Pattaya is not only for old men looking for love anymore. Even a good cocktail isn’t hard to find. So, we talked to Plug Kronchawan of Bar Voyage.

When people think of serious cocktail bars, Pattaya may not crack the top five. After all, Bangkok is a large hub. Chiang Mai has its own community. Phuket has a lot of destinations to put on the bucket list. Now before you hit all the parties and beach bars, Bar Voyage might just be your new favourite hangout spot.

Kronchawan ‘Plug’ Natemarn, previously of Thonglor’s 008 and Midsummer Night’s Dream, created a signature menu inspired by port cities. From Pattaya to Japan, it’s a voyage around the world through ingredients and techniques.

Recently, we hopped on the van, busted down the doors, and asked him about his story. Here’s how it went.

[Hero and featured image credit: Bar Voyage]

So we talked Pattaya bar culture with Plug Kronchawan of Bar Voyage

How did Bar Voyage come to be?

The owner of Bar Voyage is already working in real estate, so when he found the space between Once Pattaya (a condominium) and a Hilton that’s under construction, we felt that it’s the right spot for the next bar, after Midsummer Night’s Dream and Lost in Thaislation.

Bar Voyage’s concept is to take guests on a yacht to different destinations through ingredients from those places, turning them into cocktails. All 12 of the signatures are twists on classic cocktails.

Why open a bar in Pattaya?

When you’re looking for a serious craft cocktail bar, it’s so hard to find one in Pattaya. It’s a cosmopolitan city that has a lot of tourism value filled with so many kinds of people.

People in Pattaya, both residents or just visiting, know more about cocktails as time goes on. Of course, bars such as Ronin and Darkness have been serving cocktails before we arrived. They also helped us a lot by sharing knowledge and ingredients that made it easier for us to complete the menu.

I see Pattaya soon to become another destination when it comes to cocktails — as much as Bangkok or Chiang Mai.

What’s the cocktail you’re most proud to present?

“Pattaya” is the one I’m most proud of. I wanted to present something new yet keep it local in order to represent Pattaya. I used sea crab to bridge the gap between food, which is what the city is known for, and drinks, which is what we’re doing.

Pattaya is a tall, tequila-based drink with redistilled sea crab, homemade coconut blossom syrup, fresh lime juice, grapefruit soda, and topped with foam made from sato (Thai rice wine) and sea salt.

Have you always been fond of classics, seeing as the menu is full of classic twists?

I’ve always worked in cocktail bars with a strong focus on classics. “Pattaya” is a twist from the Paloma. “Amalfi Coast” from the Bloody Mary.

My absolute favourite classic is the Vesper Martini. There’s only three ingredients, but it’s so hard to make it taste good. It has become a challenge for me to create a Vesper that I’d like to make, and it’s still a process till now.

The same goes for a lot of classics. The Daiquiri, for example, has three ingredients, yet it’s very hard to get it just right.

So, what makes a Vesper a good Vesper?

Depends on the customer. When it comes to making a cocktail, it’s so subjective that I can argue that there’s no good or bad, rather more of if the customer likes it or not. Some would prefer if you amp up the vodka, some already like the ratio. Shaken or stirred, nothing wrong, just preferences.

What’s the weirdest order you’ve ever received?

Spirits, on the rocks, but without ice. Also, a highball without soda.

Which are your favourite bars in Bangkok?

Bar Us and Messengerservice — I love all the elements they combine into a drink. P’ Aum and P’ Taln are so technical, and there are no drinks I didn’t like when I visited.

Any advice to new bartenders in the industry?

Ask yourself why you want to be a bartender. There’s a lot of elements to being a bartender. It’s not just about putting liquor into a glass, it’s also about meeting people, talking to customers, creating something that is not to be below the set standard.

You need to educate yourself on different spirits, and how to utilise them. If that glass isn’t what it’s supposed to be, would you still serve it? Find your own pride in being a bartender.

Bar Voyage, 15, 99 Chaloem Phrakiat 1, Pattaya City, Bang Lamung District, Chon Buri. Open daily, 6pm-2am.

The post So we talked Pattaya bar culture with Plug Kronchawan of Bar Voyage appeared first on Lifestyle Asia Bangkok.

It’s Bangkok, so of course there’ll always be something new when it comes to drinking. Knowing where to drink is key, and we have just what you need. Here are the best bars in Bangkok this month.

[Hero and featured image credit: Groovin’ High Jazz Bar & Cafe]

The best new bars and cocktail menus in Bangkok this May 2024

Do you wanna dance with somebody? Do you wanna feel the *heat* with somebody? No? These places will make you feel welcomed nonetheless. A perfect night out in Bangkok is different for everyone, but if you like good vibes and great drinks, we have new bars for you to try.

Find the Locker Room’s new menu transports you through the eras with their completed time capsule

Pop culture moments of the past are blueprints of the present. Some moments are so iconic we still reference them today. Find the Locker Room’s “Time Capsule” menu takes us on a journey through those times with cocktails inspired by pop culture from the 1960s to 2010s — a journey that is best described as, for lack of a better word, so fetch.

Take a trip to the 90s-esque 8-bit “Mushroom Kingdom,” an earthy yet refreshing combination made from Kakubin whisky, Aperol, mushroom, ketchup, honey, and a little bit of absinthe. Grab your Burn Book and put on your pink courtroom power suit for the “Bougie Princess,” an ode to 2000s chick flicks using Bacardi Cuatro rum, toasted milk distillate, blueberry rice milk, vanilla syrup, and adorned with a fondant heart. And who could forget the frosted tips hairstyle of the 2010s, turned into drink form as “Just the Tips,” made using Roku gin, blueberry cordial, cold brew, and topped with cranberry and jasmine tonic.

More info: Find the Locker Room
Opening times: Open daily, 6pm onwards
Location: 406 Thong Lo, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok
Nearest station: Thonglor, BTS

Groovin’ High Jazz Bar transports us to an April in Paris

“L” is for the way you let your partner know you’ll be home late tonight, for the newly-opened Groovin’ High is making people of Silom fly to the moon. They have live jazz performing everyday, and the warm hospitality is never on break.

The drinks are cleverly named and inspired by famous jazz songs, including the “Hit The Road Jack,” a frothy cognac-based cocktail with cacao syrup and jackfruit cordial, as well as the “Watermelon Man,” made from white rum, watermelon cordial — perfect for lovers of fruity cocktails.

More info: Groovin’ High
Opening times: Open daily, 6pm-1.30am
Location: 118 Si Lom Rd, Khwaeng Suriya Wong, Khet Bang Rak, Bangkok
Nearest station: Sala Daeng, BTS

Apron Bar Bangkok has craft beers on tap where you can pour at your own pace

The old town area of Samsen now has one more destination to go to after dinner (or before, we’re not judging). Apron Bar Bangkok offers 18 craft beers on tap, both local and international, along with friendly staff to help you find your new favourite. Best part? Grab a mug and pour your own beer straight from the tap. Pay what you pour, no minimum nor maximum, and no judgments. Coupled with the old town vibes, it’s the perfect place to hang out with some good company after a long day of work.

More info: Apron Bar Bangkok
Opening times: 5-11.30pm
Location: 2/1, Samsen 4 Road Trok Wat Trithosthep, Baanpanthom Sub-district, Bangkok
Nearest station: Sam Yot, MRT

Siamese Cocktail & Gallery turns Thai food into cocktails, spices and all

Thai art, Thai drinks, Thai dishes — these are the three tenets of Thonglor‘s Siamese Cocktail & Gallery. Formerly Pennant Thonglor, this newly-rebranded venue serves inventive drinks centred around the taste notes locals are familiar with, served with dishes we know and love, from khao soi to fried larb. DJs stand behind the booth on the regular to make sure the vibes are just right.

Turning food into liquid form, the “Tom-Khlong” is a mezcal-based savoury drink with bianco vermouth, umami tincture, and packed with a lot of Thai herbs. The “Nam-Nueng” is inspired by grilled sausages brought into Thailand by the Vietnamese, made from gin, coconut and pandan syrup, cucumber, Thai basil oil, and a splash of ginger ale.

More info: Siamese Cocktail & Gallery
Opening times: Open daily, 6pm-2am
Location: 58, 14-15 Thong Lo, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok
Nearest station: Thonglor, BTS

Listen to the grooves and surround yourself with spirits at Murmur

Sometimes you don’t need much to unwind, just great vibes and a good drink in hand. Murmur is exactly that, with warmly-lit ambience and friendly hospitality. The cocktail menu is inspired by different parts of Bangkok — simple recipes perfect for a Friday night out, with naming convention as if picking out random words from the dictionary but in an adorable way.

For instance, the “Thonglor Durian Elegance” is basically a gin sour with durian syrup, cinnamon syrup, and lime instead of lemon. The “Chinatown Ginger Fusion” is pretty much a Negroni subbing gin with ginger-infused brandy. And who could forget the “RCA Midnight Bloom,” a dark rum-based cocktail with butterfly pea syrup, lime wedges, lemongrass, then topped with soda.

More info: Murmur
Opening times: Tue-Sun, 6pm-2am
Location: 59, 61 Samsen Rd, Wat Sam Phraya, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok
Nearest station: Sam Yot, MRT

The best new bars and cocktail menus in Bangkok this April 2024

It was the great Chinese philosopher Grand Master Oogway that said, “Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift. That is why it is called the present.” Maybe it’s time to give yourself that present, a little treat for your accomplishments no matter how small they may be. After all, a lot of problems can go away with a good drink in hand and a bartender who cares — everyone deserves a treat once in a while. Here are the best bars in Bangkok that are perfect for that.

Blessing Shophouse has us feeling lucky from the first sip

Wed-Sun, 6pm-midnight

Tucked inside a quiet soi in Asoke, Blessing Shophouse presents a beautiful aesthetic, with equally alluring cocktails to match. Entering the shophouse, you’ll find a blend of old-world Chinese design elements stylised into a more modern ambience. The wooden tables with chairs to match, the auspicious symbols of good luck and fortune adorning the walls, the sliding doors and the warm illumination — it’s the equivalent of that moment when Mulan looks into the mirror and sees her reflection.

The cocktail menu is all about looking through classic cocktails through a Thai-Chinese lens, all while keeping the theme of luck and prosperity. Start the night the right way with “Bitter is Good,” an excellent aperitif that combines the innate bitterness from the bitter melon with the nuanced notes of Chinese celery and orange peel-infused gin. If you prefer something more spirit-forward, the “Five Spice” is a rum-based drink with cinnamon, star anise, Sichuan pepper, cloves, fennel seed, pineapple, and clarified milk.

You can find more information at Blessing Shophouse.

NOVA Social Club presents a sky-high experience and cocktails to match

Open daily, 5.30pm-1am

Bangkok isn’t new to cocktail bars located on floors high above, but NOVA takes it to another level altogether. The bar takes the centre stage, with a gorgeous view of the skyline just behind, and bar seats directly facing it. But not only do they take the sky into your view, they also condensed it into one cohesive cocktail menu.

The Earth’s atmosphere is the inspiration behind the drinks at NOVA — five layers, then onto interplanetary space. As you go up the Earth’s atmosphere layer by layer, the temperature goes down. That fact translates into the cocktails that play around with temperature and layers, as the flavour and texture of each drink can change as you wait for the beverage to lose its coldness for a bit. Not only does it make for pretty drinks for social media, the showiness also makes sense as technical value.

Highlights include the “Big Bang,” a spirit-forward cocktail made with vanilla-infused gin and sake vermouth, served inside a glass coated with white wine gel inside which will melt into the drink as time passes, as well as the “Winter of Meteor,” a sour drink that fuses chamomile tea with their spicy tamarind cordial.

You can find more information at NOVA Social Club.

The Backroom flips the script with classic twists and ingredients from all over the country

Tue-Sun, 6pm onwards

Some spirits are perfect for a cocktail, the rest sitting on the top shelf are better to sit and enjoy themselves — or at least that’s what we’re used to. The Backroom is doing it differently, using different ingredients found in different provinces to complement the unique tastes that those top-shelf liquors offer, and combining them into a cocktail some may even find sacrilegious. The complexity is still very much intact, and serves as a great introduction for those willing to try. Of course, other cocktails without the top-shelf price tags are also available, and are inventive and well-made.

With the red velvet curtains and live music in the air, The Backroom is a Prohibition-era speakeasy done right. Their own version of Gin & Juice is a must, using Botanist 22 gin, lemon juice, tangerine juice, and calamansi syrup from Chantaburi; as well as the “Japanese Impression,” an old-fashioned made from Hibiki Harmony with muscat and melon sous vide into syrup, then served alongside Japanese melon, muscat, and 6-18 month aged jamón serrano.

You can find more information at The Backroom.

Buph Phe Bar is serving up cocktails that are unapologetically Thai down to every ingredient

Wed-Mon, 6pm-1am

Thai-inspired cocktails aren’t new; you can even say they’re getting a bit much sometimes. But what if we dial it up to a hundred, so high it loops back to being interesting again? Buph Phe Bar has opened pn Yaowarat road, and their signature cocktail menu doesn’t feature anything that isn’t found in Thailand. Every spirit is Thai-made, each fruit from local sources or other provinces, and all pairings are Thai snacks made in-house. The country is huge, with each area containing its own characteristics to discover, and this bar’s unapologetic approach to Thai-inspired cocktails is as refreshing as it can be.

“Sun” is Isaan in a glass, and it’s made from liquor distilled from coconut flower; a bountiful commodity from Sakon Nakhon, sweetened with tamarind sauce and paired with crispy jelly. If you’d prefer a trip to the east, “Island” showcases quite an uncommon fruit. The guttiferae (local name mapam) is a tropical fruit grown in Chantaburi in the same family as the mangosteen. It’s then combined with two different species of cardamom, coconut milk, and pineapple juice, served alongside Thai coconut meringue.

You can find more information at Buph Phe Bar.

Invitation Only is like if Wes Anderson opened his own bar, complete with fun signature cocktails

Open daily, 5pm onwards

With the sheer number of new bars in Bangkok, we think it has taken too long for a hotel-themed one to appear. Walking into Invitation Only feels as if The Grand Budapest Hotel got a red hot coat of paint, and you’ve never been more tempted to order room service. Complete with live music and a bar menu filled with international favourites, you’ll get to absorb good vibes only as you enjoy the view of the Bangkok skyline from the 55th floor.

Drinks are definitely the stars of the establishment, and with 16 signature cocktails in total, there’s bound to be one you’re in the mood for that day. Highlights include the “Bananarama,” a bourbon-based drink with almond liqueur, creme de banana, clarified milk cheese, cinnamon, ginger, and garnished with a chocolated-covered banana, as well as the “Cigarettes After Ex,” a smoky yet refreshing cocktail with mezcal, green tea-infused gin, chamomile citrus, and honey yuzu.

You can find more information at Invitation Only.

The Label Club combines the joy of vinyl with a direct view of the skytrain passing by

Wed-Sun, 6pm-midnight

Cocktails don’t have to be so complicated every time you go out. Sometimes you’re just in the mood for a simple drink, coupled with great vibes and the music that hits just right. The Label Club is doing exactly that, with a drinks selection that does the job, DJs on the regular, and an array of vinyls old and new to pick and have on queue. Feeling like a bit of Whitney Houston? Sure, and you’ll wanna dance with somebody. Maybe some of Miki Matsubara? Of course, and she’ll tempt you to stay with them a while.

For drinks, the “Rihanna” is a twist on the usual sour with bourbon and almond liqueur, then topped with red wine. The “Big Bang” is a refreshing tall drink with a base of tequila infused with butterfly pea. They also have an extensive wine list perfect to share with company.

You can find more information at The Label Club.

Akara Sky Hanuman is the new go-to spot for luxurious rooftop vibes

Open daily, 5pm-2am

Located atop One City Centre building in Ploenchit, Akara Sky Hanuman becomes the name in every partygoers mouth when looking for somewhere to enjoy good vibes, good drinks, and an impressive lineup of DJs on the regular. When there’s an abundance of rooftop bars in the city, setting yourself apart is key. Thereby, nothing could set you apart more than a giant dome of the mythical Hanuman — perfect for any Instagram updates — along with gorgeous bar bites courtesy of Vaso Spanish Tapas Bar.

A lot of cocktails are presented by Grey Goose Vodka, which pair perfectly with luxury ingredients. The “Goosebump” matches the vodka with the most refined taste of the sea: caviar. The “Grey Goose Oyster Soirée” combines the crisp, sharp taste of the vodka with a refreshing oyster served atop of the drink.

You can find more information at Akara Sky Hanuman.

The best new bars and cocktail menus in Bangkok this March 2024

With a throbbing hangover at the time of writing, we can confidently say we have alcohol on our minds. March is here, which means you can shift your attention from taking care of your significant other in February to taking care of yourself. And as having a good time is basically self-care, here are the new bars in Bangkok you should check out.

G.O.D BKK has us on our knees for their martini

Teens of Thailand, Asia Today, TAX, Independence, Untitled, and now G.O.D — the group’s last rodeo. An abbreviation for “Genius On Drugs,” the bar aims to be inventive, experimental, and raw. The establishment plays into that feeling as well, with the interior reminiscent of a desecrated church brought back to life still with the exposed brick walls and jarring beams. Our advice is to sit at the bar and wait patiently to be showered with G.O.D’s love.

The first cocktail menu is titled “Excessive is Necessary” with bar bites to pair with each drink. Their “Oyster Martini” is made with oyster juice, and served with actual Fine de Claire No.2 oyster and Coppa ham. The “Trinity: The Father, The Son & Larb Kwaii” is an experimental cocktail utilising larb-infused vodka, pig’s blood, and served alongside crispy buffalo skin and truffle mayo.

We’ll be back for a second coming.

You can find more info at G.O.D BKK.

BRUT introduces cocktails garnished with post-war history

The name BRUT derives from “brutalism,” an architecture style popular during the post-war period, characterised by the use of raw concrete, exposed materials, and the raw feeling upon sight.

Brutalism isn’t that much appreciated, though, as many see it as cold and rigid. Still, the rest appreciate that it’s raw and unpretentious; beautiful in its simplicity. That’s exactly what BRUT is doing — what you order is exactly what you get, and nothing less. The vibe is unpretentious, welcoming anyone onto the bar seat.

Must-tries include “1950s,” a very refreshing gin sonic infused with matcha and lemon, aloe vera, Campari, and a brush-stroke of squid ink to pair, as well as the “Concrete,” quite a unique sensation pairing gin with hazelnut liqueur, cherry brandy, sweet vermouth, and radish.

You can find more information at BRUT.

Crimson Room’s new signatures take you on a trip around the world, and back to good jazz

“The Times They Are A-Changin,” says Crimson Room’s signature menu, and yet, some things stay until today. Crimson Room unveils new a whole new signature menu inspired by global history, its tales, its traditions, its ingredients — the things that work and have stayed with us for as long as we can remember. After all, a Negroni has kept its recipe for over a hundred years, but it’s still one of the most popular classic cocktails today. Categorised into continents of the world, let the bar team at Crimson Room give you a glimpse into history through their balanced drinks incorporated with ingredients that represent times and places from each country.

Highlights include the “Polynesian Fizz,” a refreshing drink with Tanqueray gin, Yerba Mate, agave, lime, topped with ginger beer, and served in a Moai-shaped glass, the “Crimson Room No.5,” inspired by the famous Chanel perfume turned into a spirit-forward made from vodka, Champagne cordial, jasmine vermouth, bergamot, and orange blossom water, as well as the “Road to Mumbai,” a spin on the classic Gimlet with mangosteen cordial and masala.

You can find more information at Crimson Room.

Playroom’s new menu is sleek, classic, and inspired by their guests

When the people behind the bar care about their guests, you will feel it. In addition to their homey hospitality, Playroom’s new cocktails pay homage to their guests. It won’t be said in the menu or in any text. By first glance, customers returning will notice the change towards minimalism; martini and couple glasses with minimal garnishes. As you hear the stories behind the drinks from the bar team, you’ll notice that these drinks stem from what people order, what they enjoy, and what they come back to.

That, of course, also makes us want to come back again.

Take a stroll along “Boulevard St. Germain,” a gin-based drink with a strong punch of floral aroma, combined with white tea, umeshu, and elderflower. For an interactive adventure, “Lisa” will be staying in the back of your minds for days as a rum-based cocktail with vanilla and almond liqueur, apple, lemon, and topped with parmesan ice cream. Grab both and more, crafted for your pleasure.

You can find more information at Playroom.

Siwilai Group unveils new drinks for all their venues, plus hearty food options for Radical Club

The Siwilai brand is partying extra hard recently, presenting a brand new City Club recently in Central Embassy, holding events and hosting performers, as well as opening a club in Thonglor. The Siwilai Radical Club does not want to be just a place for nightlife, but also an all-day dining destination open from morning till late. Craving good spaghetti after you dance? Their signature vodka rigatoni has you covered. Happen to be in Thonglor during the day and in need of a hearty brunch? Let their Greek frittata sweep you off your feet.

All their venues get new cocktails exclusive to each location. Highlights include “Stick No.1” at Siwilai City Club, a fruit-filled cocktail with vodka, blueberries, lychee, and lime; “Straight, No Chsaser” at Siwilai Sound Club, a Mezcal-based spirit-forward with blended vermouth, bourbon, and Campari; as well as the “Wasted” at Siwilai Radical Club, a strong, punchy drink with three kinds of spirits, spice mix a’la cola, and topped with seltzer.

You can find more information at Siwilai.

Rogues Bar is retelling world history, now available in drinks form

Located on the second floor of the Intercontinental Bangkok Sukhumvit, Rogues is an interesting little place to have a drink. It’s decorated with warm tones that scream opulence, but each seat has a zebra print pillow that feels fun and lively. It calls itself a speakeasy, but is extremely easy to find and brightly lit. The cocktail menu at first glance draws inspiration from the Old World, with a drink paying homage to The Great Gatsby, and another named after a Wong Kar-Wai film. But as you read on, you’ll find a cocktail inspired by Kill Bill, one telling a story of a pirate life at sea, and suddenly we’re back in Thailand for some mango sticky rice. It’s everything, everywhere, all at once.

If we were to choose, their “Rogue Negroni” is a Tanqueray and Vermouth Rosso combo, with the addition of Thai rice spirit and topped with vermouth foam.

You can find more information at Rogues Bar.

The best new bars and cocktail menus in Bangkok this February 2024

It was Thailand’s drag icon Amadiva that said, “drink more, so we’ll look better.” Since the month of love is now, these bars are just perfect to celebrate with your partner, to-be-partner, or hoping-they’ll-keep-being-your-partner. Hey, maybe some drinks will help, so consider this list of places a checklist.

Ride the wave of classics with Palm Supawit’s Dry Wave Cocktail Studio

Thailand industry icon Palm Supawit‘s newly-debuted bar in Thonglor has been making waves since it opened. At Dry Wave, his “Super Classics” combine two classics into one, showcasing the unique notes of each in a singular glass, like waves crashing harmoniously into another. If you have a classic in mind, you can trust the team will not disappoint.

The “Bitter Sweet & Mint” combines the sweet, aromatic Mint Julep with the bitter and punchy Hanky Panky. The “Dirty Red Dot” takes the distinct raspberry taste from the Clover Club and lets it meet the savoury notes of the Dirty Martini. All of those, and more to discover.

You can find more information at Dry Wave Cocktail Studio.

Stir it, shake it, move it, make it — the new W Lounge is all about vermouths and cabaret

Life is too short for a subpar Martini, and with only two ingredients in the drink, what you put into the mixing glass makes a difference. It’s not everyday we see vermouth taking the centre stage, and it’s the key that makes all the difference in a cocktail. The W Lounge has over 40 vermouths, so whether you like it dry, herbal, aromatic, or fruity, they have it covered. With a spicy theme of “modern cabaret,” they’re fully bringing the vibes of Paris into Bangkok.

Highlights include “The Jazz Sway,” a twist on the classic Rosita with Campari fat-washed with coconut, Mancino Rosso vermouth, Mancino Bianco vermouth, and a few dashes of grapefruit bitters, as well as the “Miraculous,” combining the fragrant Grifoll vermouth with apple wood smoke.

You can find more information at W Bangkok.

NOUN Bar arrives in Bang Phlat with refreshing drinks and a strong sense of comfort

It’s not every place where you can feel that it’s alright to let your hair down, and NOUN Bar’s hospitality and refreshing drinks will whisk away your worries like magic. Tucked away in ChangChui Creative Park, Bang Phlat — it’s definitely one of the more unlikely places to get a cocktail, but they’re certainly taking their craft seriously. Plus, spreading cocktail culture to different parts of the city is always a move we welcome.

Highlights to try include the “Love Potion,” a sweet, creamy drink perfect for the month of love made with vodka, caramel, honey, raspberry, and rose tea, as well as the “Power Potion,” mixing herbal and fruity notes of mixed berry, red wine, and absinthe.

You can find more information at NOUN Bar.

Untitled House is the embodiment of the phrase “good vibes only”

Untitled House is named that way because it tries to escape being labelled. It’s lively and fun, yet intimate and sophisticated. It’s like meeting friends at their home, and sometimes it’s like you’re bringing good friends into yours to show off your new place. It’s everything at once, and for that, it’s untitled. Another cocktail bar in Ladprao also makes the area one to watch.

From their signatures, highlights are the “Laughing Out Loud,” made from rhum agricole, yogurt, and a hint of elderflower, as well as the “Chasing Starlight,” pairing mezcal and tequila with Chinese black tea smoke. A sip makes you feel like dancing in a sci-fi elevator with Dua Lipa.

You can find more information at Untitled House.

Maria Bar is serving vibrant cocktails for jazz lovers of Phra Khanong

Located right next to Phra Khanong BTS station, Maria Bar is the perfect afterwork destination for people in the area. They pride themselves on a simple-but-done-well food menu of European classics with wines to pair, but their cocktails are also quite enjoyable and worth a visit.

The “French Awakening,” with a name that with invoke PTSD for any French royals in 1789, is a gin-based drink with pink guava, parsley, and sparkling wine, and the “Summer in Rome” is a refreshing, bitter concoction made from Campari, dry vermouth, Merlot, and topped with soda.

You can find more information at Maria Bar.

MUST Wine Bar pairs wine with great food and good fun

Wine doesn’t have to feel dressy, and MUST Wine Bar is showcasing just that. As you enter the establishment, you’ll get to walk through rows and rows of 300+ labels of wines before getting to the 35-seat diner. Benjawan “Ben” Wisootsat behind FIN Wines steps into the kitchen herself to make sure everything is perfect for the guests. Plus, it’s pet-friendly, so feel free to bring your furry friends along.

You can find more information at MUST Wine Bar.

The best new bars and cocktail menus in Bangkok this January 2024

It’s a new year, and a new you. But if this “new you” loves to drink as much as the old you, we know just the places you should check out. We also hope you enjoy classic twists because there’s a lot of great ones in town. Perhaps you’ll be able to reacquaint yourselves with the old ones you love, and discover new favourites. We certainly did.

4th Wall brings back forgotten classics through wall-breaking hospitality

From the Vesper team, Langsuan’s 4th Wall has no signature menu, but a daily rotation of classic cocktails. Apart from nailing your Old-Fashioneds and Pina Coladas, they really dug deep to introduce you to lesser-known and forgotten classics from the history of mixology. The Tuxedo No.2 is similar to a Martini, with maraschino liqueur and absinthe to rinse. The Japanese Slipper is a sweet-and-sour hit a clear hit of melon. The Cold War Easier is an aromatic vodka-based cocktail with hints of cherry and orange, then topped with Pinot Noir. All of those, and a whole lot more reasons to keep coming back.

You can find more information at 4th Wall.

The Pickwicks Chronicles is a Dickensian adventure with a lot of gin

Bangkok is long overdue for a literary themed bar. The Pickwicks Chronicles is inspired by The Pickwick Papers, the first fictional work by Charles Dickens telling the story of a group of men going on adventures to spread the wonders of science while having fun doing so. That concept, to our opinion, is perfect as a concept for a bar. Helmed by Gliga Gabriel formerly of Havana Social, the cocktail menu is created after the lively characters of The Pickwick Papers. It’s all about spreading the joy and technicalities of mixology, all while making sure the guests enjoy their time discovering everything the bar has to offer.

If you need help picking what to order, the “Samuel Pickwick,” named after the protagonist of the series, is crafted with gin infused with pink Szechuan peppercorn, falernum liqueur, apricot liqueur, and some citrus and sugar.

You can find more information at The Pickwick Chronicles.

Find the Photobooth is back with drinks, live tunes, and even more photobooths

If you haven’t found the photobooth, now’s your chance. The bar’s a culmination of talents from industry icons: Colin Chia from Nutmeg & Clove, Singapore, Hidetsugu Ueno of Bar High Five, Tokyo, Nick Wu from Bar Mood, Taipei, Neung Ronnaporn and Janz Chennarong from Mahaniyom Cocktail Bar. After moving to Banthat Thong road, they brought in a lot of live tunes perfect for winding down after a long day of work and energetic playlists with pop hits that will out anyone in the closet.

Their cocktail menu is themed after musical notes, with classic cocktails and their own variations. One of their must-tries is the “C Sharp,” a riff on the Clover Club made from Beefeater gin, Chivas 12YO,  raspberry liqueur, and peach bitters.

You can find more information at Find the Photobooth.

Tiki-themed rooftop bar Dark Waters opens with clear riverside view

When we discovered this little gem, we didn’t think there would be a cocktail bar in Khlongsan area. Located on the top floors of the newly-opened Ten Six Hundred hotel, Dark Waters feature a gorgeous view of the Chao Phraya river that you can enjoy while the riverside breeze is wafting through your hair. And as you adore the contemporary interior of onyx and reclaimed wood, their cocktail menu is filled with bright and bold tiki sensations — perfect for a night out with some company.

Enjoy some light bites from their kitchen and end your night on a high note with the “Mudslip,” a very vibrant dessert drink that packs a strong punch of coffee and topped with a scorched marshmallow.

You can find more information at Dark Waters.

Aqua Bar’s new cocktail menu is a perfect night out in Bangkok

With Filipino sensation Ryan Germino manning the stations, the selections of Aqua sees new fun drinks, along with their own iterations of classic cocktails. It’s not everyday we can confidently say that a menu will sure excite both cocktail enthusiasts and those simply looking for a fun night out, but Aqua Bar’s new menu is simply filled to the brim with passionately-crafted concoctions, each with a balance that hits just right. Fair warning that each glass will prove quite difficult to put down once picked up.

Highlights you should not miss include their version of the Paloma, utilising both tequila and mezcal (Clase Azul reposado and Montelobos), pink grapefruit, Aperol, and the agave salt that ties everything together, as well as “The Hungry Caterpillar,” a classy spirit-forward made from Ginger 1800 Coconut tequila, Don Julio Blanco, clarified apple juice, green apple ginger shrub, and Angostura bitters.

You can find more information at Aqua Bar.

Tropic City’s ‘Tropicology’ menu is a tropical island full of rum and creativity

We know that describing a tiki-themed establishment as a tropical island isn’t the most unique, but Tropic City’s just-debuted cocktail menu really casted us away into Blue Hawaii. No matter if you’re here for some good mixology, or the party vibes the place is known for, you’ll find yourself in a perfect getaway with a lot of rum, fruits, and everything that will help you with those 50 first dates and more. Two drinks in, our jaws were on the floor and we already forgot Sarah Marshall.

Highlights you must try include the “Ultimate Banana Lord,” made with Mount Gay Black Barrel rum, Tito’s vodka, banana, salted caramel, and browned butter, as well as “For a Cooler You,” a very tiki drink that uses Naked Malt whisky, an array of tropical fruits, roasted coconut, and just the right of their punch of salted maple syrup.

You can find more information at Tropic City.

The post The best new bars and cocktail menus in Bangkok right now appeared first on Lifestyle Asia Bangkok.

The inaugural Singapore Cocktail Takeover 2024 is happening from 1 to 12 May, with 30 top bars serving special cocktails.

The inaugural celebration spans independent cocktail bars, established drinking spots, and hotel bars, which will offer two cocktails made for the 12-day celebration and priced at S$18++ (est. THB 500) each.

The event will also feature a range of programmes to showcase the city’s diverse cocktail scene and guest shifts by famous bartenders from around the world.

Several local entries from the current Asia’s 50 Best Bars list are part of the Singapore Cocktail Takeover 2024, including Jigger & Pony, Nutmeg & Clove, and The Elephant Room. They join hotel bars like Plume, Origin, Republic, and MO Bar, as well as cocktail taproom Draft Land, modern Cantonese establishment Madame Fan, and Barbary Coast.

Each of the bars has created two cocktails for the campaign. Among them is Writers Bar, which has come up with Tiny Grass is Dreaming, a verdant drink with yuzu liqueur, miso, sencha, and matcha. Stay Gold Flamingo has Affo-Revolver with bourbon and coffee ice cream, while Jungle Ballroom has a tequila, osmanthus, and seaweed tipple called Converse High.

All creations are priced at S$18++ each throughout the campaign.

Besides special cocktails, the campaign will host events such as guest shifts at participating venues. Taiwanese bars Moonrock, Slow Down, Bar Dip, and Voiceover will be taking over Nutmeg & Clove, and Tokyo’s Bellwood is popping up at Jigger & Pony. Republic will also serve a punch brunch on 11 May.

The Singapore Cocktail Takeover 2024 comes after the long-running Singapore Cocktail Festival announced last month that it was not taking place this year. For information on participating bars, cocktails, and events, visit their website.

Singapore Cocktail Takeover 2024

1 – 12 May 2024

30 bars

Selected cocktails at these bars for S$18++ each

(Hero and featured images credits: Stay Gold Flamingo / Facebook; Singapore Cocktail Takeover 2024)

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Once upon a time, The Black Dog was a quiet London pub. However, the release of the record-breaking album The Tortured Poets Department has turned it into a pilgrimage site for Taylor Swift fans. 

Dewmi Fernando, a 23-year-old tourist and Taylor Swift fan from Singapore joined the faithful flocking in growing numbers to The Black Dog pub in Vauxhall, south London. She braved the rain to pose in front of the pub’s brick front topped with The Black Dog signage, and next to a blackboard where the pub’s manager has written the lyrics to The Black Dog in chalk.

In the song from the The Tortured Poets Department: The Anthology, the 14-time Grammy winner sings about being able to still track an ex-boyfriend’s location on her phone.

‘Your location, you forgot to turn it off / And so I watch as you walk / Into some bar called ‘The Black Dog’ / And pierce new holes in my heart,’ sings the 34-year-old star.

‘Swifties’, the nickname for members of the American singer’s army of fans, immediately set out to identify the notorious ‘Black Dog’. They quickly concluded it was the Vauxhall pub after discovering that Swift’s ex-partner, actor Joe Alwyn, lived nearby.

The star, who has cultivated a tight-knit community of fans on social media, has not confirmed the rumours but they quickly spread and the pub has become one of London’s newest attractions.

“It’s been quite a whirlwind,” Lily Bottomley, events manager for the SC Soho group that owns the pub, told AFP.

While in London, Fernando immediately added the pub visit to her itinerary. “I have actually been listening to Taylor Swift since I was very young,” she told AFP, adding, “She’s part of my growing up years, through my childhood, through my teenage years, and then now in my adulthood, it’s like I grew up with her.”

The Black Dog sees boost in visitors following Taylor Swift’s The Tortured Poets Department name drop

Fellow Swiftie Charlotte Garratt, 23, who lives in Bedfordshire, south-east England, and came to London for a day trip with her friend to track down the pub.

“As soon as it came out, we ran downstairs like it’s Christmas morning to listen to the album,” she told AFP. “We’re always finding like we’re detectives or something, looking for what it means or if there’s a double meaning or metaphors,” she added.

While the pub was not yet full on the afternoon of AFP’s visit, all the tables were reserved for the evening, and a steady flow of fans stopped to take photographs of the blackboard.

The sudden attention is a huge stroke of luck for the owners, coming at a time when the emblematic English pub is going through a difficult period. Over the past two years, pubs have seen their costs explode amid rampant inflation and are struggling to attract customers who are themselves affected by the cost-of-living crisis.

The Black Dog pub has, unsurprisingly, decided to cash in on its good fortune by adding ‘Taylor’s Version‘ burgers and cocktails to its menu.

 

 

 

 

 

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For last week’s album release, the bar offered beers to all fans who could sing a Swift song, before having to relent in the face of an influx of Swifties.

“The last four days has been really, really busy… we’re going to have to extend our opening times and closing times to accommodate all of those people,” said Bottomley, adding that bookings have “considerably increased… more than usual for a rainy week in April. We’ve definitely seen an impact on sales, the ‘Taylor Swift effect’.” In spite of the public interest, however, Bottomley added that there had been no known sightings of her in the pub.

