This opulent establishment is the second outpost of Soma Cocktail Bar in Taman Tun Dr Ismail (All photos: Dian Pasquinal Kaur)
Nestled discreetly two floors below a community church in Desa Sri Hartamas, Kuala Lumpur, Sanctuary 38 Bar exudes an alluring charm that captivates seekers of earthly pleasures. Here in the hallowed depths of the bar, innovative libations that pay homage to the rich tapestry of traditional desserts and ingredients take centre stage.
Opened last December and officially launched in March, this opulent establishment is the second outpost of the somewhat speakeasy Soma Cocktail Bar in Taman Tun Dr Ismail. Within this sanctuary of spirits, Jason Julian, the visionary bar director and co-owner, weaves his alchemical prowess, conjuring cocktails using Tau Fu Fah (spiked no less) and Pei Pa Koa herbal syrup. And now he expands his territory by embracing the vibrant Hartamas neighbourhood.
A flip through the menu of this sanctuary reveals a symphony of local flavours and unexpected concoctions. We got the (drinking) party started with Spirits of Borneo. A delicate mix of vodka, tuak from East Malaysia, orange juice, sour plum, lemon and vanilla, it effortlessly seduced my taste buds. Each sip revealed the whisper of vanilla, an unexpected touch that danced harmoniously with the tangy ingredients.
The Peanut Butter cocktail was a big hit around the table. An enchanting fusion of hazelnut liqueur, creamy peanut butter, milk, vanilla and a frothy embrace of egg whites and nutmeg, this libation wove its spell, capturing hearts with its velvety allure. And perched atop the drink, the traditional biskut kacang bepang crowned the glass, elevating the peanuty symphony to dizzying heights.
In the realm of refreshing libations, Winter Dew was like a gentle zephyr on a balmy day. It revealed an exquisite dance of sake infused with the essence of honeydew, artfully blended with melon liqueur, honey and a sprightly hint of lemon. The bright-green cocktail, topped off with frozen honeydew, had the natural sweetness of the melon balanced out with a subtle tang of citrus.
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A sweet ending is absolutely necessary and we went all the way by ordering all three stars in the alcoholic dessert section.
The Ai Yu Jelly emerged as a standout, a creation brimming with audacity. This refreshing concoction merged the allure of spiced rum, sour plum gin and nutmeg syrup with the succulence of lychee and sea coconut. Imbued generously with the spirit of rum and gin, it was the strongest item we ordered for the night. Besides the nutmeg option, the Pat Poh Chinese herbal variation offers a bewitching alternative.
And then the Sago Gula Melaka, an all-time favourite Malaysian dessert, graced our palates. This artful fusion, interweaving spiced rum, coconut liqueur, creamy coconut milk, fragrant pandan, the caramelised sweetness of brown sugar, delicate sago pearls and a touch of childhood favourite coconut biscuits, awakened dormant childhood memories with each sip. It embraced us with its gentle sweetness, leaving a tantalising echo of days gone by.
Yet, in a moment of audacious daring, Petai Grasshopper Ice Cream emerged as the ultimate embodiment of divided opinions. Petai, the notorious stinky bean, lent its captivating essence to this frozen delight, presenting a profile that left our taste buds in spirited debate. Sago pearls weaved through this creation with the vibrant notes of mint and melon liqueur, apple syrup and milk. This unexpected concoction paid homage to the classic Grasshopper cocktail, defying convention and igniting curiosity. A good attempt to sweeten the (stinky) deal, but half of the party felt it was best to leave petai with its spicy sambal pairing.
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Fans of G&T will be delighted to know the house-infused gin and tonic selection here is a true testament to the art of flavour curation. It offers a captivating array of options (pandan, Earl Grey, French rose, sour plum and rosemary, to name a few) that will enchant the palate. The bar also stocks a slew of gin, single malt whisky, blended whisky, American bourbon, cognac, tequila, mezcal and rum selections. Complementing these offerings are an assortment of wines, champagne and beers.
At Sanctuary 38, business thrives during the peak hours of Thursday to Saturday, starting at 8pm and carrying on until the final moments of the night. A testament to its inclusive nature, this establishment welcomes furry companions but it is best to bring them during the early hours, before the bustling crowds arrive, for a more relaxing experience for both you and your beloved pet.
Unlike the strict “no outside food allowed” rule at other establishments, this place embraces the concept of BYOB, or “bring your own food”, a lovely invitation to indulge in your favourite culinary delights while you enjoy a drink or two.
Should one be caught unawares, a seamless solution awaits: Order a meal via a delivery app or venture downstairs to place an order at My Pizza Lab. Alternatively, if you are craving a taste of Thai, there is an eatery conveniently located on the same floor.
As we departed, we marvelled at the remarkable moderation of our indulgence, barely touched by the sway of alcohol’s forbidden allure. The privilege of avoiding the dreaded hangover gave us a sense of triumph — truly a testament to a night well spent.
Sanctuary 38, 38-1 Jalan 27/70a, Desa Sri Hartamas, Kuala Lumpur. Daily, 5pm to midnight. Call 011 2973 1938 for reservations.
This article first appeared on July 24, 2023 in The Edge Malaysia.
