Macao may be well-known for its flashy casinos that rival Las Vegas, as well as its unique mixture of heritage architecture and contemporary design, but a recent boom in the hotel cocktail scene has given it another edge. We dove headfirst into seven of the best bars for you to check out on your next trip.
Credit: The Ritz-Carlton Bar & Lounge
Credit: The Ritz-Carlton Bar & Lounge
Credit: The Ritz-Carlton Bar & Lounge
High up on the 51st floor of this luxury hotel, The Ritz-Carlton Bar & Lounge boasts spectacular views and an elegant design. A dark interior, a half-moon Italian marble-top counter, plush sofas, solid wood flooring and a view of Cotai make this the ideal place to unwind. Afternoon tea is served during the day, but the lounge really comes alive at night with an ultra-cool vibe and live music to get you moving. You can sample some of the world’s rarest liquors, including Cambridge Distillery’s exclusive Watenshi gin, or sip on classic cocktails crafted by the bar’s master mixologists.
Credit: Wing Lei Bar
Credit: Wing Lei Bar
Credit: Wing Lei Bar
This place redefines what a hotel bar can be, with their “custom cocktails” concept. Designed by head mixologist Mark Lloyd, the menu features 12 remakes of classic cocktails, like the tea-infused negroni, as well as a bespoke cocktail programme that uses artisanal infusions. Wing Lei Bar is also known for its extensive gin selection and fine wines, and “limitless cocktails” concocted with gastronomic ingredients ranging from char siu to avocado peels. Where better to enjoy a delicious drink than in a setting that oozes class and glamour with its crystal chandeliers, large European-style mirrors and semi-precious stones embedded in the walls?
51/F, The Ritz-Carlton, Macau, Estrada da Baía, Tv. da Esperanca, Macao
Credit: The Macallan Whisky Bar & Lounge
Credit: The Macallan Whisky Bar & Lounge
The only official Macallan bar in Asia , this Highland-style lounge at the Galaxy Macau boasts over 400 premium whiskies, including rare single malts from the famed Speyside distillery. From the oak floors and burgundy-coloured leather sofas to the roaring fireplace and crystal chandeliers, this place is all about the rustic Caledonian atmosphere. And as the only outlet for the Scotland-accredited Whisky Ambassador programme in Macao, it organises regular classes to teach you the finer details of whisky. For non-whisky drinkers, the bar offers a range of champagnes and crafted cocktails to please every palate.
Wynn Palace, Av. da Nave Desportiva, Macao
Credit: Bar Patuá
Credit: Bar Patuá
Named in honour of the Portuguese-based creole language originally spoken by the Macanese community, this chic watering hole at the MGM Cotai pays tribute to Macao’s unique identity. Bar manager and award-winning mixologist Paul Zhang reworks the ancient 24 Solar Terms into seasonal cocktails, unleashing his expertise in tea art and mixology by “concocting Chinese-style tipples with an innovative approach to tradition.” Celebrating cultural diversity, his signature Patuá cocktail blends baijiu, Porcelain Mandarin Gin, Tawny port and Pei Pa Koa, sprinkled with international spices.
G/F, MGM Cotai, Avenida da Nave Desportiva, Coloane-Taipa, Macao
Credit: Mesa Bar
Credit: Mesa Bar
In January 2025, Mesa Bar at The Karl Lagerfeld Macao brought to life the Chinese birdcage concept dreamt up by the legendary designer. Mesa is helmed by Frederick Ma, the Grand Lisboa’s resort master mixologist and winner of World Bartender of the Year 2024. His winning cocktail, Winds of Prosperity, combines organic spirits, amaretto, Asian spices and Madeira wine to showcase the cultural connections between Macao and Portugal. Meanwhile, the restaurant boasts 1,800 wines to ensure a full-bodied tasting experience.
Shop 301, 3/F, The Karl Lagerfeld, Grand Lisboa Palace Resort Macau, Rua do Tiro, Coloane-Taipa, Macao
Credit: Two Moons
Credit: Two Moons
Credit: Two Moons
Located directly across from the Consulate General of Portugal, Two Moons is the first of its kind in Macao – bringing together speciality coffee and whisky in one cosy establishment. A cafe by day and a private whisky bar by night, this lunar-themed space is Instagram-worthy, with a large moon ceiling light and rugged walls reminiscent of the moon’s surface. In addition to the enormous floor-to-ceiling collection of whiskies – sourced mainly from independent bottlers – the bar invites overseas guest mixologists to show off their skills, as well as occasionally hosting live jazz nights.
No. 32-A R. de Pedro Nolasco da Silva, Macao
Credit: A Perfect Dose
Credit: A Perfect Dose
Hidden inside Living Room bar at W Macau – Studio City is A.P.D. , an intimate speakeasy reminiscent of a ship’s cabin that’s only accessible through a secret door. Expect Mezcal-based cocktails – including Alipus San Luis Blanco Mezcal, an artisanal mezcal with smoky, earthy and citrus notes – in a space adorned with a hydroponic garden that serves as a visual anchor as well as the source of fresh herbs used in several of their signature cocktails. Guests are immersed in a botanical world as they sip on themed drinks crafted by W Hotels' cutting-edge mixologist team.
W Macau, Avenida de Cotai, Cotai, Macao