The bar is already booked up for all of the star’s London concert dates this summer.

However, some accused the pub of going too far after its manager told Sky News that he had looked at security camera footage to see if Alwyn or Swift had visited in recent months.

This article was published via AFP Relaxnews.

[Hero and featured image credit: @theblackdogvauxhall/Instagram]

The post ‘The Tortured Poets Department’: Why Swifties are heading to The Black Dog appeared first on Lifestyle Asia Bangkok.

Experience a century of Johnnie Walker in Thailand with exclusive limited-edition releases, featuring iconic products and special activities nationwide. 

In a remarkable tribute to its centennial presence in the Land of Smiles, Johnnie Walker has crafted an exclusive series of products to honour their legacy in Thailand. Celebrating the 100th anniversary of this iconic label, Diageo has unveiled the “Johnnie Walker 100th Year Limited Edition” collection, a fusion of history and luxury, tailored specifically for the Thai market.

[All images courtesy of Diaego Thailand]

Johnnie Walker celebrates 100 years in Thailand with exclusive releases

This limited edition pays homage to the deep-rooted affection of JW lovers in Thailand. The fondness for their liquids has even earned the brand affectionate nicknames. For instance, to locals, the Black Label is known as ‘Tra-Dum,’ whereas the Red Label is known as ‘Tra-Daeng.’ 

Recognising this attachment, Diaego Thailand has designed carry cases as a nod to this cultural embrace. The intricacy of the cases goes beyond mere colour. Each contains a tactile and visual representation of Johnnie Walker’s journey through the Thai market. Therefore, these collector’s items are not just packaging, but a storytelling canvas that narrate a century of shared history, triumphs, and the seamless blend of Scottish craftsmanship with Thai heritage.

With the brand’s “KEEP WALKING” philosophy, Johnnie Walker showcases iconic design patterns, revealing facets of their captivating saga in Thailand. The visuals of the packaging are a tapestry of their milestones, such as tributes to memorable past advertisements like the Johnnie Walker Red Label’s snow-covered Democracy Monument.

However, the journey doesn’t halt at yesteryears. As the trademark strides confidently into the future, another design boldly highlights the transformative power of artificial intelligence. This motif is a toast to the brand’s innovative spirit— speaking to the connoisseurs who appreciate the blend of timeless tradition with modernity. 

In addition to the limited edition bottles, they also offer a diverse range of special merchandise, including stylish jackets, trendy T-shirts, and elegant tumblers. There will also be an exciting nationwide campaign featuring a series of events scheduled throughout the year. All in all, these exclusive offerings are more than a celebratory gesture; it is a limited masterpiece that stands as a testament to a 100-year-long relationship that has matured like the fine whisky it honours. 

For further information, please visit Johnnie Walker.

The post Johnnie Walker celebrates 100 years in Thailand with exclusive releases appeared first on Lifestyle Asia Bangkok.

Take five from your work and get down to a jazz bar in Bangkok — the vibes of these places will fly you straight to the moon.

A jazz bar never fails to impress. Come with friends and it makes an incredible night out. Come with a partner and the evening sticks within your memories. Come solo and you’ll still feel welcomed, surrounded by the music. And with something to sip, it’s all the more impressive.

Given the city’s growing collection of jazz venues, we’ve rounded up the best jazz bars Bangkok has to offer. From the newbies to the oldies that have marked a warm place in our hearts, here are our best picks.

[Hero and featured image credit: Firefly Bar]

The best jazz bars in Bangkok to put some swing in your soul

The Bamboo Bar

Located ground floor of Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok, The Bamboo Bar is the first jazz bar in Bangkok. It first opened in 1953, and still kept its timeless ambience to this day. The live jazz takes centre stage from Monday till Saturday. Those coming on Sunday will get to watch piano performances with no vocals.

The menu of The Bamboo Bar is all about evolution: even after 70 years of providing hospitality, they still get ahead of the curve, adapt to the times, and see how they can cater to the guests better. Can’t decide? The Bamboo Daiquiri and their take on the Mango Sticky Rice will blow you away.

You can find more information at The Bamboo Bar. Open daily, 5pm-1am. Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok, 48 Oriental Ave, Khwaeng Bang Rak, Bang Rak, Bangkok.

Crimson Room

If you’re wondering what a wonderful world looks like, come down to Langsuan for a great time at Crimson Room. With a beautiful cabaret-style interior with black, red, and gold accents, you’ll find yourself out of the red velvet cushions and on your feet for the whole evening. Feel free to be spontaneous — live jazz is on every day of the week.

As you watch the performance on the big stage at the centre, the cocktails surely do a great job at elevating those moments. The signature menu draws inspiration from all around the world with interesting ingredients. Masala gimlet, anyone?

You can find more information at Crimson Room. Open daily, 6pm-2am. Velaa Sindhorn Village, 87 Lang Suan Rd, Lumphini, Pathum Wan, Bangkok.

Buddha & Pals

A cafe by day and jazz bar by night, Buddha & Pals presents a perfect place for live jazz. According to the owner Mac, jazz shouldn’t be a luxury or be put high on a pedestal — jazz should be easily accessed, and welcoming to anyone who’s interested. With a small yet intimate venue, the bar is a community space for lovers of the genre to enjoy as you sip some drinks and watch cars go by outside. Bonus points for the vibes if it’s raining.

You can find more information at Buddha & Pals. Tue-Sun, 10am-midnight. 712 Krung Kasem Rd, Wat Sommanat, Pom Prap Sattru Phai, Bangkok.

Firefly Bar

Bask under the glow of Firefly Bar as the resident jazz band sweeps you off your feet. Sit by the bar to see all the magic unfold, in a corner for some intimacy, or by the terrace right by the lush garden — now that’s a moonlight serenade. The signature menu takes you on a trip around the world, from Thailand to Europe and South America. Complex but not complicated, their classic twists never fail to impress.

You can find more information at Firefly Bar. Open daily, 5pm-1am. Sindhorn Kempinski Hotel Bangkok, 80 Soi Ton Son, Lumphini, Pathum Wan, Bangkok.

Bar 251

Sometimes you need nothing more than some good jazz, and nothing too complicated. Bar 251 is just right for that, with lively vibes, live performances throughout the week, and simple yet effective drinks. Located in Ekkamai, the entrance may be quite hard to find on the first try, but it is so worth it.

You can find more information at Bar 251. 582/5 Sukhumvit 63 Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok. Tue-Sun, 7pm-2am.

Smalls

Tucked away in Soi Suan Phlu, Smalls is a cool hotspot for jazz lovers and industry insiders alike, to catch up over great drinks and great jazz music. The laidback vibe and artsy ambiance make it an ideal place to mingle with your mates while also appreciating a fine selection of contemporary art throughout the premise. Order a drink, and pair it with some great pizzas they offer till late.

You can find more information at Smalls. Wed-Mon, 6pm-2am. 186, 3-4 Suan Phlu 1 Alley, Thung Maha Mek, Sathon, Bangkok.

Alonetogether Bangkok

Alonetogether Bangkok is a collection of rooms: it’s a jazz bar, an audiophile room for vinyl lovers, a record shop, and another separate room for cigars. Everything screams of old world charm in the best way, and the live jazz performances from Wed-Sun upgrade the intimate vibes to an eleven.

As they focus on classic cocktails, something simple is best to pair with live jazz. A simple Old-Fashioned, a White Lady, or just some wine would be perfect.

You can find more information at Alonetogether Bangkok. Open daily, 7pm-1am. 29 Sukhumvit 31, Klongton Nue, Watthana, Bangkok.

Saxophone Pub

A staple within the Bangkok jazz scene, Saxophone Pub has been a hub for live music since it opened its doors in 1987. It’s a cosy place with great energy, fairly-priced drinks, and late night bites in case you’re feeling peckish.

There’s always live music playing everyday with a rotation of performers starting with acoustic sets from 7.30pm, and ending at 1.30am with more energetic genres from jazz to reggae.

You can find more information at Saxophone Pub. Open daily, 6pm-2am. 3, 8 Ratchawithi 11 Alley, Thanon Phaya Thai, Ratchathewi, Bangkok.

Brown Sugar

Brown Sugar has seen a couple location changes since its first opening in 1985. As they reintroduce themselves in Soi Nana, Chinatown, they’re still beloved by the locals, and welcoming to anyone interested in jazz. As they feature many local talents, it’s a great place to discover rising stars in the scene, all while enjoying good drinks and atmosphere.

You can find more information at Brown Sugar. Open daily, 5pm-1am. 18 Soi Nana, Pom Prap, Pom Prap Sattru Phai, Bangkok.

The post The best jazz bars in Bangkok to put some swing in your soul appeared first on Lifestyle Asia Bangkok.

Running from 24 to 30 April 2024, the first-ever Kuala Lumpur Cocktail Week is about to kick off. Here’s all you need to know to get the most out of the event.

The Malaysian bar community is one filled with support, admiration and celebration. It’s a tight-knit group of enthusiasts that not only love a good cocktail or two, but also appreciate the craft behind the counter. And that’s why Kuala Lumpur Cocktail Week (KLCW) is one event that’s filled with tremendous anticipation.

Happening for the very first time ever, KLCW will see the most beloved and talented personalities in the bar scene come together for a week of tippling goodness. The event, which runs from 24 April to 30 April 2024, is created to shine a deserving spotlight on the people behind every bar – be it the mixologist, menu curator, suppliers or front-of-house. Of course, KLCW also aims to help elevate the game both in Malaysia and beyond by bringing together both local and international bartenders.

Before we dive deeper into the mix of what to expect at KLCW 2024, we also have to give a shout out to the committee that made this happen. The people behind Kuala Lumpur Cocktail Week include Angeline Tan, Divyesh Chuhan, Jin Boone Ooi, Joshua Ivanovic, Jon Lee, Lolita Goh, Matthew Goh, Nick Choo, Nicholas Ng and Rohan Matmary. Trisha Toh, a talented photographer and food stylist, was responsible for the gorgeous illustrations and images.

Guide to Kuala Lumpur Cocktail Week: Dates, venues, and other details

Five zones, one week of fun

Kuala Lumpur Cocktail Week 2024 will be divided into five zones throughout Kuala Lumpur. Each zone — Bangsar (24 April), Petaling Jaya/Taman Tun Dr Ismail (25 April), Damansara Heights (26 April), Chinatown (28 April) and Kuala Lumpur City Centre (29 to 30 April) — will comprise special programmes including guest shifts.

The inaugural Kuala Lumpur Cocktail Week will feature some of Asia’s most notable names such as South Korea’s Alice Cheongdam, Singapore’s Atlas, Indonesia’s The Cocktail Club, Japan’s Tokyo Confidential and Thailand’s Teens of Thailand. These bars will be collaborating with local favourites like Bar Trigona, Penrose, Three X Co, Reka, Terumi and Here & Now. There’s definitely a lot to be excited about.

Food and cocktail pairings

In addition to guest shifts, Kuala Lumpur Cocktail Week 2024 will also have a myriad of one-of-a-kind pairing dinners. There’s Jwala and Rakh on 24 April, Terra Dining and Three X Co on 25 April, Jus and Dewars on 26 April, Yellow Fin Horse and Tanqueray from 27 to 28 April as well as Bar Kar and Penrose on 29 April. On the final day of KLCW 2024, you can also indulge in specially curated menus by Reka, Roku Gin and Waig by Chipta 11A. Bespoke cocktails, top-notch culinary fare and great vibes; what’s not to like?

Festival Village, here we come

On 27 April, the highly anticipated KLCW Festival Village will be held at APW Bangsar. From 3.00PM to 11.00PM, a plethora of activities have been planned for a day to remember. Interact with mixologists via the various booths, check out inspiring masterclasses, find out the winner of the cocktail competition and of course, savour the many libations that will be prepared. Look forward to cocktails concocted with industry favourites such as Bombay Sapphire, Monkey Shoulder, Rémy Martin, Roku Gin, Deacon and Malfy Gin. Kuala Lumpur Cocktail Week has also partnered with FunNow for its ticketing so remember to download the app to reserve your slot.

Learn more at Kuala Lumpur Cocktail Week.

(All photos provided by KLCW)

The post Guide to the first-ever Kuala Lumpur Cocktail Week: Dates, venues, and other details appeared first on Lifestyle Asia Bangkok.

Relationships are complicated, and sometimes you need the right place to put those complications to rest. These bars in Bangkok provide just the right vibes, and the perfect drinks to enjoy after the break up.

Location is important for a break up. You don’t want to do it over a call, and a text is even worse. Going to a romantic place seems like a slap in the face (see Legally Blonde, 2001), and loud music means you won’t get your point across. Pick your favourite from one of these bars in Bangkok, and meet up with your significant other for a talk.

[Hero and featured image credit: BRUT]

Dining

Where to drink this Valentine’s Day, based on your relationship status

The best bars in Bangkok for breaking up with somebody

Independence Cocktail Bar, because everything in there screams “judgment-free.”

Opposite the street from Soi Nana, Chinatown, lies Independence. It’s rustic and edgy with neon lights and graffiti. It feels like a dive bar with privacy and without the blaring music, with cocktails that are not too complicated for your intended purpose, yet enough to soften the blow. It’s the perfect atmosphere to break up.

You can find more information at Independence Cocktail Bar.

BRUT, because brutalist architecture is expensive to maintain and difficult to change — just like your partner.

Ari neighbourhood’s bar BRUT is modelled after brutalist architecture. It’s surrounded with concrete, feels raw, and is then soaked in red light. If you don’t know what kind of place has the vibes to break up with your partner in, now you do. Although the concept of permanence that can be found in this style can be seen as attractive in this chaotic, ever-changing world, no one breaks a heart better than post-war communist Europeans.

You can find more information at BRUT.

Midlife Crisis BKK, because heart break can also be part of a midlife crisis.

From Chiang Mai to Bangkok, Midlife Crisis welcomes everyone pondering life’s problems. Since heart breaks are one of life’s greatest problems, why not solve them with great drinks? If you don’t know what to order, there’s a slot machine you can play that will randomise what the bartender makes for you next. Perfect for when you’re still in a daze after the break up.

You can find more information at Midlife Crisis BKK.

G.O.D Bkk, because it’s perfect for a confession, but not for turning the other cheek.

The lord tells us to love thy neighbour, so let’s move your significant others away from your establishments. If you’re about to break up with someone, a bar with an interior that resembles a desecrated church may be the way to go. No need for them to be mad over your decision — it’s just God’s plan, after all. Also, the oyster martini here is fire.

You can find more information at G.O.D Bkk.

Alonetogether Bangkok, because the live jazz is probably louder than your cries.

It’s right there in the name. If you feel alone while being together, it’s time you cut the cord and let loose. Alonetogether’s live jazz makes everything feel better, even a break up. Plus, you can’t really hear each other over the loud music, so you’ll have limited time to talk and do the thing on the short breaks the band offers. The pressure helps you break up faster. Just order an Old-Fashioned afterwards to soothe the pain.

You can find more information at Alonetogether Bangkok.

Lucky Duck Bar, because In The Mood For Love doesn’t have a happy ending.

With ingredients sourced from the Chinese herbalists next door, Lucky Duck’s cocktail menu celebrates classic films such as Ang Lee’s Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, and Wong Kar Wai’s In The Mood For Love. In The Mood For Love‘s ending is depressing, and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon even ends in a death of a main character. What a perfect place to break up with your significant other.

You can find more information at Lucky Duck Bar.

Nuss Bar, because the view of Wat Pho makes it hard to violently fight your partner in public.

Nuss Bar offers a unique experience for a cocktail bar in Bangkok: a direct view of Wat Pho on the opposite side of the road. No one would throw a loud tantrum with that, so you’re in the clear. Bonus points if your partner is religious. Ask for a gin and tonic, and make your break up a refreshing sundowner experience.

You can find more information at Nuss Bar.

The Bamboo Bar, because you just need to get it over with before the champagne gets warm.

It’s possibly the best power move in a break up to order a bottle of champagne, break up, then say you’ll pay for the bottle yourself so they can just leave now. Let them cry in a taxi back home because they famously don’t allow Grab bikes up the slope at the Mandarin Oriental. If you wanted to mask the emptiness inside, the live jazz and warm hospitality will make you forget any of this ever happened.

You can find more information at The Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok.

The post The best bars in Bangkok for breaking up with somebody appeared first on Lifestyle Asia Bangkok.

Looking for a solid reason to visit Melaka? Head to one of these bars when you’re here and let history do all the talking. They’re great for a cocktail, and perfect for a grand time on your next weekend trip to Malaysia.

Malacca city, also known as Melaka, a place celebrated for its cultural richness and historical significance, has undergone significant transformations following the Covid-19 lockdown. On your next trip to this ancient city, make sure to visit some of the most distinctive bars it has to offer, including one that boasts a history extending back a century.

The city is a treasure trove of attractions, from heritage hotels that whisper tales of the past, to cosy cafes that serve as perfect spots for relaxation. While Melaka enjoys a well-deserved reputation as a haven for food enthusiasts, its lively bar scene is often overlooked.

The bars in Melaka present a wide range of experiences for their patrons. For those in the pursuit of innovative and exotic cocktails, BUDI is a must-visit. If you’re interested in immersing yourself in the city’s history, you should head to Sin Hiap Hin, a bar that has been serving customers for a hundred years. Melaka has a bar to cater to every taste and preference.

The cityscape is also speckled with a number of old-school bars, each bearing its unique narrative deeply rooted in the rich history of one of Malaysia’s oldest states. These establishments not only offer a great selection of drinks but also a glimpse into the city’s past. A tour of these bars could be the ideal reason to plan a southern sojourn.

(Hero image: Tipsy Bridge / Featured image: Lepak Panda)

The best bars in Melaka

The post Weekend trip ideas: The best bars in Melaka for great cocktails appeared first on Lifestyle Asia Bangkok.

Many love drinking. A lot love sports. Some guy had the bright idea to combine the two (probably Irish), and here we are. Scroll along for the best of sports bars in Bangkok.

Sports bars are a vibe you need to experience at least once. Fans arrive to cheer on their favourite teams appearing on the live screen as they chug ice-cold beer and discuss the game with like-minded individuals. From football to horse riding and car racing—these spots are full or energetic, passionate people, and the atmosphere will definitely reflect that. Even if you’re not a fan of any sport, the unique liveliness will keep you hyped till late.

[Featured Image Credit: Jimmy Conover/Unsplash]

Dining

Bangkok’s greatest craft beer bars to chill out with a cold one

Dining

The best new bars and cocktail menus in Bangkok right now

Some of the best sports bars you can find in Bangkok

Howler Bar & Grill

Open daily, 5pm-midnight

There’s a lot of things to look forward to on your night out at Howler. Live Premier League matches and other sports on screens, live music bands, the great drinks—these are all things that make this spot one of a kind. The part you definitely don’t want miss, however, is the food. They feature mouthwatering delicacies from America, Asia, and Europe. Order the beef risotto, fine de claire oysters, and your favourite drink, and bask in the gorgeous view of the Chao Phraya river right beside you.

Howler Bar & Grill, 72 Charoen Krung Road, Bang Rak, Bangkok. Nearest station: Saphan Taksin, BTS.

Brewski Rooftop

Open daily, 5pm-1am

Add some sophistication to your next live sports session at Brewski. The bar is located on the 30th floor, as part of the rooftop of the Radisson Blu Plaza. Cheer on your favourite teams as you feel the cool evening breeze and watch the panoramic view of the bustling city of Bangkok. Don’t worry about the food either, as they offer amazing burgers and barbecue ribs, as well as a large platter to share with the group. 100 craft beers and ciders available also makes this venue a destination for beer lovers.

Brewski Rooftop, Radisson Blu Plaza 489 Sukhumvit Rd, Khlong Toei Nuea, Khlong Toei, Bangkok. Nearest station: Asok, BTS; Sukhumvit, MRT.

Ale House Riverside

Open daily, 4pm-midnight

Riverside vibes have never failed to impress the crowd, and Ale House is perfect for both some R&R, or a good ol’ beer and cheer session. Along with a decadent array of food, they feature over 35 beer selections, including craft beer favourites from the local scene. As you wait for your drink, have a big bite out of the signature beef cheek pie infused with craft beer, or the sai oua hot dog.

Ale House Riverside, Millennium Hilton Bangkok, Charoennakorn, Krung Thon Buri Road, Khlong Ton Sai, Khlong San, Bangkok. Nearest station: Charoen Nakhon, BTS.

The Londoner Brew Pub

Open daily, 10am-midnight on weekdays; 9am-midnight on weekends

Established in 1997 by a veteran from London, The Londoner is Bangkok’s oldest micro-brewery. There is an extensive variety of beers straight from the tap, live match viewings, and extremely good food. The lamb shanks and minces are imported from New Zealand, steaks and chopped beef from Australia, US, as well as Argentina, and the fish is sourced from renewable fish farms in the volcanic lake of Lake Toba. Despite being a beer pub, The Londoner Brew Pub features a surprisingly family-friendly atmosphere. It’s the perfect place to introduce your children to your favourite teams.

The Londoner Brew Pub, 1178 Phatthanakan Rd, Suan Luang, Bangkok. Nearest station: Sukhumvit 71, Airport Rail Link.

Roadhouse BBQ Bangkok

Open daily, 11am-1am

Saddle up to Roadhouse BBQ, a three-floor establishment that acts as a hub for both sports fans and hungry visitors alike. With one of the largest selection of draught beers in Bangkok and top-notch barbecue ribs and Buffalo wings, you will find it very hard to leave after entering. They also feature a huge selection of sports from Premier League to rugby and tennis.

Roadhouse BBQ Bangkok, 942 1-4 Rama IV Rd, Suriya Wong, Bang Rak, Bangkok. Nearest station: Sala Daeng, BTS; Silom, MRT.

Shenanigans Irish Sportsbar & Restaurant Bangkok

Open daily, 9am-2am

When it comes to beer, you can trust the Irish. Grab one of those beers from the tap and get your cheer on with the lads at the table. Shenanigans has a weekly sports schedule, so you can plan your nights out early, and they feature live matches from all over the world. Scottish Premiership football? Sure. MotoGP? Of course. Rugby Championship? They’ve got you covered. The all-day breakfast, among other hearty meals served at the pub, are also a big plus.

Shenanigans Irish Sportsbar & Restaurant, 840 Surawong Rd, Si Phraya, Bang Rak, Bangkok. Nearest station: Samyan, MRT.

The Sportsman Sports Bar Bangkok

Open daily, 7am-2am

If you and your friends want to cheer on your favourite teams together, The Sportsman is one of best places in town to accommodate, with their 28 TVs and 8 HD projectors spread across the area. Watch your usual boxing and Commonwealth matches, and discover a new passion for cricket, Australian horse racing, Russian Premier League, and even e-sports. If you’re looking for somewhere more private, their upstairs lounge is open for hosting, equipped with TVs, projector screens, and even arcade machines and karaoke to keep the whole group occupied.

The Sportsman Sports Bar Bangkok, 10 22 Soi Sukhumvit 13, Khlong Toei Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok. Nearest station: Nana, BTS.

The Clubhouse Sports Bar & Grill

Open daily, 9.30am-midnight

Sometimes all you need is a good roast, and with The Clubhouse’s array of hearty recipes, you’ll get your beer and cheer on better than ever. They have a big international menu, happy hours, as well as two big screens and 19 TVs spread over two floors — grab some company because the atmosphere here cannot be matched.

The Clubhouse Sports Bar & Grill, 21/1-3 Soi Sukhumvit 23, Khlong Toei Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok. Nearest station: Asok, BTS; Sukhumvit, MRT.

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Midlife crisis is real. Whether you have it or not, a good drink always helps. So, we talked to Gov Kitibordee of Midlife Crisis bar, from Chiang Mai to Bangkok.

Gov has always been present as a driving force for Thailand’s cocktail industry. After winning the World Class competition in 2019, Kitibordee “Gov” Chortubtim went on to become an integral part of many bars that trailblazed what we know of the scene today. The propaganda-themed Libération, the charming garden that was Wasteland, Thonglor’s cocktail theatre Backstage — all paved the way to the vibrant cocktail bars that we frequent now. Recently winning the Dewar’s Highball Challenge also proves that Gov hasn’t lost any of his Midas touch.

After founding Midlife Crisis in Chiang Mai and bringing it to Bangkok, we feel we can learn more from him about the ever-changing culture that is the Bangkok bar scene. So, we talked to Gov Kitibordee. Here’s what he had to say.

[Hero and featured image credit: Midlife Crisis]

So we talked to Gov Kitibordee of Midlife Crisis

How did Midlife Crisis come to be?

Life. All the partners including me are now in the midlife stage, and the word “crisis” becomes all the more relatable to everyone after having gone through the pandemic. After brainstorming, throwing in a lot of names, and getting nothing, one of the partners said, “Even coming up with a name is such a big problem. What a midlife crisis we’re having.”

That’s how Midlife Crisis come to be: a healing place for your crisis, whatever that may be. After my previous bar Backstage closed its doors, I wanted to explore somewhere different, and Chiang Mai was the top choice after much deliberation. Now, we’re also back in Bangkok.

What’s the difference between Chiang Mai and Bangkok in terms of drinking culture?

The people aren’t different, but Chiang Mai is just smaller than Bangkok. If you compare the amount of people coming in for a cocktail, of course there’s more in Bangkok.

What I love about Chiang Mai is the community. Because the province isn’t big, you can plan a bar hopping session for one night and you can actually go to every cocktail bar. Start at 6, end at midnight. Grab a drink at this bar, then walk five minutes to another bar, then a 10-minute car ride to the bar on the other side of town. It’s so convenient in Chiang Mai, and that goes for the people of the industry, too. It’s much easier to get to know each other in Chiang Mai.

Refreshing, spirit-forward, sweet-and-sour: What’s the hardest drink to make?

The hard part doesn’t depend on what type of drink it is. It depends on the customer you’re serving. I can say that I make the best Negronis in Bangkok, but it doesn’t mean anything to a customer who loves sweet-and-sours and just wanting a sweet-and-sour. Serving them a Negroni, no matter how perfect, won’t make them appreciate it any bit more than any other Negroni.

We always ask customers what kind of drink they like, if they ask for suggestions. I can talk all night about drinks that I like, but at the end of the day, it’s all about the customer.

So what makes a good cocktail?

Cocktails are a form of communication. That means that as the sender, you also need to understand the receiver’s perspective. Of course, the vibes, the concept, the menu — those all help with how we communicate. If you can serve a cocktail, and they understand what they got without you verbally telling them, that’s good communication.

I used to think too much when it comes to making a cocktail. A menu used to be so complex that it could be laid out into a whole book. But as I served it — communicated it — many customers just took a photo, had a sip, and said “oh, it tastes nice.” The photography part got to me a bit, because I poured my soul into that glass, all the complex notes and technical details, just for it to be paired with a caption like #ChillMondays or something like that.

That’s also how the menu at Midlife Crisis was born: hashtags, captions, and social media.

What’s your favourite classic cocktail?

Chrysanthemum. It’s a martini-style cocktail, low-ABV, and has only three ingredients (dry vermouth, Benedictine, and absinthe). Despite having only three ingredients, it’s so complex yet hard to drink, and easy to control your intake.

What’s an underrated classic cocktail in your opinion?

Brooklyn. It’s hard to find because there’s one liqueur that’s not found in Thailand, and it’s quite hard to substitute. It’s comparable to the Manhattan or the Martinez, and the French aperitif Amer Picon is difficult to find.

What makes for the perfect vibe at a cocktail bar?

You need to feel a sense of life in a cocktail bar. Sometimes it’s the guests talking to each other, maybe it’s two people at the bar making conversation over drinks without knowing each other, or even the bartenders conversing with people in the bar seats — that’s the sense of life that makes a cocktail bar. Even if it’s a simple bar with plastic seats, serve them good drinks and having the place be filled with life, that is the vibe.

Now there are more cocktail competitions for Bangkok bartenders to take part in, what’s your secret to pass through to the last rounds as a competition veteran?

Understand that winning is great, but losing doesn’t make you any less of a bartender. Competitions aren’t about being the best bartender, it’s about being in the right place at the right time — to show that you’re the right person for them.

The secret is all about the mindset; that losing isn’t the end of the world. That way, you have nothing to lose. That way, you can still retain that passion for future competitions that will fit you more.

What are your favourite bars in Bangkok?

If you go to Ladprao, there’s this place called Pathe. It’s not a cocktail bar, but the service mind is through the roof. I can get a beer anywhere, but the beers are ice cold, and they change your mug to another one from the freezer every 10 minutes, even if your order just one bottle of beer. If they see the ice in your mug starting to melt, they come over and change it right away.

I’ve been drinking at Pathe for over 20 years. The charm of Pathe is that it’s full of people having a good time, making conversation with one another. It’s always loud, but never noisy. It’s full of life, and that’s why it’s a refreshing place to be at.

Any advice for bartenders just starting out?

Too late to say run away now [laughs]. I’ve been in the industry for a long time now. I see a lot of changes throughout the year and I also see a lot of passion. It’s a good thing to have, but too much passion can also be damaging.

You can idolise a person in the industry, but you also have to consider what that person had to go through before he got to such a position, all the things they create, and all the steps they had to take. Sometimes you think too much of how to reach the tenth step without even considering how to get over the second. The basic things are the most important, and you can’t rush that no matter how much passion you have. If you do it right, your time will come eventually.

Midlife Crisis BKK, 173, 3 Soi Sukhumvit 16, Khlong Toei, Bangkok. Open daily, 7pm-12.30am. Midlife Crisis CNX, Chang Moi Kao Rd, Tambon Chang Moi, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai. Open Tue-Sun, 5pm-12.30am.

The post So we talked bar journeys with Gov Kitibordee of Midlife Crisis appeared first on Lifestyle Asia Bangkok.

Bangkok’s craft beer scene is booming, and the beer bars are reflecting that. These places really put the “ayyyy” in IPAyyy, and they’re perfect for a night out in town.

Unlike the three mass-produced distributors not to be named, these handcrafted artisanal beers offer new flavours and sensations from malty sweetness to bright herbal hops. Even better, an increasing number of local bars and pubs now specialise in them. Read on for our pick of Bangkok’s best craft beer bars, and get ready to expand your palate.

[Hero and featured image credit: Josh Olalde/Unsplash]

Dining

The best new bars and cocktail menus in Bangkok right now

Dining

The best new bars and cocktail menus in Bangkok right now

Bangkok’s greatest craft beer bars to chill out with a cold one

Hair of the Dog

Mon-Sat, 5pm-midnight

A collaborative effort between a couple of Canadian beer lovers, Hair of the Dog is a long-standing establishment for those who enjoy a cold one. Both locations in Phloen Chit and Phrom Phong have 13 rotating taps and hundreds of handpicked bottles from the around the world, including the United States, New Zealand, Vietnam, Holland and Thailand. So whatever kind you feel like, there’s bound to be one to enjoy or to discover.

Hair of the Dog, Mahatun Plaza, 2nd Floor, 888/26 Ploenchit Road, Lumpini, Patumwan, Bangkok.

Brewski

Open daily, 5pm-1am

Beer and grilled meats have always been a winning combo, and Brewski’s at the top of their game on that regard. Nestled on the 30th floor of the Radisson Blu Plaza, Brewski is Bangkok’s highest craft beer rooftop bar with 12 international craft beers on tap, plus a big collection of bottles, from New Zealand and the United States to Thailand and Japan. They’ve also got some interesting beer-infused tapas to snack on, such as IPA pate and beer ceviche, as well as dishes to share with friends, including a metre-long burrito.

Brewski, Radisson Blu Plaza, Klongtoey Nua, Wattana, 489 Sukhumvit Rd Tan, Khlong 30th floor, Khlong Toei, Bangkok.

Mikkeller Bangkok

Open daily, 5pm-midnight on weekdays; 11am-midnight on weekends

From Copenhagen to Ekkamai, Mikkel Borg Bjergsø, the man behind Mikkeller microbrewery, has been experimenting with flavours, textures, and techniques in the art of craft beer brewing since 2006. The bar not only offers a wide range of internationally acclaimed selections from Mikkeller, but also 30 taps of the finest beers from around the world. Mikkeller Bar offers bar snacks and small bites for beer pairing; keep an eye out for their barbecue nights, fun lawn parties held outside of the taproom.

Mikkeller Bangkok, 26 Ekkamai 10 Alley, Lane 2, Khwaeng Phra Khanong Nuea, Khet Watthana, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon.

Beer Pradith

Open daily, 5pm-2am

Even with the limiting laws and regulations on alcohol, Thai people with a passion still looks for ways to thrive with their craft. Such is the case with Beer Pradith as they settled into Banthat Thong road. Being a local craft beer bar and a brewery, they offer interesting IPAs very hard to find elsewhere, including their own house recipe. If you’re in the mood for an adventure or simply curious to learn more, ask for a flight of beers, each with their own interesting characteristics.

Beer Pradith, 2030 Thanon Banthat Thong, Wang Mai, Pathum Wan, Bangkok.

Tai Soon Bar

Open daily, 1pm-1am

Cracked cement walls, dimly-lit warm lights, red lanterns adorning the ceiling — the old Chinese shophouse aesthetic always boasts an intimate setting, and it’s excellent for sampling craft beers. Tai Soon features rotating taps of interesting IPAs, equipped with knowledgable staff to help you find your new favourite. Whether you’re looking for something more citrusy and sweet, or thick with malt, they’ve got you covered. Being located near the Michelin-starred Jay Fai is also a plus for many tourists.

Tai Soon Bar, 190 Maha Chai Rd, Samran Rat, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok.

Save Our Souls

Open daily, 11am-12.30am; 5pm-12.30am on Mondays

Located on the west side of the river, Save Our Souls have 11 rotating taps, as well as an array of beer cans local and international. Beers change weekly, but the popular ones will stay for a while. It’s one of those places you stumble by for a beer and end up becoming a regular, with a small living room-esque feeling, a knowledgable owner, and great food to pair. Arrive on an empty stomach because their burgers and kraprao are nothing short of impressive.

Save Our Souls, Charoen Nakhon Rd, Khlong Ton Sai, Khlong San, Bangkok.

Duke of Beerington

Tue-Sun, 11am-2pm; 5-11pm

Located near BTS Thonglor station, Duke of Beerington has established itself as a bottle shop with seats that turn into a sort of community space for beer lovers of Sukhumvit. They have three rotating taps with a large selection of craft beers by the bottle and can, so there’s always something to look forward to.

You can find more information at Duke of Beerington.

The post Bangkok’s greatest craft beer bars to chill out with a cold one appeared first on Lifestyle Asia Bangkok.

If you’re a fan of premium brands like G.H. Mumm, Ki no bi, Absolut, Código, Jameson, and many more, check out our recap of Pernod Ricard’s Le Cercle Bar pop-up.

Born in Marseille in 1805, this renowned liquor company has transformed into one of the world’s largest wine and spirits sellers. However, it wasn’t until 1975 that Pernod finally united with Ricard to form what we recognise as Pernod Ricard. With its rich history spanning back to its inception, the brand’s global footprint now extends to 73 countries with distribution in over 160. The company’s success has become a testament to Pernod Ricard’s legacy and its success in the formidable liquor industry. 

Embodying the essence of convivialité or conviviality, Pernod Ricard’s core values centre around fostering genuine, friendly, and responsible social connections. With an impressive portfolio of iconic labels including Chivas, Martell, Absolut, Jameson, Kahlúa, Malibu, Mumm, Deacon, and more, each brand under Pernod Ricard embodies the company’s principles. These labels have their own unique history and role in creating special moments for customers, bringing people together to celebrate and enjoy the convivialité.

[All images courtesy of Pernod Ricard]

Pernod Ricard launches an exclusive Le Cercle Bar pop-up at ICONSIAM

Le Cercle Bar

Recently, Pernod Ricard hosted a spectacular pop-up bar named Le Cercle Bar in Thailand at ICONSIAM. With a stunning riverside view, the pop-up showcased a selection of cocktails from around the globe. The event, held from 29-31 March, welcomed guests who had the opportunity to test and try numerous delicious concoctions. And since the brand embraces the spirit of conviviality, Pernod Ricard invited two talented guest bartenders. These mixologists include Dodoh from Revolucion Cocktail Bar and Dicky Hortono from Firefly, Sindhorn Kempinski Hotel, to craft unique signature drink menus.

One standout cocktail that captured our taste buds was the Yuzuri, featuring the exquisite Ki no bi Sei gin as its base. This floral, aromatic, and creamy gin blended harmoniously with krachai yuzu cordial, lemon, and tonic water. It was the perfect cocktail that helped rejuvenate the body after being in Bangkok’s hot and humid climate. Another delightful creation was the Taste Me Fizz Me, a citrusy, cold, and incredibly aromatic concoction that left us craving more. Other delicious drinks also included the Mexican Firefly and Guava Gimlet, made by Dicky Hortono from Firefly. Both cocktails had either fruity or vegetal notes, but overall were super refreshing. 

