Let’s face it…there’s something magical about a perfectly crafted cocktail. It’s not just a drink; it’s an experience, a moment of indulgence that transports you to another world.

Nestled on the iconic Bund, the Long Bar at Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund, is more than just a luxury cocktail lounge; it’s a cultural landmark steeped in history and sophistication. Since its inception in 1911 as part of the Shanghai Club, this bar has been the heartbeat of elite social life, boasting a stunning 34-meter counter made of mahogany that once took the title of the longest bar in the Far East.

In 2025, Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund, set out to relaunch its cocktail program, reintroducing the Famous Shanghai Buck—China’s first classic cocktail. This was not just a revival; it was a celebration of the rich tapestry of Shanghai’s history, and The Orangeblowfish was brought on board to elevate this experience to new heights.

Long Bar, together with Chris Lowder of LT Hospitality, crafted 17 new cocktails specially unique for Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund, that honoured different eras. Each cocktail had a purpose: Honour the distinctive phases of Bund’s evolution from the 19th to 21st century.

The Orangeblowfish’s mission was clear: to pay homage to the legacy of the Long Bar while redefining what a truly exceptional cocktail experience could be. The experience starts at the beginning: when guests are given a menu to pick their poison.

When we were first given this brief, we thought: “Why settle for a conventional cocktail menu when you can embark on a journey through time?”

We didn’t just design a menu; we crafted an artefact of discovery. At the heart of the experience was a one-of-a-kind, customised wooden box, inspired by mixologist recipe cards and built to surprise and delight. The customised box is lined with plush velvet and finished with brass detailing; the box opens like a treasure chest…revealing a soft glow from a built-in LED light.

In the dimly lit ambience of the Long Bar, this moment is dramatic and intentional. The LED lighting adds a subtle sense of theatre while helping guests to easily read and explore the cocktail cards inside. It also works perfectly when capturing a social media moment. Those cards, seventeen in total, are hand-illustrated, bilingual, embossed, and finished with UV and gold foil. Organised into four historical chapters, each card features design elements that reflect its era.

For example, the icon representing the 1864–1920 period is inspired by the ornate lamp fixtures within the Long Bar itself.

Nestled in custom die-cut inserts, the cards also act as collectibles. Hidden beneath them, is a secret compartment that reveals an off-menu drink—a reward for guests who choose to dig deeper.

Every touchpoint is designed to evoke curiosity, elevate luxury, and turn the cocktail experience into a moment of exploration with a sprinkle of time travel.

The menu is divided into four historical chapters:

– The Early Years (1864–1920) kicks off the journey with a hit of heritage and a side of gold foil. Designed in deep purple with a glinting embossed icon, the cards set the tone for the grandeur of early Shanghai.

– The Art Deco Era (1920s–1950s) consist of dark green cards with gold foil detailing. The art deco-style motif is inspired by an architectural flourish above the Long Bar’s entrance. This chapter channels sharp lines and rich textures of the golden age, when Shanghai pulsed with jazz, glamour, and late-night legends. The design leans into contrast: bold geometry against soft velvet, gleaming foil against deep colour.

– The Bund’s Transformation (1950s–1990s) is all about evolution without erasure. The cards are wrapped in deep red orange. The gold foil emblem, is inspired by a vintage light fixture located in the Long Bar, grounded the design in place while the story moved forward. The Bund may have changed, but its back bones remain the same. This is reflected in the design: bold, steady, and purposeful. The drink cards include a flash of personality that is coupled with hand-drawn illustrations and the signature flavour scale on the back.

– Towards the Future (1990s–Present) cards are sleek, dark blue to set the tone for the closing chapter with a quiet confidence and futuristic edge. A gold foil emblem is stamped on each card as a nod to the skyline’s glow, while the palette evokes the night lights of the city that reflect off the Huangpu River.

The Long Bar Cocktail Collection isn’t just a menu. It’s a curated, interactive, multi-sensory experience.

“The Orangeblowfish brought an entirely new dimension to our cocktail program at Long Bar. The team transformed a traditional menu into something that feels immersive, tactile, and distinctly Waldorf. The interactive format, historical detail, and elegant presentation created a truly elevated guest experience. It’s not just a menu, it’s a conversation starter, a keepsake, and a nod to the Bund’s timeless charm.” — Director of Operations, Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund.