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 is featuring Hayman’s Gin, with roots and recipe dating back to 1863.
It uses 10 exquisite botanicals, namely juniper, coriander, lemon peel, orange peel, angelica root, cinnamon, Cassia bark, liquorice, nutmeg and Orris root.
The result is a gin endowed with a pristine and intricate personality that impeccably enhances the essence of both timeless and modern cocktails.
It comes in different variants such as the London Dry, Old Tom and Sloe Gin which makes a wide variety of cocktails.
The cocktails include Hayman’s Elsanta Fizz, Hayman’s Wibble, Hayman’s Blood Orange Sour, Hayman’s Royal Dock Gimlet, and Hayman’s Tom Collins.
One can also expect other bubbly cocktails on their usual menu such as the signature of the Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur – Ritz Fizz.
Hayman’s Blood Orange Sour — RC bar.
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.
YOKAI
No.25, First Floor, Lorong Datuk Sulaiman 7, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, Kuala Lumpur
Business hours: Tuesday to Sunday, noon to 2.30pm, 6pm to 11.30pm
Reservations: 03-7733 3030.
A dim, yellow light marks the entrance to Yokai.
The absence of signage mimics the speakeasy concept which obscures the bar from the neighbourhood.
But once you open the door and head up the staircase, you will know you are in the right place.
Guests can try out their bestseller Yes-Ser, a concoction of premium whiskey, agave, Fernet-Branca (Italian bitters) and apple cider served in a smoky dome.
There is an interesting presentation for the drink which is enclosed in a dome.
The Gin Rose — Yokai.
When it is lifted, you get a whiff of the smoky aroma as you sip from the glass that sits on a lit coaster.
Next is the slightly dessert-type cocktail called Say Cheese San, vodka mixed with orange marmalade, orange puree and bitters served with cheesecake foam.
If you are a gin lover, the Gin Pinkuiro or Gin Rose is a must-try.
It looks simple but has a special personality.
Gin, Martini Bianco Vermouth, Pinkuiro syrup and celery bitters make up this drink, and it’s served with a delightful and refreshing pink-hued Vermouth caviar.
Yokai is open for lunch and serves bento lunch boxes, fusion pastas and Asian dishes.
