Sipping cocktails inspired by typically Malaysian ingredients while enjoying a view of the iconic Twin Towers is the ultimate way to experience the pulse of Kuala Lumpur.
From delectable libations inspired by dishes such as the rich, piquant laksa to age-old classics given a unique twist, Go Lokal menu cocktails at the Blue rooftop bar, EQ Kuala Lumpur, evoke a localised, familiar taste.
“Most of the drinks are inspired by traditional food and desserts loved by locals.
“I also incorporated ingredients found on Borneo island, including spirits such as langkau and tuak (both are rice wines from Sarawak), into the drinks,” he said.
The Go Lokal Menu features eight signature cocktails that reimagine the country’s fruits, spices and other ingredients through modern mixology.
I am never one to shy away from a liquid dare, so the Laksa La Vista is the only logical place to start.
The cocktail leans into the earthiness of Sarawak shrimp paste and chillies to provide a spicy kick.
It is mixed with Glenlivet Founders Reserve, langkau and clarified coconut milk that adds silkiness to the drink topped up with pineapple foam.
Spicy cocktail lovers can take on this challenge, as the drink also offers savoury notes to make it wholesome.
Next, the Jackfruit Crusta brings a twist to the classic Old Fashioned with a jackfruit infusion and the Singleton 12 years.
Bright tropical fruit notes offer a subtle sweetness that perfectly tempers the single malt Scotch, while the addition of DOM Benedictine, Cointreau, palm sugar and a dash of Creole bitters adds a layer of herbal-citrus complexity.
This one will please whiskey cocktail enthusiasts.
For something more refreshing, try the Oolong Cha and Watermelon Sugar Highball.
Made with Ron Zacapa No.23 rum, Cocchi Rosa (an aromatised wine), mangosteen cordial, oolong tea and clarified milk, the Oolong Cha cocktail boasts a slight hint of earthy tea notes.
It is served with a skewer of yam and banana jelly.
On the other hand the Watermelon Sugar Highball − which uses Ketel One vodka and Mancino Secco vermouth − offers a clean, crisp texture layered with the floral citrusy notes of watermelon and jasmine tea.
A compressed watermelon garnish completes the experience.
The Gin-jo Mama cocktail has Tanqueray dry gin, Izumibashi Junmai Ginjo sake and Lillet Blanc as base spirits.
Added to the mix are green apple, pandan and nori (dried seaweed) syrup with Sakura bitters and sour plum, to create a playful, approachable yet layered cocktail.
Other cocktails include Sip Me to the Moon, Coco Loco and Roxy Waxy.
Guests can also indulge in a range of bar snacks such as crispy nachos, truffle fries with Parmigiano-Reggiano, chicken quesadillas and Porcini Arancini while enjoying views of the Kuala Lumpur city skyline.
The truffle fries, served with Parmigiano-Reggiano and truffle aioli, are highly addictive.
Crisp fries are generously dusted with Parmigiano-Reggiano, offering sharp, nutty saltiness in every bite that’s enhanced by velvety truffle aioli.
As for the Porcini Arancini, it features golden breaded risotto balls with a crispy exterior encasing a creamy mushroom risotto centre and a bright, herbaceous pesto mayonnaise.
The bar also features an outdoor area where guests can take in the city skyline.
This month, guests will also be serenaded by Misha James who sings contemporary, jazz and Borneo-influenced songs every Friday and Saturday.
Every Thursday through Sunday, deejays Zan Monic (6pm to 9.30pm) and Rina (9.30pm to 1am) will be at the decks throughout the night.
BLUE @ Sky51, Level 51, EQ, Equatorial Plaza Jalan Sultan Ismail, KL. (Tel: 03-2789 7777) Business hours: 5pm-1am (Sundays to Thursdays), 5pm-2am (Fridays, Saturdays, eve of public holidays).
This is the writer’s personal observation and is not an endorsement by StarMetro.
