Best Cocktails for a Night Out in August |
Bangkok’s small army of ingenious sommeliers, bartenders, and mixologists really know how to distill a multitude of influences from all over the world – or all over Thailand, in some cases – in order to create some unforgettable nightlife experiences.
(Hero image: Sexy vibes at Mr. Ou’s Famous Lucky Duck; Featured image: The ‘New World Mall’ cocktail at ABar Rooftop)
Mr. Ou’s Famous Lucky Duck
Unquestionably, Chinatown’s newest hip watering hole is Mr. Ou’s Famous Lucky Duck, which officially flung open its eye-popping doors at the beginning of July. Located above Contento Caffé e Cucina restaurant, the exotic interior design here – courtesy of creative genius Ou Baholyodhin – is all about sexy Shanghai speakeasy vibes to go with the exotic drink list. In short, it’s a wild blend of vintage Jim Thompson leopard prints alongside all manner of antiques, artefacts, and period furniture. The signature cocktails, meanwhile, celebrate such Asian film classics as Farewell my Concubine, In the Mood for Love, and Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon, making use of fat washing, clarification, herbal infusions, and housemade sous vide shrubs to pair with the premium spirits. As for the entertainment lineup, expect both old-school vinyl scratchers and modern digital DJs, and if you feel a little peckish the late bites menu has just the thing to keep you from going hungry.
facebook.com/luckyduckbkk
Anju Korean Rooftop Bar
Having just opened on the 31st floor of the Sindhorn Midtown Hotel Bangkok, Anju Korean Rooftop Bar is the latest addition to the city’s vibrant skybar scene. The term “anju” refers to food eaten while enjoying a drink from the bar, so naturally this nightlife spot offers plenty of bites – comforting Korean favourites – alongside the booze. As for the cocktail selection, Beverage and Bar Manager Benyapa Gongrum has dreamt up a number of unique Korean-focused beverages, including the insect-inspired ‘Beon-De-Gi’, featuring a garnish of silkworm pupae. Meanwhile, fans of the classics should try the ‘Kosmopolitan’ (inspired by the Cosmopolitan), and the ‘Seoul Mule’ (inspired by the Moscow Mule). Finally, you can get your Gangnam groove on with resident DJs spinning live from 6pm till late, Thursday to Saturday, and that includes plenty of retro K-Pop for all those 90s kids.
sindhornmidtown.com
ABar Rooftop
Perched high up on the 37th floor of the Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park hotel, ABar Rooftop has long been known as one of the city’s premier gin bars. But gin isn’t the only draw here, and the 12 new signature cocktails in the recently launched ‘Districts of Bangkok’ menu definitely prove that. Inspired by the Thai capital’s most historic districts and heritage-rich attractions, each of these creative concoctions tells a unique story through local ingredients, vibrant colours, and original presentations. Unfold the beautifully designed, leather-bound pop-up menu and choose from drinks like: ‘Green Oasis’, a tequila-based ode to Bang Krachao; the ‘New World Mall’, a gin-based nod to a certain notorious indoor aquarium; and ‘Import Export’, a powerful mix of whiskey, rum, vermouth, Averna, and absinthe. And to add a little fiery “magic” to the evening, ask about the ‘Phra Khanong’’ cocktail, which takes inspiration from the famous ghost known as Mae Nak.
abarrooftopbangkok.com
The Riddler Wine Bar & Restaurant
The newly opened Riddler Wine Bar & Restaurant draws inspiration not from the super villain in the Batman movies, but from wine bars in Tokyo, offering guests a rustic Western vibe with hints of Asia on the menu (FYI: a “riddler” is the person tasked with turning the Champagne bottles during their aging process). The Riddler is located on Soi Ruamrudee, in the Woodberry Common building, and as you step inside you’ll see the upscale casual interior is divided into three zones, starting with the ‘wine cellar’ at the front which offers a wide selection of vino from across the globe (over 700 bottles). The labels are all carefully curated by sommelier Andrea Biscaro, and the vino is served in exquisite glassware from Riedel. The second zone is the ‘wine cave’ restaurant area, where fusion cuisine is prepared by Chef Isao Shimmura – everything from cold cuts and cheese plates, to dry-aged steaks, crab risotto, and grilled fish warayaki. Additionally, there’s a beverage bar for wine and cocktails, and a semi-private room for intimate dinners.
facebook.com/theriddlerwinebar
