Talk to any random strangers, and they would ultimately agree on heart and soul, that Malaysia has a plethora of amazing delicacies. Little do they (and you) know, we’re just as fantastic in cocktails, if these hits from Kuala Lumpur bars are anything to go by. It’s cocktails unlike you have ever seen before, where alcohol and traditional ingredients come together in a thoughtful and innovative interpretation of our local delicacies.
If you’re looking for reasons to try them out, well, there’s always something to celebrate every day. Whether it’s a good day at work or being able to go home with no traffic, there’s no better way than to celebrate those triumph calls with Malaysian inspired cocktails.
From kuih-inspired cocktails to local-to-go drinks, here are some of Butterkicap’s very own favourite!
1. “The Heart of Tiffin” at Bonfire Restaurant & Bar
The new kid in town will swoon your taste bud away. Meet the ‘Heart of Tiffin,’ a cocktail which reminiscences you of home and the comfort of unpacking lunch from a tiffin carrier. The local twist is inspired by the humble Kuih Seri Muka, While the treat sets a standard as a merely elegant treat on its own, the cocktail proves it wrong by being better. The silky sweet concoction of pandan foam, coconut milk, soursop juice, lime juice and Cana Brava rum will sure warm that heart of yours for dessert, or pre-dinner aperitif.
Bonfire Restaurant & Bar
Address: G32, The Starling Mall, Jalan SS 21/37, Damansara Utama, 47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Phone: +601 8919 8226
Opening Hours: 11:00 am – 12:00 pm (Sunday – Thursday), 11:00 am – 1:00 am (Friday – Saturday)
Website: http://bonfire.net.my/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BonfireDamansara/
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2. “Frozen Ketayap Kolada” at Marini’s on 57
No, it is not a drill. You can now drink your favourite kuih ketayap. When I was a kid, it is my very first kuih that I truly enjoyed, to the point where in I decided to learn on how to make it (It was a success, by the way). Back to the cocktail, Marini’s on 57 renditions of the pandan infused Malaysian crepe with sweet coconut filling by means are Ron Zacapa 23 Years rum, fresh pineapple juice, coconut cream, pandan water and gula melaka. There is also edible pandan powder which is sprinkled generously around the glass for that unmistakable fragrance that wouldn’t be complete without. The verdict? It works brilliantly!
Marini’s on 57
Opening Hours: 7.00 pm – 11:00 pm (Monday – Thursday), 6:30 pm – 12:00 am (Friday – Sunday)
Address: Level 57, Menara 3 Petronas, Persiaran KLCC, 50088 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Phone: +603 2386 6030
Website: https://marinis57.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marinis57/
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3. “Milo Kaw” at Pahit
Who would have ever thought we lived to the day wherein we’d be able to have a sip of our ride or die Milo ais, but spiked? Thank God, we are! If the average Milo ais aren’t good enough for you, well this drink takes it up a notch. With a reputation to live up to, the high-end mamak favorite sure exceeds the expectation. With the touch of Irish whiskey and hazelnut liquor, the drink will take you on a journey on your childhood memories while at the same time, meets the future you’re heading towards to.
Pahit
Address: 3, Jalan Sin Chew Kee, Bukit Bintang, 50150 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Phone: +603 2110 0776
Opening Hours: 5.00 pm – 1:00 am daily. Closed on Mondays.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/barpahit/
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4. “Spirit of Borneo” at Manja
Of course, we can’t miss out about East Malaysia, can we? Manja pays tribute to Sabah and Sarawak’s favorite drink, Tuak, just right. The famous local rice wine is shaken up with egg white, lime, elderflower syrup form a silky and creamy body which delivers an additional spiced heat and refreshing sensation. It’s vibrant and sweet disposition perfectly reflects the warm hospitality of the people. You don’t have to wait until Hari Gawai anymore for a taste of tuak! Manja will pamper you just right.
