BENANG, THE SECOND CHAPTER
Jalan Medan Setia 2, Damansara Heights, Kuala Lumpur
Business hours: 5pm to midnight, Wednesdays to Sundays
Reservations: 011-1400 9621
Savour signature cocktails at the haberdashery-themed Benang, The Second Chapter.
Vamos is among the cocktails that make up the charm of Benang, The Second Chapter.
The light South Malaya is a mixture of Demonio de los Andes pisco, hibiscus tincture, fresh lemon and lime as well as aquafaba.
For something more adventurous, order the Dangerous Margarita, a concoction of 1800 Anejo tequila, mezcal, oleo saccharum, saline and red wine float.
Whiskey lovers can opt for the slightly creamy and spirit- forward Malaysian-French connection cocktail of Hennessy VSOP, Hennessy-infused coconut cream, coconut milk and fresh pineapple.
No Nut Tonight is a must-try. The cocktail is a combination of Johnnie Walker, hazelnut extract, saline solution and lime.
Also available are past favourites such as Ben’s Paloma, which is a mix of Patron Reposado tequila, grapefruit, lime and sparkling water, and Mango Brule, which has Plantation 3 Stars rum, fresh mango, lime and aquafaba.
There are two bars — one for cocktails; another serving beers and other alcoholic beverages.
Guests can order classic cocktails, whiskey by the dram, wine and draught beer.
For those feeling peckish, there are bar snacks.
These include Gambas al Ajillo, which is tiger prawns sauteed in olive oil, garlic and chilli, served with slices of baguette.
Lamb meatballs in rich sauce make up the Albondigas “Sant Climent”, while the Chicken 65 Pakoras offers chicken cubes deep-fried with spices and onions.
The Red but White featuring vodka and Bianco vermouth, brewed with Frank’s Bar sonic ageing method.
FRANK’S BAR
No. 06-03, Avenue K, Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur
Business hours: 5pm to 2am, daily
Reservations: 012-674 4860Hidden 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 maturing process and enhance 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, passion fruit wine, malic acid solution and soda water topped with a piece of rice paper.
Dublin’s Guinness Storehouse has inspired this St James Gate creation by Arthur’s Storehouse.
ARTHUR’S STOREHOUSE
Lot C4.06.02, Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, Jalan Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur
Business hours: Noon to midnight, daily
Reservation: Online/ 016-660 6292Arthur’s Storehouse is inspired by the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin, Ireland.
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.
The Guinness Black Velvet made from Irish stout and prosecco is also a good choice.
For a stronger drink, go for the Guinness Whitmore made from bourbon, stout, sugar syrup and bitters.
There’s also the St James Gate, a mix of Irish whiskey, coconut milk, Guinness and nutmeg or cinnamon.
The Guinness Milkshake is more like a dessert, as it comes with two scoops of vanilla ice-cream.
A twist on the classic Bloody Mary, the Guinness Mary comes with tomato and lime juice, vodka and tabasco sauce.
Guests can also dig into delectable Guinness-infused dishes and check out Guinness merchandise at this place.
The classic mojito is a favourite at Havana KL.
HAVANA KL
No.2 & 4, Changkat Bukit Bintang, Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur
Business hours: 4pm to 3am (Mondays to Thursdays), 2pm to 3am (Fridays and weekends)
Reservations: 011-1085 0074Havana Kuala Lumpur is a 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 until 3am, on Fridays and Saturdays.
Aside from a selection of dishes, they also serve craft beers and cocktails.
Their classic mojitos are hot favourites and come in many flavours, such as 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.
