Klang Valley bars serve up heritage in a glass
EXPERIENCE the spirit of independence with creatively curated cocktails around the Klang Valley.
Inspired by Malaysia’s favourite drinks such as teh tarik to icons like Merdeka 118, bars are churning out concoctions to commemorate our 68th National Day.
Not just beverages concocted by skilled mixologists, they are a way for Malaysians to raise a glass to the country’s heritage, culture and creativity.
ASTOR BAR
Level 2, St Regis Kuala Lumpur,
Jalan Stesen Sentral 2, KL
Business hours: 5pm to midnight
Reservations: 03-2727 6696
Astor Bar presents a specially crafted
cocktail and mocktail to embody the nation’s heritage, unity and vibrant spirit.
Using local ingredients, they are designed to showcase Malaysian flavours in a refined, contemporary presentation.
Try the Flora Merdeka cocktail crafted with Tanqueray No.10 Gin as the base.
Combining the essence of gin with the refined clarity of bunga kantan milk punch, crowned with a harmonious blend of pandan cream and toasted coconut flakes, it is a comforting homage to the flavours of home.
Those who prefer a alcohol-free drink can opt for the Golden Merdeka mocktail which mixes clarified bunga kantan milk punch, homemade lemongrass syrup, soda, pandan cream and gold leaf.
The drinks are available until Sept 21.
MAI BAR
Aloft Kuala Lumpur Sentral,
Jalan Stesen Sentral, Kuala Lumpur
Business hours: 4pm to midnight
Reservations: 03-2723 1125
For a spirited celebration of local flavours, Mai Bar offers a toast with Tiki Pandan, a concoction of rum, pineapple juice, pandan, coconut and gula melaka syrup.
There is also the sweet-and-tangy Harum Manis made with mango purée, yuzu syrup, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey and a touch of cream, while the Cendol cocktail is crafted with milk, gula melaka syrup, Baileys Irish Cream, white rum and cendol.
Available from now until Sept 30, the cocktails are priced at RM42nett per glass, served daily from 4pm to midnight.
BAR TAILOR
No.42A, Jalan SS20/10,
Damansara Kim, Petaling Jaya
Business hours: 4pm to 1am (Monday to Saturday)
Reservations: 011-1639 5006
For August and September, Bar Tailor has come up with two new cocktails.
Try The Tarik – vodka and Shanky’s Whip whiskey base mixed with milk, ginger, cinnamon stick, sugar and Starlino Rose Vermouth – served in a kopitiam cup, with toasted kaya bread on the side.
If you like shots, Gemilang comes in a six-shooters set, four in Jalur Gemilang colours and the remainder made with pandan and Guinness.
From sweet or citrusy notes, the shots have different liquor such as gin, vodka, tequila as well as aperitifs mixed with tropical fruit juices.
The cocktails are available until Sept 16, while there will also be a Sip, Eat and Play contest where with RM250 spent, guests can stand a chance to win vouchers,
hairdryers and blind box toys.
THE FIRST CHAPTER SPEAKEASY
Jalan Medan Setia 2, Bukit Damansara, Kuala Lumpur
Business hours: 6pm to 3am,
Tuesday to Saturday.
Reservations: 012-239 1738
The First Chapter Speakeasy’s new cocktail Malayan Moon is a tribute to National Day.
With a vodka base, the bluish cocktail is mixed with Blue Curaçao, blueberries and simple syrup, and topped up with edible glitter. It is priced at RM45.
As for other cocktails, there is a comprehensive selection including a swathe of whiskey, gin, mezcal, rum and vodka-based concoctions.
BENANG, THE SECOND CHAPTER
Jalan Medan Setia 2, Bukit Damansara, Kuala Lumpur
Business hours: 5pm to midnight, Wednesdays to Sundays
Reservations: 011-1400 9621
Benang’s celebratory cocktail is called Bunga Raya Blush, in a mix of rum, lime, pineapple, dragonfruit juice and coconut water for a refreshing twist. Aquafaba is used to add a crown of foam on top.
Benang also offers other signature cocktails like South Malaya – Demonio de los Andes pisco, hibiscus tincture, fresh lemon and lime as well as aquafaba.
There is also Dangerous Margarita, a concoction of 1800 Anejo tequila, mezcal, oleo saccharum, saline and red wine float.
JANN
Level 7, Four Points by Sheraton
Kuala Lumpur, Chinatown, KL
Tel: 03-2035 7333
Business hours: 4pm-midnight, daily
Jann pays tribute to the tallest building in Malaysia with The Merdeka 118 cocktail.
The bluish concoction commemorates the towering icon that is in full view from the outdoor deck of Jann.
Getting its colour from Giffard Blue Curacao, the drink contains Bacardi Carta Blanca, Cointreau, coconut and saline.
It is a refreshing mix with sweet and a hint of bitter orange flavours.
On Aug 30, the bar will celebrate with a special guest shift by John from The Riff District featuring Deacon Whiskey with DJ Genz on deck to set the vibe all night long.
