Bar Mizukami tailor-makes its cocktails.
Bar Mizukami
Bangunan Ming Annexe, Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur
Business hours: 6pm to midnight (Tuesdays to Thursdays) and 5pm to midnight (Fridays and Saturdays)
Reservations: 016-301 6498
Do not expect a menu here as Bar Mizukami takes inspiration from the Japanese omakase dining concept by leaving everything in the chef’s hands.
Owner and mixologist Shawn Chong customises drinks based on customer’s preference.
Tell him your preferred alcohol base and taste, and he will whip up classic cocktails with a unique twist.
Expect the likes of old-fashioned cocktails like Cosmopolitan or stronger ones like Manhattan or Boulevardier with the mixologist’s personal touch.
The bar, with a nondescript entrance and seating for only 10, is reminiscent of the setting of Midnight Diner – a popular Japanese television series with its cosy, homely ambience.
On Fridays and Saturdays, there are two sessions requiring reservations: 5pm to 8pm and 9pm to midnight.
Pour Over Negroni cofftail at CO2 coffee bar.
CO2 Coffee Bar
E3.109.00 Level 3, Pavilion Bukit Jalil, Bandar Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur
Business hours: 10am to 6pm, 6pm to midnight (Sundays to Thursdays), 6pm to 1am (Fridays, Saturdays)
Reservations: 03-8080 7199
While CO2 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.
Some of its signature drinks include Pour Over Negroni cofftail that is made of washed Columbia 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 passionfruit, 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.
This coffee bar does not take reservations.
Whipz a String at Frank’s Bar.
Frank’s Bar
06-03, Avenue K, Jalan Ampang, Kuala LumpurBusiness 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.
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 its 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, passionfruit wine, malic acid solution and soda water topped with a piece of rice paper.
Peach Soju at Ryu Bangsar.
Ryu Bangsar
No.27-1, Jalan Telawi 3, Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur
Business hours: 4pm to 2am daily.
Reservations: 011-1123 2319.
The fairly new 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.
Ben’s Paloma at Benang.
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.
The thread shop-themed design takes inspiration from an old sewing machine with a patchwork couch for that Instagram-ideal photo spot.
There are two bars: a cocktail bar and another serving beers and other alcoholic beverages.
Some of the 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 from 5pm to 9pm is when customers can buy a signature cocktail or beer and get another one for free.
Parked under one roof
It is interesting finding one bar for its view and another for its music in one venue.
The two bars in Aloft Kuala Lumpur Sentral – Mai Bar and W XYZ Bar – have different selling points for discerning customers.
While each bar has its own signature cocktails, patrons can expect a range of other food and beverages to relax into the night.
Mai Bar offers a panoramic view.
Mai Bar
Mai Bar is the only tiki (rum-based fruity cocktails) and rooftop bar in the Kuala Lumpur Sentral area.
Located next to the hotel’s rooftop pool Splash, it offers a panoramic view with its name being a play on the iconic tiki cocktail Mai Tai and “My Bar”.
Channelling tropical vibes, Mai Bar’s signature tipple is the Moana Puru cocktail which is made of Absolut Vodka, passionfruit puree, Blue Curacao, lime juice and lemonade.
Besides its tiki cocktails, a variety of wine, spirits and hot food are served too.
The bar opens daily from 2pm to midnight. Happy hours are from 5pm to 9pm.
For reservations, call 03-2723 1125.
W XYZ Bar’s music is popular with patrons.
W XYZ Bar
This bar is where music meets eclectic cocktails and crowd favourites.
W XYZ Bar doubles as the perfect spot for a morning coffee or lunch break, before the lighting changes to fit the urban bar vibe at night.
Its signature drink is the Malaysian Princess Mai Tai – a spin on the traditional Mai Tai.
The version here consists of Nusa Cana rum pressed with blueberries and kaffir lime, topped with Captain Morgan golden rum, grenadine, orgeat syrup, pineapple and orange juice served in a tiki glass.
The bar also plays host to Live@Aloft, the hotel’s programme showcasing young Malaysian acoustic singers and bands, as part of its initiative to support local home-grown talents.
Live@Aloft is due to return in February with weekly performances.
W XYZ Bar opens from 9am to midnight daily. Happy hours are from 5pm to 9pm.
For reservations, call 03-2723 1515.
