MALAYSIA’S first national mocktail − the Bandung Pandan Spritz − will be showcased at participating hotels nationwide early next year as part of Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM 2026).
The drink was created by R Bar bartender Muhammad Nadzemi Norihan from Renaissance Kuala Lumpur Hotel and Convention Centre, for a contest that ran earlier this year.
Inspired by the popular sirap bandung, Muhammad Nadzemi gave the drink a contemporary twist to wow judges at the Signature VM 2026 Mocktail Championship.
“Sirap bandung is enjoyed by Malaysians during festive seasons or when eating out.
“Here, I use coconut lychee cordial, clarified sirap bandung and lemon concentrate,” he said during the launch of the mocktail at Renaissance Kuala Lumpur Hotel and Convention Centre.
The national competition was organised by Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH), Malaysian Food and Beverage Executives Association (MFBEA) and Mixology Alliance of MFBEA, with Yeo Hiap Seng (Yeo’s) as the main sponsor.
Martin Ehlers, general manager of Renaissance Kuala Lumpur Hotel and Convention Centre and Four Points by Sheraton Kuala Lumpur, City Centre, said the win was a proud milestone.
“This recognition is truly an honour for us as it is an extraordinary mark for the hotel as well as for Muhammad Nadzemi.
“It is not just about what is in the glass – it is about who we are and the representation it brings for the nation and the Renaissance brand,” he said.
Also present at the launch were MFBEA president Muhammad Hisham Tan Abdullah, Marriott International market vice-president (Malaysia) George Varughese, Yeo’s marketing director Renda Low, Tourism Malaysia VM 2026 secretariat head Mohd Amirul Rizal Abdul Rahim and MAH president Datin Christina Toh.
