These Taiwan-Themed Cocktails Will Transport You Through Time and Space
SoShow Bar in Zhongshan has one of the coolest drink menus in the city. It serves Taiwanese-inspired cocktails that use flavours and ingredients taken from the island’s regions and time periods.
This is a great spot to impress a visitor to Taipei with a crash course in Taiwanese history and geography, using alcohol as the vehicle. The drinks are creative, strong, and tasty enough to make them worthy of high prices.
We visited SoShow Bar on a Saturday in January after midnight. The kitchen was already closed and the place was emptying out, but drinks were still pouring.
The interior had a sleek, polished feel, but it was otherwise lacking in ambience. The bar seemed to be unsure of itself, attempting multiple moods but falling short on all of them. The indie pop music was a little too loud to suit the relaxed atmosphere, and the TV screen broadcasting sports footage felt very misplaced. SoShow’s creative, artistic menu — its greatest attraction — wasn’t reflected in its austere aesthetic.
Still, the menu was a treat. It was artistic and detailed — illustrations of the creative cocktails were accompanied by imaginative descriptions.
The signature drinks were divided into two main categories: geographical, using flavours from regions and cities across Taiwan, and historical, drawing inspiration from different eras of the island’s history.
We took our time examining the menu to narrow down the large selection of cocktails and make our picks. Here’s what we chose:
“Hakka Style – Grandma Memories” (NT$350) was served in a flowery teapot. But don’t let that fool you – this drink was strong. The vanilla rum complemented the Hakka Tea nicely.
“The Qing Dynasty” (NT$400) arrived in a plastic bag full of smoke that was meant to represent Opium. When the server opened the bag, the smoke released in beautifully dramatic fashion and the cocktail was unveiled.
This rum and whiskey base plus vanilla syrup and chocolate bitters came in a funky glass with a built-in straw that was fun to sip the drink through. It tasted incredible and was perhaps our favourite cocktail of the night.
“Kenting Sunshine” (NT$300) delivered tropical flavours from the southern tip of Taiwan. Containing both vodka and tequila, as well as a variety of fruits including mango and pineapple, this cocktail met the standard for a solid beach drink. The mango was the only fruit we could taste, but it was pretty satisfying nonetheless.
“Japanese Colonial Rule” (NT$300) was our least favourite of the cocktails we tried (perhaps mirroring historical context?). The sake overpowered the other ingredients — vodka, sesame syrup, egg white foam, and Taiwanese spices — and to be honest it was a bit difficult to drink from its rectangular vessel. If you’re a huge sake fan you might appreciate this cocktail, but otherwise we suggest skipping it.
“Tainan Lotus” (NT$350) was a gin-based hit inspired by southern Taiwanese flavours. The apple, lychee, and pomelo blended magically to create a taste “as smooth and fresh as a lotus.”
“Erlin Winery Co. – Four Seasons” (NT$300) aimed to capture spring’s energy, summer’s passion, autumn’s coolness, and winter’s elegance in a single glass. We’re not sure if that lofty goal was met, but we can say this cocktail was good. Using local wine as a base mixed with brandy, gin, tea syrup, and berries, it tasted like a Taiwanese sangria that was pleasing no matter the season.
Overall, SoShow’s cocktails were excellent. We loved the way they were inspired by Taiwanese regions and eras, and they delivered in both strength and taste.
What’s the vibe?
This is SoShow’s main fault. The bar had very little personality compared to its creative and artistic menu, and the atmosphere was confused with a mismatch of basic decor, loud music, out-of-place TV, and subdued customers.
Worth it?
Yes, even if it’s just for the novelty.
The drinks are creative and taste great, despite being on the pricier side. Flipping through the menu to check out the illustrations and read the descriptions was exciting in itself.
Would you go back?
Yes.
Despite the lack of atmosphere, the drinks were good enough that we’ll consider taking friends and visitors here.
Visited: January 2018
| SoShow Bar & Restaurant |
| Hours: Sun - Thurs: 6pm - 1am Fri & Sat: 6pm - 2am |
| Phone: 02 2563 0519 |
| English Address: 2nd Floor, No. 47, Section 1, Zhongshan North Road, Zhongshan District |
| Chinese Address: 中山區中山北路一段47號2樓 |
