Shanghai Bar Sells “Water” for 28 Yuan — Turns Out to Be a Cocktail

Fast Technology, November 7 — Recently, a netizen posted on social media that they saw a sign outside a Shanghai bar named DASH LAND advertising a drink called “Master Liangbai Water” (大师凉白开) for 28 yuan.

The pricing quickly drew public criticism, with many questioning:

> “28 yuan for a glass of plain water — isn’t that a rip-off?”

“Even in Shanghai, that price seems outrageous!”

In response, the bar’s staff clarified that “Master Liangbai Water” is not ordinary boiled water, but actually a cocktail. It was named that way because its taste closely resembles plain water.

According to the staff, the drink is made with gin, jasmine tea, and coconut water, containing around 10–15% alcohol. It tastes light and mild at first, but “can still get you tipsy if you drink too much.”

The staff further explained that this cocktail is a seasonal special recently launched by the bar and is not listed on the regular menu. It’s currently not a popular item.

The incident highlights a case of name-based misunderstanding — while the name suggests plain boiled water, it is in fact a professionally mixed alcoholic beverage. At 28 yuan, the price is moderate to slightly below average for a Shanghai bar.

Still, many netizens couldn’t help but ask:

> “If it tastes just like water, why not just drink water instead?”