Peekazoo – A Cocktail Playground with Edge

By Heather Millet

In a burst of childish joy with an edge, a fresh cocktail playground has emerged in Shanghai.

Glowing orange. Photo by Jimmy Jordan / That's

Spanking-new bar Peekazoo soft-opened earlier this month, glowing orange and tucked away behind the storefronts at the corner of Wuding Lu and Yanping Lu, down a small alley that has seen many a business come and go.

Peekaboo Peekazoo! Photo by Jimmy Jordan / That's

Peekazoo Interior. Photo by Jimmy Jordan / That's

A busy night at Peekazoo. Photo Courtesy of Peekazoo

This vibrant and whimsical venture is a surprising leap from Overeem Hou, the owner of dark industrial bar Lieben in Julu 758.

Overeem explains that, while Lieben's aesthetic was inspired by his teenage love for the band Rammstein, with a soundtrack dominated by deep house, Peekazoo takes an entirely new direction, harkening back to the wonder of being a small child again.

The name of the bar is a playful twist on the game 'Peekaboo.' Changing the end to 'zoo' alludes to the bar's décor, which resembles a toyland safari filled with innumerable animal figurines ranging in size from meters tall to minuscule.

Part of the Peekazoo menagerie. Photo by Jimmy Jordan / That's

Peekazoo basket. Photo by Jimmy Jordan / That's

With warm-toned lighting dominating the space, the interior feels subdued and inviting, featuring wooden tables and stools crafted from polished logs. The atmosphere evokes a cozy campfire or cabin setting.

Photo by Jimmy Jordan / That's

While the concept leans into cuteness, it remains mature and effortlessly cool. The music primarily features R&B and jazz house, with occasional chill vibes from reggae and 90s classics.

Peekazoo signature cocktail Menu. Photo by Jimmy Jordan / That's

True to the childhood theme, the signature cocktail menu is crafted around preschool personalities, with names like The Mischief Maker and Lil Chubster.

Overeem introduced the idea of kindergarten-inspired cocktails to two members of his team: Head Mixologist Aaron Zhou, who previously worked at Lieben...

Aaron Zhou, Head Mixologist of Peekazoo. Photo Courtesy of Peekazoo

... and Howie Lee, who named himself after a famous DJ.

Howie Lee, Mixologist at Peekazoo. Photo by Jimmy Jordan / That's

Howie Lee at work. Photo by Jimmy Jordan / That's

The duo spent two months juggling options before they landed on a menu of 10 beverages that bring candy and curiosity to our taste buds. 

Mischief Maker layering in progress. Photo by Jimmy Jordan / That's

The Mischief Maker (RMB98) combines Bacardi rum, matcha tea powder, pistachio, coconut water and clarified yogurt, all cleverly layered around an ice cube topped with solid coconut oil and white chocolate dots.

Mischief Maker (RMB98): Bacardi White Rum, Matcha, Pistachio, Coconut Water, Clarified Yogurt. Photo by Jimmy Jordan / That's

It smells rich and cozy, ready to gulp down like sophisticated cake. 

Honeybabe (RMB92): Beefeater Gin, Tio Pepe Fino Sherry, Verjus, Plum, Clarified Tomato, Passionfruit. Photo by Jimmy Jordan / That's

The Honeybabe (RMB92) lands full force on the inhale with passionfruit jam, but finishes on tomato, creating a rollercoaster of flavor like something from Willy Wonka's factory.

It is initially sweet, yet takes the palate on a journey, and comes garnished with a jelly orb made to look like a baby tomato, but in fact flavored with watermelon and passionfruit. 

Little Devil (RMB106): 400 Conejos Mezcal Artesenal, 1800 Silver Tequila, Fruit Pepper, Passion Fruit, Pineapple, Perilla Leaf, Sea Salt Solution. Photo by Jimmy Jordan / That's

For a heavier treat, the Little Devil (RMB106) uses both mezcal and tequila, with a fruit and black pepper medley, passionfruit, pineapple, perilla leaf, and sea salt solution.

True to its name, it is devilishly strong and faithful to the heart of mezcal, yet fruity and amusing. Depth of flavor is achieved by slowly heating orange and passionfruit with the pepper.

Kiddo King cocktail in a Russian doll. Photo by Heather Millet / That's

The Kiddo King (RMB128) is a big surprise, literally—arriving as it does served inside a massive Russian Doll.

Kiddo King (RMB128): Talisker 10 Yr, Juniper Berry, Magnolia Flower, Bergamot, Yuzu Juice, Apple Wood. Photo by Jimmy Jordan / That's

Further to the excitement of receiving a giant doll on your table, it's a schoolyard introduction to malt whisky; Talisker 10 Year is softened by magnolia roto-vaped gin, bergamot, yuzu, and juniper berry, with apple wood preserving the original flavor of the Scotch.

This cocktail is a toy room essential for anyone stopping into the bar—colorful, gamified, and delicious.

Tiny Sprite (RMB89): Bacardi White Rum, Jasmine Tea, Tio Pepe Fino Sherry, Cocchi Americano Bianco, Yuzu Juice

Served in a rudimentary teacup, the Tiny Sprite (RMB89) looks as though a child crafted its vessel using the pinch pot method in art class.

With a name like that, it should seemingly be gentler than the other cocktails, yet packs a sudden punch of attitude.

Multiple popular ingredients meet in the tiny glass, with yuzu and jasmine tea following Bacardi White Rum, Tio Pepe Fino Sherry, and Cocchi Americano Bianco. 

Lil Chubster (RMB92): Havana 7 Year Rum, Horchata, Vanilla, Cinnamon, Fernet Branca, Rum Syrup, Lemon. Photo by Jimmy Jordan / That's

Finally, we can call the Lil Chubster (RMB92) not just indulgent, but also a bit naughty!

This is a real spin on a Rumchata, bringing together not only rum, house-made horchata and cinnamon, but adding rum syrup for big rum flavor.

Best of all, Fernet is added as an essential favorite for the cocktail kid in all of us.

Open to adult interpretation. Photo by Jimmy Jordan / That's

The glass bears the slogan of Coca-Cola in Japan, 'I Feel Coke,' though there are whispers that it is open to further, adult candy interpretation.

This drink will definitely leave you fiending for another glass.

Shot 2 (RMB35, RMB200 for 6, RMB390 for 12: Jose Cuervo, Cointreau, Carrot, Lime, Jasmine, Corn Flakes, Kimchi. Photo by Jimmy Jordan / That's

Any bar worth its salt has to have dedicated shots, and in this case the special options are—of course—like fun little sweets.

Shots 2 are an upgrade on the usual Cuervo shooters, adding Cointreau, carrot, lime, jasmine, corn flakes and even kimchi. It sounds bizarre, but works—they go down merrily.

Pricing is more than fair, with a single shot RMB35, six RMB200, and a full dozen RMB390.

Corner bar space with window to outside courtyard. Photo by Jimmy Jordan / That's

For location, beverages, and toy critter sightings, Peekazoo is doing somersaults. It's fun, it's cool, and come summer they plan to open their corner bar space window to the outside courtyard, complete with a special menu.

There are plenty more surprises in store from Peekazoo!

Mon-Thu & Sun 7pm-2am; Fri & Sat 7pm-3am

Peekazoo Room 101, Building B, 1101 Wuding Lu, Jing'an District 武定路1101号B幢101

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[Cover image by Jimmy Jordan / That's]

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