THIRTY8
Level 38, Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur, Jalan Pinang, Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03-2203 9188
Business hours: 11am to midnight
From this month to November, Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur transforms Thirty8 Bar into a stage for a Bar Takeover series where the spotlight is on the most distinguished brand ambassadors in the world of spirits.
Suntory’s brand ambassador Jordan Lim will kick off the Bar Takeover series on Sept 20.
Known for his innovation, Lim is set to dazzle guests with handcrafted Roku Gin creations that elevate cocktail-making into a theatrical performance.
On Oct 17, Martell brand ambassador Eloi Parent will present food, wine and spirits pairings.
Closing the series, celebrated Campari brand ambassador Giri Pancha will deliver a grand finale on Nov 22.
Guests can expect excellence as Giri showcases Campari’s bold flavors through amazing cocktails.
Aside from the Bar Takeover series, Negroni Week from Sept 16 to 30 at Thirty8 promises retro-inspired variations.
The Bitter Bloomberg, Summer Bitterness and Bitter Ruby – each a bold twist on the classic cocktail – will be served during lunch and dinner at RM48 per glass.
LIVING ROOM
W Kuala Lumpur, Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur.
Business hours: 11am to 11pm (Monday to Thursday and Sunday), 11am to midnight (Friday and Saturday).
Reservation: 012-347 9088
W Hotel Kuala Lumpur’s Living Room (previously Woobar) too will welcome Giri to shake up the scene at the bar on Sept 21.
Bringing some fearless creativity in cocktail concoction, Giri will create bold cocktails on the one-night-only guest shift.
His signature creations include the smoky Oaxacan Negroni with Campari, Mezcal, Cinzano Rosso, pandan and saline solution.
There’s also the Cafferoni that blends Campari, Gin, Cinzano Rosso, Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate, citrus flavours and milk.
From Sept 16 to 22, guests will also get to savour the Negroni Week menu consisting of various versions of the classic Negroni, which is a mix of gin, sweet vermouth and Campari.
On Sept 27, independent band Kaya will perform blues covers and funky solos.
POOL BAR
Level 12, Courtyard by Marriott Setia Alam, 6, Jalan Setia Dagang AH U13/AH, Setia Alam.
Business Hours: 3pm to 11pm Tuesdays to Sundays
Reservation: 03-5021 9886 or WhatsApp: 019-290 9569
Perched beside a serene rooftop swimming pool, the Pool Bar at Courtyard by Marriott Setia Alam offers an oasis in the heart of the Setia Alam township.
Though the bar is set apart from the pool, in-house guests can still enjoy the convenience of having drinks and snacks brought right to their poolside loungers.
In celebration of Malaysia Day this month, guests can try the unique Tropical Harmony cocktail available throughout September.
Priced at RM42 nett per glass, this signature drink is inspired by the familiar taste of teh tarik.
With a Scotch whisky base, this cocktail is a mix of Chivas aged 12 years, Southern Comfort whiskey liqueur, condensed and evaporated milk, Monin Hazelnut and ginger.
It is then topped with teh tarik dust, roti paratha and curry leaves.
With its frothy, lively presentation, this cocktail embodies a classic Malaysian F&B experience.
Other alcoholic beverages ranging from whisky and gin to beer will also be available at the bar.
For beer enthusiasts, the Pool Bar offers a 2.5L Carlsberg Beer Tower promotion at RM178 nett all day long throughout September.
The Pool Bar is available for bookings and social events at RM3,000 or RM100 per person (for a minimum of 30 guests).
This booking offer runs until Dec 31.
JUNGLEBIRD
No.61M, Jalan Medan Setia 1, Plaza Damansara, KL
Business hours: 4pm to 1am (Monday and Thursday), 4pm to 2am (Fridays), 2pm to 2am (Saturdays), 2pm to 1am (Sundays)
Reservations: 03-2011 5715
Established in 2017, JungleBird is inspired by southeast Asian influences but has lately expanded its concept to include Latin Caribbean elements.
Patrons can expect delicious bites such as Cubano Sandwiches, Dominican Albondigas Guisadas (meatball stew) and Tobagoan Curried Crab Dumplings on the menu.
The bar’s latest cocktails pay tribute to key rum-producing nations, with signatures such as JungleBird Piña Colada − a nod to Puerto Rico, and Funk’n Jerk for Jamaica.
Focusing on sugarcane spirits, the bar carries some 250 individual bottles from around the world.
It also has a selection of other spirits, wine and a few craft beers, but rum is definitely the star attraction here.
FRANK’S BAR
No.06-03, Avenue K, Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur
Business hours: 5pm to 2am, daily
Reservations: 012-674 4860
Hidden in the back of Natalina Italian restaurant, Frank’s Bar takes inspiration from American singer and actor Frank Sinatra.
A Prohibition-era vibe is reflected in its interiors that are jazzed up by Sinatra’s classics.
First-time visitors may be amused to see a small barrel of spirits wearing headphones at Frank’s Bar.
This decor detail hints at the secret of the bar’s good brews.
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 whisky, Bianco vermouth, passionfruit wine, malic acid solution and soda water topped with a piece of rice paper.
HYDE
No.53M, Jalan SS 21/1A, Damansara Utama, PJ
Business hours: 5pm to midnight (Tuesday to Thursday, and Sunday) and 5pm to 2am (Friday and Saturday)
Reservations: 018-213 9291
Adopting the concept of the pre-Prohibition speakeasy era, where cocktails were the highlight, Hyde has an atmosphere reminiscent of the early 1920s with a tasteful infusion of the 21st century’s cool vibes.
The bar serves an assortment of cocktails, from the pre- and post-Prohibition eras in the United States of America as well as classics with a modern twist.
Signature cocktails include Japonism, which uses Hennessy VSOP as its base.
The mixologist can craft customised cocktails on request.
The bar also has a private room to cater to larger groups.