G. H. Mumm booth

In addition to the Le Cercle Bar, Pernod Ricard featured two other booths, G. H. Mumm and Deacon, each offering a unique and delightful experience. At the G. H. Mumm booth, guests indulged in the exquisite offerings of one of the most esteemed Champagne houses in the world. Locals and tourists alike were treated to the effervescent charm of this exceptional bubbly, savouring every sip in a celebration of luxury and elegance.

Deacon booth

Meanwhile, the Deacon booth presented its renowned Scotch Whisky with a refreshing twist. Served with soda and a charred orange slice, the Deacon experience was elevated to new heights with the tangy beat. 

For further information about Pernod Ricard, please visit their website here. 

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Bangkok has a lot of cocktail bars. You can go outside, throw a stone, and it’ll hit three bars. Therefore, even the bars that are perhaps more lowkey are worth checking out. Let these places sweep you off your feet.

When in Bangkok, many have their own criteria for which cocktail bar they should visit. Maybe you refer to the awards and accolades these cocktail bars have received on both local and international stages. Sometimes you may look at the location, and explore whichever are the nearest places. Perhaps, you follow online guides, but notice a lot also feature the same places over and over again. We think it’s time to discover new places: under-the-radar, low-key, local favourites. Here’s a few of them.

[Hero image credit: Bar Glide/Facebook; featured image credit: Cooling Tower Rooftop Bar]

Under-the-radar cocktail bars to discover in Bangkok

Kodo Bar

Tue-Sun, 5pm-midnight

In a country relatively new to cocktails, getting young people to understand cocktails is key, and Kodo is a great place for that. Located on Banthat Thong road above a Japanese restaurant, the bar serves as a sanctuary for many students of the nearby Chulalongkorn University, introducing the world of cocktails to them. Their menu changes depending on the season, utilising Japanese ingredients for the Thai palette. If you’re looking for a low-key experience, this is a lovely place to visit after dinner.

Why it’s under the radar: Banthat Thong road is not known for cocktail bars, but for the abundance of street food and dessert places. The bar team may have less experience compared to award-winning bars, but the hospitality and passion they exude makes up for it.

You can find more information at Kodo Bar. 1372, 3rd Floor, Wangmai, Pathum Wan, Bangkok.

Hex Bar

Open daily, 6pm-1am

After treating your body and soul to the sheer amount of food in Yaowarat, walk down to Hex for something refreshing for a nightcap or two. Vanich 1 is a dark and rather quiet soi in the evening, so you’ll see this bar standing out. Their storefront is a magical potions shop, with a burning cauldron, shelves with trinkets, and a fake wall that will take you to the actual speakeasy. It’s as if the Ollivander’s wand shop from Harry Potter turned into a Bangkok cocktail bar, and it’s charming to say the least.

Highlights include the “Hexing Potion,” with rye whisky infused with giant water bugs as the base, and a lot of added herbs from rosemary to Sichuan pepper. There’s also the “Speed Potion,” a rum-based drink made from bergamot, pandan, ginger, and garnished with kaffir lime.

Why it’s under the radar: Vanich 1 is quiet after dark, and the world-famous Opium Bar is just around twenty steps from Hex.

You can find more information at Hex Bar. 412 Vanich 1 Road, Samphanthawong, Bangkok.

Rogue Affair

Tue-Sun, 6pm-1am

It’s the James Bond-themed bar we all deserve. They’re great at Martinis, and on quieter nights you’ll be able to join a few rounds on their poker mat (no actual gambling, of course). It’s also perfect if you’re the type to go solo, for their hospitality is so warm it’s like they built a sort of community of their own. Their cocktail menu is themed after playing cards: Jack, Queen, King, and Ace, with four drinks for each category. They also have secret menus available for those who know the code word. Try ordering a “Green Russian” and ask them for its story.

If you’re with some company, the “King – Spade” will hold ’em with you, made with truffle-infused whisky, Cynar, cherry heering, some dark chocolate, and a sprinkle of salt. The “Jack – Diamond,” a mezcal-based drink with mead, jasmine, lime cordial, and honey liqueur is so good it will make you go all in.

Why it’s under the radar: Any bar that’s located a short walk away from Vesper is easily overshadowed no matter how good they may be. Plus, being in a boutique hotel with no bar sign out front can be a bit challenging for those simply walking by.

You can find more information at Rogue Affair. Passa Hotel, 63 Sala Daeng 2 Alley, Silom, Bang Rak, Bangkok.

Yoichi Nikka

Mon-Sat, 6pm-1am

Yoichi Nikka is one of the most authentic Tokyo bar experiences you can get in Bangkok, so much so that there’s a cover charge before you get to order. The House of Suntory and House of Nikka are two foremost whisky distilleries in Japan. Each is well-respected by whisky lovers in their own right, but in Thailand, we would say that Suntory is a little bit more popular. In fact, Yoichi Nikka is the first and only Nikka bar in Thailand. So, the bar makes for a great opportunity to see Nikka whisky in action. Perhaps the occasion calls for a tasting flight?

We would recommend signature cocktails, but their array of highballs is simply amazing — refreshing, light, just the right amount of peatiness from the whisky. The “Black Pepper Highball” works surprisingly well, and serves as a great after dinner drink.

Why it’s under the radar: Sukhumvit 30 doesn’t really have anything for people to walk into, and the bar itself doesn’t boast big signs to declare itself as a bar. Japanese dining spot Yoichi is right next door, so it’s perfect for people to come in after dinner, but apart from that, it’s pretty understated and doesn’t get much media attention.

You can find more information at Yoichi Nikka. 2, 12 Sukhumvit 30 Alley, Khlong Tan, Khlong Toei, Bangkok.

Bar Glide

Tues-Sun, 6pm-1am

Bar Glide aims to take you on a journey of Japan’s most famous bars and see what makes them so great, as well as charge you THB 500++ for a Campari Highball. Coupled with the city pop they have on, DJs coming in regularly, and the bar seats facing the windows, the vibes are basically if Miki Matsubara’s Stay With Me became a cocktail bar in Bangkok. Bonus points for atmosphere when it’s raining.

The bar shines the most through their signatures, including the “Dirty Fizz,” a gin fizz with olive brine, and “Eternal Sunshine,” made with H by Hine VSOP cognac, bianco vermouth, apricot jam, lime, apple, and a little bit of absinthe.

Why it’s under the radar: Bar Glide is located inside restaurant Sushi KiShin at the St Regis Bangkok, which is located on the hotel’s 12th floor. It has no signage outside, and is opposite The St Regis Bar that has live jazz blasting into the halls.

You can find more information at Bar Glide. 12 Floor, St Regis Bangkok, Rajadamri, Lumphini, Pathum Wan, Bangkok.

Cooling Tower Rooftop Bar

Open daily, 5pm-midnight

An al fresco rooftop bar hits different; the chill breeze that wafts through your hair coupled with refreshing drinks make Bangkok’s climate just a little bit more bearable. Cooling Tower sits atop the Carlton Hotel Bangkok, with a menu inspired by the 12 zodiac signs. Each drink is created as a twist on a classic cocktail, so if you’re a fan of classics and looking for new spins on them, this is a pretty nice place to hang.

We strongly recommend trying the “Virgo,” a fun spin on the usual gin and tonic, but with Hendrick’s Neptunia, blossom Monin syrup, beetroot bitter, and Fentimans pink grapefruit tonic; along with the “Aries,” made with Monkey Shoulder, St. George Nola coffee, espresso, honey comb, and a few dashes of chocolate bitters.

Why it’s under the radar: Bangkok has, give or take, a hundred rooftop bars, so this rooftop bar manages to hide under the radar. It doesn’t host events and guest shifts regularly, so even if there’s quite a number of guests from the hotel, Cooling Tower can feel like a more relaxed experience compared to other rooftop bars.

You can find more information at Cooling Tower Rooftop Bar. 34th floor, Carlton Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 491 Sukhumvit Road Klongtoey Nua, 491 Sukhumvit Rd, Khlong Toei Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok.

Bees Things & Flowers

Tue-Sun, 5pm-midnight

This bar fulfils a niche in our hearts we never thought we needed: having a drink while watching the cars of Maitri Chitr intersection driving by. The name “Bees Things & Flowers” came from the 2006 song Everybody Loves Sunshine by Incognito. Along with their signature cocktail selection, they’re great at making modern classics. It’s a fine way to introduce yourself to new classics if you’re in an experimental mood and looking for something other than your usual Negroni.

When was the last time you heard someone order the Benny Blanco? It’s a very refreshing aperitif with a kick from chili liqueur, and it might just be your new favourite.

Why it’s under the radar: The general area is surrounded by well-known bars, such as Soi Nana’s Teens of Thailand, Asia Today, GOD, and more, as well as the very photogenic Lucky Duck bar next door. Three flights of stairs also don’t help, but the view is so worth it, and the venue is perfect for a date night.

You can find more information at Bees Things & Flowers.

The post Under-the-radar cocktail bars to discover in Bangkok appeared first on Lifestyle Asia Bangkok.

The hospitality sector is one of the more women-friendly industries in the world. So, why is it harder to find a female bar manager than a man in charge in Thailand?

Thailand has firmly established itself as a tourism country, as such, we get to see women in hospitality shine through roles that employ a large number of women. This includes hotel staff, spa therapists, hostesses, and more. In spite of that data, research shows that only 32% of women hold senior positions in mid-market companies.

Thailand’s bar industry, specifically, seems to advance slower for women compared to others in the hospitality sector. The large gender pay gap in accordance with the higher level of management jobs also does not help.

Historically, being a bartender is “not a woman’s job.” In 1950, The New York Times published an article saying that women should not bartend, as “a woman cannot talk as well as a man, a woman can’t handle a drunk as well as a man,” and that female bartenders distract men too much. Unfortunately, Michigan’s Bartenders’ Union of the time seemed to agree with the article.

According to a historical review by Amy Holtman French of Central Michigan University, members of the Michigan’s Bartenders’ Union excluded women from the ranks of the union, therefore not allowing women to be included in political soirées and mingling with influential members of the community. They pushed for (and passed) the law to prohibit women from bartending, in order to keep the profession for the “breadwinners” of the family, declaring bartenders as a “sacred profession of males.”

It took around 30 years of continued pressure and an amount of court cases for women to be on equal grounds as men as a bartender, legislatively, but how much has really changed? 

[Hero and featured image credit: Jakub Dziubak/Unsplash]

Where are all the female bar managers in Thailand?

That gender disparity had also been present for Siam, but without the grand rebellion. The Bamboo Bar at the Oriental Hotel (now Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok), is often attributed as the first cocktail bar in Thailand. In April 2023, Chanel Adams became its first female bar manager, after almost 70 years of operation.

“There are some jobs that are still seen as ‘more honourable’ than others in Asian cultures,” Chanel explains. “And if you’re looking to advance your career to a higher level, family life is out the window. You have a baby and it gets extremely hard, but a man can get around that much easier.”

She adds, “Bartenders have communities and people from different bars meet, do activities outside of work. There still isn’t a big enough female community, or someone that helps to bring us together to the degree that male bartending communities get yet.”

Certainly, many Asians don’t see women and alcohol as something that should be paired together. The Singapore Sling was first created because the drink resembles fruit juice, which was perfect because it was socially unacceptable for women to be consuming alcohol. Diageo, one of the global leaders in alcoholic beverages, stated that it is still a stereotype present in Asia to see spirits and alcoholic beverages being gendered as a result of cultural norms. “In whisky advertising, you’ll rarely see women as the lead,” Diageo says in an interview.

Fahbeer, owner and bar manager of Lost in Thaislation, adds that there is simply not enough security, especially in clubs and bars with more fast-paced environments. “A big part of the job is dealing with people. Sure, cocktail bars like mine won’t see a lot of rowdy guests, but what about the women working in clubs and pubs? Drunk guests aren’t the best to be reasoned with, so are there enough bouncers at the venue? Someone close enough to the bar to help when there’s trouble?”

Moreover, we simply do not have that long of a history regarding bars and cocktails compared to the female bartenders of Michigan. While alcohol production and consumption in Thailand has been present at least since the 1400s in the form of white rice distilled spirits, the first written mention in the United States to refer to a drink as a “cocktail” was in 1806 on The Balance and The Columbian Repository. Thailand, on the contrary, is familiar with the spirit-and-mixer combination, but the oldest recording of a cocktail is through The Bamboo Bar, which opened in 1953.

Consumption is culture, and culture is resilient. It takes time for culture to meet with change, especially for a culture that is ingrained in our communities as we grow up. The spirit-and-mixer combination is what many Thais remember as “the way” to consume alcohol, so cocktail culture instead becomes something for people to be exposed to; something people try for themselves.

As drinking culture sees a shift towards cocktails, we can expect more women to be interested in the art of mixology. Still, that does not mean all we can do is sit and wait for bars to employ more women. We can facilitate cultural change by supporting Thailand’s female mixologists. Try their creations, listen to their stories, visit their bars.

“There will be change when there’s a demand,” explains Chanel. “Go try their cocktails, share their posts on social media, comment when you see media outlets featuring bars and leaving out women. Even though there’s not a lot of women in the spotlight, there still is enough for them to be featured.”

The post Where are all the female bar managers in Thailand? appeared first on Lifestyle Asia Bangkok.

The capital isn’t the only place with all the fun nightlife and photogenic speakeasies. Chiang Mai has established itself as a destination for cocktail aficionados everywhere, and we know the best bars in Chiang Mai to head to.

Chiang Mai isn’t just known for cafes — not anymore. The city after dark has become one of the best areas in all of the kingdom to explore your palates. Of course, it’s always nice to see the all the creativity packed into a glass, but the highlight is certainly that during low season, it is entirely possible to hop to all of these places in one night. The abundance of transportation coupled with the fact that these bars are not too far apart, makes one night in Chiang Mai such an adventurous one.

Read on, see where you need to be, and what exactly to order.

[Hero and featured image credit: THUUB Bar/Facebook]

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The White Rabbit

Open daily, 6pm-midnight

Certainly one of the must-visit destinations for bar lovers when in Chiang Mai, The White Rabbit is that place with the good lighting perfect for sitting at the bar and watching the bartenders work their magic. This speakeasy boasted itself, rightfully, as the recipient of the best bar in Chiang Mai, as well as being the No. 18 in all of Thailand according to Thailand’s 20 Best Bars. Signatures change monthly representing the seasons as well as the ingredients available.

You can find more information at The White Rabbit. 179/1 Floor 2 Phrapokklao Rd, Sriphum district, Mueang Chiang Mai.

Bitter Truth

Open daily, 6-11.50pm

Located in the Old Town area of Chiang Mai, Bitter Truth boasts a living room-style interior with an intimate atmosphere. Coming in hot at No. 20 on Thailand’s 20 Best Bars, the bar team presents cosy hospitality and a series of signature drinks for those who walk through the door. Of course, Chiang Mai is famous for their produce, and their drinks reflect that fact perfectly.

The “BTT 60” is a sweet-and-sour drink with a tequila and mezcal base, presenting beautiful notes of cilantro, longan, and apple cider vinegar. They also make an amazing Manhattan.

You can find more information at Bitter Truth. 95, 2 Samlarn Rd, Tambon Phra Sing, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai.

Nophaburi Bar

Open daily, 6pm-midnight

Apart from their warm hospitality, Nophaburi Bar is also known for a giant neon sign mounted on the wall that reads “This bar is better than Teens of Thailand, too.” A cheeky nod to Bangkok’s Soi Nana drinks scene, the vibes of the place are just as cheeky, with DJs playing on the regular, bartenders entertaining guests in front of the bar, and many nods and references to Thai culture scattered across the bar.

Nophaburi aims to show off Thai spirits, and their quality does not fall short. Try their take on the whisky sour called “Pitsamai” with a Thai brandy base. It’s a slight variation from the classic that boasts complex notes you’ll find in brandy, enhanced with a little lemon juice and syrup.

You can find more information at Nophaburi. 75/1 Samlaan Rd., Phasingh, Mueang, Chiang Mai.

The Continental Bar

Open daily, 6pm-midnight

When we opened the menu at The Continental Bar for the first time, a quote takes up the whole first page that reads “The moment you sat down at my table, you already lost.” Yes, the drinks concept is centred around the John Wick franchise. The neon sign welcoming you into the bar says, “Enter at your own risk.” Everything here seems like a threat, but the bartender explains the concept, and it clicks.

Drinks you should try on your first go include the “Mr. Wick,” a spirit-forward cocktail made from Samuel Gelston’s whiskey (a spirit we don’t see often in Thailand), gold rum, tiramisu, and apple yogurt, as well as the “Helen,” a floral, foamy cocktail with pink gin, jasmine, and lychee puree.

You can find more information at The Continental Bar. 53 Nimmana Haeminda Rd Lane 5, Tambon Su Thep, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai.

Before Dawn

Open daily, 6pm-12.30am

We have limited time before dawn, the drink we choose has to count. Before Dawn houses Parbun Bunragsatrakul, winner of Diageo World Class Thailand 2023, and we’ve never seen anyone leaving the establishment without a smile on their face. The menu has beautiful signature cocktails that pair well with the food from their kitchen, and they boast an impressive wine list for those who are craving a glass or two.

For those who enjoy a good Bloody Mary, they have an inventive twist of this classic, produced with zero waste, too. The “Tomato Effect” is made through lacto-fermentation, a process that involves using bacteria to break down sugars in food to make lactic acid. The tomatoes left over after being juiced are dried to make thin crackers, added as a garnish on top.

You can find more information at Before Dawn. 5/5 Nimman soi 5 Suthep Muang, Chiang Mai.

Midlife Crisis

Open daily, 5pm-12.30am

Nobody likes a midlife crisis, but perhaps you can confront it just a bit better with a good cocktail in hand. Chiang Mai’s bar Midlife Crisis is centred around living in the now, with names of each drink inspired by cheesy love quotes on social media. With the menu created by Gov Kitibordee, winner of Dewar’s Highball Challenge Thailand, you know it’s going to be a good time.

Highlights you should try include the “#unpassionatepassionfruit” with a white rum base, hazelnut, orange, milk, passionfruit, and pandan foam, as well as the “#lovelesslotus,” a simple yet effective spirit forward cocktail made from Dewar’s with lotus and strawberry vermouth.

You can find more information at Midlife Crisis. Chang Moi Kao Rd, Tambon Chang Moi, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai.

THUUB Bar

Open daily, 6pm-midnight

THUUB is beloved by both locals and foreign visitors for their mixology. Sometimes you’re just in the mood for a simple Negroni, and they offer a good one at a reasonable price. Sometimes, you want to try something new. You want to embark on an adventure after sitting in the office all day, and THUUB is great at incorporating ingredients you normally wouldn’t expect in a cocktail. Still, it somehow works.

Highlights to try include the “Prai-Rum-Phan,” a drink for those with a sweet tooth with Thai rhum agricole, basil and pandan syrup, and candle-smoked coconut milk, as well as the “Thong-Suk,” a clash of cultures in a glass combining Irish whiskey, Irish cream, citrus, durian, and served with sweet sticky rice.

You can find more information at THUUB Bar. 88 Chaiyapoom Rd, Tambon Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai

Forbidden Bar

Open daily, 6pm-midnight

We’re not saying we only visit Forbidden Bar because of their special buy-one-get-one on Negronis from 6-8pm, but it definitely does help. The bar is reminiscent of a classic gentlemen’s club with velvet and dark wood colour combos, with corner seats perfect for a photo opp or two. If you’re there alone, the bar seats are perfect to watch all the magic unfold.

Among their signatures, the most popular has to be the “Mango Sticky Rice.” We know there’s a lot of bars with their own versions in Thailand, but their take with tequila, sake, Jasmine rice syrup, mango puree, and a pinch of salt sparks joy in our hearts. Or perhaps you’d love the low-ABV “Queen Bees” with umeshu honey base, apple juice, and elderflower syrup.

You can find more information at Forbidden Bar. 4, 2 Nimmana Haeminda Rd Lane 5, Tambon Su Thep, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai.

Looper & Co.

Open daily, 6pm-midnight

Looper & Co. is a cosy little coffee shop by day, and a cocktail bar by night. The best places in the house are certainly a toss up between the bar watching all the action, and the small round table by the window that you can watch the world go by outside as you take a sip. It’s an intimate place with DJs on the regular and bartenders who aren’t afraid to have fun with you. Although, we never got to ask about the big neon sign up front that says “Sex After Drinks.” Is it a suggestion? Is it an order? Is there a rate card for that? All the more reasons to return to the bar.

Whatever the mood you’re in, the “Honey Toast” is perfect for it. It’s a simple-yet-effective drink made with gin fat-washed with chocolate and butter. It’s fun, it’s creamy, and also works as a digestif.

You can find more information at Looper & Co.. 151 Ratchawong Rd, Tambon Chang Moi, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai.

Noir CMI

Open daily, 7pm-1am

Chiang Mai has a certain vibe that cannot be shaken off — the calm, serene evening with welcoming people with smiles all around, now picture that with live jazz in the air. Noir CMI is certainly one of the best bars for a date night, with a variety of jazz available for your pleasure, from swing to neo-soul. The only trouble you may have is finding the entrance to this hidden bar.

Their signature drinks pay homage to famous jazz icons throughout history, such as Louis Armstrong, Chet Baker, Miles Davis, and more. The bar team also does an amazing array of classics, which happen to pair so well with the live jazz. Ask for a Reverse Manhattan, and you won’t be disappointed.

You can find more information at Noir CMI. 33 11 Charoen Prathet Rd, Tambon Chang Moi, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai.

Jack Bain’s Bar Chiang Mai

Open daily, 5-11pm

Tucked inside the historic 137 Pillars House Chiang Mai, guests are invited to surround themselves with the building’s heritage and the charm that dates back to the 19th century. Perhaps pop by for an afternoon tea, and onto the bar for a refreshing glass of whatever you prefer. The cocktail selections scream “old world,” listing both common classics and lesser-known ones. They’re steeped in history, such as the Myanmar-made Pegu Club, or the Godfather that pairs whisky with almond liqueur.

Signature cocktails are slight variations on classics showcasing Thai ingredients. Highlights include “The Elephant Runner,” a twist on the Rum Runner with gold rum, fruit juices, and banana liqueur, as well as their take on an Old-Fashioned using bourbon and sweet vermouth.

You can find more information at Jack Bain’s Bar. Wat Kaet 1 Alley, Tambon Chang Moi, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai

Caravan Bar

Open daily, 5pm-midnight

Sophisticated yet spirited, Caravan Bar is one of the lively get-together places in Chiang Mai. This one-stop destination not only offers a wide range of boozy beverages, but also offers a wide range of seating options to chill in while adoring the wooden interior that spells out the old-world charm. From a mood-lit bar to a couch-filled lounge, there’s something for everyone at this trendy spot. As for the drinks, the extensive menu ranges from a curated wine list to a selection of single malts to cocktails.

Their signatures are cocktails inspired by ingredients people of Thailand knows and love, such as “Bakham Kham” centred around tamarind, “Hom Duan” with mint, “Khao Nuan” with jasmine, and more.

You can find more information at Caravan Bar. 37 Nimmana Haeminda Rd Lane 9, Tambon Su Thep, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai.

The post Chiang Mai bars: 12 places to get the best cocktails up North appeared first on Lifestyle Asia Bangkok.

To all the Thai review pages out there: just because a bar isn’t on the main road doesn’t make it a “hidden bar.” Here’s a look at speakeasies in Bangkok that are worth going to (once you find them).

Apart from the food and the shopping, one of the things Bangkok is certainly known for is the nightlife. We’re spoiled for choice when we hit the streets looking for a good drink, and a popular trend that hit the city in recent years is the “hidden bar.” A speakeasy in Bangkok is dime a dozen, but the ones worth going to may not be that easy to stumble upon.

A location with minimal signage, loyal customers, hidden in plain sight—there may be more of these than you imagined, so let us let you in on some of the secrets.

[Hero image credit: Midsummer Night’s Dream; featured image credit: opmbkk/Facebook]

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Find the Photo Booth

Wed-Mon, 7pm-late

A refreshing reopening with a location change, Find the Photo Booth is now providing delicious drinks to patrons of Banthat Thong road. In order to get in, you’ll need to find a photobooth parlour, find the right photobooth, and press the button to get in.

The signature menus are themed after musical notes, featuring renditions of classics both popular and lesser-known, such as the Clover Club, or Sea Dog, and more. These drinks go amazingly well paired with the live music available every day of operation.

Bantathong Road, Wang Mai, Khet Pathum Wan, Bangkok. Nearest station: Siam, BTS;  Samyan, MRT. You can find more information Find the Photo Booth, or book via Chope.

Salon du Japonisant

Tues-Sun, 6pm-1am

When it comes to getting a drink after a long day, you don’t need much more than a cocktail you know you like. Salon du Japonisant is perfect for getting a classic, done right and at the optimal temperature and dilution. If you want something new, they also offer classic twists as a signature. Seeing as the venue is by importer and distributer Bacchus Global, the prices on these creations are more than fair.

You’ll find this bar in an unmarked corner shophouse located next to Hanakaruta, which takes a bit of courage to go in for the first time. Once you find it, you’ll find yourself back there again in no time.

36/5 Soi Sukhumvit 39 Sukhumvit Rd., Klongton Nua, Watthana, Bangkok. Nearest station: Phrom Phong, BTS. You can find more information at Salon du Japonisant..

Find The Locker Room

Open daily, 6pm-late

If you see the rows of lockers, you’ve found The Locker Room. To even get there, you’ll need to take your chances walking into a random, small, dimly-lit hallway in Thonglor, and we know what happened last time we did that.

Once you do manage to enter, you’ll be greeted with great drinks and excellent service that will linger with you for a long while. Plus, from personal experience, please, pretty please try the shrimp dumplings.

Over on the cocktail side, the must-try drink is the “Who Wears Short Shorts,” a drink inspired by the ’70s, made with three layers. You can taste each individually or all at once—both are equally great. It’s actually the favourite drink of their beverage director.

406 Thong Lo, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok. Nearest station: Thonglor, BTS. You can find more information at Find The Locker Room.

The Key Room No. 72

Open daily, 6pm-late

Josh Hotel’s The Key Room has stayed with the Ari neighbourhood for a long while, establishing itself firmly as one of Bangkok’s OG speakeasies, and one of the go-to places while in the area. Getting in requires you to go through the reception at Josh Hotel and getting a physical keycard to tap in.

The signature cocktails are inspired by notes from famous composers throughout history, as well as the owner Mr Josh’s travels. On your first time, we recommend “A Drop of Tokyo,” served in a sake bottle, made using vodka, sake, and just the right amount of wasabi.

19/2 Ari 4 Fang Nua Alley, Phaya Thai, Bangkok. Nearest station: Ari, BTS. You can find more information The Key Room No.72.

Honest Mistake Bar

Open daily, 7pm-1.30am

It’s never an honest mistake stumbling into a bar, but this one is centred around that idea. Honest Mistake is located behind a pawn shop, paying homage to the prohibition era where alcohol venues were hidden behind more legal storefronts. The cocktail menu also revolves around Chinese ingredients to provide guests the full fantasy.

When stumbling upon this Bangkok speakeasy, we recommend ordering the “Little Soho,” a vodka-based drink perfect for those with a sweet tooth made with housemade chestnut caramel, and served with caramelised chestnuts on the side.

488 Phahonyothin Rd, Samsen Nai, Phaya Thai, Bangkok. Nearest station: Saphan Kwai, BTS. You can find more information at Honest Mistake Bar.

Root Bar

Open daily, 7pm-2am

Root Bar has no menu, which is one of the best and worst aspects about the place. It’s great because you don’t feel tied down by any text and you’re free to order whatever you feel like. You want something refreshing for a long day at work? Sure. You want a drink that resembles your cold-hearted ex? The bartenders will craft you something that fits just that.

The bad part is that if you like the drink, you won’t get the same drink twice, and they’ll make it clear even before you start ordering — once you even find this speakeasy, of course.

1130 Phahonyothin Rd, Chatuchak, Bangkok. Nearest station: Phahon Yothin, MRT. You can find more information at Root Bar.

Sugar Ray, You’ve Just Been Poisoned

Open daily, 7pm-2am

Look for the door within Octo Seafood Bar, and you’ll find an intimate, laidback speakeasy with sleek interiors and no-nonsense cocktails to match. With the warmly lit bar, it’s one of the more beautiful places to come solo and watch the bartenders perform their magic. On the menu, you’ll find familiar ingredients with a simple-yet-effective Asian twist, such as ginseng-infused gin or housemade pandan syrup.

88/2,88/9 Sukhumvit 24 Khlong Tan, Khlong Toei, Bangkok. Nearest station: Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre, MRT. You can find more information at Sugar Ray, You’ve Just Been Poisoned, or book via the website..

Tax Bar

Open daily, 7pm-late

Now this is a speakeasy that’s undoubtedly very Bangkok in essence. “Nothing is certain but death & tax” is the message you’ll see in front of the set of stairs leading you to Tax. It’s quaint, with a little bit of punk elegance, but doesn’t feel pretentious. Run by the same team behind Teens of Thailand, Tax is the group’s response to the lack of financial support, as well as the unfair treatment of the bar industry, during the pandemic. The result is a cocktail bar with an inventive menu, with a spotlight on house-made vinegars. The menu states, “you can tax all our booze, but you cannot tax our vinegars.”

695-697 Maitri Chit Rd, Pom Prap, Pom Prap Sattru Phai, Bangkok. Nearest station: Hua Lamphong, MRT. You can find more information at Tax Bar.

Midsummer Night’s Dream Bar

6pm-midnight

The mouthful name of this bar also brings a great story to your drinks. Named after Shakespeare’s play, the bar (not typing it all out again) is located above a serene little flower shop called Wynnwood. Walking up, you”ll be greeted with flora and fauna, like escaping into another world. The drinks menu also reflects this, as all cocktail names play on references from Shakespeare.

Our favourite drink is undoubtedly “A man can die but once,” named after the line from Henry IV; a rum-based cocktail with aromas from peach tea, coffee oil, mixed herbs, and served with a cigar. If you love a good Gin & Tonic, their gin collection is very extensive.

61/2 Thong Lo, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok. Nearest station: Thonglor, BTS. You can find more information at Midsummer Night’s Dream Bar.

The post 9 speakeasies in Bangkok that are actually pretty hard to find appeared first on Lifestyle Asia Bangkok.

If you love a finely crafted highball, it’s time to head to Midlife Crisis as mixologist Kitibordee was crowned the Thai champion of the Dewar’s Highball Challenge. 

Perfecting the highball cocktail may seem simple with its minimal ingredients, but it actually requires expert craftsmanship. Recognising the importance of this skill, Dewar’s, a Scotch whisky brand, has launched The Dewar’s Highball Challenge. This competition invites bartenders to showcase their creativity, expertise, and mastery by crafting innovative and modern cocktails using Dewar’s Double-Aged Scotch Whisky. 

[All Images Courtesy of Dewar’s]

Kitibordee from Midlife Crisis wins the Dewar’s Highball Challenge in Thailand

After meticulously evaluating 64 talented mixologists, the judges selected three finalists: Kitibordee from Midlife Crisis, Nakrop from Firefly Bar, and Pitt Punpiputt from Asia Today Bar. 

With such an intense competition, the judges finally concluded the ultimate champion, hosting the announcement at The House on Sathorn. As the three finalists and guests showed up, Kitibordee was crowned the Thai champion, winning an epic trip to Japan, a cash prize, and recognition for his impressive skills and creativity. 

During Kitibordee’s event at Midlife Crisis, the attendees were in for a treat with the Dewar’s Highball Booth and Highball Machine. However, what truly blew them away was the juicy Chicken Lamborghini with Dewar’s Highball pairing. And since this exciting event was during the festive season, there was even a fun pre-festive gift exchange.

As the Thai champion, he is now preparing for an exciting journey to Japan. The other winners across Asia will also join him in this immersive highball culture experience. 

“The Dewar’s Highball Challenge was an exciting journey for me. I drew inspiration from Tommy Dewar’s ‘work & play’ philosophy and his love for chicken to create my ‘Joy & Play’ concept for the event – where friends could gather to enjoy chicken BBQ, Highballs, and games. Since this event was timed before Christmas and New Year’s Eve, I also organised a small gift exchange in the bar, adding to the festive spirit. The event was super fun and memorable, and I’m grateful for the overwhelming support from friends. As I enjoy the victory, I look forward to my upcoming trip to Japan, hoping to rediscover the joy of highballs that excited me during my last visit.” – Kitibordee Gov Chortubtim 

About Kitibordee:

Kitibordee, a seasoned professional with nearly two decades of experience in the beverage and hospitality industry, has an insatiable curiosity for flavours. His unwavering passion for exploring various ingredients is reflected in his innovative creations, which he showcases with great skill. Based in both Bangkok and Chiangmai, this talented bartender is known for his dedication to studying food culture. Wherever he goes, whether in Thailand or beyond, Kitibordee makes sure to always use his ventures and experiences to design unique beverages. 

The post Kitibordee from Midlife Crisis wins the Dewar’s Highball Challenge in Thailand appeared first on Lifestyle Asia Bangkok.

With the new Mean Girls movie coming out, and the original celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, we thought it would be the perfect time to reminisce. Which cocktail do you drink to get into the vibe of each iconic scene? You never asked, but girl, did we provide.

After Mean Girls was released in 2004, the world was never the same. It completely shifted the history of cinema into something much more fetch, and spawned iconic lines to quote for at least the next century. All we’re saying is that Tina Fey could do Avatar, but James Cameron couldn’t make Mean Girls.

So, if you want to get into the vibes of all the iconic scenes in Mean girls, we know which cocktail you should drink.

[Hero and featured image credit: Mean Girls (2004), Paramount Pictures]

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Not a regular mum but a cool mum: “Flower Power” from Find The Locker Room

Colourful, flowery, born in the ’60s — there’s no better cocktail that encapsulates the essence of Mrs George better than the “Flower Power” cocktail from Find The Locker Room. The cool mum is all for love and acceptance, which requires a whole lot when your daughter is Regina George, but if you’d have a little bit of alcohol, she’d prefer you do it in the house.

Wednesday shopping at the mall: “For a Cooler You” from Tropic City

From their new Tropicology menu, “For a Cooler You” is a tiki-style drink with Naked Malt whisky, an array of fruits, and salted maple syrup. If you want to feel what Cady Heron felt surrounded by the animals at the watering hole at the mall, this drink at Tropic City will take you to the rainforest and back.

Alternatively, the refreshing “So Fresh & So Clean” with Lillet blanc, Campari, and Monsoon jasmine tea could also work for this scene. We wouldn’t want Taylor Wedell to drink something too strong after her trip back from Planned Parenthood after all.

The Plastics’ talent show number: Eggnog from 4th Wall

We don’t know what magic is sprinkled into 4th Wall‘s Eggnog, but it has, on several occasions, Jingle Bell Rocked our world. It’s got a kick, it’s sweet, and has spice — something The Plastics were trying to channel until Jason was hit in the face by a boombox. If you feel more like Damien’s talent show with the Christina Aguilera song, we feel like it’s more of a Ramos Gin Fizz. Yes, you can also order that at 4th Wall.

Spring Fling dress tryout: Campari and Soda

Sometimes all you need is a refreshing glass of Campari and Soda. That way, you don’t have to head over to Sears to get a dress for the Spring Fling. A glass has only 120 calories, after all. Ask the bartender to throw in a lemon peel for the extra scent and colour. Being a Mean Girl is a whole vibe, even if it’s for a cocktail.

“The Ugliest Effing Skirt”: Harvey Wallbanger

Arguably, there’s no classic cocktail that represents 1970s America as well as the Harvey Wallbanger. Vodka, Galliano, and orange juice — it’s a guy in a leather jacket with a girl sitting cross-legged in her plaid skirt and shades, driving down Hollywood Boulevard in a convertible. Is it that the ugliest effing skirt we’ve ever seen? Yes. Are we interested? Also yes.

School riot incited by the Burn Book: “Chicken Dinner” from F*nkytown

They say revenge is best served cold, but we’d argue that it’s best served as calm and collected, like drinking the “Chicken Dinner” from F*nkytown. It’s actually a hot cocktail, and it tastes like having hot chicken soup — spiked, of course. Tasting it feels like you’re rewarding yourself for executing a genius plan, and seeing it served from a teapot is nothing but camp.

You also have the option to have the drink garnished with white truffle, which is honestly on brand for Regina George.

