Classic concoction

Kathleen's famous Mojito and Negroni cocktails are main attractions. [Photo Provided to China Daily]

Kathleen's Waitan's menu features four cocktails they label as "prohibition", four from "pre-prohibition", few "post-war" cocktails and some original signature drinks - variations on the classics invented by Giancarlo Mancino, world renowned Italian bartender who is also the bar consultant.

Dark 'n' Stormy, for example, has a special ginger beer flavor. Fresh ginger and lime and a hands-on style makes it glamorous, sought after and the pinnacle of social drinking, as well as a spicy ginger accent for Shanghai's cold winter.

The drink gained popularity among the maritime community and was brought home by sailors who frequented Bermuda.

Some may think cocktails are too feminine, such as the breakfast martini, made for those who wished to have something sweet in the morning.

But cocktails like the Negroni were originally concocted for men.

As Backman' puts it, "that's the one putting hair on your chest".

If those old-fashioned cocktails can't satisfy your modern stomach, you can head to the rooftop bar, which gives a bird's eye view of the Bund.

Wait a second, is there a private dock? Lau smiles and nods.

"If you're the boat owner and you can take care of your own permit for sailing it on the (Huangpu) river, we'll take care of your permit for mooring on the dock," says Lau, adding that it might be the city's first restaurant with access to a private dock.

Contact the writer at shiyingying@chinadaily.com.cn.