From the sights and sounds to the tastes and flavours, every detail defines the identity of Petaling Street in Kuala Lumpur.
For mixologist Tharshan Velu, the fruit stalls along the bustling street offer an iconic sight, one he has captured in a glass.
“The Island in Chinatown cocktail is inspired by fruit stalls scattered across Chinatown, where traders ply their trade regardless of the weather,” he said.
The drink features jackfruit-infused vodka as its base, shaken with melon liqueur, Malibu rum and coconut soda water, garnished with coconut flakes on the side of the glass.
It offers a refreshing hint of sweetness from coconut water and rum, paired with the tropical aroma of jackfruit.
The Island in Chinatown is one of the latest additions to the menu at Jann in Four Points by Sheraton Kuala Lumpur, Chinatown.
Offering a striking contrast is another new cocktail – Kuri Nocturne.
Crafted with Martell Noblige, coffee liqueur, chestnut syrup, cream and cocoa bitters, this complex, two-layered cocktail features a rich base topped with a velvety chestnut foam.
It delivers a rich, nutty aroma with a subtle touch of sweetness.
The drink reflects the scene of traditional hawker carts where traders roast chestnuts over small charcoal stoves, another common sight in Petaling Street.
These two new concoctions join Jann’s 10 signature cocktails alongside an extensive selection of red and white wines.
Among the bar’s staples is Dear Jann, crafted with Monkey Shoulder Blended Malt, Lillet Rose, jasmine soda, a clarified citrus blend and London Essence White Peach and Jasmine soda.
For a drink with a sense of place, guests can try the Merdeka 118, a blend of Bacardi Carta Blanca, Cointreau, Giffard Blue Curacao, citric acid and coconut.
It is inspired by South-East Asia’s tallest skyscraper, Menara Merdeka Maybank, which is visible in full from the bar.
To accompany the drinks, a selection of bar snacks stands out – onion rings served with a daikon soy sauce deliver a bold, savoury-sweet crunch, while the prawn tempura pairs juicy sweetness with a light, delicate batter.
Tharshan was recently crowned winner of the 2026 Marriott International APEC Sustainable Bartender Competition (Indonesia & Malaysia) with his winning creation – Refresh Garden.
Refresh Garden features a mix of torch-ginger-infused dry gin, clarified citrus, lychee syrup and elderflower liqueur.
The cocktail was previously featured in the menu.
JANN, Level 7, Four Points by Sheraton Kuala Lumpur, Chinatown, Kuala Lumpur. (Tel: 03-2035 7333). Business hours: 4pm to midnight.
This is the writer’s personal observation and is not an endorsement by StarMetro.
