BARA ON SIX
Level 6, Traders Hotel, Kuala Lumpur City Centre
Business hours: 6pm to midnight daily, except Mondays
Reservations: 011-7039 3409
This cocktail bar in Traders Hotel Kuala Lumpur will appeal to gin lovers and cocktail aficionados as it specialises in gin-based cocktails.
Facing the Petronas Twin Towers, the bar offers patrons a stunning view of the iconic building, especially when lit up at twilight.
It offers 10 signature cocktails. Start with something simple like the Negroni and Vesper.
Next, progress to OMG: Oh-My-Gin, which is made of gin, Cointreau, creme de cassis, orange and lemon juice, or The Gintleman that is a concoction of gin, Martini Bianco, Bitter Truth Orange and tonic water.
For something more citrusy, Ginny @ Six gives a fruity sweetness with melon liqueur that is mixed with gin, mojito mint syrup and lemon juice.
Pinky Gin-tini has a sour aftertaste as it is made of gin, pomegranate syrup and lime juice.
ARTHUR’S STOREHOUSE
Lot C4.06.02, Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, Jalan Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur
Business hours: Noon to midnight
Reservation: online/016-660 6292 (event inquiry)
Arthur’s Storehouse is inspired by the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin, Ireland.
Guinness Malaysia’s first flagship outlet in Pavilion Kuala Lumpur was opened on Oct 28, 2022.
While the Irish stout is known worldwide, cocktails using Guinness are a rare find.
At Arthur’s Storehouse, try the unique concoction of Guinnesstini – a mix of vodka, Kahlua, Guinness Foreign Extra Stout, espresso and ice cream – while the Guinness Black Velvet made of Guinness and prosecco is also a good choice.
The Guinness Whitmore is a stronger drink that is made of bourbon, Guinness, sugar syrup and bitters while St James Gate is a mix of Irish whiskey, coconut milk, Guinness and nutmeg or cinnamon.
The Guinness Milkshake is more like a dessert as it comes with Guinness and two scoops of vanilla ice-cream while the Guinness Mary is a twist on the classic Bloody Mary which comes with tomato and lime juice, Guinness, vodka and tabasco sauce.
Guests can also dig into delectable Guinness-infused dishes and check out Guinness wear from its merchandise store.
BLACK TAP
Sunway Resort Hotel Persiaran Lagoon Bandar Sunway, Selangor
Business hours: 11am to 1am
Reservations: 03-7492 8000
Well-known for its craft burgers and crazy milkshakes, the bar at Black Tap Sunway Resort Hotel also serves a wide selection of craft beers on tap besides cocktails.
Craft beers include the light and refreshing White Ale Hitachino from Japan and the Brooklyn Lager, which has a smooth floral fragrance.
Others to check out are Brewdog Punk IPA from Scotland, Young Master 1842 Island IPA from Hong Kong and Tropical Via Heart of Darkness from Vietnam.
There are snacks such as fried mozzarella, buttermilk fried chicken tenders, salted egg yolk fries and the newly launched limited-time only Atomic Shrimps, which are deep-fried shrimps topped with togarashi spice served on a bowl of dry coleslaw, Boston leaf lettuce, sesame seeds and spring onions.
For cocktail enthusiasts, try the house signature Black Tap Mule which consists of vodka, fresh ginger, cucumber, lime and soda, or the more spirit-forward Pain Killer, which is a mix of rum, Malibu, Baileys, pineapple juice, orange juice and cinnamon.
HAVANA KL
No.2&4, Changkat Bukit Bintang, Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur
Business hours: 4pm to 3am (Monday to Thursday), 2pm to 3am (Fridays and weekends)
Reservations: 011-1085 0074
Havana Kuala Lumpur is a common fixture among visitors looking for a watering hole in Changkat Bukit Bintang.
Its newly renovated Che’ Lounge upstairs provides a more private setting while its rooftop bar is designed for smaller groups who want to take in the night views.
Both spaces are now open from 8pm till 3am on Fridays and Saturdays.
Aside from the choice of food, they also serve craft beers and cocktails.
Their classic mojitos are hot favourites and come in many flavours like lemon, lychee, coconut, peach, orange and ginger mojito.
For a more personalised selection, guests can choose their preferred premium rum such as Brugal Anejo Superior, Sailor Jerry, The Kraken, Captain Morgan, Havana Club or Angostura Rum.
Other classic cocktails such as Long Island Iced Tea, cosmopolitan and daiquiri are also on the menu.