Mathletes Championship: “Green Coffee Grasshopper” from The Bamboo Bar

Chanel Adams’ Green Coffee Grasshopper puts a twist on the classic with pandan and coconut milk. It’s so easy to drink you’ll think the limit does not exist, and the absinthe represents our emotional state studying maths. The Bamboo Bar’s menu is also centred around versatility, which is what Cady Heron is all about.

The post Cocktail Cinema: The most iconic scenes from ‘Mean Girls’ as cocktails appeared first on Lifestyle Asia Bangkok.

So you’re single? Happily married? Holding out for a hero? We know which bars to visit in Bangkok this Valentine’s Day, depending on your relationship status.

Once upon a time I was falling in love, but now I’m only falling apart. There’s nothing I can do — a total eclipse of the heart. Valentine’s Day is on the horizon, and if you need plans, we got you. There’s always a bar perfect for what you need, so we decided to recommend them based on your relationship status.

[Hero and featured image credit: Gir/Facebook]

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Your relationship status: Single
Your Valentine’s Day bar: Widdershins

Widdershins is one of those places where even if there’s a crowd, you won’t feel too lonely because of the accommodating hospitality. Plus, you’ll be able to get your fortune told at the bar as you pick randomly from one of their tarot cards. If you’re single, that perfect someone might just be in your future — or you might die alone, we don’t know, but the stars are saying that, not us.

You can find more information at Widdershins.

Your relationship status: Dating
Your Valentine’s Day bar: The Loft

When you want to impress that someone special, The Loft at the Waldorf Astoria Bangkok is perfect for it. Perched on the 56th floor, they have gorgeous views of the Bangkok skyline, which goes great with the artsy-themed cocktails they offer. If you’re feeling peckish, the bar menu has everything from snacks to steaks. You’ll be meeting up for the second date in no time.

You can find more information at The Loft.

Your relationship status: In a relationship
Your Valentine’s Day bar: Gir

Gir features a slightly more lowkey drinking experience compared to Tichuca and Paper Plane Project located in the same building, which makes it great as a destination for dating. That said, the big security check downstairs is not the vibe for the first date, but it’s alright for those who have decided they’re in for the long haul. Better yet, they’re not stingy at all when it comes to shots. Great times all around.

You can find more information at Gir.

Your relationship status: Married
Your Valentine’s Day bar: The O.S.S Bar

Spend a whole day at Jim Thompson House, dine at their Thai restaurant, and watch the sun go down at The O.S.S Bar. Especially interesting for history buffs, married couples will find their love rekindled at the bar, learning more about the history of Jim Thompson through their signature cocktails. It’s not everyday you get to drink crafted cocktails by the khlong, and you’ll find it oddly romantic.

You can find more information at The O.S.S Bar.

Your relationship status: Divorced
Your Valentine’s Day bar: Bar.Yard

Getting divorced doesn’t mean you have to wallow in sadness with a tub of ice cream. It’s the opportunity to get out and celebrate your newfound independence, and where better to do so than at Bar.Yard? They have DJs on the regular, dance floors, sky-high vibes, tropical drinks — all the ingredients to make a happy person. Be sure to grab some tacos for the table as you down those tequila shots.

You can find more information at Bar.Yard.

Your relationship status: Single, but not by choice
Your Valentine’s Day bar: Kilik Social Club

When you find yourself in need of some company, treat yourself to a night out at Kilik Social Club. Bringing someone or simply going solo, Kilik features a beautiful venue attached with warm hospitality, so grabbing a glass and sitting at the bar is also a valid option. As they have live bands coming in regularly, you’ll find yourself lost within the soulful vibes of the place in no time.

You can find more information at Kilik Social Club.

Your relationship status: In a relationship, but not for much longer
Your Valentine’s Day bar: Fuchsia

If there’s the perfect place to celebrate your independence early, this is it. A night out at Fuchsia is guaranteed fun, and you’ll never guess where the night could take you. You’ll get to watch the live performances they have on rotation along with impressive DJ lineups. Perhaps you’ll join them on stage for a dance or two. Maybe you’ll catch the eyes of the suspiciously rich by the VIP tables. The night is yours for the taking, baby.

You can find more information at Fuchsia.

Your relationship status: Friends with benefits
Your Valentine’s Day bar: Rimshot

There’s always something in the air at Rimshot. Maybe it’s the unique atmosphere. Perhaps it’s the music. But take us there and it will feel like a “wink wink nudge nudge” in all the right directions. They have DJs playing behind the station every day, so pick which date you’d like to meet up and chill in the best way possible — though not in the restrooms, please.

You can find more information at Rimshot.

Your relationship status: Friends, but wanting benefits
Your Valentine’s Day bar: Root Bar

Root Bar has all the ingredients to perhaps turn that friendship into something spicier. A secret entrance that forces you both to stand in a small space together is a great start. Then, the bar doesn’t have a menu, but everything is crafted to fit what you like. So you just bring yourself and your bubbly personality, and let the bartenders do the impressing part for you.

You can find more information at Root Bar.

The post Where to drink this Valentine’s Day, based on your relationship status appeared first on Lifestyle Asia Bangkok.

The House on Sathorn has a deep, rich history tracing back to 1889, and what would make for a better history lesson than cocktails? Please welcome our history teacher and Bar Manager, Marco Dongi.

Those who frequent Sathorn will be familiar with The House on Sathorn. Amidst the skyscrapers and bustling crowds sits the old, historic building that was built as a residence for a businessman that pioneered the digging of Sathorn canal, and was later used as a hotel, an embassy, and now a popular destination for food and drink. Yes, we learnt that through their cocktail menu.

Manning the stations is Bar Manager Marco Dongi. With experience working in different areas of the world, and an appreciation for local cultures alongside a respect for the classics, we sat down at the bar and asked him about his journey. Here’s how it went.

[Hero and featured image credit: Marco Dongi]

So we talked classic cocktails and cultures with Marco Dongi of Bar Sathorn

How did you become interested in cocktails?

At the beginning, I was working in a club as a PR and organising events. Clubs normally get very busy during the weekends, so during the weekdays I was just staying at home doing nothing — I felt really bored. One day, I asked one of the places where I was organising an event, to stay at the bar to help them work, even for free. I just wanted to do something, you know?

They put me at the coffee side of the lounge as a barista. But I wasn’t a morning guy, and got them to put me in the night shifts. That’s when I got to make cocktails for the first time. Margarita, cuba libre — simple stuff, but it felt really cool. I had always admired bartenders, and getting to do that was an amazing experience.

So what made you make the jump to become a bartender full-time?

I visited Thailand in 2014 with my family and I found Koh Samui very beautiful, so I came back with a friend later to experience the country in a different way. We fell in love with our experiences so much that we wanted to find a job that will allow us to travel all the time.

It was basically us telling each other “let’s keep doing what we’re doing” but in a more serious way. I went back to Milan, and enrolled in a bartending school. I learnt how to use bar equipment the right way, many classic cocktails, and so on.

What is something that many people don’t know about bartending?

Making mocktails is harder than making cocktails. When you work with alcohol, you have a base [spirit] to start with, and it’s super difficult without one. So, it was really challenging when I was working in Saudi Arabia because of their no-alcohol policy.

During their Ramadan month, I went to work at 11pm and got home around 5-6pm because people change their lifestyles.

What is the most underrated classic cocktail?

Difficult to say, because I always respect the classics and consider them to be a base for bartenders to learn. Classics are why we are here now, and it gives us a chance to travel to other places.

Each place around the world has different classics. Getting an Old-Fashioned in Bangkok, in Dubai, in Milan, in the US — getting an Old-Fashioned will mean the same thing to every bartender. It’s how we communicate, it’s how we travel. And if it exists after 100 years with people coming to the bar for it, there’s a reason why.

I think classics have the best structure ever. Think of a Negroni. It’s very hard to find a good Negroni, and the recipe is very simple: one part, one part, one part. Yet the balance and depth of flavour this cocktail has is amazing. The Negroni has been served for a hundred years with this recipe, and it’s still one of the most popular cocktails in the world today.

The Manhattan, Daiquiri, Old-Fashioned — you get to learn its story and its history when you drink it. Perhaps it’s made as a medicine or born from a mistake; it’s always interesting to learn more. Before we had all this equipment and knowledge easy to find today, we paid respect to the people that have discovered these drinks, the ones who tried and made cocktails from scratch, from the taste notes, and the textures they know.

Classics forever. Nothing is underrated, all the drinks are the best.

What were the differences in drinking culture when you later moved to Dubai?

Dubai is a lot more open now [compared to Saudi], even during Ramadan. The restaurants and bars open as normal during that time for the tourists to visit.

Good quality, good people. It’s more expensive, but everything has a balance over there. Dubai will always have a place in my heart.

Any culture shocks when you got to Thailand?

No, I didn’t have any because my father lives in Thailand so I have been in Thailand 6-7 times before. I didn’t expect Bangkok to be beautiful as it is now. Last time I was in Bangkok was 7 years ago, and it was very different from now. I feel like everything — the food, the transportation, the people — everything felt different.

When I came back, I found Bangkok so different, so open and amazing. It’s perfect and I love it.

What’s happening around Bangkok that caught your eye?

There’s a lot of guest shifts in town that gives me a chance to discover the city and meet people of the industry. Everyone has different styles of doing guest shifts, which makes it even more fun. A lot are very drinks-focused, we [at Bar Sathorn] bring in DJs and make it like hospitality night. It’s very party style.

Bar Show was also amazing. A lot of things happening all over the city — you jump from one place to another and never get bored, same goes for Negroni Week. These events help grow the bar industry and let us meet a lot of people all at once.

If not at your own bar, what bars in Bangkok are your favourite?

Depends on my mood. If I want some sort of complex, innovative cocktail, I think Bar Us is my favourite at the moment. I love their approach in how they make drinks, and the bar is stunning.

If I want a classic, I go to Vesper or BKK Social Club. I really love Opium as well, and Matteo is my friend.

To be honest, if I just want a cool experience, I go to Jack’s Bar next to the Shangri-La. It’s next to the river, it feels amazing. You get a beer and have a pad thai. For me, even just getting a beer from 7-11 and sitting on the pavement with the best company ever; for me this is the best bar. Going to a bar is going for the experience. You don’t need to go to the most popular bar. If you feel like you’re having the best time, that’s your best bar.

What advice would you give for people starting out in the bar industry?

The bar world has changed a lot over the years. Ten years ago, being a bartender could mean that you have nothing better to do or no knowledge to pursue other jobs. Now, being a bartender requires a lot of knowledge, a lot of study, a lot of practice. It’s very well-recognised if you keep doing what you do in a good way, and you can create your own style.

My big tip is to create your own style while recognising those who came before you. Be recognisable and be unique. The bartending world is so big, and that’s how people know you. And, of course, travelling. The experience you could have when travelling is just a lot. The full experience of being a bartender comes from talking to people, discovering new ingredients, going to different places.

Being a bartender is not just about making good drinks. It’s about talking to guests and letting your personality shine. It’s about marketing, it’s about communication. Drinks are just one part of it. Anyone can make a good Negroni, but if you have personality, people will remember you for you.

Bar Sathorn is located in The House on Sathorn, 106 North Sathorn Road, Silom, Bang Rak, Bangkok. Open daily from 2.30pm-1am, you can find more information on their website.

The post So we talked classic cocktails and cultures with Marco Dongi of Bar Sathorn appeared first on Lifestyle Asia Bangkok.

Indulge in the finer things in life like a true connoisseur of French elegance with Luc Belaire.

Luc Belaire, a premium sparkling wine company from Burgundy, France, has partnered with the KGD Urban Garden Escape Bar in Ekkamai. Together, they organised an exclusive event called ‘Unveiling – Urban Garden Escape KGD.BKK,’ where the esteemed guests indulged in a night of deliciousness and fun with Luc Belaire’s two new sparkling flavours, Belaire Rosé and Belaire Gold. And amidst pouring all the bubbly, an exclusive course menu by Joji Miwa was also served to treat the tastebuds.

Luc Belaire launches two new flavours: Belaire Rosé and Belaire Gold

If you’re a fan of bubbly, then you know that Luc Belaire is a name you can trust. Their latest sensation, Belaire Rosé, is a refreshing sparkling rosé made from a blend of 90% French Syrah grapes. The aroma of this wine is simply delightful. There’s notes of strawberries and blackcurrant that will leave anyone hooked from the first sniff. And when you take the first sip, there’s an instant fresh and clear feeling that’ll leave you invigorated.

As for the Belaire Gold sparkling wine, this wine is produced using only the finest handpicked Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes, and the results speak for themselves. The blend perfectly balances pear and mango notes with a hint of limestone on the palate. The aftertaste is light and dry, which exudes elegance, ideal for indulging in any occasion.

Besides the fantastic taste, Luc Belaire has also gained fame for its alluring bottle design. Its sleek packaging and traditional lettering exude sophistication, making it stand out from other wine brands. Moreover, the bottle’s chic look is further enhanced by the Fantôme label (luminous label) that comes with every product. The label can be turned on and off, making it ideal for any party. It’s no wonder why this French brand is the number one selling sparkling wine in America and a popular choice in numerous clubs in Korea.

[All images courtesy of Luc Belaire]

The post Luc Belaire partners with KGD Urban Garden Escape Bar for a flavourful launch party appeared first on Lifestyle Asia Bangkok.

“There’s a cocktail bar there?” is a valid question. After all, you’d expect getting a good cocktail means you have to be in specific parts of Bangkok — Thonglor, Soi Nana, Sathorn, and so on — but these bars have special place in our hearts, despite their unlikely location.

Maybe Chinatown is a bit too far from you. Maybe you don’t want to deal with Sukhumvit’s traffic. We get it, and getting a cocktail catered to your liking doesn’t necessarily mean you need to stick to where new bars usually open.

The cocktail culture of Bangkok is steadily growing, and these places that are a bit off the beaten track are as perfect to get a drink and warm hospitality as any other.

[Hero and featured image credit: Messengerservice]

Most unlikely destinations for a great cocktail in Bangkok

Root Bar, Ladprao Intersection

Root Bar is one of those speakeasies that is actually hidden, and now not very much hidden because of all the customers returning for their warm, lively hospitality. There’s no menu at Root Bar, so let the bartenders concoct something up for you. The beautiful interior of tree roots and creeping branches will make you feel like you fell down the rabbit hole. Ladprao Intersection is not famous for cocktails, just unbearable traffic. This bar is making more people that side of town appreciate cocktails, and we appreciate that notion.

You can find more information at Root Bar.

Messengerservice Bar, Suan Luang

No. 19 on Thailand’s 20 Best Bars list, Messengerservice is located in Phattanakan, just a few minutes away from Hua Mak station. Their signature menus are created like perfumes — top notes, heart notes, and base notes. It’s a treat to the senses, all 36 present in the menu. The only hard part is getting there, with possibly the easiest way being from Hua Mak station off the MRT Yellow Line.

You can find more information at Messengerservice Bar.

Where Bar, Ladprao 71

The bar stays true to its name, considering we had to constantly ask ourselves where this bar is located when we headed there the first time. Once you find it, you’ll find yourselves surrounded by intimate vibes and warm hospitality. Their signatures are based on imaginative childhood stories, from Alice in Wonderland to 101 Dalmatians. You’ll also find DJs on the regular for some entertainment.

You can find more information at Where Bar.

NTX Non-Toxic, Bang Na

NTX Non-Toxic is a fun, lively place for a cocktail. Warm lights wash over the bar, with groovy retro-chic posters and decoration adorning the place. You’re free to bring some company and bond over a game of Jenga as you take a sip of their signatures and classic cocktails, as well as stay till a bit later for live music and DJs. Located near Sri Lasalle MRT station, it can be quite hard to get to, but an amazing place to hang out after a long day of work.

You can find more information at NTX Non-Toxic.

NOUN Bar

Possibly the only cocktail bar in Bang Phlat area, NOUN Bar can be found tucked away in ChangChui Creative Park. Not being really near any public transportation, it’s best to call Grab to get there. Even though it’s quite hidden in the sense that it’s hard to get to, you’ll find yourself surrounded by great vibes and welcoming hospitality. Drinks are not too complex, just enough to unwind and get some energy back in you.

You can find more information at NOUN Bar.

Plot Twist Bar, Chatuchak

The plot twists as you walk behind the curtains behind Best Western Chatuchak: You wouldn’t normally expect a speakeasy in this area, but here it is. Helmed by Nick Monthon, the bar pays homage to the bountiful harvests of Thailand and draws ingredients from each region of the Kingdom. It’s also perfect to watch the sunset, with the gorgeous view of Bangsue Grand Station.

You can find more information at Plot Twist Bar.

Nuss Bar, Tha Tien

Overseen by Nueng Ronnaporn of Mahaniyom fame, Nuss Bar is the only place as of writing that you can enjoy crafted cocktails with a view of Wat Pho directly opposite. It’s around a 10-minute walk away from MRT Sanam Chai, and it’s perfect if you’re already in the area for cultural tours of old Thai architecture, or just had a relaxing dinner at Tha Maharaj.

You can find more information at Nuss Bar.

The post The most unlikely destinations for a great cocktail in Bangkok appeared first on Lifestyle Asia Bangkok.

Emperor? I hardly know her. These Chinese-themed cocktail bars in Bangkok will make you feel like Wu Zetien anytime you visit.

The bar industry uses a lot of ingredients you may not expect. As you walk into Chinese restaurants and herbal shophouses, you’ll see a lot of aromatic products, a lot of interesting herbs with unique flavour profiles and textures — a lot of things perfect to be used in a cocktail.

So, as you bask yourself in the red neon light and adore the lanterns overhead, here’s the Chinese-themed cocktail bars in Bangkok to check out.

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Chinese-themed cocktail bars in Bangkok to gong xi your fa cai

Honest Mistake Bar

Picture it: China, 1930. The big cities’ underground activities are starting to pop up with more “honest” storefronts to cover up their shady biddings. Honest Mistake is a four-floor building with a dimly-lit pawnshop as the “front.” As you make your way through, you’ll see gambling tables, storage containers, and a beautiful wooden bar presenting cocktails made with Chinese herbs.

You can find more information at Honest Mistake Bar.

Ba Hao

An old shophouse transformed anew, Ba Hao offers a lively yet intimate experience in the Chinatown area of the city. Arrive on an empty stomach for the bar food, and stay for the cocktails that utilise Chinese ingredients as a twist to your usual order. They also have a lovely Negroni twist with Chinese ginseng.

You can find more information at Ba Hao.

Opium

Fun fact: This bar is named Opium because that room on the fourth floor of the shophouse used to be the room where they smoked opium after Chef-owner Pam’s ancestors came to settle in Thailand. Thereby, you get to sip complex, contemporary takes on classic drinks created by Matteo Cadeddu and the team as you adore the Chinese-inspired venue and enjoy the view from the terrace.

You can find more information at Opium.

Ang Yi

Named after a Chinese secret society that once existed in Siam, Ang Yi is located off Yaowarat road. As you enter, you’ll see remnants of the old shophouse that has existed for generations, and a dimly-lit bar that boasts a homey, intimate atmosphere. The cocktail menu also uses ingredients present in Yaowarat road, from Chinese liquors and teas to pork slices.

You can find more information at Ang Yi.

Julii Bar

The newly-opened Julii Bar is located in Sena Nikhom, and is the first speakeasy in that area. The Chinese-themed bar is basked in red hues, with fans and flowers adorning the place. Each drink is inspired by items Thai people are familiar with in Chinese culture. A highlight cocktail is inspired by Khnom Koh, a Chinese-style pancake made from rice flour.

You can find more information at Julii Bar.

The post Chinese-themed cocktail bars in Bangkok to gong xi your fa cai appeared first on Lifestyle Asia Bangkok.

When it comes to finding the best nightclubs in Bangkok, it’s all about vibes and the sick beats. Here, we’ve got the deets on where to go. 

Bangkok, often referred to as the “Sin City of Asia,” is famous for its lively nightlife scene. With a slew of options at every corner, it’s no surprise why so many tourists flock to this dynamic city. With various types of entertainment available, we’ve compiled a list of the best nightclubs in Bangkok for you. From captivating vibes to fantastic music, here’s our take on where you should party in this thriving metropolis. 

[Hero & Feature Image Credit: Unsplash/ Antoine Julien]

9 best nightclubs in Bangkok to party like never before this 2024

Fuchsia

Looking for a night out that’s truly out of this world? Look no further than Fuchsia, the futuristic Art Nouveau club that’s taking the Silom area by storm. With its captivating neon lights, two floors, and electric pole dancing performance, Fuchsia is the ultimate destination for anyone looking for an extravagant and unforgettable experience. 

But that’s not all – Fuchsia also boasts an elite sound system, state-of-the-art projection technology, and some of the hottest local and international DJs. Get ready to dance the night away to the sickest beats and immerse yourself in a world of pure indulgence. Whether you’re a seasoned club-goer or just looking for a fun hangout, Fuchsia is the place to be for a mesmerising night. Not to mention, every Thursday is hip hop night with free flow from 8 to 10 pm. 

Open daily from 8pm until late. For further information, please visit Fuchsia’s website here. 

Milley ISC 

Milley ISC is another great club popular among the Thonglor crowd. It is located on the third floor of J Avenue and offers a blend of sophistication, energy, and tunes to Bangkok’s lively nightlife. Whether you’re hanging out with your friends or looking to meet new people, this high-end club has got you covered. The place is always buzzing with the most incredible crowd and artists, so you’re sure to have a blast no matter what.

Open Tuesday to Sunday from 8pm until late. For further information, please visit Milley ISC’s website here. 

ECHELON

Another fantastic nightclub you should check out in Thonglor is ECHELON. This place differs from your average party destination – it draws inspiration from the first-class train in the popular series Snowpiercer. At Bangkok’s first synchronous bar and nightclub, you’ll receive a personalszed boarding pass as soon as you arrive, which makes you feel like you’re about to embark on an exciting journey. Although it’s a bit on the pricier side, partying at ECHELON is an experience you won’t forget. 

Open daily; Cocktail bar opens from 7 pm to 10.30 pm; Nightclub from 10.30pm until late. For further information, please visit ECHELON’s website here. 

Sing Sing Theater

If you’re someone who loves a good vibe, you should definitely check out Sing Sing. The dark venue perfectly blends Chinese-style interiors with burlesque vibes, making it a unique and unforgettable experience. Also, you can grab dinner at Gigi’s, which is conveniently located right next door, before you hit the club. Remember to visit Sing Sing on Thursdays, as they host ladies’ night. If you’re a woman and arrive before 11 pm, you’ll be able to get three free drinks.

Open Tuesday to Saturday from 9 pm until late. For further information, please visit Sing Sing Theater’s website here. 

Spaceplus Bangkok

Spaceplus is a nightclub at RCA, one of Bangkok’s biggest entertainment areas. Despite the fact that partying at Spaceplus comes with a hefty bill, it is definitely worth it as the club exceeds all expectations. The club pays attention to detail, and the stunning atmosphere, captivating laser beam, and impressive sound system are just a few examples. The club is also known for its EDM music and energetic dancers, who add to the excitement of the venue.

Open daily from 8pm to 2am. For further information, please visit Spaceplus’ website here. 

BEAMCUBE

As the legendary BEAM club in Thonglor closes for renovations, its sister venue, BEAMCUBE, just recently opened up in Sathorn. Located on the 6th floor of Mahanakorn CUBE, this bar and dance club has quickly become a popular spot. The atmosphere is excellent. There’s a huge terrace. But most importantly, their electro beats are what gets everybody hyped up dancing (besides the drinks, of course). They also have great sound system and lighting. 

Open Tuesday to Sunday from 5 pm until late. For further information, please visit BEAMCUBE’s website here. 

Levels Club & Terrace

If you enjoy the company of a more mature crowd, Levels Club & Terrace is the perfect place to check out. This venue exudes the excitement and vibe of Europe’s nightclub scene, transporting you to an international world of fun and adventure, from the chic decor to the lively music.

Open daily from 9pm to 2am. For further information, please visit Levels Club & Terrace’s website here. 

Dope & Dirty 

For those in the mood for a laidback hip-hop nightclub experience, Dope & Dirty is the perfect spot. The moment you walk in, you’ll be greeted by walls adorned with colourful graffiti, giving off an edgy street vibe that’s sure to impress. Despite its small size, the venue packs a punch with a top-notch sound system that blasts the latest hip-hop hits all night. The drinks are also reasonably priced, which is a bonus point. 

Open daily from 8pm to late. For further information, please visit Dope & Dirty’s website here. 

Mustache Bangkok

If you’re a fan of proper underground techno, Mustache nightclub is a must-visit spot that has entertained party-goers since 2005. The club boasts an intimate atmosphere that gives you the feeling of partying with your friends in a spacious room. When it comes to the music lineup, the venue never disappoints, delivering an exceptional experience that mimics Berlin nightlife. 

Open Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 9 pm to 3 am. For further information, please visit Mustache’s website here. 

The post 9 best nightclubs in Bangkok to party like never before this 2024 appeared first on Lifestyle Asia Bangkok.

Not wanting to drink alcohol doesn’t mean you can’t hang around enjoying great hospitality. Let’s look at some bars in Bangkok with non-alcoholic and low-ABV menus perfect for Dry January.

Dry January has a lot of benefits with peer-reviewed research to boot. Drinking alcohol is, to an extent, part of Thai culture. For those who are looking to simply take a break from drinking or quitting entirely, Dry January is perfect for building the confidence to say no. Not consuming alcohol also has a lot of health benefits, especially for those looking to shed a few pounds.

If you don’t want to quit but are just looking to cut down on some alcohol, many bars also provide amazing low-ABV entries in their menu. So, let us take you to bars in Bangkok that will give you the vibes you enjoy but with great menus perfect for enjoying Dry January.

[Hero and featured image credit: Helena Yankovska/Unsplash]

Bars in Bangkok with menus perfect for Dry January

Vesper

Vesper’s perfect for whether you want to enjoy a punchy spirit-forward, or a great blend of ingredients without the buzz. The “Hokkaido Milk Punch” has always been a hit, made from fermented Hokkaido milk and winter melon. Or perhaps you’d be enticed to sample their version of horchata they make using sesame tahini and miso caramel. Their monthly rotation of seasonal kombucha doesn’t disappoint, either.

You can find more information at Vesper.

The Bamboo Bar

The Bamboo Bar features a menu highlighting versatility with cocktails that grow and evolve as they welcome more patrons — after all, the bamboo plant is known for its adaptability. As such, the majority of their signature cocktails can be ordered as non-alcoholic versions, allowing guests to enjoy the medley of flavours the bar intends to offer even without feeling any buzz. Looking for something fun and easy to enjoy? Their take on the Mango Sticky Rice will, pun intended, stick with you.

You can find more information at The Bamboo Bar.

Rabbit Hole

Rabbit Hole’s award-winning menu offers guests 26 signature drinks from A-Z. Once you open the menu, letters in italics mean that a non-alcoholic version of that cocktail is available, which includes eight cocktails in total. If you’re looking for something more on the adventurous side, we recommend the “T (for Taco)” made with taco, tabasco, and red onion. If you want something bright and herbal, the “I (for India)” would do, utilising mango, chai tea, and a myriad of Indian spices.

You can find more information at Rabbit Hole.

Stella Bangkok

In the ‘non-alcoholic cocktails’ section of their menu, you’ll find a sentence that reads, “Not only with alcohol can you enjoy a wonderful marriage of flavours.” With the bar’s intimate ambience and soul-soothing live bands, you don’t need the buzz to have a great evening. Their “Nai Americano” features a cordial of Italian bitters, offering guests an Americano as an aperitif but without any alcohol. The “Y&T,” with the Y short for ‘Yuzu’ is also a very refreshing take on the ever-popular G&T.

You can find more information at Stella Bangkok.

Nuss Bar

Located below Nusara restaurant with a clear view of Wat Pho, Nuss Bar is perfect for a sundowner or two. Along with their signatures highlighting local Thai fruits, they also have an inventive set of non-alcoholic cocktails that are lovely to enjoy on their own, or oftentimes ordered to pair with with dishes upstairs. The “Tom Kha” mocktail is great in particular, and yes, it does taste like tom kha. Perfect for Bangkok’s version of Dry January.

You can find more information at Nuss Bar.

Villa Frantzén

Those who have had cocktails at Villa Frantzén will know that they are a joyride, featuring interesting ingredients and fun interpretations of flavours we might be familiar with. Their non-alcoholic cocktails also match those vibes. One of them is made from raspberry, champagne vinegar, verjus, and whey protein. Need we say more?

You can find more information at Villa Frantzén.

Paradise Lost Bangkok

Paradise Lost Bangkok’s menu is filled with tiki-inspired drinks and refreshing concoctions utilising a lot of citrus and fun ingredients. Those aspects also translate into their non-alcoholic cocktails. The “Fearless Hoopoe” is as colourful as the bird it is named after, made from Rooiboos red tea, passionfruit mint, lemon, and aquafaba instead of your usual egg whites. The “Thirst-Aid Kit” is a refreshing, not-too-complex drink that combines lemongrass water, kaffir lime juice, and topped with soda.

You can find more information at Paradise Lost Bangkok.

Above Eleven

Known as an energetic rooftop destination, Above Eleven is also beloved for their Nikkei Fusion tastes that are present in both their food and drinks menu. Their non-alcoholic cocktails also reflect that charm, such as the “Geisha,” a refreshing drink crafted using yuzu-almond cordial, cirtus, and topped with soda, as well as the “Chicha Morada,” utilising different spices along with purple corn.

You can find more information at Above Eleven.

The post The best bars in Bangkok with low-ABV and non-alcoholic menus appeared first on Lifestyle Asia Bangkok.

From Pallet Town to Phrom Phong, this group beverage manager’s new opening is certainly one of the funkiest in town. Here, we talked to Pae Ketumarn of F*nkytown.

When you see the name F*nkytown for the first time, a lot of questions pop up: “Is “Funkytown” already taken or is it just not funky enough?”, “Is it a reference to the 1980 funk hit by Lips Inc.?”, and “Do people even know who Lips Inc. is?”

As you walk through the curtains atop the stairs and sit down at the bar for the first time, all of it seems to click. The groovy, retro-chic interior, the inventive cocktail menu, the fusion food items from the open kitchen — every aspect of the place screams nothing short of “f*nky”.

The mind behind the drinks is Pae Ketumarn, previously of The SG Club, No. 14 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2023, and the Sober Company, No. 11 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2022. Now, he’s working as group beverage manager for the Sarnies brand, as well as helming the newly-opened F*nkytown located on the fourth floor of Sarnies Sukhumvit.

So, we walked up four flights of stairs, asked for some water, and proceeded to ask how he keeps the funk alive.

So we talked cultures and funky drinks with Pae Ketumarn of F*nkytown

Why is the bar named F*nkytown?

When we first started, we asked ourselves how can we set our bar apart, and the raw idea was to utilise a 60s-80s theme. The word ‘funky’ has many meanings, and it isn’t necessarily confined within those specific eras. The furniture, the food, the drinks, the lights — all of those things can be described as funky, so that’s how we chose to approach the theme.

With lots of room to play around, we were able to create a drinks menu, many of the items inspired by the kitchen. The ambience and interior are also set to highlight the funkiness of what we serve.

What’s the creation process of the funkiest cocktail in your menu?

F*nkytown’s cocktail menu is indicated with a “level of funkiness” from one to five. The ‘Som Tam’ sits proudly at the highest level five, being the funkiest drink you can get.

I didn’t anticipate the Som Tam to be this funky at first, but it’s the idea people have of som tam; already associating the name with the savoury dish. There’s no fermented fish added to the drink, but people have an already-existing expectation of sweet, sour, and salty. So, we had to ask ourselves how to properly deconstruct these flavour profiles.

The concept of the drink is basically me sitting down eating som tam since I was a child. When the som tam runs out, we would dip the sticky rice into the remaining som tam water. That’s how we got our inspiration, turning the dish into a cocktail that’s not too savoury and not too complex to get. We tried to mimic the taste as best as we could without confining ourselves to use the actual ingredients, so you’ll see us using pomelo instead of papaya, since the pomelo has a similar acidity to papaya, but with more water we can extract.

Plus, we need to consider how we’re going to balance the drink when it’s not a dish anymore. That’s why we use fish sauce spray for the scent, and some chili tincture instead of incorporating the amount of chili you’d normally taste in a som tam.

What is your favourite classic cocktail?

Oh that’s hard. Depends on which phase I am in my career. When I first started as a bartender, I loved myself a good Gimlet or Daiquiri, but now my favourites are the Hanky Panky and the Aviation.

I’ve always loved gin, and I know that not everyone likes the taste of maraschino. I told myself that if I could make it work for myself, I could make it work for others, and that’s how I came to enjoy Aviation.

When I was in Shanghai, I sat down with my former boss Kazu-san (Kazuhisa Arai) for my first day at work at his bar. He asked me what I wanted to drink for my last glass, and I replied ‘Hanky Panky’. I wanted to try his classics. He then busted out his shaker, and I’ve never seen anyone shaking a Hanky Panky before. Kazu-san said that it was his technique: a shaken Hanky Panky with an ice ball. It turned out to be the best Hanky Panky I’ve ever tasted.

You have worked in Tokyo and Shanghai. Were there any culture shocks?

When I was in China, the first culture shock was the level of interest the patrons of the bar have in what they’re consuming. They came in and already tried all the signatures, the classics, so they wanted something special this time around. One time, a guest asked for pen and paper instead of the menu. They handed the paper back, and the words on the paper read: Autumn, Gryffindor, Courage. That was the order, to use those words and make a cocktail. It was really interesting, and I was certainly up for the challenge.

Then I travelled to Japan, and the first thing that surprised me was the level of meticulousness and care that they put into balancing a cocktail. The ingredients, the ratio, the techniques — each component is well within the interests of every bartender standing behind the bar, especially when it comes to classic cocktails. After all, you already have a set recipe of the signatures, but it’s the classics where each bartender got to experiment with the ingredients while retaining what the classic is about.

You didn’t start out as a bartender, as you first interned within the food industry. What made you become interested in bartending?

I started out my studies in Le Cordon Bleu in Australia with a dream to open my own burger joint. There’s a burger place in Melbourne called Huxtaburger, and I went there every other week because I loved it so much. When I came back to Thailand, it made sense to pursue a career in the kitchen. I would walk into hotels that I thought would be accepting applicants and asked if they have available positions. I didn’t get any response from any hotel, until a hotel referred me to another hotel, saying it would be a better fit for me. That’s how I started at the W Bangkok.

They didn’t have any position open in the kitchen, so they asked if I would be interested working in their bar. I didn’t have any bar experience, but I didn’t have a job anyway, and I see it as another area within F&B that I haven’t tried yet. I started out as service, but I soon started to get curious about what goes into the drinks that I’m serving. After bothering the people at the bar to the point that they taught me, it made me realise that drinks are not all that different than food. It’s something interesting I could get into, so I asked my boss if I could be trained to be a bartender, and the rest is history.

If not at your own bar, what bars in Bangkok are your favourite?

Hands down, Ku Bar. They’ve been open for several years, and I can say that their menu to this day, none has ever failed to impress me. The flavour combinations and the balance are always on point. I always get the chance to feel the ambience and talk to the bartenders, and it’s always a good time.

If not at Ku Bar, I like Alonetogether. I love jazz, and the vibes are amazing. If I could choose to be anywhere after a long day of work, it’s there. Sit at the bar and order a classic.

What advice would you give people starting out in the bar industry?

Be an open book, always think of yourself as a glass half empty, if not completely empty. No matter which industry you’re working in, knowledge is boundless. There will always be more things to discover.

Being a bartender is not just one thing. It’s not just about creating the best drinks, have the best shakes, or the greatest ideas. Being a bartender is being a person of hospitality. For me, if your cocktails are amazing but you can’t take care of your customers, that simply isn’t enough.

F*nkytown is located on the fourth floor of Sarnies Sukhumvit, 39 Sukhumvit 37 Alley, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok, open daily from 5pm-midnight.

[Hero and featured image credit: Pae Ketumarn]

The post So we talked cultures and funky drinks with Pae Ketumarn of F*nkytown appeared first on Lifestyle Asia Bangkok.

It’ll be a classic dirty Martini for me (gin, extra olive), and the El Presidente for Vichayuth Chantan. Together, we’re discussing our take on the biggest bar and restaurant trends in Thailand this 2023.

We didn’t go to Le Cordon Bleu in Bangkok nor Paris, we aren’t secret voters and critics (that we can reveal here), and we didn’t star on Drinks Masters, Iron Chef, or even in a cameo role on Hunger. We do, however, visit new bars and restaurants on a weekly basis, and we do, quite often, report on the trends that take form there.

As part of our yearly review, Vichayuth and I pick apart some of the biggest bar and restaurant trends we’ve spotted in Thailand this year.

