PS150 has come up with a range of canned cocktails inspired by the five elements (Photo: PS150)
Chinese New Year is a time made more precious with family and food. Many of the traditions are filled with symbolism and the ingredients for dishes are no different. For instance, oranges are for luck and happiness, while pineapples and red dates represent prosperity. So why not rake in more "huat" with these cocktails that feature auspicious ingredients for the season.
Concubine KL
For Chinese New Year, Concubine KL is offering three types of 250ml canned cocktails. The Mandarin Highbull (RM38+) is a mix of Chivas 12, goji berry and jujube soda, and mandarin cordial. If you’re hankering for pineapple tarts, try the Pineapple cocktail (RM35+) — it features Beefeater gin, pineapple jam, maraschino and lemon juice. Finally, there is the sophisticated and rather healthy tipple, the Harvard Ginseng (RM38+), which is a concoction of Martell Noblige, ginseng sweet vermouth and Chartreuse Gentian. You can purchase all three for RM98+.
2, Lorong Panggung, KL. Tues-Sun, 11.30am to 9pm. Call 014 711 2185 or see here to order.
Coley
Coley has created four bottled cocktails based on the season’s go-to flavours. The Red Date has longan, goji berry and rum, while the Jasmine Tea features peach, lime and vodka. For something with a kick, try Grapefruit, which uses roselle, szechuan pepper, lime, tequila and mezcal. If you prefer something sweeter, there is Chrysanthemum with yuzu, lemon, sochu and gin. This special range is available for pick up at RM128 for all four bottles.
6G, Jalan Abdullah, Off Jalan Bangsar, KL. Mon-Sat, 5pm to 9.45pm. Call 019 270 9179 to order.
PS150
Ever enjoyed cocktails inspired by the five elements? PS150 has come up with such a range of canned cocktails at RM35 each, or RM180 for the full squad. Wood is made up of Chivas Regal 12 year old, rosemary, honey lemon and Lapsang Souchong. Metal is a concoction of Martell NCF cognac, curry leaf, lemon and green tea; Water has Havana Club 3 year old, olive distillate, peach and aloe vera; Fire is a spicy concoction of Absolut vodka, basil, chilli and clarified tomato; Earth has Beefeater gin, roselle, beetroot, orange and tonic; and finally, Infinity — a bonus element — is a mix of John Jameson whiskey, earl grey, tangerine and ginger ale.
Ground floor, 150 Jalan Petaling, KL. Daily dine-in, 5-10pm; delivery, 1-10pm. Whatsapp 012 518 7550 or see here to order.
Backdoor Bodega
Backdoor Bodega’s remedies come in old-school jars. The trio of #HuatHomeCombo is available for RM100 or RM35 each. (Macam) Ginseng is a familiar herby concoction of London Dry Gin, Cointreau, sweet Vermouth, oolong tea, ginseng bitters and Chinese herbs and spices. A floral and fruity serum, (Not) Bird’s Nest has London Dry Gin, as well as St-Germain elderflower liqueur, Kwai Feh lychee liqueur, Chinese red dates and citric solution. Finally, for a boost of energy, try (A Little) Essence of Chicken, concocted with Scotch whisky, Amaro, chicken essence bitters and dark cane molasses.
37B Jalan Gurdwara, George Town, Penang. Thurs-Sun, 8pm-midnight. Order here.
Three x Co
Part of Three x Co’s Inner Circle Series menu is a drink that is tropical, refreshing and incorporates an ingredient that is essential during the Chinese New Year: pineapple. The Burung Malaya cocktail is Three X Co’s play on the Jungle Bird and it features Black Tears spiced rum, Guinness, Amaro, honey, citric, pandan and pineapple. This 140ml drink is available for RM40. However, if you’re looking for a pineapple drink that’s less sweet, sample the Valley Miss You, which has matcha green tea-infused Angostura, peppermint, coconut, citric and pineapple.
Bangsar Shopping Centre, Jalan Maarof, Bangsar, KL. Mon-Sat, 5-11.45pm. Whatsapp 019 336 6031 to order.
61 Monarchy
Just in time for the festive season, 61 Monarchy has released the Peony Series of barrel-aged cocktails. The five drinks are aged in oak barrels for a smooth finish and available for delivery. There are three gin-based creations — the classic Martinez (RM120), the must-try Negroni (RM100) and the Boulevardier (RM100), the Negroni’s bittersweet cousin. The other two concoctions — the Manhattan (RM120) and Old Fashioned (RM120) — are delicious, whisky-based favourites.
61M Jalan SS21/1A, Damansara Utama, PJ. Mon-Sat, 3-10pm. Whatsapp 018 213 9291 to order.
This article first appeared on Feb 15, 2021 in The Edge Malaysia.
