Good drinks, good times

(From left) Prancer’s Charm, Sherry Christmas and Mrs Claus bring the joy of the holidays to every sip.

AMID the lively swirl of George Town is a space that invites one to pause, reconnect and truly savour the moment.

Good Society at The Millen Penang offers a tranquil escape from the daily rush, pairing thoughtfully crafted drinks with refined bites for leisurely indulgence.

Located at the hotel’s lobby, the bar serves as an all-day destination for both coffee and cocktails.

But when evening arrives, the atmosphere shifts, turning into a full-fledged bar pulsating with the rhythms of mixology.

The bar counter exudes Art Deco vibes with its dark emerald surfaces and gold detailing.

Ochre-coloured marble floors and coffered ceilings add visual interest.

Rattan accents on bar seats and furniture pieces echo the recently opened luxury hotel’s chic, modern colonial design aesthetic.

“Good Society was envisioned as a neighbourhood hangout, a comfortable place that brings people together over good drinks, food and conversation,” shared the bar’s mixologist, who only goes by Michael.

With Christmas around the corner, the ambience has taken on a joyful sparkle, reflected in a trio of signature cocktails that make every sip a tantalising celebration.

The Sherry Christmas marries the dried fruit notes of sherry- aged whisky with the sweetness of honeyed green pear syrup, softened by velvety vermouth and a hint of bitters.

What results is an elegant, layered drink with orchard-fresh fruitiness and fizz.

The ‘Gin-uinely Yours’ experience allows guests to mix and match gins and tonics with herbs, spices and fruits for a truly personalised drink.

A wedge of torched green pear adds a final flourish.

Mrs Claus is made for the ladies. The base of Fino sherry gives it an apple-like crispness, balanced by sweet cherry liqueur. Its underlying savouriness is accentuated by lemon foam. Bite on the cherry garnish and the flavours become even more pronounced.

There is also Prancer’s Charm. It uses a similar sherry whisky base, but is topped with a nectar made from Pedro Ximenez grapes, lemon juice and stout. The latter’s roasted malt flavours hit first, then give way to the nectar’s raisin and sweet date notes.

“Each cocktail is our tribute to the holidays, layered with the comforting spice, sweet warmth and joyful spirit of Christmas,” said Michael.

The three seasonal drinks are only available until Dec 31 and complement Good Society’s signature “Gin-uinely Yours” experience.

The campaign allows guests to match their preferred gin with premium tonics, then elevate it with a curated selection of herbs, spices and fruits.

There are over 20 varieties of gin, from nutmeg and hibiscus- infused Malaysian ones, to classic London dry, botanical Mediterranean and delicate Japanese expressions.

The half-dozen premium tonics range from the crisp to citrusy and floral.

Final embellishments are vast and varied, including aromatics like rosemary, thyme, mint, ginger, cinnamon and cloves, as well as fresh ingredients such as cucumber, blueberry, grapefruit, kaffir lime, bitter orange, lemongrass, pandan and burnt coconut.

“This elevates the classic Gin and Tonic into something personal,” said Michael.

“Each sip becomes a reflection of your taste and a bespoke journey in a glass.

The Aviation (left) is among the bar’s selection of classic cocktails, along with the Old Fashioned.

“With endless combinations possible, there are a whole world of flavours to explore.”

Good Society also serves a killer selection of classic cocktails, from the Old Fashioned to the Sazerac, Manhattan, Sidecar, Negroni, Boulevardier, Clover Club and Paloma.

Try the lesser-known Aviation, believed to have been first created in the early 1900s.

Here, it is made with gin, lemon juice and special violet liqueur, keeping its tart and floral character.

For munching, there is a selection of bar bites. Mains such as Pastrami and Swiss Cheese Toastie, Londoners’ Roast Beef Sandwich or Smoked Salmon and Leek Quiche are heartier alternatives.

Ongoing promotions include daily Tipple Time from 5pm to 7pm with a “buy two, get one free” deal on gins, cocktails, spirits and beers.

A live band plays every Friday and Saturday evening.

Those who prefer to remain sober may opt for Society Sundays from 2pm to 5pm with all-you-can-eat English afternoon tea.

GOOD SOCIETY, Lobby, The Millen Penang, 55 Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah, 10050 George Town, Penang. (Tel: [phone] 6988) Business hours: 11am to midnight, daily.

This is the writer’s personal observation and is not an endorsement by StarMetro.