WE’VE ALL FELT

offended by some of the “cocktails” served in Hong Kong’s seedier bars with their liberal interpretations of alcoholic drinks, but rarely has the actual name of a tipple ruffled feathers before Fok Hing Gin. The cheekily named spirit faced calls to be renamed late last year after the distillery was cautioned by the drinks industry watchdog in the UK, where the drink is bottled and sold, for its potentially offensive moniker which could “shock and offend”. Incognito Group, the brand’s owner, which advertises “free-flow gin” as one of its staff perks, disagreed, clarifying that “Fok Hing Gin” was a romanisation of the Cantonese for “fortune and prosperity”, adding that it also paid homage to Fuk Hing Lane, a street in Causeway Bay. The company witnessed explosive sales as a result of the publicity; however, the brand’s snarky statement on social media proved less diplomatic, slamming the “Karen” who complained, adding, “No need to get your [low-end UK retailer] Primark G-strings twisted”. How very on-brand of them.