New spot in KL offers unique cocktails

The First Chapter Speakeasy

28M, Jalan Medan Setia 2, Bukit Damansara, Kuala Lumpur

Business hours: 6pm to midnight (Wednesday to Sunday)

Reservations: 012-239 1738

FINDING the door to The First Chapter Speakeasy bar is easy but getting in proves slightly tricky.

Two huge doors greet guests at the mezzanine floor of the shoplots in Bukit Damansara, Kuala Lumpur where the bar is located.

As one of the doors is fake, guests have a 50:50 chance of getting it right the first time.

Previously located in Taman Tun Dr Ismail, The First Chapter moved last December.

As for the new cocktail menu, there is a comprehensive selection.

The strong alcohol content of Oriental Express is balanced out with other ingredients.

It includes a wide selection of alcohol bases like whiskey, gin, mezcal, rum and vodka that pair well with unique taste profiles.

Take the Spiked Matcha Latte, for example.

It is a mix of Grey Goose Vodka, Frangelico and Niko Neko matcha powder.

It comes with the option of fresh or oat milk.

The creamy drink has a distinctive matcha flavour without being too overpowering, giving it a slight hint of sweetness.

The creamy Spiked Matcha Latte has a distinctive flavour and yet doesn’t overpower.

Another cocktail, the Oriental Express, has a citrusy note.

Despite the high 50% ABV (alcohol by volume) of the Prohibition Whiskey that makes the base of the cocktail, other ingredients such as yuzu, Cointreau, orange and aquafaba have balanced out the strong alcohol.

The result is a smooth, welcoming drink.

Other drinks from the signature cocktail menu include Kopi O’ Mexicana – which comes with a single shot of espresso in mezcal and coffee liqueur, It’s Pink cocktail, Elevated Elderflower cocktail and I’m In Love With the Coco, which is another rum-based cocktail.

The bar also serves a range of whiskey by the dram, gin, vodka and shooters that come in single, six or 12 shots.