Cocktails at Jerry Zheng's The Mixing House in Beijing. [Photo by Jiang Dong/China Daily]

"Most of bars in Beijing are located in bar streets and hotels, and I just started to wonder whether they can satisfy all the needs," says Zheng.

As Chinese people are increasingly getting used to drinking cocktails, people would go a long way to bar streets and hotels if they want to throw a party or socialize with others, he says. But if they just want to sit down to drink and talk with close friends, or simply to enjoy cocktails themselves, he believes most would prefer a bar that is quiet and not far from home.

In 2013, Zheng borrowed money and opened D&M Bar with another mixologist, Guo Xushan.

In about a year, thanks to its location, privacy and drinks list of about 150 cocktails, it was packed every night.