Bar Trigona offers a fabulous view of the KLCC area.
Playful, vibrant drinks seasoned with local aromatics take KL bar’s glamorous atmosphere to the next level
Celebrated for crafting exceptional cocktails, Bar Trigona’s latest cocktail menu brings together a rainbow medley of drinks that exude creativity and sophistication.
The cocktail menu, aptly named “Colour Me Curious” has drinks in an array of hues from pastel pink and ruby red to gleaming gold in a range of flavours that is sure to captivate the senses.
Guests will be able to identify the drinks’ bold flavours as the ingredient list includes elements such as nutmeg and torch ginger.
Head bartender Rohan Matmary said he wanted the drinks to be more playful and colourful.
“Often, bars are dimly lit so we wanted more vibrance in our drinks to match the glimmering atmosphere at Bar Trigona.
“In their flavour profiles, the cocktails showcase locally sourced ingredients,” he said.
The menu has several components, namely the Local and Unique cocktails, Trigona Honey Flights, Bottled cocktails, and Spirit-free cocktails.
Pastel is refreshing with distinctive sweetness from the rose apple.
According to Rohan, the bottled cocktails are for international travellers who wish to bring home souvenirs from Bar Trigona, while the spirit-free section offers non-alcoholic versions of the drinks.
Compared to the previous menu, this one has eliminated adventurous creations such as the herbaceous Bak Kut Teh and Laksa, which had an aroma of lemongrass.
“We wanted this menu to offer guests memorable libations that they will return for,” said Rohan.
I tried the Pastel cocktail and was instantly hooked on its presentation as well as its flavour.
Mixed with Matusalem Insolito Rum, strawberry, torch ginger, and fermented rose apple, the delectable drink was refreshing and yielded a mild but distinctive sweetness from the rose apple.
This is definitely a drink I’d recommend to start the night.
The Santo cocktail had quite an elaborate presentation.
Santo has a sizzling steel wool that emits a menthol aroma.
It was covered with a small ball of steel wool that was lit and emitted a menthol aroma.
The combination of Michter’s Bourbon whiskey, dry vermouth Palo Santo and lemon delivers a delicious, citrusy drink with a strong menthol aroma.
One of Bar Trigona’s signatures, the popular Trigona Old Fashioned also received a little “upgrade”.
Called “Bumblebee”, it was mixed with Michter’s Bourbon and Rye whiskey with orange blossom and Amaro Montenegro topped with a Trigona honeycomb cube.
This version is more mellow due to the lower whiskey volume and it exudes a floral fragrance.
It is also one of the cocktails that is served in a bottle.
Guests can order this in quantities of one, two or five serves.
Ideal for sharing with friends or as a nightcap, these drinks can also be carried back home as gifts.
Bumblebee is served topped with a Trigona honeycomb.
I went on to try a more daring version of an old-fashioned drink called Chic, which is a concoction of Michter’s Rye Whiskey, miso butter, soy caramel, hojicha and Islay malt.
Instead of the sweetness from the honey and sugar, which was a feature of the Old Fashioned cocktail, this one has an appetising and delightful umami taste.
Designated drivers and teetotallers can safely indulge in spirit-free creations such as Petrichor cocktail, a bright and punchy blend of fig, vetiver and pandan, or the Scarlet cocktail, a fizzy and elegant drink woven with raspberry, roselle and black truffles.
As for the bar staple, the Trigona Honey Flights highlight three distinct tasters, namely Airmail from Trigona, Trigona Penicillin and Trigona Bee’s Knees which feature rum, whiskey and gin respectively.
From the beginning, sustainability has been part of Bar Trigona’s story – with the trigona honeybee at its core.
Since its inception, Bar Trigona has been working closely with Malaysian farmers and food producers to support local communities as well as promote sustainable practices.
A portion of cocktail sales at the bar goes towards the revitalisation of indigenous bee habitats.
BAR TRIGONA
Level 6B, Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur, Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur.
Business hours: 5pm to 1am. Tel: 03-2382 8888.
