Recent reviews of the best burgers in town made Shanghaiist want a drink -- a cocktail, to be exact. Don’t get us wrong, we love our local favorites -- we’re addicted to Xinjiang Black Beer now that it’s stocked at the nearby convenience store. We’re even known to occasionally take a healthy shot of baijiu alongside our Qingdao Beer during dinner. (At least, we think so -- we usually don’t remember the details of baijiu nights.) But when the Black Beer’s sold out, and baijiu doesn’t feel quite right (does baijiu ever feel right?) a cocktail can hit the spot. more ›

Yes, we know it is supposed to rain on Thursday, but don't let that keep you away from Cotton's for the first Shanghaiist Happy Hour. Yes, we may not be able to use Cotton's big drinking garden -- but we will have free reign over her huge house (and her three cozy fireplaces). And, really, if something like rain keeps you holed up in your apartment during this time of year in Shanghai, you are seriously depriving your lungs of that fresh Shanghai air. more ›

Got plans next Thursday evening? Shanghaiist would like to drink with you. more ›

You can almost hear the buzz surrounding the upcoming opening of the new Cotton's bar/restaurant in Shanghai all the way where Shanghaiist currently is holed up for the holidays. Wait ... no ... that's just the 3 a.m. train rolling by. (Damn jetlag.) But anyway, sources who happen to still be in Shanghai tell us that lots of people who enjoy a good drink and a good chat are talking about the impending return of one of the friendlier faces to grace the Shanghai scene. Contrary to popular belief, however, New Year's Eve is not the first chance you'll have to check out Cotton's new digs. Local party planners Matt & Flo are throwing a Christmas Eve bash there on -- you guessed it -- Christmas Eve (Saturday). Here are the details, ripped from the party email: more ›

The summer of 2005 just wasn't the same in Shanghai. Neither was the spring. Nor the fall. Why? No Cotton's. Cotton's, one of Shanghaiist's favorite bars -- thanks in large part to its great outdoor patio -- was forced to close by an unscrupulous landowner at the beginning of this year. (More on why you should boycott Shane's here and here.) more ›