There’s no denying that Bangkok is buzzing with some of the best bars in the region. Snagging awards front, right, and centre, the city is a hotspot for trendy cocktails and snazzy watering holes that go beyond the average drinking experience. And whilst smooth tunes and creative interiors can go a long way, it is unmistakably the drinks that essentially make or break the bar – or perhaps, who makes the drinks, that essentially make or break the bar.
Great bartenders have a bit of a celebrity status around here, forming somewhat of an exclusive club, in a totally unpretentious way. On Instagram, we get to explore a taste (or perhaps, a sip) of this club, as many notable Bangkok bartenders are posting private inside scoops into their world. Think, the cocktails they’re currently working on, the ingredients and techniques they’re experimenting with, the cool kids they hang out with, and, the ones we’re most curious about and where they go drinking.
If you’re an aspiring bartender, an intrigued bar-visitor, or you’re simply looking to shake up and stir your feed, we’ve put together a list of Bangkok bartenders you need to follow on Instagram. From sampling honey in the depths of the mountains to collecting trophies at countless bartending awards, there’s plenty to tap hearts for here.
Featured image credit: Eat Me Restaurant; Hero Image Credit: Backstage Cocktail Bar
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1 /7
Co-founder of the infamous #FindTheLockerRoom,
#FindThePhotoBooth and Backstage Cocktail Bar, chances are you will have stumbled upon one of Ronnaporn ‘Neung’ Kanivichaporn’s sleek speakeasies on a curious night out. The Thailand Worldclass Bartender of 2014 and 2017 lies behind some of the city’s best hidden bars, and documents on Instagram some of his personal favourite sips. A great account for true cocktail nerds as he often also includes a list of ingredients found in each drink.
2 /7
Here’s a name that will ring bells with all of Bangkok’s cool kids. The man behind the famed Teens of Thailand and Asia Today Bar – Niks Anuman-Rajadhon – is quite possibly one of the hottest barmen about town right now. Follow for insights into his day-to-day, which may include everything from climbs, dines and pottery classes to hunting down the Himalayas in search of raw honey for his new drink menu. If you want to know where exactly the ingredients in all your drinks come from, you’ll find out the most authentic, uncensored, and deeply inspirational version here.
3 /7
Former Diageo brand ambassador, Thailand Champion of World Class Cocktail Competition 2012, co-owner of Backstage Cocktail Bar, and current bar manager at Vesper Cocktail Bar, Supawit ‘Palm’ Muttaratana brings in a whole sipping slew of impressive accomplishments. His account grants followers an inside look into what one of Thailand’s best bartenders gets up to in his free time – be it the cheeky shenanigans at Vesper, his many travel adventures, or some very creative group shots at countless bar award festivities.
4 /7
Ranking in as the only Bangkok bar to make it to the Top 10 on the Asia’s 50 Best Bars list in 2018, it’s no wonder that The Bamboo Bar’s head bartender is a must-follow. Pinsuda ‘Ann’ Pongprom provides followers with a behind-the-scenes peek into the life of the team at the Mandarin Oriental’s jazz bar, proving that its true secret to success lies in the team work — be it in fancy group photoshoots on the job or over street food across town. An authentic look behind an incredible bar.
5 /7
He may be young, but he’s truly taking Bangkok by (tropical) storm. Winning the title of 2018 Chivas Masters Global Champion, Arron Grendon from the much-loved Tropic City is bringing all the good vibes of the bar right over to our feeds. Frequently featuring bubbly scenes from the buzzing hotspot, his shots often also star the lively Tropic City co-founders Sebastian De la Cruz and Philip Stefanescu. Packed with energy and good vibes, it’s the (Insta) story of a twenty-something guy who is truly making it big and boozy in the city.
6 /7
One of Bangkok’s best bartenders and renowned recipient of a Michelin Plate this year, Pop Direkrittikul of Eat Me Restaurant is truly wowing drinkers across the entire region. On his Instagram, the barman takes all his followers on a journey of his explorations around the globe, as well as his explorations of bars in Bangkok and beyond. Where Eat Me is also noted for its exotic Thai-inspired creations, the account also features many sleek photoshoot images of Pop’s infamous cocktails – almost like a stylish fashion magazine, but for drinks. (So better).
7 /7
For the bar man behind one of Bangkok’s best bars, Attapon De-silva (or as insiders know him, “Mr. B”) sure posts a lot of food pictures. Proving that a drink is in best company with plenty of nibbles and light bites, it is evident where the bartender from the stylish 1920s speakeasy-style Q&A Bar (and also super trendy Sugar Ray BKK) finds his inspiration. Often posting the special ingredients for his infusions or rare liquors he comes across, consider it a little teaser to the eyes (and the tastebuds) of his coming creations.
Lisa Gries
Creative Content Director, Bangkok
Lisa is the Creative Content Director at Lifestyle Asia and Prestige Thailand. When she’s not knees-deep in SEO analysis or editorial calendars, you’ll likely find her in downward-facing dog at the yoga studio, or immersed in conversation at a secret bar in China town. Lisa writes mostly on dining, travel, and pop-culture, and is a huge fan of soup dumplings, Riesling, and power napping — in exactly that order.
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