[Hero and Featured Image Credit: Tyler Nix/Unsplash]

Dining

The best new restaurants in Bangkok of 2023

Dining

Bangkok’s best new bars and cocktail menus of 2023

A discussion on Thailand’s biggest bar and restaurant trends in 2023

Guest shifts & pop-ups, borderless bromances

LG: If you had to guess how many guest shifts you visited this year, would the number be in the hundreds?

VC: Probably a thousand, roughly the same number of new bar openings in Bangkok this year. They were very big this year, for bars, they swap bartenders for shifts often, and we saw big names of the industry coming every month.

LG: Guest chefs, pop-ups, and collabs were everywhere on the food scene as well, from renowned names like Mirazur x Odette at Côte by Mauro Colagreco, over to that insane 30-hand Yuzu Safari dinner at the Park Hyatt this month. I couldn’t count the number of “one-night-only” dinners I attended this year. It’s been really fun, and it’s so nice to see the return of really big names to Bangkok, though there’s always that bittersweet feeling of knowing you’ll never be able to enjoy certain dishes again (Mia restaurant’s Chef Top: I still think about your killer ox tail consommé).

VC: In Thailand, Bangkok Bar Show also contributed to that, too. Lennon’s, The Bar, Vesper, Opium, Tropic City, and I can go on and on — many places now make it their regular programme to invite bartenders from overseas.

LG: That’s true, F&B collaborations have embraced regional talents quite beautifully this year. After all, the industry is relatively small, and many are friends. It was just announced this month, for instance, that Thailand’s beloved Chef Ton will be joining hands with Hong Kong’s beloved Chef Vicky Cheng for a fine dining extravaganza atop The Empire.

The cult of the chef, the buzz around the bartender

LG: The breaking of borders in this way has also made food travel even more enticing for many. Discerning diners collect F&B experiences like stickers and checks on a bucket list. In February, I had Haoma’s notorious Crab Madras in the Maldives, as part of Chef DK’s pop-up there. You can’t make this stuff up.

LG: Chefs have become akin to celebrities and influencers in their own right, and diners will make the trek to have their special menus. Where ‘foodporn’ was big hype a few years ago, there’s growing hype around the ‘pornstars’ now — the chefs, I mean.

VC: I’d say it could be that way soon for bars. Bartenders have broken into mainstream with media exposure (Suzu and Kate from Drinks Masters, for example) but it’s just the beginning. We also have a number of industry legends that people are looking forward to, but not to the point of being a celebrity yet.

LG: There’s definitely fan girls and boys for many of these people. Social media makes them so accessible, but also so interesting.

VC: I’m also off to the Shingo Gokan guest shift today, so nice timing.

A spotlight on wellness: calories and community

LG: Wellness was a huge lifestyle trend post-pandemic in general, and it has translated to the food space also in relation to sustainability, waste management, and a greater availability of vegan/vegetarian menus. But actually you wanted to talk about wellness, right?

VC: Indeed. As people become more health-conscious and limit their alcohol intake, many bars are starting to create signature menus that are low in alcohol percentage — something all patrons are able to enjoy without guilt. The Bar at The House on Sathorn has a spin on the Americano, for example, and Opium Bar has a whole page on low ABV cocktails.

VC: Some bars are also now stocking non-alcoholic spirits. It’s perfect for everyone at the table to enjoy the same sensation, even if you’re the designated driver or simply allergic to alcohol. In many cases, a non-alcoholic gin and tonic tastes just as refreshing yet complex as your usual order.

LG: That’s true. On a slightly different tangent, health and fitness in the chef community is an increasing subject, too. I’m not sure if it’s just my Instagram algorithm, but I’ve never seen so many chefs work out as I have in 2023. Running, weight-lifting, crossfit: you name it. In relation to our previous point, it’s pretty cool to know that the chef-crush you follow is also personally taking care of him or herself. There’s a reason why we took IGNIV’s chefs Andreas Caminada and David Hartwig for a run last month!

Do we need to talk about sustainability?

LG: Sustainability has been a big topic for restaurants and the food scene for a while now. To me, it shouldn’t be called a ‘trend’ and I don’t even want to highlight it; eco- and climate-conscious practice should be commonplace. However, I do think it’s interesting that the bar industry is also doing impressive things in this area lately.

VC: Yeah, bar owners that are looking to get that edge over their competition recognise the usage of sustainability in their operations. This, of course, gives the cocktail menu another selling point. Mahaniyom has skyrocketed into No. 19 on the World’s 50 Best Bars list, and they’re a big player in the sustainability game. Being sustainable also helps save resources by reducing waste, and also saves money while creating each cocktail — just requires a bit more time and prep for each.

Thai ingredients continue to shine

VC: Thai-inspired cocktails was arguably one of the trends started last year, and it hasn’t slowed down yet. What also popped up, however, is the increasing interest in other parts of Asia’s ingredients and spirits. Korean rooftop bar ANJU has opened atop Sindhorn Midtown, featuring cocktails made with soju. Gir’s new menu incorporates kimchi and pickled radish in one of their drinks. Kodo Bar uses a lot of sake in their menu. The list goes on.

LG: There’s going to be the first-ever craft spirit awards for Asia next year, so I’m pumped for that too. In general, the world is waking up to Thailand, and to Asian ingredients, so it is an exciting time. For restaurants, local ingredients have been in the spotlight for a longer while now, but key players like Baan Tepa’s Chef Tam or Samrub Samrub Thai’s Chef Prin Polsuk continue to communicate these Thai flavours in a refreshing, authentic, and refined manner. Even down in Phuket, Chef Ricardo Nunes and the new Hom restaurant are getting a lot of attention for what they describe as “locavorism.” It was great to see all three highly lauded at this year’s Michelin star revelation, too.

A return to the classics

VC: One big thing I noticed is that lesser-known (and many forgotten) classics are back in the limelight.

LG: Sorry, you’ll have to kill me if you want me to give up my Martini.

VC: Martinis are never out of fashion, and Negronis are a guy’s best friend. But as more consumers of Bangkok are more in touch with your usual classic cocktails, bar managers could showcase the lesser-known classics in their menu. Finally, the Galliano bottle collecting dust in the corner will finally be used for a Harvey Wallbanger or two.

LG: I get what you mean. Linking somewhat to our previous point, a spotlight on local ingredients is also a kind of return to the classics, or even as you put it, “lesser-known classics.” It’s giving a lot of ingredients a newfound respect and appreciation; I don’t want to call it “appropriation” just yet. A friend told me that recently, at a dinner party, people were gasping over Buddha’s hand fruit. Have you seen it? Sure, it’s quirky, but it has also been around forever.

VC: I know what you mean. 4th Wall’s daily-changing menu is like they had to dig up forgotten classics from a trunk beneath a seabed, but it’s the best place to introduce yourself to new flavour profiles that will sometimes make you question what the people in the 1930s were thinking.

LG: 4th Wall is a good example of the kind of space that is also a return to the classics — a good cocktail and good conversation kind of place. Whilst maximalist dining rooms may be a trend in other places, we still maintained a fair share of more intimate bars and restaurants. There’s something comforting and exclusive about them, and it’s not limited to only fancy establishments. Look at the success of SDC in Charoenkrung, or No Name Noodle in Thonglor. Both incredibly hard to book — one to enjoy with a small group of friends, and one to give yourself a solo mouthgasm when you’re craving quality ramen. Yes, we still had space for another spot for ramen.

LG: The latter reminds me of a quote from The New York Times in their 2022 story on restaurant trend predictions: “Japanese food is the cuisine all other cuisines most want to hang out with.”

VC: Good to know that in 2023, there’s one thing that hasn’t changed.

The post Discussing Thailand bar and restaurant trends in 2023 over dinner and drinks appeared first on Lifestyle Asia Bangkok.

As the year comes to a close, let’s take a look at some of the best new bars and cocktail menus of 2023. Grab some company and make plans — you’re already three drinks behind.

Bangkok is forever full of life, and the bar industry certainly is booming more than ever this year. A lot of bars have opened up, and new menus are introduced. Many new faces have also arrived in town, and the city’s creativity when it comes to creating a good drink has never felt so alive. As we bid farewell to 2023, we take a look at what made this year so special, and celebrate the inventive minds behind them. The drinks they made, the vibes the created, the hospitality they exuded, that’s what makes Bangkok so special.

[Hero and featured image credit: The Loft]

Bangkok’s best new bars and cocktail menus of 2023

Bar Us is a drinking room where dining and mixology meet at a very delicious crossroad

Aum and Taln have always been experimental in their approach to mixology; just ask anyone who has been to Messengerservice. With their second bar in Sukhumvit 26, cocktails are presented as a multi-course meal, from starters to mains, with classic twists available for those looking for your favourites done in a different way.

Thailand is no stranger to incorporating food into drinks, and those who enter for the first time will be in awe of how each ingredient is showcased to shine alongside another, while fully highlighting its own unique profile. If you’re a fan of savoury, they have a fish cocktail with daikon and tsuyu, topped with some tonic.

You can find more information at Bar Us.

Lost in Thaislation opened with sleek interiors and an insanely creative menu

Throw a stone into Thonglor area and it will hit at least four bars. Lost in Thaislation, however, cannot be denied by any guest that what the bar is offering is nothing short of impressive. Helmed by industry veteran Suchada ‘Fahbeer’ Sopajaree, their first signature series pays homage to the street foods of the capital—something all of us, no matter the background or upbringing, enjoy. Complex in taste and technique, yet easily understandable by locals and international visitors alike.

Grab a refreshing glass of the ‘Mango Sticky Rice,’ made from white rum with bianco vermouth and the bar’s own amazake, topped with mango mousse and dusted with kinako powder and coconut chips. We guarantee the drink isn’t too heavy, so feel free to explore the menu further at your leisure.

You can find more information at Lost in Thaislation.

Named after a national park, Gir is a relaxing oasis in the middle of the bustling Thonglor area

The warm hospitality, the relaxing vibes, the abundance of complimentary tequila shots — something about Gir just calls you back again. Once we had the chance to try their new “City Series” menu, it was like something in the universe clicked, especially the ‘Ho Chi Minh Pizza’ cocktail. Inspired by the Vietnamese city, the drink is made from vodka infused with pizza dust, clarified tomato juice, and sprayed with Tabasco.

Once you get the drink, take it outside to the balcony. The gorgeous view of the city from almost atop T-One building certainly provides a vibe you won’t forget in a hurry.

You can find more information at Gir.

Everything in F*nkytown keeps us movin’, keeps us groovin’ with some energy

Recently opened on the fourth floor above Sarnies Sukhumvit, F*nkytown is a journey to get to, but the destination is full of fun, creative drinks and great hospitality to pair with. The mind behind the drinks is Pae Ketumarn, who brings in his expertise from his time working in Shanghai and Tokyo, which translates into the cocktail menu that just cannot be described as anything but “funky.” If you arrive on an empty stomach, the naem-stuffed chicken wings and sai oua corn dogs are fire.

To get the funkiest experience, their ‘Som Tam’ cocktail is a must, as they infused Roku gin with dried shrimp and chili, adding pomelo cordial, tomato water made using upcycled bottles of orange wine and tomato confit, along with fish sauce caramel and coconut sugar.

You can find more information at F*nkytown.

A quiet night in Midlife Crisis Bangkok is considered self-care

All the way from Chiang Mai, Midlife Crisis bar has come to Sukhumvit 16. Each drink is modelled after famous phrases and sayings on social media, which leaves much to the imagination. If you can’t choose one, there’s a little slot machine you can pull from, to which the bartender will whip something up with the characteristics labelled. It’s perfect for those like us who just cannot decide and end up ordering a Negroni every time.

A great starter to any evening is the ‘Love at First Like,’ a cocktail made from berry gin, topped with foam and some kyoho grapes. It’s sweet, sour, refreshing, and filled to the brim with playful textures.

You can find more information at Midlife Crisis Bangkok.

Rabbit Hole’s award-winning menu is the way to learn the alphabet (for adults)

It’s not much of a surprise that Rabbit Hole won the “Menu Design of the Year” award from Thailand’s 20 Best Bars. 26 drinks, each from a letter from the alphabet, is a brilliant concept that not only doesn’t need much explanation, but also highlights the bar team’s creativity in order to make each drink work. With the abundance of cocktails on the menu, you’re bound to find something you’re craving for.

A couple of our favourites include the ‘C’ (for chocolate), a spirit-forward drink made with cocoa wax butter, menthol chocolate, Hennessy VS Cognac, and Michter’s Rye, as well as the ‘E’ (for earthy), using mushroom, curry leaf, beet, red shiso, peach, Aquavit, and Corte Vetusto Espadin Mezcal for that touch of smokiness.

It’s also important to note that this year, Watermelon Group has also opened up Fuchsia, which has been the talk of the town ever since, and also revamped Bar Marco into an intimate wine bar but still retaining the same great vibes and amazing krapow. The devil works hard, but these guys are certainly a contender.

You can find more information at Rabbit Hole.

Vesper launched ‘People of Vesper Vol. 2’

This year Vesper is back with the second volume of their ‘People of Vesper’ menu, highlighting the patrons that make the bar one of the beloved venues of Bangkok. The menu features 16 new signature drinks, inspired by the different people that frequent the bar, along with their unique flavour profiles and characteristics. It’s the first official menu since the arrival of British import Tom Hearn, and he did not disappoint.

What stuck in our hearts especially are their spirit-forwards, include the ‘Mr. Presidente,’ a riff on the classic El Presidente made from Flor de Caña 12, Cocchi Americano, Giffard banana, Champaca, coconut, and tonka beans, as well as the ‘Chinese Connection,’ a spirit-forward cocktail crafted using Remy Martin 1738, Monkey Shoulder, pu’er tea, cacao butter, and cherry liqueur.

You can find more information at Vesper.

Artists at The Loft are more artsy than ever with the second volume of The Loft’s menu

With the talents of Beverage Manager Michele Montauti, The Loft has collaborated with the professors and students of the Faculty of Fine Arts at Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University, fusing mediums of art into glasses in a more literal sense. Photographs, paintings, drops of colours — cocktails are an artform, and this menu is certainly showing us that fact.

If you want the full experience, try ‘The Golden Serenade,’ a beautiful spirit-forward drink that showcases The Macallan 12 YO Sherry Oak as it blends together with homemade honey ginger syrup, Perrier, and a little of sandalwood tincture. The cocktail is also served in a limited-edition Macallan wooden container exclusively crafted for The Loft. Alternatively, order the ‘Vintage Snap’ and be blown away by how the “photography” aspect is executed.

You can find more information at The Loft.

The Bar at The House on Sathorn’s new menu puts the “class” in classic twists

This year, The Bar at The House on Sathorn sees the arrival of Bar Manager Marco Dongi. As a result of his meticulous craftsmanship, a new menu is born with the rich history of The House in mind, separated into four sections representing four eras. Each drink is a riff of a classic cocktail with Marco’s own touch, and the products are something not too complicated to understand, while offering enough distinction of the timeless recipes and clever incorporations of local ingredients.

If you’ve never been, treat yourself to a ‘Breakfast Royal,’ a soul-soothing drink made from Bacardi Reserva Ocho rum, Thai almond coffee, pandan, and jasmine. Or if you feel like something refreshing, the ‘Staro Americano’ will sweep you off your feet, with Mancino Vermouth, Campari, Disaronno, lacto-fermented strawberry soda, and garnished with an olive.

You can find more information at The Bar at The House on Sathorn.

The post Bangkok’s best new bars and cocktail menus of 2023 appeared first on Lifestyle Asia Bangkok.

You’re about to do a toast to the upcoming new year, but champagne may not be for everyone. We have come up with some alternatives that are perfectly acceptable to drink on NYE if you don’t like champagne.

Champagnes are commonplace for big celebrations. Whether you’re getting engaged, doing a speech for your friend’s wedding, or saying a few words after your rich and much elder significant other suddenly passed, a glass of champagne is perfect for any occasion. But not everyone likes champagne — maybe you don’t prefer the unique taste, or maybe it’s simply that you don’t like the acidity, bubbles, or flute glass.

Below, these champagne alternatives are great to toast with, and hopefully as socially acceptable as the champagne at your NYE bash this year.

[Hero and featured image credit: Billy Huynh/Unsplash]

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You like the bubbly feeling, but not the taste: French 75

Named after the 75 millimeter field gun the French used in WWI, the French 75 has become one of the brunch favourites. It’s made with champagne, gin, lemon juice, and garnished with a lemon twist. Arguably, it adds more dimension to the drink, which is perfect if you’re fine with the acidity of the champagne, but looking for something different. Here’s a tip: ask the bartender to sub the gin for cognac for a slightly sweeter taste and a different body to the cocktail.

You like the taste, but not the bubbly feeling: Northern Italian pinot grigio

Okay, we know that the sparkling wine is different in taste, but if you’re looking for something that resembles it without the fizz, pinot grigio from Northern Italy has flavour profiles that you will find while tasting prosecco. Delle Venezie or Friuli-Venezia will certainly scratch that itch, or perhaps something from Picpul de Pinet if you’re looking for something a bit more on the acidity.

If you want to impress your Italian crush: Americano

If you don’t love the beautiful sensation of the Negroni, the Americano is arguably the next best thing if you’re okay with the fizz and the taste of the Italian aperitif. Utilising Campari, sweet vermouth, and soda, the drink is refreshing, perfect for a hot day, and low in alcohol content. Feel free to have multiple and you’ll walk down the stairs just fine.

If you hate the party: Adios, Motherf*cker

When you want to really feel the booze, let us introduce the cool and refreshing Adios, Motherf*cker. Incorporating five different alcoholic components, the drink is a lot like the well-known Long Island Iced Tea, but subbing triple sec and cola with blue curaçao and sprite. It makes for a brighter citrus flavour, and is somehow even easier to get drunk with. If you don’t want to remember the party, this is one way to go. We encourage you to order it with confidence, with clear articulation, like the cool motherf*cker that you are.

If you hate yourself: continuous shots of Four Horsemen

Named after the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, the men includes Jim, Jack, Johnnie, and Jose. Yes, the recipe calls for bourbon, whisky, scotch, and tequila in equal parts. Try multiple shots of the concoction and you’ll really feel the apocalypse churning within you. This isn’t the worst shot you can have, but it’s something every bar will have. If you feel like you can do worse, ask if the bar has tuna fish juice.

The post What to drink on NYE if you don’t like champagne appeared first on Lifestyle Asia Bangkok.

It’s no secret that the Germans excel at Christmas. Any search for the world’s best Christmas markets will land you in Germany. Here, we sit down with one of Germany’s most famous red wine pioneers to chat festive family dinners, and how to pair some of the most famous Christmas foods with wine. Following an early Christmas wine pairing dinner at Bangkok’s Restaurant Sühring, we asked Dörte and Meike Näkel of Weingut Meyer-Näkel to share their tips and sips.

In 1950, Willbald Näkel opened the Weingut Meyer-Näkel in Dernau, with only 1.5 hectares of vineyards. At the time, German wines (even red wines) were traditionally sweet, a characteristic that aligned well with the German post-war zeitgeist, but also underpinned the style of winemaking at the time. Willbald Näkel would soon change this with the introduction of dry wines, and when his son and self-taught winemaker Werner Näkel took the helms in 1982, a whole new style of German Pinot Noir was established. By the end of the 1980s, Werner Näkel was known as one of the most important personalities in German winemaking.

Today, the family vineyards take over more than 20 hectares of space in the Ahr wine region. Werner Näkel has passed the baton to his two daughters, Dörte and Meike Näkel, and the Weingut Meyer-Näkel stands proud as a German winery that is well-established and well-known for its Pinot Noirs. Elegant yet straight-forward, these red wines are characterised by a fruitiness on the one hand, and a sense of herbaceous spice and mineralogy on the other. Together, they make for a wonderful occasion wine.

Following an early Christmas wine pairing dinner at Bangkok’s renowned Sühring restaurant, we asked Dörte and Meike Näkel to inspire us with their choice of festive wines for the season, as well as a few wine pairing tips and sips. Below, find out how to pair 6 classic Christmas dishes (and two bonus German Christmas dishes).

How to pair wine with festive foods this season, according to German winemakers Dörte and Meike Näkel of Weingut Meyer-Näkel

Oysters

Champagne or sparkling wine, such as a German Sekt, goes well with oysters. Fresh and raw, they make a fabulous starter and stimulate the appetite wonderfully when combined with a sparkling wine.

Roast turkey

We prefer to combine this with Pinot Noir. This grape variety always goes well when the meat has been slowly braised and has roasted flavours. An unbeatable combination, we have Pinot Noirs such as our Kräuterberg or Sonnenberg wines.

Christmas ham

A beautiful Chardonnay from Napa or Burgundy will pair nicely with this traditional dish. A strong white wine goes well with this traditional dish. Perhaps a mature Riesling or a Chardonnay.

Fruitcake

This dish contains a lot of sweetness and intense, dried fruit flavours. A matured German Riesling with just the right balance between acidity and sweetness will be perfect.

Gingerbread cookies

A strong, dry red wine matches very well here, as it enhances the flavour of the gingerbread. If you prefer it sweeter, you can also serve port wine.

Cheeseboard

The combination of wine and cheese has a long tradition and cannot be answered in general terms. It depends on the type of cheese. Strong, mature blue cheeses go well with very sweet wines, e.g. port or Vin Doux Naturel, while soft cheeses go well with a dry Riesling or Pinot Gris. Hard cheeses go well with Pinot Noir or stronger varieties such as Cabernet or Tempranillo. Cheese and wine is a science in itself.

Bonus: What to pair with German Christmas foods, like roast goose or stollen

Very personal: mature Pinot Noir with goose and a Gewürztraminer Auslese with stollen.

This story first appeared on Prestige Online Thailand, and has been edited for length and content.

The post 8 festive wine pairing tips and sips from German winemakers Dörte and Meike Näkel appeared first on Lifestyle Asia Bangkok.

Build the bougiest home bar and be the perfect host with the Saint Laurent cocktail set, at the small cost of a Nintendo Switch OLED.

[Hero and featured image credit: Saint Laurent]

Saint Laurent just released a cocktail set for THB 12,700

Picture it: you’re throwing a party, just a small thing between you and a handful of friends. After all, you just got a new place and wanted to impress them. So you ask them if they want something to drink, and before they even say anything — bam — you whip out this beautiful silver chrome shaker adorned with the Saint Laurent signature on the side.

As you fill it with ice from 7-Eleven, you grab the — what’s that? Oh, it’s the Saint Laurent jigger that you’re pouring the gin and dry vermouth into, quickly disguising that you could only afford Gilbey’s as you already spent your savings on the cocktail set. After some world-class shaking, you pour the concoction into a Martini glass with, of course, the Saint Laurent strainer.

You then serve the shaken Martini to your guests because you forgot to buy lemon from the supermarket, and watch as your guests’ jaw drop in awe of the craftsmanship and the gorgeous metallic hue of the Saint Laurent cocktail set. After all, the 3-6 business day-delivery ensures that it arrives in time to impress your guests.

If that exact scenario is your fantasy, you’re in luck. The Saint Laurent cocktail set is available for purchase at THB 12,700. It’s part of the latest Saint Laurent Rive Droite collection, wherein Anthony Vaccarello has released a line of products from t-shirts and accessories over to homeware. Here’s a recipe for a Martini you could use.

You can find more information at Saint Laurent.

The post Saint Laurent just released a luxury cocktail set for THB 12,700 appeared first on Lifestyle Asia Bangkok.

Ever wondered what type of friend you are? Well, choose a Bar.Yard cocktail and find out. 

Although making different types of friends can be fun and exciting, getting smashed with them is better. The perfect place to do this is at Bar.Yard— Bangkok’s vibrant backyard rooftop garden. Located on the 40th floor of Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok, this rooftop bar has a breathtaking view of the city skyline. And when it comes to food, drinks, and entertainment, Bar.Yard knows best. 

Bar.Yard is open from 4:00 p.m. til 1:00 a.m. on Sunday and Monday and 4:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m. on Tuesday – Saturday. To stay updated, please check out their Instagram here. 

[Hero & Feature Image Credit: Pexels / Inga Seliverstova]

The type of friend you are, based on your Bar.Yard cocktail order

The post The type of friend you are, based on your Bar.Yard cocktail order appeared first on Lifestyle Asia Bangkok.

Looking for an offbeat location to celebrate this upcoming New Year’s Eve? Head to Rama III’s riverside drinking spot Seven Days A Week, boasting a wonderful view of the Chao Phraya River. 

Rama III may not pop up into your mind when thinking of drinking spots, but in reality, Rama III actually boasts a lot of places where you can sit and chill at some of its riverside spots. The latest addition to these long lists is Seven Days A Week, a pop-up drinking hub complete with highballs, wines, Isan hotpot, and more. 

‘Seven Days A Week’ transforms the riverside area in Rama III into a hip drinking spot

Set inside what was once Canapaya Riverfront, Rama III folks’ go-to spot for riverside drinking, this pop-up project channels the vibrant, alfresco beach vibes similar to one of those beach clubs–think all beach chairs, a thin layer of sand, and beach umbrellas right next to the Chao Phraya River. 

Foodwise, expect a Isan hotpot feast (jaewhon) from Horn Pao and Thai-Japanese fusion yakitori offerings from Hama where you can enjoy pla duk grilled to perfection served alongside lao chili paste.

Highballs play the lead role here thanks to Oh Vacoda High Ball Club, the nightlife alter ego from Ari’s crowd-favourite avocado-focused cafe. Here, the owner Rujiyatorn “Piangploy” Choksiriwan brings out her Toki Highball Machine, a specialised machine to dispense a five-times more carbonated drink into the mixer. The classic Jim Beam Highball starts at THB 180, but those looking for non-alcoholic drinks can go for their signature melon cream soda (THB 220).  Craft beer fans can also head to Bottle Rocket, which serves 10 taps starting at THB 260. 

The pop-up project will open until 31 Mar, 2024. Canapaya Riverfront. Open daily 4pm-10pm. 

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From Sardinia with love, this bar manager’s approach to drinks is nothing short of benissimo. Ladies and gentlemen, Matteo Caddedu of Opium.

Cocktail enthusiasts of Bangkok adore Opium (the bar, not the addictive substance that sparked the war between China and Great Britain from 1839-1842). No. 59 on the Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2023 list and No. 8 on Thailand’s 20 Best Bars, their seasonal cocktail menu involves over 50 spirits. When you arrive at Opium, you’re welcomed by the feeling of comfort, and especially for those coming in for the first time, a sense of contrast.

Five minutes ago you were walking down the crowded Yaowarat road, and now you sit in a serene, opulent speakeasy, glancing at rows of spirits, experiencing pristine hospitality, and is that a gravity bong on the counter?

So we walked down Vanich 1 road, missed Potong, walked back to Potong, entered the most narrow elevator we’ve ever been in, and talked to Matteo Caddedu. Here’s how it went.

[Hero and featured image credit: Opium Bar]

So we talked drinks and guest shifts with Matteo Cadeddu of Opium Bar

First things first. What exactly is Opium’s concept?

The concept of ‘Liquid Surreality’ has been present in Opium since its beginning, but what does it mean?

“This exact floor used to be the bedroom of Chef Pam’s great-great-great grandfather when he moved from China.” Matteo explains, “The family used to come to this room and smoke opium, so we wanted to keep the spirit of the place alive. Of course, we can’t offer opium so we wanted to give a similar feeling to smoking opium — distorting reality through cocktails and making you wonder what is in each glass. Playing with senses; that’s ‘Liquid Surreality.'”

With so many signature cocktails, do you have a favourite drink on the new menu?

“There are a few cocktails I really like in particular, and I’m more on the spirit-forward side. There’s the “Elegantissimo,” which is a drink we added as a competition menu (Flor De Cana Sustainable Challenge 2022), the “Teochew Negroni,” a twist on the classic using grass jelly, and the “Sun Tan,” which is a cross between the Manhattan and the Vieux Carré using hojicha and chocolate.”

If you’re not in the mood for a spirit-forward, the bar manager also recommends the “Where’s My Beer?,” a mezcal-based cocktail with cordial made from IPA and chamomile, and topped with Campari air.

In your opinion, what makes a good cocktail?

“A good cocktail needs balance. You put some ingredients into a glass and that makes a cocktail, but those ingredients need to be in harmony with one another. Nothing should overpower other ingredients, so I’d say balance is key. The glass is also a vessel to enhance a cocktail and make sure you’re delivering all the senses you want to the guest.”

Spirit-forward, sweet-and-sour, refreshing, which is the hardest to get right?

“In sweet-and-sours and refreshing cocktails, the hard part is the acidity. No one likes overly sweet or overly sour drinks, so you need to get the balance between the acidity and the sugar right. That’s why we try to make a lot of syrups and acids in house, so we can control how sweet or sour something is. Sometimes we use tonic instead of water and sugar for dilution so we have a lighter sweetness.”

“For spirit-forwards, the sweet part is key, since it’s how you balance a lot of spirit-forwards. It can be tricky to balance, as you want to highlight the spirits and don’t want the sweetness to overpower. I think this is the hardest one to get right.”

Why is the Negroni your favourite classic cocktail?

“”I’m Italian” doesn’t mean that’s the reason [why it’s my favourite classic cocktail], but we’re used to the bitter taste from our aperitivo culture since a very young age. We have Crodino, and other aperitifs that are non-alcoholic, too. So, the bitter taste, in a way, reminds me of my home. It feels very personal, and being overseas, the Negroni brings me back home.”

What is the most underrated classic cocktail?

“The Last Word,” Matteo answers.

The Last Word is a pre-prohibition era cocktail made from gin, green Chartreuse, maraschino liqueur, and lime juice. At Opium, they opt out the lime juice for lemon juice. For those who haven’t tried it, the drink is a balanced combination of sweet, sour, and a little bit of bitter — something complex enough for enthusiasts but refreshing enough for being the first glass after work.

“It’s a great cocktail, but not so mainstream. It has its sour agent, and no sugar added as the sweetness comes from the liqueur. So what you get is something that feels boozy, but very refreshing as a product. Anyone that appreciates a good cocktail will certainly enjoy the Last Word, and I hope it can become more mainstream.”

Opium famously hosts quite a lot of guest shifts. Which one was the craziest and why?

Matteo says, “I’ll give you two stories.”

“The third guest shift we did since we opened was during Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2022, and we got Le Chamber from Korea and Isac Melander, Global Brand Ambassador of Naked Malt. We went through 24 bottles of Naked Malt, and it was insane. I remember one of the guys from Le Chamber had a funnel in a guy’s mouth with three people pouring alcohol into it at the same time. I forgot everything after that.”

“The second one that comes to mind is Federico Balzarini from Argo and previously from Vesper. It was a fun night, and he cooked pasta right here at the bar counter.”

The bar has shot to fame really quickly after opening. Is there a secret to its success?

“I wouldn’t say secret, but what we value a lot is people. We work closely together in the bar, and we show each other support when there’s a competition. People is the key to success. Of course, the management pushes us to where we are today, but the ones working directly behind the bar need to be the best version of themselves.”

“When Julie went to the Flor de Cana competition, the whole team flew to Phuket to support her. I think that’s one of reasons we are achieving so much today.”

When you’re not at Opium, where can we find you?

“I don’t really go out much with events here and there, but I sometimes swing by Tropic City since it’s on my way back home so it’s great to go in for a quick drink. I take the guest bartenders to BKK Social Club and Vesper often. I don’t really have a favourite, it just depends on the area I’m in.”

Lastly, what would you say to your younger self?

“All the hard work paid off. I struggled a lot, but now I’m here. Good job, man.”

Opium Bar is located on the 4th floor of Potong restaurant, 422 Vanich 1 Rd, Samphanthawong, Bangkok, Thursday – Monday, 5pm-12am

The post So we talked drinks and guest shifts with Matteo Cadeddu of Opium Bar appeared first on Lifestyle Asia Bangkok.

It’s Bangkok, so of course there’ll always be something new when it comes to drinking. Knowing where to drink is key, and we have just what you need. Here are the best bars in Bangkok this month.

[Hero and featured image credit: F*nkytown]

The best new bars in Bangkok this December 2023

The night is still young, and so are we. Let us find you a new favourite place to hang out — somewhere to grab a good drink, experience fine hospitality, and try very hard not to judge the couple ordering Mojitos with a hard ‘J.’ If you’re looking to make plans with or without some company, these new happenings in Bangkok will surely be worth your time.

Ask us about the new bar F*nkytown and we would talk about it, talk about it, talk about it, talk about it

Won’t you take us to F*nkytown? After all, the new bar above Sarnies Sukhumvit will make walking up four flights of stairs worth it. Helmed by Pae Ketumarn previously of The SG Club and Sober Company, the cocktail menu contains classics you adore, and signature menus full of inventive creations with sustainability in mind. Their teas are sourced from the sustainable Sawanbondin Tea Farm in Chiang Rai, and their honeys come from Chiang Mai’s Supha Bee Farm. As you sit surrounded by retro-chic interiors, order a few bites off their food menu and see the open kitchen in action.

Highlights you mustn’t miss include the “Penichillin,” a twist on the classic Penicillin with galangal honey, Naked Malt, lemon, and a bit of peaty whiskey, along with the “Caesar Salad,” a gin-based groovy concoction with caesar cordial, romaine lettuce, tomato, tonic, and topped with Parmigiano foam.

You can find more information at F*nkytown.

Long Play Music & Bar opens on the second floor of Josh Hotel with good grooves, food, and an array of spirits

The second floor of Josh Hotel is now home to the newest vinyl bar in town, named Long Play. With DJs coming in on the regular, it’s now established itself as a sort of hangout space for vinyl appreciators of Ari area. Live jazz is also played every Friday and Saturday for those who want a change of pace.

It’s perfect for a glass of wine in hand, or perhaps some whisky on the rocks, as you lay back, relax, and appreciate the artform flowing through the air. Don’t be afraid if you arrive on an empty stomach, as their food menu is filled with international favourites and guilty pleasures perfect to pair.

You can find more information at Long Play Music & Bar.

Like magic, Hex Bar’s potion-themed cocktails can make you forget your troubles for the day

A child-like wonder overwhelms you as you wander into Hex Bar. There’s a cauldron with flames, rows of bottles adorning the shelves, mysterious odds and ends as far as the eyes can see. It’s as if you’re enrolling in your first Defense Against the Dark Arts class, but without your professor dying in the same movie. To complete the fantasy, the menu is a book of potions that will help you with whatever your worries are, or go wild and let the mixologists brew up something to your liking.

Highlights include the “Hexing Potion,” with rye whisky infused with giant water bugs as the base, and a lot of added herbs from rosemary to Sichuan pepper, as well as the “Speed Potion,” a rum-based drink made from bergamot, pandan, ginger, and garnished with kaffir lime.

You can find more information at Hex Bar.

Rabbit Hole debuts the A-Z Menu Version 1.1 with additions, subtractions, and revisions

Rabbit Hole’s award-winning menu sees some minor changes. By minor changes, they mean 12 new cocktails, eight new non-alcoholic variations, and a lot of revisions. No matter the changes, the menu still evokes that Rabbit Hole charm and inventiveness that makes you go back again and again.

Must-tries from the new additions include “Grill,” a Bourbon-based cocktail with burned butter, corn, banana, hojicha, and garnished with a pandan leaf, as well as the “Low Calories,” perfect for a guy or girl on the go, made from blanco tequila, lemon grass, green peas, bitter gourd, sweetened with stevia, and comprised of a grand total of 88.3 calories.

You can find more information at Rabbit Hole.

Gir is taking you on an adventure around the world through their new “City Series” menu

Thonglor bar Gir has a passion for exploration, and they aim to show this by incorporating that sense into their mixology. Their latest menu lets us see how diverse the world is, with each cocktail drawing inspiration from a city on the map from Vietnam to Australia.

Notable examples are the “French Bistro,” which aims to invoke the feeling of, well, a French bistro, utilising blue cheese and olives in a highball-style cocktail, and the “Naver Map Only,” a drink inspired by a night out in Seoul, using kimchi and pickled radish.

You can find more information at Gir.

Bar Marco is back after renovations for vinyl lovers of Thonglor

After renovations, the groovy Bar Marco is back again and bursting with charm as ever before. Apart from the new interior, they also overhauled their drinks menu, featuring new signature cocktails, an extensive wine selection, and the hospitality perfect for those who just survived a hard day at work. Plus, each signature cocktail being named after songs is the cherry on top of this beautiful cake.

On your first visit, we recommend you order the “Get Lucky,” a hassle-free cocktail made from vodka, elderflower, lime, and gorgeous notes of berry tea. Also, order their krapow.

You can find more information at Bar Marco.

