. 

Nothing to do with the kind of Maos you find on Upper Lascar Row, the drink is named in honour of Mao Kobayashi, a Japanese newscaster who blogged about her terminal fight against breast cancer right up until her death. Her writing sparked a conversation about the illness in Japan which, until then, was extremely hushed. It’s renowned mixologist Masumi Tomioka, recently arrived at Duddell’s from Tokyo, who has created the drink, hence the Japanese connection. The cocktail costs $155 and $10 from each sale goes to the Pink Revolution cause.

The cocktail sees Pinkster gin spiked with sakura cherry blossom liqueur, topped up with pomegranate juice and elderflower cordial and then garnished with fresh basil and dried lime. The ingredients have been selected for their female-specific health benefits and Hong Kong Cancer Fund hopes that the story surrounding the cocktail will inspire more women to check their breasts regularly and talk more candidly about breast cancer.

A fitting tribute to an inspirational trail-blazer, this cocktail will leave you tickled pink. Sam Sinha