In A spirited celebration of heritage and craftsmanship, R Bar’s latest collaboration with Hendrick’s Gin bridges the gap between Malaysian mixology traditions and narrative-led flavour profiles.
The bar launched two bespoke cocktails.
One features Hendrick’s Original, infused with signature notes of cucumber and rose, and the other highlights Another Hendrick’s Gin, infused with orange blossom and cacao.
The first cocktail, the R Mai Tai, pays homage to the legendary Jungle Bird, which was first created in Kuala Lumpur during the 1970s.
It showcases the new Hendrick’s Grand Cabaret paired with Sailor Jerry spiced rum.
A vibrant citrus profile comes from pineapple and lime juices, complemented by Monin grenadine, while the gin’s orange blossom and cacao notes add a subtle chocolatey sweetness to the drink’s crisp finish.
According to mixologists, the drink’s modern, elegant twist is a tribute to Malaysia’s cocktail heritage.
“Rather than recreating it exactly, we reinterpreted its tropical character,” he said.
The second cocktail, the Burberry, is built upon the classic Hendrick’s Original base.
It combines Cointreau, fresh cucumber juice, lemon juice, and a homemade coconut-lychee syrup, all crowned with a delicate egg white foam.
A pale purple hue derived from butterfly pea flower tea makes it visually striking yet effortlessly refreshing.
The subtle sweetness of lychee pairs exceptionally well with the cooling coconut, while botanicals in Hendrick’s Original add lingering complexity.
For guests who prefer a personalised touch, the bartenders can customise drinks upon request.
A popular custom option is a Hendrick’s Highball laced with elderflower syrup and finished with a choice of soda or tonic.
The bubbly libation is delicately floral, sweet, and bright, with a distinct fruitiness that elevates the classic serve.
To complement the drinks, guests can savour regional specialities from The Malaysian Kitchen menu.
A standout is the char kuey teow with flat rice noodles wok-fried with soy sauce, dark soy, and oyster sauce, accompanied by juicy shrimp, crisp bean sprouts, and duck egg.
The nicely seasoned noodles boast an undeniable, smoky wok hei taste.
Other highlight dishes include the chicken briyani, nasi lemak ayam rendang, ayam kuzi with roti jala, and mee rebus daging.
On Friday evenings, the venue hosts its “Sax and the City” session, featuring live saxophone performances seamlessly blended with energetic DJ beats from 8pm to midnight, while on Saturdays, enjoy live beats by DJ Sabrina from 8pm to midnight.
R BAR, Renaissance Kuala Lumpur Hotel and Convention Centre, Corner of Jalan Sultan Ismail and Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur. (Tel: 03-2706 8088) Business hours: 10am to midnight, daily.
This is the writer’s personal observation and is not an endorsement by StarMetro.