The best new bars in Bangkok this November 2023

When life gives you lemon, make a good Sidecar. If you’re looking for that something extra, we have just the places to be at this month. Don’t be afraid to ask what’s right for you, as these bars have service as amazing as their menu.

The O.S.S Bar is the cool spy-themed bar everyone has been waiting for

Get down, Mr President, because everything at this bar is to die for. The World War II-themed interior, the opulent decor, the unique view of the khlong right outside—these are all good signs of a great night out. The menu is themed after the life and legacy of Jim Thompson, and the impeccable service is certainly not a secret.

Highlights include the “Ceylon,” a drink served in a teacup, inspired by the old name of Sri Lanka, as well as the “Golden Banana,” a fizzy cocktail that tells the story of a silk merchant being pursued in the nightclub of the same name.

You can find more information at The OSS Bar.

The Bar at The House on Sathorn presents a new menu with a history lesson and a lot of booze

Now this is a history lesson we’re not getting bored in. Helmed by its Bar Manager Marco Dongi, the Bar at The House on Sathorn sees a menu with the history of the place in mind, separated into four sections representing four eras. Each drink a riff of a classic cocktail with Marco’s own touch, resulting in a wide array of flavours and textures—something not too complicated to understand, while offering enough distinction of the timeless recipes and clever incorporations of local ingredients.

Highlights you truly cannot miss include “The Ambassador’s Favourite,” spirit-forward featuring Maker’s Mark whiskey and Hennessey VS Cognac with banana, mango, a few dashes of Angostura and Peychaud bitters, and some Thai flower essence, as well as the “Breakfast Royal,” a soothing concoction made from Bacardi Reserva Ocho rum, Thai almond coffee, pandan, and jasmine.

You can find more information at The Bar at The House on Sathorn.

The Loft’s new menu perfectly crosses artsy fun with mixology

Cocktails are an artform in themselves, and the The Loft at Waldorf Astoria Bangkok is taking that idea to another level. With the talents of Beverage Manager Michele Montauti, they’ve collaborate with the professors and students of the Faculty of Fine Arts at Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University, fusing mediums of art into glasses in ways we didn’t expect.

Highlights include the “Level 56,” a refreshing, smoky drink made from Hendrick’s gin, Mancino Secco, coconut milk punch, lychee & rose syrup, and blood orange & elderflower tonic, as well as “The Golden Serenade,” a beautiful spirit-forward drink that showcases The Macallan 12 YO Sherry Oak as it blends together with homemade honey ginger syrup, Perrier, and a little of sandalwood tincture. The cocktail is also served in a limited-edition Macallan wooden container exclusively crafted for The Loft.

You can find more information at The Loft.

Midsummer Night’s Dream Bar presents a Shakespearean tale for their new menu

The second act of Midsummer Night’s Dream bar opens the curtains to 17 new cocktails with the concept “think outside the glass.” With that concept, it definitely feels like the mixologist team challenged themselves to broaden their horizons and find the most creative, and fitting ingredients to be featured in a glass. As such, some of the cocktails feature a little side of food to pair and to really give guests the full experience.

Highlights you should try include the “Come What, Come May,” derived from MacBeth, a Dirty Martini-like cocktail with sour cream, onion espuma, and served with a savoury jelly, as well as the “My Soul is in the Sky,” made from raspberry, Ylang Ylang, white wine syrup, and garnished with cookie and cream cheese sauce.

You can find more information at Midsummer Night’s Dream Bar.

Tripper New Road takes us on a journey away from our troubles

Talad Noi is not the first area when you think about cocktails, but we’re glad it’s starting to see some love. With dim lights that set the mood, and the interior setting the tone as if you’re dining in a comfy train, Tripper New Road takes you on an adventure by featuring drinks made from ingredients all around the world.

The “Kyoto,” in a surprising twist, uses matcha liqueur, umeshu, and Japanese whisky. “Bangkok” is a whisky-based drink with mango sticky rice syrup.

You can find more information at Tripper New Road.

Johnnie Walker debuts their latest limited-edition “Blue Label Elusive Umami”

The newest limited-edition Blue Label is more than just a drink, it’s an experience. Each sip feels silky smooth, as it engulfs you in its unique umami flavour. It’s something only a collaboration between renowned Japanese chef Kei Kobayashi and one of the most alluring blended scotch masters can offer. Only one out of every 25,000 casks from a reservoir of over 10 million maturing casks was chosen to achieve this lingering umami that upgrades any evening.

Although complete on its own, it is also paired amazingly well with some caviar.

The best new bars in Bangkok this October 2023

Cocktails are one of the most timeless inventions made by man, up there with automobiles, calculus, and Donna Summer’s 1979 hit ‘Bad Girls.’ While good bars are common, the ones that make you feel like home don’t come by easily. If you haven’t found one yet, maybe we can help.

Fuchsia keeps us on our feet, and our eyes sparkle with neon glow

Stepping into Fuchsia is like Alice being dropped into the rabbit hole, albeit with less clothing and a lot more artistic pole action. It’s a treat for all your senses as you watch the performers in their element, washed in the seductive neon lights and projection mapping. Couple that with the top-tier line up of DJs behind the station, whose house and techno beats keep you on your feet until you death drop, and you’re in for a great night out.

With the wrought iron and velvet interior adorning the venue, along with the audience participation they offer, we can see how Fuschia is a must-visit in the already-bustling Silom neighbourhood.

You can find more information at Fuchsia.

People of Vesper returns for a second volume, inspired by regular patrons of the bar

All eyes are on Vesper as they unveil their new menu. After all, it’s the first official menu since British import Tom Hearn became their bar manager.

As a product of Tom and the Vesper team’s passion, experience, and months of meticulous tastings, “People of Vesper Vol. 2” was born. The menu features 16 new signature drinks, inspired by the different people that frequent the bar, along with their unique flavour profiles and characteristics. It’s a way the team can relay their appreciation for their guests—the People of Vesper.

Must-try highlights include the “Mr. Presidente,” a riff on the classic El Presidente made from Flor de Caña 12, Cocchi Americano, Giffard banana, Champaca, coconut, and tonka beans, as well as the “Chinese Connection,” a spirit-forward cocktail crafted using Remy Martin 1738, Monkey Shoulder, pu’er tea, cacao butter, and cherry liqueur. They also make an impressive Red Hook.

You can find more information at Vesper.

Glass Half Full offers a peaceful sanctuary off Yaowarat Road

In Thai, to describe someone as “glass half full” means that you’re willing to listen to others and have room to grow. That’s exactly what Glass Half Full bar says they are. You sit down, you say what you want to say, and the bartenders are willing to listen—many times slipping in a shot or two for you.

One of the bartenders shares that his mantra is to give guests something simple yet effective as, in his words, “sometimes you don’t need a drink that’s so complex. You just need a place to wash away the problems of your day with a guy listening to the stories you have.” That mantra is apparent as you sit down at the bar.

Sometimes we want a lowkey kind of night. Sometimes we just need a good drink in hand and warm hospitality—a no-nonsense, no-drama experience. With a cocktail menu incorporating local Yaowarat ingredients, Glass Half Full aims to feature just that, and nothing less.

You can find more information at Glass Half Full Bar.

Siwilai City Club’s City Bar unveils a revamped, hip, refreshing look

Siwilai has been open on the fifth floor of Central Embassy for six years, but many had voiced their opinions that the City Bar, located in a separate (but still connected) section, has not been getting the full love and attention it deserves.

The recently opened City Bar with a new look screams “fun” and “modern” without trying too hard. With graphic art and neon signs adorning the walls, don’t be surprised if you’re tempted to ask your friends for a photoshoot or two as you step inside.

Over 40+ labels are available to be ordered from their extensive wine list. Reds, whites, sparkling, natural—whatever your jam is, order it by the glass or bottle to share. Classic cocktails and newly-debuted signatures are also not to be overlooked.

Speaking of jams, DJs are regularly behind the station for some lively entertainment. Hip-hop on Fridays, and house on Saturdays.

You can find more information at Siwilai City Club.

Truth or Dare is the new hangout place in Langsuan

It’s the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth—this new bar in Langsuan is worth your time. Take a sip from one of their lively tipples, including quite a list of wines in very cute glasses. Play a round of jenga or truth or dare with their set of action cards. Munch on the popcorn they provide as bar snacks. It’s a fun time all around for you and all your company.

You can find more information at Truth or Dare.

The Bamboo Bar celebrates its 70th anniversary with star-studded guest shifts from across the globe

Everybody say “Happy Birthday” as The Bamboo Bar hits 70. Since opening their establishment in 1953, the bar has been a staple of the capital’s social scene as they offer guests top-notch hospitality, an ambience filled with sophistication, and great cocktails to pair.

In celebration of their anniversary, they’re bringing industry icons from all over the world as guest bartenders. Through these drinks, guests will have the opportunity to savour the unique mixology flair from every corners of the world as they give you a tour of history as far back as the 1950s.

The programme is as follows:

• 5-7 October, Baba Au Rum from Athens, No. 20 on World’s 50 Best Bars 2022
• 11-14 October, Martiny’s, New York, No. 29 on North America’s 50 Best Bars 2023, ‘Best US New Bar 2023’ at Tales of Cocktails
• 26-27 October, Suzu, head bartender of Wild Hawk, San Francisco, and semi-finalist of 2022 Drink Masters competition, along with Happy Accidents, Albuquerque
• 1-4 November, Mandarin Oriental, Shenzhen and Mandarin Oriental, Macau
• 8-11 November, Carnaval, Lima, No. 44 on World’s 50 Best Bars 2022
• 15-18 November, Swift, London, No. 30 on World’s 50 Best Bars 2022
• 29 November – 2 December, Camparino, Milan, opened by Davide Campari himself in 1915

You can find more information at The Bamboo Bar.

The best new bars in Bangkok this September 2023

Inside Bar is the new boozy sensation of Sathorn

People generally don’t think of bespoke cocktail bars when they’re in Sathorn, but that might just change soon. The newly opened Inside Bar is just a brief walk from BTS Chong Nonsi station, and once inside, you’ll be met with an intimate speakeasy—an air of afterwork cosiness but not a hint of pretentiousness in sight.

Let the “Coconut Grove” be your first impression. The drink brings in the contrasting flavour profiles of coconut and coffee, with a slight addition of sesame oil. Is it tropical? Not entirely. Like an espresso martini? Not really. Is it good? Oh, hell yes.

You can find more information at Inside Bar.

Progress Cafe & Bar understands that life is a work in progress

Sometimes we have a deadline to meet, an exam to cram for, or a project to deal with. Progress understands. A cafe by day and bar by night, this newly opened spot in Ari recognises the daily struggle of a capitalist girl in a capitalist world. Maybe all it takes is for you to slow down, take a sip, and let yourself relax a little. Plus, you know cafe bars have some of the best coffee cocktails, so pop by if that’s your jam.

Highlights include the “Final Never Final,” a simple, yet effective twist on the Negroni with housemade shiitake bitters and some smoke, as well as their espresso martini that utilises their house coffee blend.

You can find more information at Progress Cafe & Bar.

Tarzanico welcomes you to the Thonglor jungle

It’s Friday night. Your legs are looking to dance and your body wants a party. Drop by Tarzanico for a good time, then. Their jungle-themed establishment may scream “Tarzan,” but the vibes are very Pocahontas: you feel one with nature, the drinks are making you feel all the colours of the wind, and there’s a couple of visitors from the foreign land present.

If you’re feeling adventurous, their “Basil B*tch” is made from gin, basil, lemon, apple, ginger, vanilla syrup, and topped with coconut foam. Or perhaps a nice glass of spicy passionfruit margarita will hit the spot.

You can find more information at Tarzanico.

Maison Mizuki opens to spread the art that is whisky

Japanese, Irish, Canadian, Indian, and more—these places are famed for their whiskies and the subtle characteristics that many consider an artform to taste and smell. Maison Mizuki stores all of them in house, and also uses them for their signature cocktail menu where they showcase the ambitiousness of Japanese-inspired mixology, and the hospitality that will keep you coming back.

For a taste of Japan in one sip, we want to highlight the “Miso Nori” cocktail, made from umeshu, miso syrup, lemon juice, soda, grenadine, and some shiso nori powder on the rim.

You can find more information at Maison Mizuki.

The St. Regis Bar debuts new beverage manager and highball menu additions

Hailed as a master of whisky, please welcome Ivan Zabolotnyi to the The St. Regis Bangkok. He has extensive work experience in luxurious establishments in the Middle East and Ukraine, with the most recent one being at Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah and Shangri-La Al Husn in Muscat, Oman. Ivan is not letting his fame go to waste, as his contribution to the House of Celebration’s bar menu are a series of highballs, a whisky-based, simple cocktail that’s hard to get right and even harder to be impressively innovative.

Must-tries include “The Golden Hour,” a refreshing concoction made from Maker’s Mark bourbon infused with tonka beans, Southern Comfort, topped with homemade lemon soda, and a few dashes of Peychaud’s, along with “The Victorian,” made with Dewar’s White Label, Aquavit, Islay malt, spiced honey, and topped with homemade ginger soda. Also, we’re just impressed they stock Aquavit.

You can find more information at The St. Regis Bar.

The best new bars in Bangkok this August 2023

Working 9 to 5, what a way to make a livin’. Ease yourself from your dragging daily routine with a nice cocktail, and a bartender who cares. Spirit-forward, sweet-and-sour, refreshing, spicy, highball, topped with foam, apple bottom jeans, boots with the fur—there’s a whole new cocktail menu just waiting to be served. Here are the best new bars in Bangkok to try this August.

ANJU offers a Seoul-inspired night out with rooftop vibes

Bangkok kids have mourned the closing of several Korean bars in recent years, but now, we’re able to dance the night away to K-pop as we order Korean food and raise our shot glasses full of soju again at ANJU. The neon-lit bar is perched on the 31st floor, with signature drinks inspired by the vibrant nightlife of Gangnam. Order yourself a bowl of cheese tteokbokki and ramyun to share, and be ready to light up the dance floor.

Their must-try signature is the “Yang-Nyeom Chicken,” a sweet-and-sour drink with a touch of savoury made from grape soju, bokbunja-um black raspberry, hongcho pomegrenate, and gochujang paste. Just be sure to order soju bomb shots afterwards.

You can find more information at ANJU.

Bees Things & Flowers is the bee’s knees of things and flowers

The name “Bees Things & Flowers” came from the 2006 song Everybody Loves Sunshine by Incognito. Along with their signature cocktail selection, they’re great at making modern classics. It’s a great way to introduce yourself to new classics if you’re in a daunting mood for something other than your usual Negroni. More than anything, the view of the Maitri Chit intersection is simply amazing.

When was the last time you heard someone order the Benny Blanco or the Paper Plane? Oh, you haven’t heard of these cocktails? Now you have.

You can find more information at Bees Things & Flowers.

The Riddler Wine Bar opens up in Ruamrudee

To riddle wine means to transform still wine into sparkling—it’s how you make those fancy champagnes. The Riddler, located in Ruamrudee Road, has an extensive array of wine equipped with a sommelier, Andrea Biscaro, who really knows his stuff. They also have a wide range of cuisines to sample, and live music on selected days of the week.

You can find more information at The Riddler Wine Bar and Restaurant.

Travel to 12 districts of Bangkok through Abar’s new cocktail menu

Bangkok never runs out of things to do—that’s why each district of the city is different in its own right. The mixologists of Abar went on a mission to encapsulate the essence of each area of Bangkok in the form of a drink, resulting in 12 new cocktails inspired by the rich history of the city.

The “New World Mall” is inspired by a mall of the same name once opened in 1983 and shut down because of a fire. It utilises Beefeater gin, Lillet Blanc, blue curaçao, verjus, yuzu foam, and is topped with bonito flakes (probably because of the abundant fish population living in the now-abandoned building.

The “Chulalongkorn Creamy Rose” is another great gin-based drink inspired by the beautiful Chamchurri trees of Chulalongkorn, as well as probably the alcoholic college kids surrounding the area (me included), made from Silpin rose syrup, fresh lemon juice, cream, egg white, egg white, soda water, and rose water.

You can find more information at Abar Rooftop.

Sakura Japanese Craft Gin by Senjyo Distillery introduces itself to Bangkok

When people think of gin, it’s common to go for the conventional brands, and they aren’t wrong. But the craft gin by Senjo Distillery utilises Japanese sakura handpicked from the gardens of their brewery that has been operation for more than 155 years might just be your new go-to. A complex, strong burst of cherry blossoms hit your senses, followed by a slightly sweet, lingering aftertaste. It’s perfect for a martini, a gin fizz, or perhaps enjoyed on the rocks.

You can find more information at Senjo Distillery.

The Macallan Double Cask Collection debuts in Thailand

The Macallan Double Cask Collection, comprising of the Macallan Double Cask 12 Years old, Macallan Double Cask 15 Years oldm, and Macallan Double Cask 18 Years old, just made its Thailand debut. With their extraordinary single malts, fans of The Macallan will be able to enjoy their silky smooth whiskeys with more variety. The launch also saw an exhibition by Eric Madigan Heck, who used his unique signature style to express his interpretation of the Double Cask Collection in a series of still life photographs. A celebration of nature and beauty, the abstract photographs were captured at The Macallan Estate, and highlight the beauty of nature, the importance of wood, and The Macallan ultimate sensorial experience.

You can find more information at The Macallan.

The best new bars in Bangkok this July

Plot Twist Bar brings craft mixology to Chatuchak

Is this your first time hearing about a cocktail bar in Chatuchak area? It’s ours too, and we hope to see it becoming a trend. Inspired by the train lines that run through the country, and with Bangkok as the main hub, the signature Thai cocktail series at Plot Twist is crafted using ingredients from the provinces each train line runs through. As you take a sip, you can enjoy the view of Bangsue Grand Station, which ties the concept all together.

Try the “Nasan,” a sweet-and-sour drink utilising the syrup made using rambutan from Nasan, Surat Thani, as well as the “Message From Doi,” a refreshing cocktail made from lychee, tonic water, and plums from the hill tribe of Kabu.

You can find more information at Plot Twist.

Gaze Bar invites you to sip crafted cocktails under the night sky

Look at the stars, look how they shine for you. This newly opened Thonglor bar lets you gaze at the night sky as you vibe to the DJ playing behind the station. Let the mixologists serve you creations from their menu inspired by the constellations that you can actually observe on the ceiling.

The must-try cocktail here is the “Golden Horn,” inspired by the story of Norse God Zeus, made from Ketel One Vodka, white grape soda, and cinnamon-burnt sugar with banana.

You can find more information at Gaze Bar.

Lucky Duck is serving both crouching tiger and hidden dragon

This newest bar in Chinatown describes itself as “Speakeasy Shanghai meets Prohibition Hollywood,” which is a lot of words. With ingredients sourced from the Chinese herbalists next door, Lucky Duck’s cocktail menu celebrates classic films such as Ang Lee’s Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, and Wong Kar Wai’s In The Mood For Love. The bar is adorned with antique pieces, along with a lot of reds and leopard prints.

Highlights include the “Kung Fu Hustle,” made from bacon fat-washed Tito’s handmade vodka, Giffard Melon, sweet vermouth, lime, and chilli liqueur, as well as the “In The Mood,” a refreshing drink created with rose petal Roku gin, strawberry shrub, Strega, and Moscato.

You can find more information at Lucky Duck.

The Fresh Mix introduces American classics with a twist

Located in the newly opened BLOQyard, Sathorn, The Fresh Mix brings in some refreshing American flair perfect for after-work get-togethers. With old school hip hop in the air, the bar brings good vibes, great hospitality, as well as great American classics. When was the last time you had the Hurricane cocktail? If you haven’t, now’s the time.

Their notable signatures include the “Sathorn Sour,” made from sake, vodka, lychee, dried spice syrup, lemon, and, of course, some egg white; as well as the “Dead Hipster,” a take on the Old-Fashioned using rye whisky, dark rum, clove, bitters, and Mezcal spritz.

You can find more information at The Fresh Mix.

Snuggle Huggle features refreshing drinks, snuggles, and huggles

Snuggle Huggle invites their guests to lay back, relax, snuggle, and huggle with some refreshing drinks and lively music in the air. The wooden interior, the art adoring the walls, the living room furniture—it’s like being transported to a homey, retro-looking New York apartment. Classics start at only THB 200, so you know that your little evening session won’t break the bank.

The must-try highlight here is the “Yugen Dining,” a Japanese-inspired spirit-forward cocktail made from gin, white rum, whiskey, and garnished with a piece of seaweed.

You can find more information at Snuggle Huggle.

RICI by Rico’s features guilty pleasures with your drinking session

RICI is the newest member of comfort brunch spot Rico’s, serving every ingredient needed for a cosy night out. They’re bringing in all the good bites to go with your drinks, along with desserts. The drinks menu includes a selection of wines, as well as straight-forward no-nonsense signature cocktails.

Our advice is to order the petit eclair, which pairs extremely well with the “Burnt Amber,” a spirit-forward drink made from Bourbon Whiskey, Ballantine’s Finest Salted Caramel, and garnished with an orange slice.

You can find more information at RICI by Rico’s.

Mod Kaew Wine Bar moves to new location in Sathorn 12

Our favourite natural wine dive bar has just relocated from Ploenchit to Sathorn 12. The same good food, same great selections of wine, same lively energy, just at a new location. On Sathorn 12, it’s also al fresco vibes, with pets and kids allowed. Guests can also expect a new market-style menu featuring fresh seafood, along with cold cuts and cheeses, as well as a new lunch service on the weekends.

You can find more information at Mod Kaew Wine Bar.

Kilik Social Club announces new cocktail menu additions

Those that have been to Kilik will know that they’re not playing around when it comes to drinks. Recently, they just announced several additions to their menu. It’s still under the same concept, inspired by butterflies, but with new ingredients and twists that cocktail enthusiasts can get excited about.

The most popular one has to be the “Rasta Libre,” a twist on the ever-popular Cuba Libre made with homemade Cola, which gives the drink a clear colour. Definitely also don’t forget to try the “Glasswing,” inspired by the Greta Oto butterfly. Like the butterfly, it’s light, refreshing, and gives you a sense of serenity. Unlike the butterfly, it’s gin-based, and luckily can’t fly.

You can find more information at Kilik Social Club.

Above Eleven introduces eleven new drinks that taste above and beyond

Spirit-forward, sweet-and-sour, refreshing, aperitif—they have it all. Above Eleven is infusing the essence of Peru into their new drinks menu with tropical ingredients and the bar’s flair that you know and love. In the “Peruvian-Inspired” section, have a sip of the “Inca’s Gold,” made using Pisco Demonio de los Andes, Jose Cuervo Blanco, lychee liqueur, and toasted pineapple.

Over in the “Nikkei Fusion” section, the Peruvian flavours are fused with Japanese elegance that when combined, brings out the best of the combination. Be sure to try the “Sierra Madre,” made from Creyente Mezcal infused with hibiscus, handcrafted Peruvian bitter, lime, and Demerara syrup.

You can find more information at Above Eleven.

No.3 London Dry Gin voted as World’s Best Gin once again

No.3 London Dry Gin, famed for its use of juniper at the forefront with finishing notes of cardamom and coriander, has once again been voted as World’s Best Gin for the fourth time. To celebrate, they’ve released a new beautiful bottle design and exciting creative campaigns for gin enthusiasts to keep an eye on.

They recently just held an event celebrating its award-winning success at Firefly Bar with the handsome devil of the bar scene himself, Giuseppe Carneli, as he showcased craftsmanship and the distinct flavours of No.3 London Dry Gin.

The best new bars in Bangkok this June

You can’t go wrong with a good drink in hand and a bartender who cares. That’s why choosing a bar to visit is such a dilemma sometimes, and there are always new bars popping up all around the city. Luckily, there are a lot of places worth checking out, and drinks that we just can’t seem to put down. Read on and see what piques your interest this June.

Nuss Bar opens with one of the best city views in Bangkok

There’s no new bar in Bangkok as scenic as Nuss Bar at the moment. Located in Tha Thien just opposite some of the city’s most famous temples, Nuss Bar has opened downstairs of the revamped Nusara restaurant. Whilst the latter is an award-winning Thai restaurant by the infamous Chef Ton, the bar acts as a charming accompaniment to round out your night in the area. ‘Neung’ Ronnaporn Kanivichaporn is behind the drinks list here, featuring classic cocktails with a local ingredient twist. Signatures include the zesty “Palm Daiquiri,” refreshing “Pomelo Paloma,” herbal “3 Friend Negroni,” and cashew cordial “Cashew Sidecar.” Simple yet sophisticated, and extremely Instagrammable.

You can find more information at Nuss Bar.

The Green Door tells the story of the Prohibition Era in Siam

When you think of bars themed around the Prohibition Era, images of gangsters and jazz singers may come to mind. New speakeasy The Green Door is bringing in that era through the perspective of old Siam with nostalgic ingredients Thais would be able to relate to, along with premium spirits masterfully crafted into inventive drinks and unique spins on classics. The Thai-produced artisanal cheese and charcuterie they provide also go well with the drinks menu.

We recommend beginning your night with “@tgd,” a slightly sweet cocktail made with Thai tea, clarified milk punch, and garnished with crispy chocolate stick, which Thai people may know as “Ojo”.

You can find more information at The Green Door.

Kodo Bar awakens the Banthat Thong cocktail scene

It’s easy to miss Kodo, for they’re hidden on the third floor of the restaurant Kemuri facing the road ahead. Make your way up the stairs and you’re welcomed by minimalistic interior and a warm welcome by the team behind the bar, contrasted by the glow of neon lights. Take a sip of their signatures as you watch the cars go by down below. Even if you don’t enjoy their drinks, the bar provides a feeling of serenity—some sort of comfort that will make you go back again.

Highlights include the “Chamchuri,” a refreshing drink made from grapefruit and edible flowers that is oddly reminiscent of the first cocktail you ever ordered, and the “Umami-shu,” fusing the brightness of umeshu with the tanginess of lemon.

You can find more information at Kodo Bar.

The Japanese Highball Bar 1923 comes to Saladaeng with new drinks, new food—new everything

After establishing itself as one of the local favourites in Thonglor, The Japanese Highball Bar 1923 Krung Thep opens its second branch on the ground floor of The Commons Saladaeng, boasting an array of the carefully-crafted highballs they’re known for. But they didn’t bring just the highballs from Thonglor. They’re presenting a lot of new menu items at their new outpost, from homey Japanese dishes to sophisticated cocktails.

Highlights include the “Green Grapes Highball,” a refreshing take on a highball with green grapes, lime, and a little bit of St Germain, as well as the “Suntory Whisky Kaku Fire Boy,” a large bowl made with cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, passionfruit, coconut water, and just a casual whole bottle of whisky. This teaches us that sharing really is caring, because if you have the whole bowl to yourself, you’ll probably get to greet your ancestors after.

You can find more information at The Japanese Highball Bar 1923 Krung Thep Saladaeng.

Opium presents a new drinks menu with inventive ingredients

Those who are acquainted with Opium will be familiar with their “Liquid Sureality” theme. While there’s a whole new menu at Opium, the theme hasn’t changed, so you can expect the same standards, but with new creations. From spirit-forward cocktails to refreshing drinks to end the day with, feel free to let the bar team assist.

New highlights include the “Sun Tan,” made with naked malt infused with hojicha, Rémy Martin 1738, sweet vermouth, chococha liqueur, hinoki bitters, and garnished with a delicious piece of chocolate, as well as the “Deus Ex Machina,” a well-balanced spirit-forward drink crafted with Flor de Cana 4, Creyente Mezcal, banana liqueur, Mancino sakura vermouth, and topped with a few drops of galangal oil.

You can find more information a Opium Bar.

Cooling Tower’s new “Constellation Menu” has the perfect drink for each zodiac sign

Cooling Tower, located on the rooftop of Carlton Hotel Bangkok, has unveiled new creations inspired by all 12 of the zodiac signs. Gone is the problem of deciding which drink to get. Just tell them your zodiac and get that ball rolling. Each of them is inspired by famous classics, too, so if you’re looking for new takes on classics you know and love, this is it.

We strongly recommend trying the “Virgo,” a fun spin on the usual gin and tonic, but with Hendrick’s Neptunia, blossom Monin syrup, beetroot bitter, and Fentiman pink grapefruit tonic, along with the “Aries,” made with Monkey Shoulder, St. George Nola coffee, espresso, honey comb, and a few dashes of chocolate bitters.

You can find more information at Cooling Tower Rooftop Bar.

The best new bars in Bangkok this May

They say that everybody believes in something, so we believe you should order another drink. Where better to do so than with these new bars that have recently opened in town? Check out their signature drinks, let them win you over win their hospitality, and leave the establishment preferably not sober—now that sounds like a great way to end the day.

2463 Speakeasy transports you back to the Prohibition era

Travel back to the Prohibition era, when alcohol sales were banned and women didn’t have many rights. The bar is designed and decorated to those times, with luxury and sophistication, and an air of mystery. As the whole theme centres around the year 1920, the drinks also reflect that to the T.

Be sure to taste the “Medical Liquor,” a rum-based concoction crafted with Pimento liqueur, juniper, all-spice, and a little hint of peppermint. It’s very herbal, feels quite strong, yet is made with a balance that holds the drink together well.

You can find more information at 2463 Speakeasy.

Rogue Affair Bar ups the ante for drinking in Silom

Not just your usual affair—it’s a Rogue Affair. This newly opened spot in Silom presents a place for secret agents to meet up and exchange info. And what would be a better way to do so than with drinks in hand? Whether you want to call, fold, or raise, this bar is not bluffing when it comes to their cocktail game.

Bringing friends? The “Ace” will hold ’em with you, as this cocktail made with single malt, almonds, port wine, and served with a cigar is so good it will make you go all in.

You can find more information at Rogue Affair Bar.

Rimshot is all about sax and violins in the best way possible

Rimshot is a music term referring to a move where you hit the rim of a drum. As such, this place is all about music, and celebrates all that produce beats and harmonies. From live music performances to vinyl sessions, the bar will make you hip hop along to the beat, and ensures you come Bach for more.

On the drinks side, the team cranks out signatures that reflect on the music theme, too. Swing as you sip the “Motown,” a refreshing drink made from gin and watermelon syrup, or the “Blue Note,” a take on the old-fashioned using saffron-infused bourbon that may just be too hot to Handel.

You can find more information at Rimshot.

Bar Glide invites you to a new experience in cocktails

This Japanese speakeasy is hidden behind restaurant KiShin Satoshi Tsuru on the 12th floor of The St. Regis Bangkok. If you want an intimate place to sit back, relax, and enjoy the view of Bangkok after work, then this is the place to check out. You can also order some of the dishes from the restaurant if you arrive on an empty stomach.

Are you in the mood for a Matcha Martini? Just kidding, who isn’t?

You can find more information at Bar Glide.

Noche Bkk is Mexican fun all in one place

Come in for the tasty food, stay for unmatched Mexican flair. Noche Bkk just opened in Phaya Thai, and they’re presenting live music sessions that will make you stay on your feet, as well as the tastes of Mexico that are great for sharing with company. They have a firm grasp on classic cocktails, too, so you can have that in hand as you’re enjoying the vibes.

Also, keep a look out on their socials for bartender classes they offer.

You can find more information at Noche Bkk.

Museum & More puts the “more” in “more wine, please”

Museum & More provides just what you need on a night out. Great handpicked selection of wines? Check. Tasty bites to share with friends? Check. Instagrammable interior and great vibes? Double check. While you’re taking a sip of your red, feel free to lose yourself in the art adorning the walls.

You can find more information at Museum & More.

Botti Wine Bar is a new hidden gem in Sathorn

Blink and you’ll miss them—Botti is a new private wine bar on Sathorn 12, located in an old heritage house. Built over a hundred years ago, it’s like being one with old Sathorn itself, as you’re surrounded by candle light shining on old architecture and repainted floors and doors. It’s a vibe you never thought you needed, but the one you deserve at the end of the week.

You can find more information at Botti Wine Bar.

The best new bars in Bangkok this April

It’s a great month for lovers of spirits and cocktail enthusiasts. A lot of bars have opened up, and one of Thonglor‘s staples just rolled up a new menu that is huge in both quality and quantity. Whether you love your drinks refreshing, sweet and sour, or perhaps more spirit-forward, let’s get out your bucket list and put some more entries on it.

Rabbit Hole unveils 26 (yes, 26) new cocktails

Having placed at No. 31 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars in 2020, Rabbit Hole is a must-visit in the Thonglor area. Recently, they unveiled new A-Z cocktail menu with 26 whole new drinks — one for each letter of the alphabet. No matter what kind of taste and texture you prefer, they definitely have something that will pique your interest. The “W” watermelon cocktail, perhaps? The impressive “K” kimchi one? “M” for matcha, maybe? Or the very naughty “X”-rated XXX cocktail?

One of our personal favourites is the “C” (for chocolate), a spirit-forward drink made with cocoa wax butter, menthol chocolate, Hennessy VS Cognac, and Michter’s Rye.

You can find more information at Rabbit Hole.

Diplomat Bar’s new signature series take you on a trip around the world

Soulful live music, specialty cocktails, food—Diplomat Bar has it all. In their new signature cocktails series, they’re taking inspiration from all over the world, from the “Apollo 32” inspired by the American astronauts who landed on the moon in 1968, to the “Clase Blanco,” inspired by the Moroccan city of Casa Blanca.

A highlight you should try is the “Rum Resolution,” a cocktail inspired by the land of the rising sun made from aged rum, plum tonic, and vermouth. Think of your usual rum sour, but with a strong punch of plum.

You can find more information at Conrad Bangkok.

Jack Bain’s Bar reopens with a lesson in Thai history

In a hidden corner of the 137 Pillars’ 28th floor sits Jack Bain’s Bar, where head bartender Thavon Wongyai has created a signature cocktail menu filled with classics you know and love — with a Thai twist. As you’re sipping on your drinks, you can learn all about Jack Bain’s legacy and history of Thailand during its colonial era, along with enjoying the Bangkok skyline in the distance.

The must-try drink is the “Baan Dum.” Think of a margarita but sub the tequila for Issan rum with a rim made from salt and Thai ground rice. It will remind you of the smell of larb, but it really works and adds an interesting level of complexity.

You can find more information at 137 Pillars Suites & Residences.

Midlife Crisis travels from CNX to BKK

One of Chiang Mai’s finest, Midlife Crisis bar has opened a new branch on Sukhumvit 16. Each drink is modeled after famous phrases and sayings on social media, which leaves much to the imagination. If you can’t choose one, there’s a little slot machine you can pull, to which the bartender will whip something up with the characteristics labelled.

We recommend going in for “Love at First Like,” a cocktail made from berry gin, topped with foam and some kyoho grapes. It’s sweet, sour, refreshing, and filled to the brim with playful textures—a great starter to any evening.

You can find more information at Midlife Crisis BKK.

New Thonglor bar Gir is a breath of fresh air for the area

When there’s a new bar opening, half the time it’s probably in Thonglor. However, the newly opened Gir might just be your new favourite. The name “Gir” comes from the conservation efforts at Gir National Park, India, and their concept is all about coexistence between man and nature. Their menu also reflects that, created by a team of mixologists that exude creativity and passion for the artform.

Highlights include the “Ho Chi Minh Pizza,” a drink made from vodka infused with pizza dust (yep), clarified tomato juice, and sprayed with Tabasco, as well as the “Wildfire,” a twist on an old-fashioned with fat-washed bourbon and garnished with corn.

You can find more information at Gir.

The Iron Fairies is back and even better than ever

The icon, the legend—The Iron Fairies just reopened in Sukhumvit 39, and with a big, big bang. Live bands? Sure, they’re bringing in live music every day of the week, and an impressive lineup of DJs afterwards until 2am. If we’re talking nightlife entertainment, the team here aren’t looking to disappoint. Those who knew The Iron Fairies before their hiatus will know why this place is the place to be, and for the rest who are going for the first time, get ready for some magic.

And please, whatever you do and whatever you may drink, order their signature burgers.

You can find more information at The Iron Fairies.

Very Nice Bar opens as a new extremely cosy afterwork drinking spot

Located in Talad Noi, Very Nice Bar is a little, intimate venue which contains that just-right vibe of an afterwork drinking spot. Featuring a delicious Japanese menu for both food and drinks, you’ll find yourself forgetting the problems of the day in no time. They say they offer “small bites” but that’s just them being very humble. Go in with an empty stomach and order some braised pork belly along with cold ramen.

What you will appreciate most is that the prices are more than reasonable. You won’t find anything very sophisticated nor complex here, because that’s not what they’re trying to be. Pop by for some highballs, perhaps some umeshus, or a jug of Sapporo beer. Their yuzushus are very nice, too.

You can find more information at Very Nice Bar.

