JungleBird
Awarded a spot in Asia’s 50 Best Bars list in 2018 and 2019, this tropical-themed bar calls itself a Rumah Rum (House of Rum), and exudes a charming Caribbean vibe with leafy prints and rattan furniture. The focus here is on rum, and there’s a carefully curated ever-evolving selection on offer. Expect signature in-house cocktails, classic tiki drinks and more, including beer, cider and wine. The rum flight is a good introduction to the spirit.
15M Jalan Medan Setia 1
Plaza Damansara, Bukit Damansara
Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-2011 5715
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Pahit
Set in a rustic 1920s shophouse, Pahit is the gin-focused brainchild of renowned bartender CK Kho, and stocks over 80 types of gin from around the world at any one time. It’s a charming space with exposed bricks, rattan chairs and a courtyard – a great place to relax with a refreshing G&T in hand. Take your pick from the menu filled with classic and contemporary gin cocktails alongside various options of G&Ts (including house-infused options).
3, Jalan Sin Chew Kee
Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-2110 0776
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Omakase + Appreciate
One of the first speakeasy bars in KL and placing in the Top 10 of the inaugural Asia’s 50 Best Bars list in 2016, Omakase + Appreciate is a bar worth looking for. Behind its discreet entrance lies a cosy space where bartenders showcase impressive techniques in deliciously complex cocktails that are easy to drink. There’s a menu, but we say leave it to the bartender to customise one for you, omakase (“I’ll leave it to you”) style.
Bangunan Ming Annexe
9, Jalan Ampang
Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-2022 2238
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PS150
Find PS150 hidden behind a vintage toy shop in a pre-war shoplot in Chinatown, and you’ll enter a stylish cocktail bar decked out in Eastern details and décor. Reflecting the theme, the cocktails showcase bold Southeast Asian flavours and feature plenty of local ingredients. Plus, the menu journeys through the evolution of the cocktail, with cocktails from various times – vintage classics, tiki and disco drinks, contemporary creations – as well as creative originals by the PS150 team.
150 Jalan Petaling
Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-7622 8777
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Coley
One of Bangsar’s best gems, Coley has won multiple awards at the Bar Awards KL over the years as well as placed in Asia’s 50 Best Bars lists in 2018 and 2019. In its cosy cavern-like space – thanks to earthy tones, green plants and a circular entryway – you can find nuanced, well-balanced drinks in the forms of classic cocktails expertly crafted with contemporary twists, as well as inventive creations inspired by local flavours and ingredients (found on the Koktel menu).
6-G, Jalan Abdullah
Off Jalan Bangsar, Bangsar
Tel: 019-270 9179
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Vertigo
Offering some of the best panoramic views of the KL skyline is Vertigo, the city’s highest hotel rooftop bar on Level 59 of the Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur. The bar might not have the most extensive cocktail menu – although you can find a few classics made with premium spirits alongside a selection of signatures highlighting Asian flavours – but experienced bartenders are on hand to create personalised drinks for you.
Level 59, Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur
2, Jalan Conlay
Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-2113 1888
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SkyBar
The poolside rooftop SkyBar in Traders Hotel KL is where you can sip on creative cocktails in the sky, with DJs taking to the decks later in the evenings. Take your pick from the menu of signature cocktails, or check out the selection of beer and wine. The popular cabana booths provide cosy spaces to enjoy your drink and toast to the great views of the surrounding skyline, including the Twin Towers.
Level 33, Traders Hotel Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur City Centre
Tel: 03-2332 9888
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Coppersmith
Part of the Troika family, Coppersmith expresses the same sleek elegance that’s become synonymous with the brand. A fully stocked bar displays the premium spirits that go into the innovative craft cocktails, while the addition of house-made syrups and edible garnishes showcase the bartenders’ attention to detail. Tall windows open up to spectacular views of the Twin Towers and the city skyline, and look out for seasonal cocktails during festive periods.
Level 23a, The Troika
19 Persiaran KLCC
Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-2162 0886
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