Manja
Address: 6, Lorong Raja Chulan, Kuala Lumpur, 50250 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Phone: +601 2373 7063
Opening Hours: 11:30 am – 2:00 am daily. Closed on Mondays.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/manjakualalumpur/
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5. “Malibu Mango Lassi” at Fiercer Curry House
Some people say the most beautiful things in life come unexpectedly. If you don’t believe in it, perhaps you just haven’t tried Malibu Mango Lassi. Things can get really heated in an Indian kitchen, but this humble staple of Indian health drink brings it down. The silky blend of fresh Indian mangoes, house-made yogurt, and coconut cream dresses up in Malibu rum just makes an excellent pairing that awes the cuisines and taste bud of all the beholder.
Fiercer Curry House
Address: 16, Jalan Kemuja, Bangsar, 59000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Phone: +601 9770 1945
Opening Hours: 12:00 am – 10.00 pm daily
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FiercerMalaysia/
Map:
6. “Asam Laksa Cocktail” at Opium Bar KL
You don’t have to be dare and daring to try this drink out. All you need is a dust of trust to believe that this one of a kind drink takes the dish to a whole new level. I’m not being fishy here, but there is really no fish involved in the process of making the cocktail. The famous tart and spicy dish are recreated into a delightful cocktail with a house blend of spiced rum, calamansi juice, pineapple juice, ginger flower leaf, Assam boi and hints of mint. Of course, there is just the right amount of chili because what is laksa without a kick of chili? The familiar taste will linger in your mouth and mind in a different, yet pleasant ways.
Opium Bar
Website: http://opiumkl.com/
Address: 50, Changkat Bukit Bintang, Bukit Bintang, 50200 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Phone: +603 2142 5670
Opening Hours: 12:00 pm – 1:00 am (Monday – Satuday). 4:00 pm – 1:00 am (Sunday)
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/opiumkl/
Map:
7. “Selangor Sling” at SkyBar
Well, we do have our very own Selangor Sling at the award-winning Skybar, one of the city’s most popular rooftop bars located high up on the 33rd floor of the Traders Hotel Kuala Lumpur. You have a great company and great view. All you’re missing is a cup of the excellent Selangor Sling. An exotic mix of Tanqueray Gin combined with Cherry Brandy Liqueur and shaken with pressed pineapple juice, fresh lemon juice, and a touch of Angostura Bitters, topped by a D.O.M. Benedict and soda mix; it is a refreshing long drink like no other.
SkyBar by The Traders
Address: Level 33, Traders Hotel, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50088 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur
Opening Hours: 10:00 am – 1:00 am (Monday – Thursday, Sunday). 10:00 pm – 3:00 am (Saturday – Sunday)
Phone: +603 2332 9888
Website: http://www.shangri-la.com/kualalumpur/traders/dining/bars-lounges/sky-bar/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SkyBarKualaLumpur
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8. “Teh Tarik Cocktail” at View Rooftop Bar
If we’re talking about local delicacies, I bet Teh Tarik would be #1 on the list. Therefore, it is only expected to have an adult version of our favorite drink at the Mamak at the best version it could be. So, we have ourselves an award-winning concoction featuring Glenlivet single malt whiskey in the same smooth, frothy and milky condensed milk essence of every teh tarik. Presented warm in a glass mug with a cinnamon stick, it has a distinct flavor and mild sweetness of its own.
View Rooftop Bar
Address: Gtower, 199, Jalan Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur, 50400 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Phone: +603 2168 1881
Opening Hours: 5:00 pm – 1:00 am (Monday – Thursday, Sunday). 5:00 pm – 3:00 am (Saturday – Sunday)
Website: http://www.view.com.my/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ViewKL/
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Aren’t we proud of our nation’s culinary world? I definitely am! Which one of these have you tried? You are more than welcome to recommend us other Malaysian inspired cocktails! Or if you have your own secret recipe you’d like to share, Butterkicap is the right person for you. We would love to explore more and more and more! Happy Alco-holidays!