Gasper is the newest addition to Soi Nana, Chinatown

Bar hoppers in Chinatown now have yet another destination to go to—the newly opened Gasper sets itself to be a bar with fun, lively vibes, where you can drink and dance along to the beat. After all, the name Gasper comes from British slang meaning a marijuana cigarette, so you can expect informality and all that fun stuff from the get go.

One of the must tries is the “Dark Side of The Sun,” a strong, whisky-based drink with homemade syrup and bitters. You’ll taste the difference when ingredients are made in house.

You can find more information at Gasper.

The best new bars in Bangkok this March

New bars, new people in town, a much-anticipated reopening—much has happened in the bar industry. Whether you’re looking to find new spots to chill at, drink fun and inventive cocktails, or listen to live music, there’s bound to be a bar that fits you. That paycheck isn’t going to spend itself, my guy.

Greed Bank of Mixology presents a rich atmosphere and well-balanced drinks

Tucked behind Arnoma Grand Bangkok’s Laoteng restaurant is Greed, a space with the theme of “Bank of Mixology”—think gold bars, cheques, the whole nine yards. Look for a large vault door and you’ll be greeted with an air of opulence, an attentive team welcoming you to the bar, and the sound of old-school hip hop filling the room. If you feel adventurous, feel free to challenge one of the bartenders to a game of checkers—you can even make a bet for a free shot if you win.

Highlights include “009 Greed”, a spirit-forward drink made from singlemalt scotch, rose water, sakura-fortified wine, and garnished with a little truffle salt, as well as the “018 Baungarten” crafted using bourbon, spiced poached pear syrup, blanco vermouth, and a slight dash of lemon.

You can find more information at Greed Bank of Mixology.

Lost in Thaislation is the talk of Thonglor

There’s a lot of bars in Thonglor, and this one is certainly making waves with its menu since its trial run. Lost in Thaislation is a new speakeasy with the perspectives of Bangkokians in mind, which reflects directly into their menu. Their first signature series pay homage to the street foods of the capital—something all of us, no matter the background or upbringing, enjoy.

The menu includes Khao Man Gai, Pad Thai, Moo Sub Kium Buey, Khao Niew Mamuang—all in liquid form, which strangely works really well.

You can find more information at Lost in Thaislation.

Brown Sugar’s reopening amazes jazz lovers—as expected

Now this is a game changer. The legendary Brown Sugar has been on everyone’s lips since it opened in 1985. After a break, they’re now reopening with a new location in Soi Nana, Chinatown. For those who haven’t been acquainted, now is the perfect chance. They offer amazing vibes, casual drinks to pair, and a talented lineup of jazz and blues performers who aren’t holding anything back.

You can find more information at Brown Sugar.

Stella’s new cocktail menu highlights women of the bar industry

It’s time for a history lesson we’ll never want a break from. Twelve new drinks, inspired by four women that have become icons of the bar industry, make up Stella’s new cocktail menu. Have you heard about Ada Coleman, the first and only head bartender at London’s Savoy Hotel who invented the Hanky Panky? Or perhaps Rita Hayworth, the woman who inspired the Margarita? Now you have, and you can learn all about them through inventive cocktails alcohol enthusiasts simply cannot miss.

Highlight you cannot miss is the “Coley”, made from Tanqueray, Lillet Blanc,strawberry milk punch, Italicus, and a little lemon. And if you’re driving, their new mocktail selections are just as refreshing, too.

You can find more information at Stella Bangkok.

Mezcal’s new cocktail menu is muy bueno

Mezcal is well-known for being an intimate drinking spot and for offering Mezcal-based cocktails that are distinct and well-balanced. Their second collection offers six new drinks inspired by English poet William Blake’s The Songs of Innocence. Head bartender Martín Guerra used to work as a chef, and you can feel that experience in the cocktails he makes, from the innovative use of ingredients, to the delicate balance. There’s even one with brown butter sugar. We didn’t think it would work so well in such a spirit-forward cocktail, but it does.

You can find more information at Mezcal Bar.

Zuma’s new cocktails bring the sense of Japan to Bangkok

Eight new cocktails were recently launched at Zuma, the contemporary Japanese izakaya on the ground floor of The St. Regis Bangkok. Helmed by Davide Sambo, guests can enjoy new creations that don’t shy away from unique flavours and textures. One thing is for sure: expect florals and herbal notes, as the new menu is inspired by a Japanese garden.

Highlights we love include the “Sea of Trees,” made from Matusalem 15-year-old rum with woody wasabi roots, and the “Matsuri Martini,” a spin on the classic with Beefeater 24 gin, Sakura Mancino Vermouth, and silky flower tea yoghurt.

You can find more information at Zuma Bangkok.

Welcoming Tom Hearn, new bar manager of Vesper

From the city of constant rain to the city of constant pollution, Tom Hearn is joining the Vesper bar team as their new bar manager. With a decade of experience in the bar and hospitality industry under his belt, guests that have had the pleasure of tasting his drinks are nothing short of impressed. Tom’s previous experience includes head bartender at KOL, London’s one-Michelin-starred restaurant and No. 73 on World’s 50 Best Restaurants. With Vesper in Bangkok, Tom makes his Asia debut.

While the ‘People of Vesper’ menu has been the talk of the town since unveiled, it seems like we may see a new menu coming up sooner than we thought.

You can find more information at Vesper.

Welcoming Song Terbsiri, new bar manager of Stella Bangkok

Many are familiar with the beautiful Stella Bar at the Capella Bangkok, many know that they have been left without a bar manager for over a year. Now, they have found someone fit for the position. Introducing Song, who previously worked at The Loft at the Waldorf Astoria Bangkok and was also the winner of the Diageo World Class Thailand 2022. It’s refreshing to see a Thai person being the bar manager of a five-star hotel, and we’re definitely welcoming that trend.

You can find more information at Stella Bangkok.

The best new bars in Bangkok this February

It’s the month of love, so we’re out to celebrate. Whether you’re single or with some company, we’re urging you to get out and take advantage of the Valentine’s promotions and deals happening everywhere. Cocktails, drinks, concoctions, and other synonyms—get them all on your bucket list.

Behind The Curtain Bkk proves there’s a lot to drink behind the curtains

We went to Mia Restaurant and finally found what’s behind that mysterious curtain: a gorgeous new drinks programme by new bar manager Marc Perez Rodriguez. Whilst not too much has been unveiled just yet, they’re also launching a dessert omakase soon, where Chef Michelle Goh’s sweet treats are paired with beautiful cocktails to suit. We never thought a Winery Mojito would go so well with some Prunier Baerii Caviar, sourdough crumpets, and smoked curd—but as it turns out, the answer was right behind that curtain.

You can find more information at Behind The Curtain Bkk.

Hinoiri Bar has a huge sun in the middle, and great drinks at the centre

Japanese bars are known for their hospitality, and the newest one in town boasts a venue that feels intimate, and a menu that exudes warmth. Translating to “sunset,” Hinoiri has a large sun replica at its centre. Whatever your spirit preference is, they’re going to craft you your own cocktail that goes with your brief. Thereby, you could be fair and say something like, “I love rum, and I want it to be aromatic,” or you can confuse them a bit and say something like “Yeah, I want my drink to feel like a warm sunny day in Hokkaido.”

You can find more information at Hinoiri Bar.

The Art of Drinking Masterclass is a trip through history we don’t get bored of

The St. Regis Bar has been open for a hot minute, and they’re already organising events left and right. On the third Saturday of every month, Bar Manager Volkan Ibil will be organising a 90-minute masterclass on New York cocktail culture and its history, as well as how to mix your own drink—selected from the bar’s signatures. Each session comes with complimentary bites and a Violet Hour Martini, one of crowd’s favourites.

You can find more information at The St. Regis Bangkok.

The Holiday Club captures the holidays in one club

From the team of famed dessert shop Holiday Pastry comes a new venture full of creative drinks. The Holiday Club makes everyday feel like the festive season in downtown New York, with bingo nights, DJ sets, and intimate vibes. Plus, you can get delicious pastries to go with your choice of cocktail. Baked brie with wild flower honey, anyone?

Our absolute recommendation is the “Sweet Dreams,” a satisfyingly sugary concoction made from cocoa butter washed white rum, Mozart white chocolate liqueur, white malt honey, then topped with fresh cream and honeycomb.

You can find more information at The Holiday Club.

Racing 76 Bar opened with those with a need for speed

Racers, start your engines, and may the last man standing after eight shots win. Racing 76 is all about the high-speed life and the people that live for it. Guaranteed are great vibes with your company of choice, drinks that are just strong enough for your taste, and all that will make your night filled with adrenaline.

We especially enjoyed the “Bumper Pink,” a fruity drink made from Ketel One vodka, Cointreau, blood orange, lime juice, and pomegranate juice.

You can find more information at Racing 76 Bar.

Dining

Where to drink this Valentine’s Day, based on your relationship status

The best new bars in Bangkok this January

We’re starting off 2023 with the best way possible: looking for new favourite places to drink. The capital isn’t wasting any time in introducing us to good cocktails and excellent service. We aren’t complaining, though, so let us show you the places to be. Our expectations are especially high after New Year, after all.

The St. Regis Bar brings New Yorker charm to Bangkok

The St. Regis Bangkok welcomes Volkan Ibil as their new bar manager. Along with the team, Volkan has introduced a total of 40 recipes that pay homage to the iconic King Cole Bar at the St. Regis New York, the birth place of the Bloody Mary. The new drinks menu aims to capture the essence of New York’s culture and charm, each evoking the moods of those visiting the historic city.

Be there at 7.30pm to see “The Violet Hour”, a daily ritual where you can watch the bartenders throwing martinis at the bar.

Highlights you shouldn’t miss include their signature “Violet Hour Martini” made from gin, aromatised wine, orange bitters, and orange and violet liqueurs, as well as the “Manhattan Club,” a concoction created with spiced whisky, rosso vermouth, bianco vermouth, verte, and aromatic bitters. If it sounds very strong, it is.

Make A Reservation Here

You can find more information at The St. Regis Bar.

One Two Two Bar is Bangkok’s latest Parisian sensation

Oui oui, baguette baguette. One Two Two bar’s new opening brings 1920s Paris vibe to Sukhumvit Soi 11. It’s stylish, it’s sensual, with an air of sophistication surrounding the place. Their drinks menu, created by Michel Gonggiat Stein, also aims to continue with the theme of French chic, that you can order and enjoy on their luxurious red sofas, accompanied by some music. Want your next business meeting to have a bit of an edge? This is just the place.

Highlights include “Smoke on the Water,” made from chocolate and black coffee, blended with Flor de Cana 12 Years Rum, Maraschino liquor, and of course, topped with smoke, as well as the “Midori Symphony,” a twist on the classic Midori Sour made from yuzu, lime, and lemon, mixed with Roku Gin and Midori.

You can find more information at One Two Two Bar.

Paradise Lost is certainly a paradise that we’re happy to be lost in

Atop Siam@Siam Design Hotel is a tropical-themed oasis filled with greenery, fun, and to-die-for 360° views of the bustling city. Paradise Lost’s every spot is perfect for Instagram, and their drinks are certainly something to write home about, too. Are you a beer kind of person? They have both local and imported ones, both craft and on tap. What about wine? All natural wines—you name it—red, white, sparkling, and more.

Cocktails follow a summer theme which aim to freshen up your evening, as well as make the night all the more unforgettable. Highlights include “Can’t Burn Concrete,” a drink made from Dewar’s 12 Year Scotch, yellow chartreuse, some fizz, and chrysanthemum honey, as well as “Bright Idea,” a martini-inspired cocktail with floral notes made from crème de violette and housemade orange mango bitters.

Be sure to arrive with an empty stomach, as their food is so, so good. Don’t forget to order the duck confit with bone marrow.

You can find more information at Paradise Lost Bangkok.

Saints Bar and Dispensary

Saints is a bar and dispensary all in one. The minimal interior, the stylish decor, the collection of marijuana placed nicely along the shelves—it’s like the feeling of being at home, but with an elevated setting.

They also offer good drinks and great bar snacks, coupled with some jazz. The night is still young, but time seems to pass quite faster when you’re there.

You can find more information at Saints Bar and Dispensary.

The post The best new bars in Bangkok right now appeared first on Lifestyle Asia Bangkok.

On those days when your morning office woes and endless work emails make your job feel like a turn-based RPG, there’s no better cure for your troubles than a cup of specialty coffee. Here are some places around Bangkok where you can find the magic beans to save your day.

[Hero and Featured Image Credit: La Cabra]

Where to sip specialty coffee around Bangkok

Ballad Coffee Bar

The team behind Klongsarn’s home cafe Walden has opened their new spot in Charoennakorn where soothing coffee beans meet vinyl music. Pick a seat by the gleaming window or go upstairs to find a little collection of books. The coffee offerings start at THB 90, but we’d recommend their Coffee Libre (THB 120), a refreshing, fizzy concoction made with crafted coca cola and lime. 

Ballad Coffee Bar. 1337 Chaoren Nakorn Rd. Open Sun – Mon 8am-5pm.

%Arabica

Kyoto’s popular coffee chain known for its minimalist aesthetic, %Arabica has just unveiled its latest branch at Sathorn’s lifestyle community Park Silom. The new branch still adamantly follows the same minimalist aesthetics from its previous outlets with the brand iconic “%” signage, all white counters, and sleek metallic lines. Choose from the cafe latte (starting at THB 130) or the smooth Kyoto latte (THB 150). There’s also a matcha latte (THB 150) in case you’re not keen on drinking coffee.

% Arabica (Park Silom) M/F Park Silom. BTS Saladaeng. Open daily 7am-9pm. 

Walden Cafe 

Not under our usual radar for sure, but if you have the chance to head to Klongsan, this spot is an OG for quality beans you can trust. The coffee options start at THB 60, but we’d recommend you go for their creme brulee crumble latte topped with caramelised sugar and cookie crumbs for THB 100. 

Walden Cafe. 451 Somdet Chao Phraya Rd, Khlong San. Open daily 8am-5pm. Tel. 093-664-4615

La Cabra Ari

After opening its first outpost in Talat Noi, the Danish coffee roastery known for its light roasted beans has expanded its empire to Ari. The venue still sports that Scandinavian minimalism in its decor–think light wood elements, clean lines, and functionality-forward furniture. Recently, they unveiled a ‘Coffee Course’ where coffee aficionados can sample up to 6 varieties of their offerings in one go for THB 1,200. Still, we love their hand brewed coffee (starting at THB 180-300) featuring both local and international beans.  

La Cabra Ari. Vanit Village. 304 Phaholyothin Rd. Open daily 8am-5pm. Tel. 065-945-6109

Song Wat Coffee & Roasters

If you’re looking for a place to get some good dirty coffee, this is the place. Presenting premium roasts from all over the world, processed to perfection by professionals, Song Wat Coffee & Roasters is the new cafe talk of the town right now. We strongly recommend trying the Honduras roast that has a strong scent of honey.

Song Wat Coffee & Roasters. 1162 Song Wat Rd. Open daily 9am-5pm. 

Cityboy 

Remember the coffee shack tucked away inside Thonglor Soi 4? Now, they boast bigger and cosier branches at both CentralWorld and their spin-off Busy Coffee at Thonglor’s T-One Building. Still, if you happen to work in the Thonglor neighbourhood, go to their OG location and order their iced espresso (THB 85) or their aeropress offerings. 

City Boy. Thonglor Soi 4. Open daily 7am-4pm. Tel. 095-738-5315 

Onibus Coffee

Hailing from Japan, the renowned roastery known for its “third-wave” specialty coffee which prioritises high-quality beans, opens its first branch in Bangkok’s old town. Focusing on washed coffee, their coffee offers cleaner and more full-body taste in the drinks like espresso (THB 100-120) and Americano (THB 130-140). Those who are not keen on coffee can still go for their spicy lemonade (THB 140 and THB 180 with an added shot). 

Onibus Coffee. Hostel Once. Soi Samrangrat. Open daily 8am-5pm. 

Nana Coffee Roaster

Nana Coffee Roaster has opened its new branch at Central Westville boasting cave-like aesthetics with high-ceiling facades. The owner and award-winning barista Warong Chalanuchpong still helms the menu, whipping up no-nonsense concoctions like nitro coffee (THB 250) and hot Americano for THB 130. 

Nana Coffee Roaster. CentralWestville. Open daily 7am-7pm. Tel. 061-021-7424.

Pridi 

Head to Pridi Banomyong Soi 25 for this homey, hip coffee haus where you can find some of the finest beans to pair with hearty brunch offerings. Situated next to Hand and Hearts coffee roaster, Pridi excels at classic coffees like the Espresso Tonic (THB 220) using a single-origin Ethiopian brew whose unique fruity flavours will brighten up your days. There are also slow-bar options with diverse bean varieties that rotate seasonally as well. 

Pridi. Pridi Banomyong Soi 25. Open Fri – Mon 8.30am-5.30pm. Tel. 065-098-8974

The post 9 places to sip specialty coffee around Bangkok appeared first on Lifestyle Asia Bangkok.

There’s murder on a new dance floor. Popular Thonglor nightclub BEAM expands to Sathorn with a new venue and new name: BEAMCUBE.

[Hero and featured image credit: BEAMCUBE]

BEAM Club opens new nightlife destination BEAMCUBE in Sathorn

BEAM has been known to partygoers of Bangkok since 2016, remaining one of the favourites of the nightlife scene since then. With an ever-lively dance floor and upbeat music, it’s one of the places that made Thonglor a popular clubbing and nightlife destination.

Now, they just announced the opening of their latest project: BEAMCUBE, located on the sixth floor of Mahanakhon Cube, Sathorn. In fact, it’s so big it occupies the entire floor. The interesting part is that in their official announcement, the new venue is more than just a nightclub.

There will be an intimate listening lounge perfect for visiting audiophiles, with music carefully curated by Brent Burns (Transport) and Sebastian De La Cruz (Mumsfilibaba, Tropic City). A craft cocktail bar is situated in the establishment, helmed by Beverage Manager Sebastien formerly of Teens of Thailand fame. Blackened hardwood floor in contrast with the lighter-toned hinoki wood walls give a sense of warmth with an air of sophistication.

So whether you’re in the mood for a cosy, relaxing listening session, or a high-key dance party, BEAMCUBE has got you. It’s the perfect after-work destination as long as you enjoy music, and who doesn’t?

You can find more information at BEAMCUBE.

The post The infamous BEAM Club is coming to Sathorn with BEAMCUBE Sathorn appeared first on Lifestyle Asia Bangkok.

As the temperature cools down in Bangkok, why not heat things up with House of Suntory winter-inspired cocktails?

House of Suntory has partnered with 6 Bangkok bars to create unique winter cocktails this holiday season. Throughout November and December, each participating bar has curated three special menus featuring Roku Gin, Haku Vodka, and Suntory Kakubin Whisky. So, if you’re looking for a cocktail that will get you feeling festive, check out the venue line-ups below. 

[Hero Image Credit: Inside Bar / Feature Image Credit: Vesper]

House of Suntory winter cocktail series: where to find winter-inspired cocktails in Bangkok

Inside Bar Bangkok

Prepare to get blown away with Windy Garden, a Haku Vodka-based drink that will surely wake anyone up after a long day. However, those who wish for bolder flavour opt for White Walker, which contains Roku Gin, white cacao, rose, vanilla, lemon, egg white, and chocolate bitters. But if you really want to get in the Christmas mood, Reason for Winter is the way to go, pairing Suntory Kakubin Whisky fat washed with peanut butter. 

The House on Sathorn

Fuyu Gimlet presents the essence of winter, combining Roku Gin, white vermouth and winter cordial spices, whereas Kiri Punch is a boozy take on tea using Haku Vodka in the mix. For a Japanese classic, the Ame Highball pairs Suntory Kakubin Whisky with herbaceous flavours. 

The Loft

These cocktails love Christmas. If you never had a red Christmas, now is your chance. The Rosso Natale has a Haku Vodka Christmas berries punch concoction that pairs exceptionally well. But if you love a pleasant vanilla surprise, the white and fruity Neve features Roku Gin, dry vermouth, lychee and delicious homemade vanilla soda. Or you can put your tastebuds to the test with Old Spices, made with Suntory Kakubin Whisky, amaretto, apricot, honey, and ginger spice.

Vesper 

Invite prosperity into your life with a cup of Egg Nog, a blend of Suntory Kakubin Whisky, strawberry, and sansho pepper that adds a spicy kick to the tongue. For something more citrusy, Sloe Gin Sour uses Roku Gin combined with mulberry, apple and lemon for its sourness and mesmerising raspberry colour. The Mulled Wine Highball is Christmas in a cup, blending Haku Vodka, pinot noir, unshu mikan (mandarin), and winter spices. 

Opium Bar

Love pink? Get ready for these all-pink-themed cocktails. The Pinky Holler is a refreshing drink that combines the flavours of spring and winter, made with Haku Vodka and grapefruit cordial. While the Little Pinky has a rich and elegant floral aroma of Roku Gin, rice berry infused, and chrysanthemum cordial. Vaffe Corretto is a different take on the Italian caffeinated alcoholic drink. This cocktail substitutes grappa with Suntory Kakubin Whisky, blending it with clarified cafe latte, sweet vermouth, and Campari for a rosy hue. 

Lennon’s

Craving a sweet treat? These cocktails make the perfect dessert. The Panettone Milk Punch takes Haku Vodka with Amontillado Sherry, Muscat, PX Sherry, Curacao, and panettone milk washed to create an Italian Christmas. If you’re into something more Japanese, the Kurisumasu Cake dresses Suntory Kakubin Whisky with loads of sweetness from the miso caramel, strawberry, and chocolate bitters. Finally, Everyday Mango captures the essence of Thailand, pairing Roku Gin with mango water, lemongrass, and citrus. 

The post House of Suntory winter cocktail series: where to find winter-inspired cocktails in Bangkok appeared first on Lifestyle Asia Bangkok.

Just this week, it was announced that the Thai government plans to extend nightlife venue opening hours until 4am, following what will hopefully be a successful trial period. This comes after heavily restricted opening hours during and after the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, and years of alcohol sales restrictions. The 4am closing time is welcomed by many, but not all, and has posed the question even within our own team: what time should bars and clubs close in Thailand? And why?

As tourist numbers start to return to pre-Covid highs, many are in for a shock if they’re arriving in Thailand for the first time. The Land of Smiles lessens its friendly facade at midnight, as alcohol sales are only permitted between 5pm to 12am, and from 11am to 2pm. This applies to almost all venues, and even to supermarket sales. A new hope to turn that frown upside down comes with the proposal for a later ending time, in an effort to boost tourism and economy.

We needn’t look far to see that the restricted alcohol sales and the complete alcohol ban during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic brought about the closure of many of our favourite watering holes and alcohol-related businesses. On top of this, Thailand also remains one of the few countries to observe several dry days (i.e. no alcohol sales at all) throughout the year. It comes as a surprise to the many tourists Thailand is trying to attract, given the country’s reputation as a nightlife and entertainment haven. Imagine: you booked your ticket to Thailand after watching The Hangover 2, only to realise Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, and Zach Galifianakis stopped drinking at an orderly 11.59pm.

[Hero and Featured Image Credit: Nick Fewings/Unsplash]

Added hours could mean extra business for many, but it isn’t all harmless fun and games. Just this week, activists protested against the proposal of the 4am bar and club closing times, arguing that longer drinking hours could be a health and safety hazard for Thailand. Lest we forget, Thailand still sees significant traffic accidents and other incidents in relation to alcohol abuse.

It’s a fair point, and it’s a point that has come up in our discussion as a team, too. Some very heavy drinkers, others hardly-ever-drinkers, this week, we’re gathered on bar stools to discuss: what time should bars and clubs close in Thailand? What time feels right? And why?

LSA Opinion: What time should bars and clubs close in Thailand?

1am and 5am

In my opinion, bars should be closed at 1 am because they open earlier than clubs and the staff needs their sleep. For clubs, I think 4-5 am is a reasonable time because usually it gets packed between 11 pm to midnight. And when you’re lit with your friends, time goes by really quick. It’s a bummer when it’s 3am and they kick you out. No one wants to come out the club when it’s bright outside.
—TC, Content Writer

6am

6am is the sweet spot for me. It’s the time that says ‘We don’t really want to close, but look, the sun is out. Go home and make your mom proud.’ By 6am most jok stores are already open and so are several parks, so I can go for a hot jok and then a short jog.
—PC, Content Writer

10am

Those who aren’t down for a party can wake up early for a Russian Breakfast (vodka and cigar).
—VC, Content Writer

6am

What is better than late-night drinking that you can just go home by using the BTS Skytrain or MRT subways? I mean people might cite how extended hours would result in more traffic accidents—which is understandable—but to be honest if we provided people with reliable transportation, we might be able to curb the number of car accidents and also sleep driving (not sure about this term, but it’s people who suddenly fall asleep while driving) would definitely be lesser. It might not help with the events in Thailand where roads suddenly collapse or construction sites fall down, though.
—PL, Features Editor

2am

2am, because as Ted Mosby said, “Nothing good happens after 2am.” I’ll just end up throwing all my character development down the drain and go back to the woman I was chasing after in Season 1 almost right after my wife died who was only introduced in the recent season… Wait, what are we talking about again?
—ES, Senior Writer

Never

I asked a bar owner recently and he said, “we pay rent for the full 24 hours, why do we only get to do business for a few hours a day?” I say we give bars and clubs free rein, and let them decide for themselves. They know their customers and their business. I trust they’d be smart with safety precautions for the greater good. I also don’t think anyone would actually open for 24 hours, but even if they did, just because you can drink 24 hours a day doesn’t mean you would, right? Right?
—LG, Creative Content Director

The post LSA Opinion: What time should bars and clubs close in Thailand? appeared first on Lifestyle Asia Bangkok.

The crown jewel atop the champagne tower that was the 2023 Bangkok Bar Show was the inaugural Thailand’s 20 Best Bars ceremony last night. Seated amongst the glitz, the glam, and the cocktail glasses, we attended the official gala dinner for the unveil of the first-ever ranking. Here’s what went down. 

Hosted at the Royal Bangkok Sports Club to the backdrop of the infamous Henri Dunand horse-racing track, the awards ceremony for Thailand’s 20 Best Bars 2023 took place in the heart of the city last night. Following 3 days of events and build-up, Thailand’s 20 Best Bars 2023 marks the grand finale to the Bangkok Bar Show 2023. It is the first time the city sees a ranking as such, and the night set a promising stage for years to come. 

[Hero and Featured Image Credit: Thailand’s 20 Best Bars]

Bangkok Bar Show unveils Thailand’s 20 Best Bars 2023 

Suvarnabhumi Airport had a busy last few days, in part perhaps as bar industry greats from the region and from across the globe landed in Bangkok for the Bangkok Bar Show 2023. Between an opening party last Thursday and a gala dinner last night, the Bar Show features a unique mix of trade show, seminars, guest shifts, parties, and now, a special awards ceremony. 

Aiming to shed a spotlight on Thailand as a rising cocktail destination in Asia and in the world, Thailand’s 20 Best Bars 2023 honours the best bars, teams, and individuals in the industry. Whilst other awards follow a similar format for rankings across the region, it is the first time a listing of this caliber is published for Thailand at this level, and it is inarguably the largest celebration of Thailand cocktail culture in the country.

Thailand’s 20 Best Bars 2023

In hardly any surprise, BKK Social Club took the top spot as not only the best bar in Bangkok, but the best hotel bar in Thailand, and the best bar in Thailand in 2023. It is followed by industry favourites Vesper and Tropic City in second and third place respectively. 

In total, the list sees 19 bars from Bangkok, and two from Chiang Mai, resulting in 21 bars in total. Not a mathematical error but rather a marker of fairness, this is due to Bangkok’s Ku Bar and Chiang Mai’s Bitter Truth being tied on points. 

The full list for Thailand’s 20 Best Bars 2023 can be found below: 

1. BKK Social Club, Bangkok
2. Vesper, Bangkok
3. Tropic City, Bangkok
4. #FindTheLockerRoom, Bangkok
5. Mahaniyom, Bangkok
6. Asia Today, Bangkok
7. Bar Us, Bangkok
8. Opium, Bangkok
9. Eat Me, Bangkok
10. The Loft, Bangkok
11. Bar Scofflaw, Bangkok
12. Midlife Crisis, Bangkok
13. Lennon’s, Bangkok
14. Teens of Thailand, Bangkok
15. Firefly, Bangkok
16. Rabbit Hole, Bangkok
17. Villa Frantzen Cocktail Bar, Bangkok
18. White Rabbit, Chiang Mai
19. Messenger Service Bar, Bangkok
20. Ku Bar, Bangkok and Bitter Truth Bar, Chiang Mai (tie)

Special Awards

Beyond the 1-20 ranking, a number of special awards were also presented to notable individuals and bars. These honoured important attributes to the bar experience, be it bar or menu design, as well as service and hospitality. Special awards were given out as follows:

Best Cocktail Bar in Thailand: BKK Social Club
Best Cocktail Bar in Bangkok: BKK Social Club
Best Cocktail Bar in Chiang Mai: White Rabbit
Best Cocktail Bar in Phuket/Samui: Suvarn Bar (Samui)

Bartender of the Year: Ronnaporn ‘Neung’ Kanivichaporn, Mahaniyom Cocktail Bar
Emerging Bartender of the Year: Chayanuch ‘Ning’ Yoduswan, BKK Social Club

Hotel Bar of the Year: BKK Social Club
New Bar of the Year: Bar US
Restaurant Bar of the Year: Eat Me
Bar Team of the Year: Vesper
Art of Hospitality Award: BKK Social Club
Menu Design of the Year: Rabbit Hole

Voting process

The ranking and the special awards are voted on by a strong academy of over 50 members, let by academy chairs Chanond Purananda and Lisa Gries. The academy consists of industry experts, media, and discerning consumers. 

About Bangkok Bar Show 

The Bangkok Bar Show was established in 2019 by industry heavyweights Niks Anuman-Rajadhon and Colin Chia. After a short Covid-19 hiatus, the show returned last year with a new home inside Henri Dunant Hall, at the Royal Bangkok Sports Club. This year marks the first time that Bangkok Bar Show also hosts the Thailand’s 20 Best Bars awards ceremony. 

In 2023, the Bangkok Bar Show took place from 3-5 November, with a record attendance of over 2000 visitors. Over the three days, there were also 11 seminars, 15 bar takeovers, and special activations by over 35 different beverage brands. 

Find out more at Bangkok Bar Show. 

The post Thailand’s 20 Best Bars have been unveiled for the first time appeared first on Lifestyle Asia Bangkok.

It’s that time of the year again when Starbucks rolls out their Christmas drinks, so we’re keeping the tradition going of ranking them for you. Here’s our ranking of 2023’s Starbucks Christmas drinks. 

Last year, we decided to try out the Starbucks Christmas drinks and ranked them. Starbucks announced that today, selected stores here in Thailand were rolling out this year’s Christmas drinks before being made available everywhere from November 2nd until January 2nd. Fortunately, one of their stores near our office is one of the selected stores, so we beelined there before even heading to the office to continue the tradition of trying out the festive drinks. Here’s the 2023 LSA Starbucks Christmas drinks ranking.

[Hero image: Starbucks]

Peppermint Mochas and Toffee Nuts: Here’s the 2023 LSA Starbucks Christmas drinks ranking

4. Toffee Nut Crunch Cold Brew

Christmas spirit: 2/5

Christmas taste: 2/5

Christmas aesthetic: 1/5

This is the perfect drink for those who don’t want anything too sweet though that’s at the cost of the “Christmasness”. There’s a hint of toffee nut there but it is just a hint, so it pretty much has a Christmas aftertaste. For those who like their coffee black or are just not into sweet things, this is a great drink to still get that Christmas taste. 

3. Chestnut Mont Blanc Latte

Christmas spirit: 4/5

Christmas taste: 3.5/5

Christmas aesthetic: 3.5/5

Starbucks’ new addition to their festive lineup is a curious one. It is a latte but once you take a sip, it tastes almost like tea. That’s probably thanks to the chestnut syrup and chestnut whipped cream, with the bonus of a chestnut-shaped chocolate to top it all off (lots of chestnuts, evidently). It may not be for everyone but we did enjoy how it offers a new type of festive taste, especially since it’s the only new drink out of the festive line. It is quite sweet so it might be best to drink it either as a frap or iced. 

2. Peppermint Mocha

Christmas spirit: 4/5

Christmas taste: 3.5/5

Christmas aesthetic: 4.5/5

Still holding its place as a close second in our hearts (only because some people don’t like mint), the Starbucks Peppermint Mocha continues to be a Christmas staple we look forward to. Like the Chestnut Mont Blanc Latte, it might be too sweet for some so frap or iced is the way to go, but getting it hot just makes it feel extra Christmassy. This drink has been a Starbucks’ Christmas staple for years and we wouldn’t have it any other way.

1. Toffee Nut Latte

Christmas spirit: 5/5

Christmas taste: 4.5/5

Christmas aesthetic: 4/5

Continuing its reign as the top Starbucks Christmas drink in our hearts, the Toffee Nut Latte is a versatile beverage that’s great whether it’s iced, hot, or blended. Like the Peppermint Mocha, this has been a festive staple for years but we never get tired of it. The drink never fails to make us feel that Christmas is just around the corner, and for a city that isn’t as festive as other cities could be in the world, the Toffee Nut Latte certainly gets us in the Christmas spirit. 

The post The 2023 LSA Starbucks Christmas drinks ranking appeared first on Lifestyle Asia Bangkok.

With drinks this good and hospitality this warm, the troubled feeling of having to travel all the way to Phattanakan just seems to disappear. Please give a warm welcome to Aum and Taln, owners of Messengerservice Bar.

Messengerservice is one of those bars that stay with you. It occupies a little room in the back of your mind and occasionally shows its presence when you hear the question, “do you have a few favourite bars in Bangkok?” With brick-coloured walls and rows upon rows of ingredient bottles adorning them, it’s as if the place lets you slip right into a relaxed state, as you have a chat with the people behind the bar, catching a glimpse of the drinks you might like.

Those people behind the bar, on not uncommon occasions, will be owners Aum and Taln. Inspired by perfume, they showcase how both artforms can collide beautifully. Add a dash of their hospitality, and you’ll find yourself having more cocktails than you first anticipated.

That’s why we pushed through the front curtains, sat in front of the bar in very photogenic lighting, and asked what made Messengerservice the way it is today. Here’s how it went.

[Hero and featured image credit: Messengerservice Bar]

So we talked cocktails and perfumes with Aum and Taln of Messengerservice

Tell us, how did Messengerservice come to be?

“Both of us were interior designers then opened a hostel together in Phattanakan, so we had zero experience behind the bar before Messengerservice. It’s located quite near the airport, and that is actually why we started a bar together. Guests of the hostels were asking for alcoholic beverages, so we started to research and experiment what would satisfy our customers’ needs—firstly beers, then wines, then cocktails.”

“We had to Google each order and learnt right then how to make each drink,” Taln laughs. “If we didn’t have something, we just quickly ran to Tesco’s to get it. As we welcomed a lot of people just arriving from the airport, we had time to train and refine our mixology as we regularly had to wait for those coming in on late night flights. As time went by, we started to learn more about the things we could do, and techniques we could add. We wanted an actual venue—somewhere that feels refined, yet relaxed like walking into a living room that reflects the seriousness we put into each glass. That’s how Messengerservice was born.”

Why choose to open a bar in Phattanakan?

“Our hostel is in Phattanakan, and our interior design office was also in Phattanakan, so it would be easier to manage if it were around here. When we found this space, we thought that it was time we properly open a bar.”

What was your thought process behind the “canvas to glass” signature menu?

Messengerservice has 36 signature menus, continuously changing, so there’s something new for frequent visitors. An abundance of their recipes are also clarified.

“When we think of a new entry, we think of it like making perfumes,” Aum answers. “There’s a top note, middle note, and base note. It’s how we ensure that what we envision in terms of scent and taste is translated well into the glass. Like, we want this ingredient to be the star, what other things can we use to complement that star ingredient?”

Taln adds, “We love to experiment with new ingredients and see how we can extract the flavours of those ingredients into liquid form. The next challenge is how to make the cocktail as clear as possible. It’s great aesthetic-wise as it adds to the element of surprise, and it also makes its shelf-life longer. At first we planned on half being clear drinks, the rest normal, but we experimented on how to adapt each ingredient and studied which technique works for each one. We learnt that we could make it work for us, and it did.”

What prompted the use of perfumes into mixology?

“We both love perfumes, so one day, we walked into a store and saw how each perfume has different ingredients that resemble their notes. The idea came to our heads: if these listed ingredients are used because they work well together, can we also use that logic for creating cocktails? We went back to experiment, and we were quite surprised with how well that works.”

