For well over a decade, there has been no shortage of high-end cocktail bars where you can pay upwards of 100 RMB for a lovingly created cocktail from a “mixologist” in a smart apron. And that’s great — I’ve enjoyed these types of places on many occasions. But I also appreciate a bargain, and if you’re looking for cheap cocktails in Shanghai, you’ll be pleased to hear there are now plenty of options at the more budget end of the price spectrum.
Dashland
But I recently stumbled across Dash Land on the intersection of Julu Road and Xiangyang Road in the former French Concession. It’s like a Manner Coffee but for cocktails.
You scan a code, order on your phone, the cocktail is then prepared by the bar person and you can track the progress on the large screen above the counter.
When your drinks are ready, you can simply go up to the counter and collect your drink, return to your table and enjoy your 35 RMB cocktail. It’s an interesting alternative to the more traditional cocktail bars and popular with the younger crowd who perhaps have less money to spend on nights out.
8 Pints for Affordable Beer
If cocktails aren’t your thing and you prefer a nice pint of beer, not to worry, 8 Pints has you covered with a large selection of beers on tap at very affordable prices starting from around 29 RMB.
Conveniently categorised into sections, you can choose from Easy-Going, Fruity (Passion Fruit Beer anyone?), Sour, slightly more pricey Classic Hazy IPA or even Stout.
8 Pints have multiple locations around town. The one I visited was at 185 Changshu Road in Xuhui district (徐汇区常熟路185号). Nearest metro is Changshu Road, exit 6.
The Convenience Store Cocktail
If you just want the drink but aren’t too fussed about sitting down, there’s an option for that too. I came across an Alldays convenience store on Anfu Road / Wulumuqi Road that had a counter facing the street offering a limited selection of cocktails for even less. I was a bit sceptical at first, but decided to give it a try one day and was pleasantly surprised when the “barman” brought out some large square blocks of ice and started mixing what looked like a very decent Negroni while I stood on the street watching him prepare my drink.
Okay, so the Negroni was the first I’ve ever had served in a plastic cup, but for 29.9 RMB, I’m not going to complain. You can get a Gin and Tonic or a Moscow Mule for the same price, or you can splurge on a Long Island Iced Tea for 39 RMB.
So there you have it. Two examples of places in Shanghai you can get a decent Negroni for less than the price of a Flat White at Starbucks. Out of the two, I would recommend Dashland, because you get a real glass and a place to sit and drink it, but the Alldays is still a good option if you want your cocktail on the go.
For more food and drink suggestions, we have a full guide with many different options.
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Where to Eat in Shanghai | Shanghainese Food in Shanghai | Things to Do in Shanghai