Skullduggery's ice-filled Mez-Keluarga cocktail is a tropical concoction (Photo: Skullduggery)
Who says a white Christmas needs to have snow? Here are a few alabaster cocktails that may resemble the look of sleet or snow to transport you to colder climes, but are unique concoctions perfectly suited to our humid weather.
Kultur Club
Right next to the renewed and Instagram-worthy Kwai Chai Hong sits Concubine, a bar with fun murals and an extensive menu of food. Their Kultur Club (RM45) cocktail is a new addition to their menu and includes an unusual mix of ingredients — Four Pillars’ dry gin, greek yogurt, passion fruit, fennel seeds and apple cider vinegar. With such a healthy concoction, ordering a second glass is practically guilt-free.
Concubine, Lot 2 Lorong Panggung, Kuala Lumpur. 014 711 2185. Daily,11.30am to 1am.
Yuzu Sour 2.0
Three X Co is a classy speakeasy in Bangsar Shopping Centre, with an understated sense of style and touches of oriental decor. Their drinks often feature local or Asian ingredients. The Yuzu Sour 2.0 (RM48) is a spin on whisky sour — it is a citrusy blend of Monkey Shoulder whisky, yuzu, bergamot sour, shiso leaf and egg white for that frothy finish. This tangy tipple is creamy and refreshing.
Three X Co, Bangsar Shopping Centre, Jalan Maarof, Taman Sa, KL. 019 336 6031. Mon-Sat, 5-11.45pm.
The Kelapa Rock
Hidden in the neighbourhood of Damansara Kim, Locker & Loft has an industrial vibe with exposed pipes as well as brick-and-cement walls, all centred around an impressive 25ft-long copper-topped bar. A classic choice from their extensive menu is The Kelapa Rock (RM25.45) — a refreshing combination of vodka, coconut water and sugar syrup. It is a light and easy way to stay cool in the sweltering heat, and the star ingredient — coconut water — has the added bonus of keeping you hydrated.
Locker & Loft, 40A, Jalan SS 20/10, Damansara Kim, Petaling Jaya. 03 7496 7222. Daily, noon-10pm.
Cendol Colada
Over at the JungleBird, the go-to rum bar in Bukit Damansara, sit among the bamboo and foliage and sample their Cendol Colada (RM40++). Inspired by the namesake roadside dessert, this cocktail has a fruity twist. A mix of Diplomatico Planas, pandan, JungleBird coconut cream, citrus and the typical ice Cendol garnishes — such as corn and kidney beans — the Cendol Colada is a creamy and refreshing cocktail perfect for our hot weather.
Jungle Bird, 15M Jalan Medan Setia 1, Plaza Damansara, Bukit Damansara, KL. 03 2011 5715. Sun-Tues, 1-10pm; Wed-Sat, 4pm-midnight.
Lychee Tuak
Guests at The Attic Bar may enjoy sumptuous Italian cuisine with a distinct Malaysian twist while sipping a well-crafted cocktail. A standout section in their menu includes locally brewed tuak (rice wine) to be enjoyed as is or mixed into a fun tipple. This Lychee Tuak Martini (RM32) is a light and refreshing choice with a fruity sweetness from the lychee. Other tuak martini flavours available are passionfruit and elderflower.
The Attic Bar, 3rd Floor, 15 Jalan Balai Polis, KL. 012 393 8627. Daily, 5pm-midnight.
Mez-Keluarga
A seamless combination of skull decor as well as elegant and dark furniture, Skullduggery is a fun bar with a youthful vibe. Their cocktails are fruity, strong and playful. Their ice-filled Mez-Keluarga (RM45) cocktail is a tropical concoction crafted with Del Maguey Vida Mezcal, lime, pandan, coconut cream and ginger. The drink is a cool and creamy mix with hints of local flavour, especially because of the pandan and ginger.
Skullduggery, 2M Plaza Damansara, Jalan Medan Setia 2, KL. 017 266 7335. Tues-Thurs, 6pm-3am; Fri-Sat, 7pm-3am.
Daun Kesum
Botakliquor is a cosy foliage filled bar above Chocha Foodstore in Jalan Petaling. It’s laid-back and beautiful — the perfect location to wind down the day. Their Daun Kesum (RM42++) cocktail champions it's namesake herb, also known as the laksa leaf, and compliments it's flavour with rambutan, aquafaba and lemon, garnished with a sprinkle of Sarawakian pepper. It has a slightly savoury flavour with a hint of sweetness from the rambutan, complete with a foamy top.
Botakliquor, 156, Jalan Petaling, KL. 03 2022 1100. Tues, 9am-5pm; Wed-Sat, 5.30pm-midnight.
Mangosteen Saketini
Hidden in Platinum Park, Bar Shake is a cosy space that is dominated by it's wood bar. Dimly lit, the space is styled with leather upholstery and dark wood accents. Their Mangosteen Saketini (RM45) is easily one of the most delicious cocktails I have ever tasted. It's seemingly simple, but delivers a complex flavour that's lightly sweet and really champions the mangosteen flavour. This cocktail is easy to sip, and is now included in Bar Shake’s cocktail takeaway menu.
Bar Shake, Platinum Park, Unit 3.3A, Level 2, Tower 1, 11, Persiaran KLCC, KL. 03 2181 1531. Mon-Fri, 4pm-midnight; Sat-Sun, 6pm-2am.
This article first appeared on Dec 14, 2020 in The Edge Malaysia.
