Cool cocktail secrets await the adventurous

New kid on the block makes a splash

THE RC BAR

Level 1, The Ritz-Carlton Kuala Lumpur, Jalan Imbi, Kuala Lumpur

Business Hours: 11am to 11pm daily

Reservations: 018-929 2174

The newly launched bar in Ritz Carlton Kuala Lumpur features the award-winning No.3, an ultra-premium London Dry Gin.

Located on the first floor of the hotel, the sleek and luxuriously decorated bar seeks inspiration from the splendid juniper-forward taste of the London Dry Gin to concoct a series of cocktails.

The RC Bar featuring the No.3. (Right pic) Gin and Tonic using the No.3.Try classics such as Martini, Negroni and the simple Gin and Tonic using the No.3 which has base ingredients like juniper, Angelica Root, cardamom, coriander, grapefruit peel and orange peel.

Other concoctions include The No.3 St James Spiritz which comes with elderflower and sparkling wine or the No.3 Tom Collins or the No.3 London Calling cocktails.

The No.3 London Dry Gin menu will be featured for two months.

One can also expect other bubbly cocktails on their usual menu such as the signature of the Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur, Ritz Fizz.

It was first created as the Ritz-Carlton Hotel’s signature cocktail in 1934 upon the repeal of prohibition in the United States and was the first concoction in the bar at the former Ritz-Carlton, Boston.

There are also other classics where the mixologists added a unique twist, such as the Strawberry Daiquiri with a mix of rum and sugar.

Other cocktails include the Singapore Sling, Mai Tai, Bailey’s Banana Colada, Bloody Mary, Mojito Perfecto as well as the James Bond Martini.

RAHSIA SPEAKEASY BAR

No.58A, Jalan SS2/66, SS2, Petaling Jaya, Selangor.

Business hours: 5pm-1am Monday, Wednesday and Thursday; 5pm-2am Friday to Sunday; closed on Tuesday

Reservation: 017-300 4490

Rahsia, the Malay word for “secret” is an apt name for this establishment with a secret bar concept.

From the outside, guests will notice green faux leaf foliage on the second floor balcony and a staircase leading you to an entrance filled with greenery.But first, one has to find the flower door knob to enter.

Rahsia’s uniquely crafted concoctions use liquor infused with local ingredients rather than syrups.

Its signature Rahsia cocktail features butterfly pea-infused Roku gin, elderflower liqueur, sake, orange bitters and roselle tonic while the Money Maker cocktail has plantation rum, Dom Benedictine, Campari and orange bitters.

Another cocktail, the Linghum Sweet Skip has Cuban rum, Campari, passionfruit, pineapple, lemon juice and sugar syrup while the Lost in Passion cocktail has Rahsia’s homemade asam boi-infused tequila with Chardonnay, a secret syrup and roselle tonic with herbaceous aromatics.

(From left) Money Maker and Lost in Passion — Rahsia.

Rahsia also serves a range of appetisers, pastas and mains of chicken, fish, beef or lamb, along with pizzas and small bites.

For carnivores, the barbecued beef back ribs or, if you want to splurge, the 24k Golden Grill Rib Eye Steak are guaranteed to satiate your hunger.

CO2 COFFEE BAR

E3.109.00 Level 3, Pavilion Bukit Jalil, Bandar Bukit Jalil, KL

Business hours: 10am to 6pm, 6pm to midnight (Sundays to Thursdays), 6pm to 1am (Fridays, Saturdays)

Reservations: 03-8080 7199

While CO2 usually stands for carbon dioxide, this bar’s name represents “coffee” and “cocktail”.

During the day, the bar functions as a cafe but at night, it transforms into a cocktail bar.

CO2 Coffee Bar offers a range of cocktails and cofftails.Some of its signature drinks include Pour Over Negroni cofftail that is made of washed Colombian coffee beans, Roku gin, Martini sweet vermouth, Campari and CO2 chocolate bitters spray, while Crush on You is a mix of Roku gin, peeled yuzu cordial, Campari and house-made yuzu peel liqueur.

Those preferring a sober night out can try the non-alcoholic Passiflora which is made of Ethiopia Keffa Bonga G1 Cold Brew and Heirloom Natural dried pineapple with passion fruit, pineapple and orange thrown into the mix.

It also offers a range of bottled cocktails and cofftails, enabling customers to enjoy their drink of choice at any hour.

The coffee bar does not take reservations.

FRANK’S BAR

No.06-03, Avenue K, Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur

Business hours: 5pm to 2am daily

Reservations: 012-674 4860

Hidden at the back of Natalina Italian restaurant, Frank’s Bar takes inspiration from American singer and actor Frank Sinatra.

Bayabas — Frank’s Bar.Its interior exudes a Prohibition-era vibe with jazzy tunes by Sinatra to set the mood.

First-time visitors may be amused to see a small barrel of spirits wearing headphones at Frank’s Bar but it actually hints at the secret of its good brew.

A sonic ageing method is used here to speed up the alcohol ageing process and enhance flavours.

Expect a refreshing twist on classic cocktails on the menu.

Its signature tipple – Chocolate Factory – is a mix of Matusalem 15-year infused bourbon vanilla wood, Creme de Cacao, Angostura bitters and chocolate bitters.

Another drink to try is a creamy cocktail called Whipz a String, which comes with Kentucky whiskey, peanut butter foam, Guinness stout reduction, mascarpone chestnut and Creme de Cacao.

Alternatively, indulge in the Classic O’Laddie – a concoction of Islay whiskey, Bianco vermouth, passion fruit wine, malic acid solution and soda water topped with a piece of rice paper.

BENANG, THE SECOND CHAPTER

Jalan Medan Setia 2, Damansara Heights, Kuala Lumpur

Business hours: 5pm to midnight, Wednesdays to Sundays

Reservations: 011-1400 9621

After the success of The First Chapter Bar in Taman Tun Dr Ismail, founders of Benang speakeasy bar have come up with a brand new concept.

Butterfly Effect — Benang, The Second Chapter.The thread shop-themed design takes inspiration from an old sewing machine and there is a patchwork couch to create an Instagram-ideal photo spot.

There are two bars: a cocktail bar and another serving beers and other alcoholic beverages.

Signature drinks include Ben’s Paloma which is a mix of Patron Reposado tequila, grapefruit, lime and sparkling water, as well as Mango Brule which has Plantation 3 Stars rum, fresh mango, lime and aquafaba.

Happy hours are from 5pm to 9pm and that’s when customers can buy a signature cocktail or beer and get another one for free.

TAPS BEER BAR

No.1, Jalan Nagasari, KL

Business hours: 3pm to 11pm daily

Reservations: 03-2110 4836, 011-6978 0780

Taps Beer Bar in Bukit Bintang is bringing back its “Live Music Sunday’s Back to ‘90s”.

The bar also offers a special selection of beers and craft beers.

To ensure the diversity and range of quality craft beers, the bar regularly rotates its selection.

It has served over 800 types, including some of the best craft beers in the market.

There is also music at the bar.

RYU BANGSAR

No.27-1, Jalan Telawi 3, Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur

Business hours: 4pm to 2am daily

Reservations: 011-1123 2319

The bar in Bangsar caters to groups looking for a memorable night out.

Its Japanese-theme interior comes complete with wooden walls and glass roof.

The bar’s specialities include Jim Beam Whiskey Highball and Jinro Soju which now comes in a rare peach flavour.

Ryu@Bangsar’s drinks are said to be one of the most affordable in town, with prices starting from RM11.80.

Complementing these drinks are hot snacks such as chicken wings, Japanese-style pizzas, yakitori chicken and fish skewers.