In your opinion, what makes a good cocktail?

“Of course, there’s no definite description of what a good cocktail is. If you drink a cocktail and you enjoy it — be it sweet, savoury, refreshing, a classic — it’s a good cocktail. Our drinks menu is already strange and out of this world. There’s one that has kimchi and another with squid ink, so it’s safe to say that we can already cover the tastes of most people that enter the bar.”

“There’s one customer, however, that asked for a cocktail made from shrimp paste. We haven’t made that yet, but we’re not backing down from that challenge, either.”

What’s a bar you like to visit, if not your own?

Taln answers that it depends on the mood. “If I’m craving classics, I go straight to Vesper. The bar is always lively, and the vibes are great. If I’m in the mood for something more conceptual, it’s Ku Bar, as their concept is clear and reflective in each of their drinks. BKK Social Club is also amazing in terms of hospitality.”

You have now expanded to a second venue with Bar Us. What is your secret for opening a successful bar?

“None,” Taln laughs. “You just need to give it a hundred percent. Interior design has turned into a hobby for us, and we’re in this business, making drinks, experimenting with new ingredients—all of those things we’re doing full time. Whatever kind of establishment you’re planning on opening, give it a hundred percent of your time, a hundred percent of your efforts.”

“There’s no secret that works better than the products that stem from the passions of people. Some places don’t have the most perfect drinks, the most bespoke uniforms, but you feel their passion for the place, and you won’t be the only customer that will feel it.”

Messengerservice is located on 2299 Phatthanakan Rd, Suan Luang, Bangkok, open daily from 6pm-midnight on Sun-Thurs, and 6pm-1am on Fri-Sat.

The post So we talked cocktails and perfumes with Aum and Taln of Messengerservice Bar appeared first on Lifestyle Asia Bangkok.

Ever wanted to make that perfect latte or cappuccino but couldn’t figure out the milk-to-coffee ratio? With the Nespresso Vertuo Lattissima, users can make whatever espresso drink they want at the touch of a button.

Nespresso, the renowned Swiss company specialising in coffee capsules and machines since 1986, has released its latest model. Introducing the Nespresso Vertuo Lattissima — the ultimate coffee maker that puts complete control right at the user’s fingertips. What makes this new device stand out? It’s their integrated milk solution. Forget about that measuring cup. Forget about trying to get that correct milk-to-coffee ratio because the Vertuo Lattissima can calculate it for you. So whether you desire a cappuccino, latte, macchiato, or just plain hot froth, this new coffee machine can do it all.

[All Images Courtesy of Nespresso]

All about the Nespresso Vertuo Lattissima

Besides offering a wide variety of coffee capsules to choose from, the Vertuo Lattissima can also produce different beverage sizes, including Espresso (40ml), Double Espresso (80ml), Gran Lungo (150ml), Mug (230ml), Cold Brew (355ml), Carafe (535ml), and milk-based coffee drinks like a cappuccino and latte. These pods not only have a delicious taste and aroma but also come with a barcode. The machine’s advanced barcode technology adjusts its settings automatically based on the capsule inserted, ensuring a perfect coffee-to-milk ratio every time. Plus, with Nespresso’s commitment to sustainability, the Vertuo pods are made of food-grade stainless steel, making them eco-friendly and recyclable. The device also has a detachable milk carafe for storing fresh and cool milk in the fridge.

The Vertuo Lattissima is available in two colours: Matte Black & Glossy and Matte White & Glossy, priced at THB 16,500. While it may seem expensive, this device is unlike any other automatic coffee maker. Along with its excellent features, the Vertuo Lattissima boasts a sleek and stylish look, adding premium elegance to any space where it is placed. And with its precise operation, there is no room for human error. So, are you ready to make your life easier and experience the best coffee in the comfort of your own home?

For further information or to purchase the Nespresso Vertuo Lattissima, please visit Nespresso’s website here. 

The post It’s time to upgrade your coffee station with the new Nespresso Vertuo Lattissima appeared first on Lifestyle Asia Bangkok.

Two bars from Bangkok have made it to The World’s 50 Best Bars 2023 listing, including one Bangkok bar named as the very best bar in Asia. Here’s everything you may have missed — and where to go for celebratory cocktails tonight.

The World’s 50 Best Bars 2023 ceremony took place in Singapore on the evening of 17 October, and Barcelona’s Sip was named the best bar this year.

After Sips, New York’s Double Chicken Please placed second, followed by Handshake Speakeasy from Mexico City.

[Hero Image Credit: 50 Best; Featured Image Credit: BKK Social Club]

World’s 50 Best Bars 2023: A Bangkok bar crowned best bar in Asia, Barcelona takes the top spot

Bangkok, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Tokyo each featured two bars on the list, with Bangkok’s BKK Social Club taking the top spit as The Best Bar in Asia at no. 13. It is followed by Mahaniyom, a surprising new entry, at no. 19.

At No.14, Jigger & Pony was the best performing Singaporean bar, followed by Sago House (No.32) and Atlas (No.48).

Tokyo was represented by Bar Benfiddich (no. 37), and The SG Club at no. 36. Hong Kong was represented by Coa at no. 20 (the best bar in Asia on the Asia’s 50 Best Bars list), and Argo at no. 34.

“After two years of hard work, passion, and sometimes suffering, it’s a real pleasure,” Sips cofounder Simone Caporale said. “It’s a very small place, but we try to put a human value in everything we d0.”

Other awards were given out at the ceremony. Lady Bee from Peru was presented with the Campari One to Watch Award, which is given to venues with the potential to break into the top 50 in the future. Tres Monos from Buenos Aires was recognised with the Michter’s Art of Hospitality Award, while Gn Chan of New York’s Double Chicken Please took the Altos Bartenders’ Bartender Award.

The Clumsies from Athens received the Remy Martin Legend of the List Award, Singapore’s Nighthawk picked up the Best Bar Design Award. Röda Huset from Stockholm received the Ketel One Sustainable Bar Award, and The American Bar Gleneagles won the Siete Misterios Best Cocktail Menu Award. Renato Tato Giovannoni of Florería Atlántico in Buenos Aires got the Industry Icon Award.

Olso’s Himkok jumped from No.43 last year to 11th this year, which got them the Nikka Highest Climber Award.

This was the first time Singapore has hosted The World’s 50 Best Bars ceremony, which also marked the event’s debut in Asia. Last year’s edition was held in Barcelona, and previous years all took place in London.

World’s 50 Best Bars: The full list

See below for the full list of the World’s 50 Best Bars 2023. Then check out the extended 51-100 list here.

1. Sips (Barcelona)

2. Double Chicken Please (New York)

3. Handshake Speakeasy (Mexico City)

4. Paradiso (Barcelona)

5. Connaught Bar (London)

6. Little Red Door (Paris)

7. Licorería Limantour (Mexico City)

8. Tayer + Elementary (London)

9. Alquímico (Cartagena) – Best bar in South America

10. Tres Monos (Buenos Aires)

11. Himkok (Oslo) – Highest climber

12. Line (Athens)* – Best new opening

13. BKK Social Club (Bangkok) – Best bar in Asia

14. Jigger & Pony (Singapore)

15. Maybe Sammy (Sydney) – Best bar in Australasia

16. Salmon Guru (Madrid)

17. Overstory (New York)

18. Zest (Seoul)* – highest new entry

19. Mahaniyom Cocktail Bar (Bangkok)*

20. Coa (Hong Kong)

21. Drink Kong (Rome)

22. Hanky Panky (Mexico City)

23. Caretaker’s Cottage (Melbourne)

24. Cafe La Trova (Florida)

25. Baba Au Rum (Athens)

26. CoChinChina (Buenos Aires)

27. Katana Kitten (New York)

28. Satan’s Whiskers (London)

29. Wax On (Berlin)

30. Florería Atlántico (Buenos Aires)

31. Röda Huset (Stockholm)

32. Sago House (Singapore)

33. Freni e Frizioni (Rome)

34. Argo (Hong Kong)

35. A Bar with Shapes for a Name (London)

36. The SG Club (Tokyo)

37. Bar Benfiddich (Tokyo)

38. Cambridge Public House (Paris)

39. Panda & Sons** (Edinburgh)

40. Mimi Kakushi (Dubai) – Best bar in Africa

41. Scarfes Bar (London)

42. 1930 (Milan)

43. Carnaval (Lima)

44. L’Antiquario (Naples)

45. Baltra Bar (Mexico City)

46. Locale Firenze (Florence)

47. The Clumsies (Athens)

48. Atlas (Singapore)

49. Jewel of the South (New Orleans)

50. Galaxy Bar (Dubai)

* New entry

** Reentry

The post World’s 50 Best Bars 2023: A Bangkok bar crowned best bar in Asia appeared first on Lifestyle Asia Bangkok.

While wine pairings are popular, nothing compares to the unique and unforgettable taste of The Macallan Double Cask Collection.

Despite whisky being a stronger alcoholic beverage than wine, when paired with the right dish, it can be a delightful experience. But what makes the gastronomic journey even better is choosing high-quality spirits like The Macallan Double Cask Collection. Founded in 1824, Speyside, The Macallan was one of the pioneer distilleries in Scotland to be legally licensed. Having been in the industry for nearly 200 years, the brand has established itself as a world-renowned producer of single-malt whiskies. 

With their exceptional craftsmanship, The Macallan released their Double Cask Collection. Available in an exquisite range of aged whiskies: 12, 15, 18, and 30-year-old blends, each sip is a true sensational pleasure. But how does one pair such fine whisky with food? We found out at a special sit-dinner at Edward Kwon Bangkok.

[Image Credit: Photo by Eaters Collective / Unsplash]

The perfect pairing: The Macallan Double Cask Collection

As The Macallan Double Cask Collection has a lot of depth and complexity, it’s essential to match the food with these elements. Korean cuisine, which Edward Kwon Bangkok provided, is one particular cuisine that complements whisky well. Why? With Korean food boasting a variety of flavours, these components help balance the liquor’s intensity. Not only is the meal elevated, but also the scotch whisky taste itself. 

Although most would pair a 12-year-old scotch whisky with some light seafood like sashimi, the chef served dak galbi, a spicy chicken croustade. The stir-fried chicken with the rich gochujang sauce enhanced the whisky’s smokey aroma, whereas the slightly spicy notes gave the bite a more fresh flavour.

Moving over to the 15-year-old bottle, this blend was accompanied by galbi, grilled wagyu beef with banchan (Korean side dishes). As wagyu beef is known for its high-fat content, the sweetness of the 15-year helped cut through the meat’s heartiness. This edition is also great with other red meats like duck or lamb, as well as stews, since they complement the sherry cask flavours. 

For dessert, Da Gwa (Petit Fours) were paired with the 18-year double cask. The texture of this last pairing was luscious, smooth, and opulent. And with the flavour being spicier than the rest, sipping the whisky neat harmonised beautifully with these mini sweet treats. For those drinking at home, pair this bottle with some dark chocolate and your tastebuds for an enriching experience, oozing with sophistication.

The post Discover a complete dining experience with The Macallan Double Cask collection appeared first on Lifestyle Asia Bangkok.

You may have barely recovered from the last one, but Thailand’s most beloved bar convention returns this November as the Bangkok Bar Show is back for its third year running. This time, the trade show will see the addition of a gala dinner and awards night, with the first-ever ranking of Thailand’s 20 best bars. 

Thailand’s biggest trade and consumer show for lovers of cocktails and fine drinking is back this 3-5 November. Like last year, it will take place at Henri Dunant Hall within the iconic Royal Bangkok Sports Club (RBSC). Showcasing the best of the best in the beverage industry, visitors can expect to taste and sample numerous craft and premium spirits, learn from the experts at dedicated seminars and classes, and party until the cops hopefully don’t come at the many guest shifts hosted throughout the week. 

The Maraschino Cherry on top will be the first-ever Bangkok Bar Show Awards, crowning the 20 best bars in Thailand at an exclusive gala dinner event. 

Curious? Excited? Worried for your liver? Read on for all the details you may need, and prepare to “chai-yo!” your heart out once again.

[Hero and Featured Image Credit: Bangkok Bar Show]

The notorious Bangkok Bar Show returns this 3-5 November

The Bangkok Bar Show was founded by industry heavy-weights Niks Anuman-Rajadhon and Colin Chia, as Thailand’s first proper trade show for the bar industry and its followers. It aims to educate, inspire, and connect those with an affinity for “cocktails and fine drinking.”

Taking place inside Henri Dunant Hall right next to the RBSC’s horse-racing track, it is a beautiful and unique opportunity to visit one of the city’s most historic venues for one of its most beloved events. From the seminars and discussions to the parties, guest shifts, and gala night, here’s the complete breakdown. 

Seminars and speakers

Many of the region’s biggest names will be flying in for seminars at the Bangkok Bar Show this year. Not just of interest to those in the industry, it is a unique opportunity to learn more about the craft of the cocktail, the running of a bar, and the undying creative spirit it all entails. Seminars will take place at Henri Dunant Hall between 1pm and 5.15pm. You can find the full schedule below: 

Guest shifts and parties

Numerous international guest shifts will take place throughout the week of Bangkok Bar Show, with two special opening and closing parties you must not miss. Located all across town, you can find the full line-up and venues below: 

Bangkok Bar Show Awards night

This year also sees the launch of the inaugural Bangkok Bar Show Awards, with a special gala dinner held at Henri Dunant Hall on 6 November. The awards will honour and celebrate Thailand’s 20 best bars in 2023, voted by an academy of over 50 members including bar owners, managers, and drinks writers. 

Not only will we see the ranking of the 20 best bars in the country, but there will also be a series of special awards presented on the night. These include:

• Best Cocktail Bar
• Best Cocktail Bar in Bangkok
• Best Cocktail Bar in Phuket/Samui
• Best Cocktail Bar in Chiang Mai
• Emerging Bartender of the Year
• Hotel Bar of the Year
• Restaurant Bar of the Year
• New Bar of the Year
• Bar Team of the Year
• Menu Design of the Year
• Art of Hospitality Award

Sure to shake things up alongside many of the greater regional bar awards, we can’t wait to see who makes the list. 

Bangkok Bar Show tickets and pricing

Tickets are sure to sell out like hot cakes, or whatever the cocktail equivalent may be (Espresso Martinis? Negroni Sbagliatos? Free shots?). 

Advance tickets are priced at THB 450 for a 1-day pass (THB 500 at the door), or THB 1250 for a 3-day pass (THB 1400 at the door). The awards gala dinner night ticket is priced at THB 2400. For super fans, there is also a VIP ticket (3-day pass + awards gala dinner night) priced at THB 3350. 

You can find all details on tickets and purchase yours at The Concert. 

The post The notorious Bangkok Bar Show returns this November (with a fancy new addition) appeared first on Lifestyle Asia Bangkok.

Two bars from Bangkok were announced on the World’s 50 Best Bars 2023’s 51-100 list this afternoon, here’s a closer look.

In total, The World’s 50 Best Bars 2023 51-100 list highlighted drinking spots from 34 cities across the world. The top spot went to Danico from Paris. The US led the list with six bars from New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago. The UK also placed highly with five entries.

World’s 50 Best Bars 2023: 2 Bangkok bars make the 51-100 list

Five bars from Singapore were announced on the World’s 50 Best Bars 2023’s 51-100 list, making it the Asian city with the most number of entries. At No.59, 28 Hongkong Street was the highest-placed Singapore venue. It was followed by Manhattan (No.63), Nutmeg & Clove (No.64), Analogue Initiative (No.78), and Native (No.83). 

Nine bars from around the region made the cut. China was represented by Penicillin (No.71) and Darkside (No.97), both from Hong Kong, together with Guangzhou’s Hope & Sesame (No.74).

Japan and Thailand had two bars each: Tokyo’s The Bellwood (No.53) and Bar High Five (No.79), as well as Vesper (No.55) and Tropic City (No.66) from Bangkok.

New Delhi and Seoul contributed one bar respectively, Sidecar (No.67) and the new entry Bar Cham (No.75).

World’s 50 Best Bars 2023 51-100: The full list

The World’s 50 Best Bars 2023 will be announced during a live ceremony in Singapore on 17 October. This is the first time the event is taking place in Asia. See below for the full World’s 50 Best Bars 2023 51-100 list.

51. Danico (Paris)

52. Lady Bee (Lima)

53. The Bellwood (Tokyo)

54. Lyaness (London)

55. Vesper (Bangkok)

56. Tan Tan (São Paulo)

57. Attaboy (New York)

58. Subastor (São Paulo)

59. 28 Hongkong Street (Singapore)

60. Arca (Tulum)

61. Byrdi (Melbourne)

62. Hero Bar (Nairobi)

63. Manhattan (Singapore)

64. Nutmeg & Clove (Singapore)

65. El Gallo Altanero (Guadalajara)

66. Tropic City (Bangkok)

67. Sidecar (New Delhi)

68. Martiny’s (New York)

69. Ergo (Dubai)

70. Barro Negro (Athens)

71. Penicillin (Hong Kong)

72. Rayo (Mexico City)

73. Civil Liberties (Toronto)

74. Hope & Sesame (Guangzhou)

75. Bar Cham (Seoul)

76. Swift (London)

77. Velvet (Berlin)

78. Analogue Initiative (Singapore)

79. Bar High Five (Tokyo)

80. La Sala de Laura (Bogotá)

81. Kaito del Valle (Mexico City)

82. Kumiko (Chicago)

83. Native (Singapore)

84. Svanen (Oslo)

85. Camparino in Galleria (Milan)

86. Nouvelle Vague (Tirana)

87. Ruby (Copenhagen)

88. Red Frog (Lisbon)

89. Thunderbolt (Los Angeles)

90. Mirror Bar (Bratislava)

91. Maison Premiere (New York)

92. Donovan Bar (London)

93. Tjoget (Stockholm)

94. Sin + Tax (Johannesburg)

95. Schofield’s Bar (Manchester)

96. Lost & Found (Nicosia)

97. Darkside (Hong Kong)

98. The Bar in front of The Bar (Athens)

99. Employees Only (New York)

100. Artesian (London)

[Hero and featured images credits: Tropic City]

The post World’s 50 Best Bars 2023: 2 Bangkok bars make the 51-100 list appeared first on Lifestyle Asia Bangkok.

The World’s 50 Best Bars is landing in Singapore for the first time, with a colossal number of events in its wake. We have a feeling many Bangkok bar enthusiasts are gearing up to head to Lion City for next week, so we’ve put together a list of key events you can attend.

The awards ceremony will take place on 17 October 2023, the first time it is being held in Asia. In the lead up to it, numerous Singapore bars will host visiting team members from bars around the world and their signature cocktails.

Boldfaced names include Barcelona hot spot and current world’s best bar, Paradiso, as well as previous winner, The Connaught Bar from London. Entries from 50 Best’s regional lists also feature, such as Handshake Speakeasy from Mexico City (No.2 on North America’s 50 Best Bars 2023), and Tokyo’s Bar Benfiddich (No.4 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2023).

Complementing these pop-ups is the inaugural 50 Best Signature Sessions, or branded events that will take place at selected bars from 14 to 18 October. Venues like Jigger & Pony and Atlas will feature some of the industry’s finest talents from Seoul to Stockholm.

The bulk of all these events happens on Saturday and Sunday (15 and 16 October), with a break for the live ceremony on Tuesday, before resuming on Wednesday. See below for more details.

World’s 50 Best Bars 2023 events in Singapore

13 October

Pier 42 (Oslo) at Smoke & Mirrors

Smoke & Mirrors welcomes Slovakian bartender Adrián Michalcík of Oslo bar, Pier 42. Named after the iconic Manhattan pier where thousands of Norwegians first set foot on the American continent, the bar’s signature cocktails are inspired by art from Norway and New York, as well as recipes from one of the ships the migrants sailed on.

7pm – 11pm

14 October

Tjoget (Stockholm) at Jigger & Pony (50 Best Signature Session)

Hailing from Stockholm, Tjoget demonstrates how they have been a regular on the World’s 50 Best Bars – they placed 71st last year – with a lineup of whisky cocktails like the scotch-based Cafe Con Leche and Remember The Fan Club with rye, passionfruit, and white wine. They are joined by Jigger & Pony bar manager, whose creations include a whisky sour with red plum.

6pm – 10pm

Allegory (Washington DC) at Gibson

Hidden inside a Washington DC hotel library, Allegory’s cocktails span art, literature, and social commentary. The current menu is based on Lewis Carroll’s “Alice in Wonderland & Through the Looking Glass,” but told through the eyes of Ruby Bridges, the first Black child to attend a desegregated Louisiana elementary school in 1960. Her story unfolds through classic cocktails twists put together using molecular gastronomy techniques.

8pm – midnight

Speak Low (Shanghai) at Sugarhall

Japanese bartender Shingo Gokan is a household name in the industry now, but in the mid 2010s, he just won a cocktail competition with a drink called Speak Low, and opened a Prohibition-era bar in Shanghai with the same name shortly after. The eponymous rum, sherry, and matcha cocktail still remains on the menu, along with other creations that straddle New York and Japan.

8pm – midnight

Vender (Taichung) at Antidote

Summer Chen, cofounder of Vender in Taichung (41st in Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2023), will be shaking up four low-ABV and low-sugar cocktails at Antidote. She uses ingredients such as winter melon, agave nectar, maple, and honey for natural sweetness, which are spiked with Matusalem rums and lengthened into a highball.

9pm – midnight

Other World’s 50 Best Bars 2023 Singapore events on 14 October

Mister Paradise (NYC) at Sago House 2.0

7pm – 11pm

Baltra Bar (Mexico City) at Madame Fan

8pm onwards

Soko Bar (Seoul) at Live Twice

8pm – midnight

15 October

Sammy Junior (Melbourne) x Flamingo Coffee Bar boozy brunch

Flamingo Coffee Bar joins forces with Sammy Junior – Melbourne’s buzzy coffee spot and bar – for a special edition of their boozy brunch. Look forward to brunch staples paired with classic cocktails from the Garibaldi to Boulevardier.

11am – 3pm

Botanist Bar (Vancouver) at Manhattan (50 Best Signature Session)

Manhattan, a two-time winner of The Best Bar in Asia, teams up with Vancouver’s Botanist Bar (No.19 in North America’s 50 Best Bars 2023) for a special edition of Manhattan’s Sunday cocktail brunch. The Dark Spirits Brunch includes a gourmet delicatessen counter, freshly shucked oysters, seafood, and a variety of desserts, accompanied by drinks from Manhattan’s iconic cocktail trolley. Expect Bloody Marys, boozy milkshakes, and highballs made with brandy and rum. Tickets are S$158++ per person for three hours of free-flow food and cocktails.

Email to book.

12pm – 3pm.

Little Red Door (Paris) and Southside Parlor (Seoul) at Atlas (50 Best Signature Session)

Little Red Door from Paris and Seoul’s Southside Parlor get behind the stick at Atlas to serve their creations alongside signatures from the Singapore bar. For food, expect dishes from Daniele Sperindio of the one-Michelin-starred Art, along with a lobster roll station. Tickets cost S$30 per person and includes one drink. Additional drinks cost S$25 nett each.

Book here.

7pm – midnight

Paradiso (Barcelona) at Origin Bar

Grab a seat at Origin Bar for an evening of fantastical cocktails by the best bar in the world. Dreamed up by founder Giacomo Giannotti, the Barcelona-based Paradiso is inspired by vast-ranging topics from space to human evolution, which have led to iconic drinks like a Martini that turns into an iceberg in the glass.

7pm onwards

Bar Benfiddich (Tokyo) at Jigger & Pony

Benfiddich founder Hiroyasu Kayama has dedicated himself to farm-to-bar cocktails. His drinks harnesses herbs and fruits from his own farm in Saitama Prefecture, and the Shinjuku bar has the feel of an apothecary den. For his guest shift, Kayama will be serving creations like the creamy Anko-mmon with Japanese whisky and sweet bean jam.

8pm – midnight

Satan’s Whiskers (London) at Gibson

Gibson plays hosts to London bar Satan’s Whiskers. Making its debut on The World’s 50 Best Bars list last year at No. 23, owner Kevin Armstrong and bartender Daniel Waddy focus on classic cocktails with fresh ingredients, such as the Cherry Americano with gin, Campari, maple verjus, and cherry soda.

8pm – midnight

Schofield’s Bar (Manchester) at Live Twice

Brothers Joe and Daniel Schofield bring their eponymous Manchester drinking spot to Live Twice, where they will be serving 1930s-inspired creations like Chicago Lightning with bourbon, dry curaçao, orange blossom water, and chocolate bitters.

8pm – midnight

Café La Trova (Miami), Scarfes Bar (London), and Bar High Five (Tokyo) at Nutmeg & Clove (50 Best Signature Session)

Purvis Street takes on flavours of Miami, London, and Tokyo all in one evening. At Nutmeg & Clove, Julio Cabrera showcases the Miami-based Café La Trova, while Last Word upstairs plays host to Martin Ciska and Yann Bouvvignies from London’s Scarfes Bar. In the newly-opened Room 0202, the legendary Hidetsugu Oeno from Bar High Five holds court for a cocktail omakase. All outlets will feature a special bar bites menu by chef LG Han of Labyrinth.

Book here for Café La Trova, here for Scarfes Bar, and here For Bar High Five.

8pm onwards

Barstars festival at Plume

Pan Pacific hotel bar Plume brings together over 23 bartenders across Asia, including Antonio Lai of Quinary in Hong Kong and Terry Kim from Alice in Seoul, for the three-day Asian Bar Extravaganza. From 15 to 16 October, they will be serving their creations, followed by a viewing party for the World’s 50 Best Bars ceremony on 17 October.

9pm onwards

Other World’s 50 Best Bars 2023 Singapore events on 15 October

Slink and Bardot (Mumbai) at Ms. Maria & Mr. Singh

12pm – 8pm

The Pontiac (HK), Bar Lab Hospitality (Miami), and Salón de Agave (Mexico City) at Potato Head Rooftop Bar

4pm – 8pm

Nomad London at Writers Bar

6pm – 9pm

Licoreía Limantour (Mexico City) at Astor Bar

7pm onwards

Service Bar (Washington DC) at Sago House 1.0

7pm onwards

Vida Rica Bar (Macau) at Smoke & Mirrors

7pm – 11pm

Thirsty Shaker (HK) and The Old Man Hong Kong at Potato Head Studio 1939

7.30pm – midnight

Bar Leone (HK) at Fura

8pm onwards

Booking Bar and Gallery 20.5 (both Kaohsiung) at Antidote

8pm – midnight

Cambridge Public House (Paris) at Sugarhall

8pm – midnight

16 October

The Connaught Bar and Blue Bar (both London) at Manhattan

The Connaught Bar is a series winner of the World’s 50 Best Bars, and their cocktails like the Connaught Martini have become the template for many in the industry. Director of mixology Agostino Perrone, bar manager Maura Milia, and bartender Riccardo Lugano will be there to serve their signature cocktail along with The Goodfellas, the Faraway Collins, and the Eclipse Code. Following this, Blue Bar shows why they are the centre for cocktail innovation in London. Drinks that evening include the Raj by Night, Mirror Martini, the Roadrunner, and London to Singapore, made by bar manager Marcello Cauda and head bartender Giovanni Bruno.

4pm – 1am

The SG Club (Tokyo), El Lequio (Naha), and Bar High Five (Tokyo) at Barbary Coast Ballroom

Barbary Coast Ballroom corrals three titans of Japanese bartending: Shingo Gokan of SG Club, Satoshi Sugiura of El Lequio, and Bar High Five’s Hidetsugu Oeno. Expect plenty of shochu and precise drink-making.

6pm onwards

Harry’s Bar (Paris) at Sago House 2.0

The world’s oldest cocktail bar comes to what possibly is the newest bar on Duxton Hill. Harry’s Bar, which opened in 1911 in Manhattan and eventually reassembled in Paris, and is known for inventing cocktail classics the Bloody Mary, Sidecar, Blue Lagoon, and White Lady. Bartender Patrick Dooley and owner Franz Mac Elhone will be among the first to make drinks at the new Sago House, which is moving to 37 Duxton Hill in November.

7pm – 1am

Hero Bar (Nairobi), Sin+Tax (Johannesburg), and Front/Back (Accra, Ghana) at Sugarhall

Get a glimpse of African cocktail culture at Sugarhall. Nairobi’s Hero Bar, Sin+Tax from Johannesburg, and Front/Back of Accra, Ghana team up to shake and stir cocktails like the Ayoba with whisky, burnt butter, and rooibos tea, and the gin-based Berbere with an Ethiopian hot spice blend.

8pm – midnight

Camparino in Galleria (Milan) at MO Bar

Camparino in Galleria is best known as the Milanese institution that birthed the now globally-known aperitivo ritual. For their stint at MO Bar, bar manager Tommaso Cecca will be delivering Italian icons such as the Negroni, Sbagliato, and Americano in classic guises and subtle twists.

9pm onwards

Sips (Barcelona) at Atlas

Bartender Simone Caporale, who runs Barcelona’s Sips (No.3 on The World’s 50 Best Bars 2022), comes to Atlas to show off his new purchase. He recently acquired Boadas Cocktails, the oldest cocktail bar in Barcelona, and will be serving their drinks alongside a range of creations that defined his celebrated career.

9pm onwards

Caretakers Cottage (Melbourne) at Offtrack

Melbourne is full of quaint Victorian houses, and it was only a matter of time before someone opened a cocktail bar in one. Adopting the name of the building’s former life, bartenders Rob Libecans, Matthew Stirling, and Ryan Noreiks will be on shift together for a night of cocktails and evocative house music.

8pm onwards

Artesian (London) at Antidote

Artesian, four-time consecutive winners of the World’s 50 Best Bars’ top spot, lands in Antidote to show off their new menu, Ingredients of the Future. Drinks are built around a produce, like Mushrooms with rye and maple, and Peas with tangy apple notes.

10pm – 1am

Other World’s 50 Best Bars 2023 Singapore events on 16 October

Indian Accent (New Delhi), Ekaa Mumbai, Americano (Mumbai), and PCO (New Delhi) at Potato Head Studio 1939

5pm onwards

Bee’s Knees (Kyoto) at Goho

7pm onwards

Cahoots (London) at Smoke & Mirrors

7pm – 11pm

Firefly, Opium, and #FindTheLockerRoom (all BKK) at Rappu

7pm onwards

Red Frog (Lisbon) at Astor Bar

7pm onwards

Handshake Speakeasy (Mexico City) at Jigger & Pony

8pm – midnight

Lost & Found (Nicosia, Cyprus) at Madame Fan

8pm onwards

Martiny’s (NYC) at Live Twice

8pm – midnight

The Savory Project (HK) at Gibson

8pm – midnight

Danico (Paris) and CMYK (Changsha) at Nighthawk

9pm onwards

17 October

Donovan Bar (London) at Republic

Right before the ceremony starts, London destination Donovan Bar (No.89 on the World’s 50 Best Bars 2022) takes over Republic. Named after the legendary photographer, Terence Donovan, director of mixology Federico Pavan and bar manager Fabio Spinetti present four cocktails from their new Evoke menu, like the Old Fashioned-style Deep Blue with raspberry liquor.

4pm – 7pm

18 October

Dukes Bar (London) at Manhattan

Alessandro Palazzi of Dukes Bar in London shows why he is considered the “maestro of the Martini” by using frozen gin or vodka, a splash of vermouth, and a twist of unwaxed lemon, all prepared table-side at Manhattan.

5pm – 10pm

True Laurel (SF), Salón de Agave (Mexico City) and Bar Lab Hospitality at Cat Bite Club

Three esteemed North American names – San Francisco’s True Laurel, Salón de Agave of Mexico City, and US bar empire Bar Lab Hospitality – take over Cat Bite Club for an tequila-soaked evening.

7pm – 11pm

Moebius Milano at Smoke & Mirrors

Moebius is what happens when a visionary bar entrepreneur joins forces with a chef of a two-starred restaurant. Owner Lorenzo Querci graces Smoke & Mirrors to show off cocktails from the buzzy Milan destination, including the herbaceous Pesto Martini and Baby Godzilla emboldened by soy sauce.

7pm onwards

Atwater Cocktail Club (Montreal) at Gibson

Atwater Cocktail Club files all the way in from Montreal to set up shop at Gibson. Bartender Kate Boushel will be presenting highlights from their latest cocktail programme that spotlights high-quality ingredients and modern techniques like emulsion and sustainably-minded initiatives.

8pm – midnight

Freni e Frizioni (Rome) at MO Bar (50 Best Signature Session)

One of Rome’s most popular cocktail spots, Freni e Frizioni brings it high energy to MO Bar. Cofounder Riccardo Rossi will be making undoubtedly Italian cocktails created based on instinct, backed by plenty of flair.

Book here.

8pm onwards

Handshake Speakeasy (Mexico City) at Writers Bar

Eleventh on The World’s 50 Best Bars 2022 and the second best bar in North America, Mexico City’s Handshake Speakeasy is renowned for their cocktails based on vintage spirits. However, tradition is also a springboard for more creative endeavours, seen through their latest menu that pays tribute to the Mexican bar community.

6pm – 9.30pm

Other World’s 50 Best Bars 2023 Singapore events on 18 October

Aperitif Bar at Junior The Pocket Bar

7pm – 10pm

Civil Liberties (Toronto) at Sago House 2.0

7pm – 11pm

The Cocktail Club (Jakarta) at Potato Head Studio 1939

7pm onwards

L’Antiquario (Naples) at Republic

8pm – 11pm

Drink Kong (Rome), Panda & Son (HK), and Tropic City (BKK) at Neon Pigeon

9pm onwards

Rayo Cocktail Bar (Mexico City) at Native

9pm – midnight

(Hero and featured images credits: Sammy Junior; Schofield’s Bar)

The post All the events you can attend at World’s 50 Best Bars week in Singapore appeared first on Lifestyle Asia Bangkok.

These bedtime drinks to burn fat are perfect to let your system do its magic while you’re sleeping peacefully at night. So eat your heart out, kind of literally.

But you need to remember that losing weight is not an overnight miracle, nor are there any shortcuts to it. It takes a combination of proper diet, physical exercises, discipline and consistency to reach your target weight. However, these bedtime drinks will pace up the fat burning process by enhancing the body’s metabolism and boosting digestion. No matter what your goal weight is, the first step to it is a better digestive system. So, here are the best, most effective bedtime drinks to burn fat.

Bedtime drinks to burn fat while you’re sleeping

Chamomile tea

This soothing tea is majorly used around the world in cases of stress and to calm down your nerves. But this also makes an amazing bedtime drink to burn fat. Loaded with calcium, potassium and flavonoids, chamomile tea drains out the toxins and excess water from the body, thus reducing bloating to a great extent. As a result, you wake up feeling refreshed, with an empty stomach. Just brew yourself a cup and avoid adding any sweetener to it for best results.

Soaked fenugreek water

Consuming fenugreek or methi generates heat in the body and helps in burning fat at night while you’re sleeping. It also works as a good antacid, so that amps up your digestion post dinner. Just boil some water and add a handful of crushed fenugreek seeds to it. Let the fenugreek sit in the boiled water for about five minutes before straining it in a cup. Make sure you have it while it’s still warm, at least half an hour before bed.

Celery juice

It might not sound the most appetising, but the fat-burning properties this drink has will amaze you. Low in calories, this bedtime drink to burn fat is loaded with important nutrients like potassium and vitamin C. This drink also helps in reducing water retention, so you make up feeling less bloated and to see a few pounds less than what it was the night before.

Cucumber and parsley juice

This green juice is one of the best bedtime drinks to burn fat out there. With high water and fibre content and almost no calories, this drink reduces water retention and targets the fat accumulated in the body while you are sleeping. Add some grated ginger and lemon juice to it for some added flavour and make this a regular part of your diet.

Ginger tea

A proven fat burner, ginger tea is the foolproof way to get your body working at burning accumulated fat while you’re sleeping. You can even have this first thing in the morning, but this works famously well as a bedtime drink to burn fats as well. Just grate some ginger in boiling water and let it steep for about 20 minutes. Remember to consume this drink hot. Add some drops of lemon juice as well, for added Vitamin C and detoxifying properties.

Grape juice

High in antioxidants, fibre, potassium, and vitamin C, this is one of the tastiest bedtime drinks to burn fat. According to an International Journal of Obesity study conducted in 2015, it was found that grapes contain resveratrol, which is an antioxidant that converts calorie-storing white fat into calorie-burning brown fat. While fruit juices are not recommended before bed if you’re trying to lose weight, a glass of pure grape juice will do wonders.

Hero Image: Unsplash/Vitolda Klein/ @little_klein

Featured Image: Courtesy Unsplash/Wesual Click.

The post Bedtime drinks to burn some extra fat while you’re sleeping appeared first on Lifestyle Asia Bangkok.