The best new bars and cocktail menus in Bangkok this November

It’s Bangkok, so of course there’ll always be something new when it comes to drinking. Knowing where to drink is key, and we have just what you need. Here are the best bars in Bangkok this month.

[Hero and featured image credit: Vesper]

The best new bars and cocktail menus in Bangkok this November 2024

Unlike the math equation from the 2004 movie, the limit does exist. If your body can take so much alcohol in one night, those drinks better be so good, and boy, do we have the places for that. Tis’ the season of new cocktail menus, and we’re here for all of them. Our entries are tried and true.

Take a trip through the world’s capitals with Rabbit Hole’s crossword-themed menu

Thonglor‘s staple Rabbit Hole has never played it safe when it comes to cocktails. Their alphabet-themed cocktail menu won the “Best Menu Design of the Year” in last year’s Thailand’s 20 Best Bars list, and this menu can be seen as sort of a continuation or evolution of how the team translates unconventional ingredients into cocktails.

With a crossword-themed menu, it seems down the Rabbit Hole takes you to 16 different capitals from all over the world, translated into liquid form. Their savoury-but-approachable flavours work because the balance is just right. “Beijing” is made by fat-washing bourbon with duck oil, and pairing it with hoisin sauce, five-spice, and plum wine. “Lisbon” is their take on an egg tart with salted butter and egg custard sugar. “Canberra” is a gin-based tall drink with truffle oil, grape vinegar, and a hint of vegemite (it really works).

More info: Rabbit Hole
Opening times: Open daily, 7pm-2am
Location: 125 Thong Lo, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok
Nearest station: Thonglor, BTS

Vesper launches the third edition of their ‘People of Vesper’ menu

A decade ago, Vesper opened its doors. Countless visitors have walked through that door over the past 10 years, and many find themselves back again and again. That is what the ‘People of Vesper’ menus have been celebrating: the wonderful people they have been welcoming, from local friends to international industry colleagues. Now in its third rendition, the team came up with 16 new signature cocktails paying homage to the people on the opposite side of the bar, with four sections depending on what style of drinks you prefer.

Highlights include the “Machiya Sour,” featuring two whiskies, kokuto (Okinawan black sugar) liqueur, and umeshu, served with a glass of yuzu lapsang sparkling wine, the “Pinkball,” a highball-style drink with tequila, mezcal with notes of rhubarb and rooibos, as well as their take on the “Whisky Coke Float,” featuring housemade cola and bourbon poured over ice cream made from condensed milk, coffee beans, vanilla, and Guinness.

More info: Vesper
Opening times: Open daily, 5.30pm-2am
Location: 10/15 Sala Daeng 2 Alley, Si Lom, Bang Rak, Bangkok
Nearest station: Silom, MRT; Sala Daeng, BTS

OBSESSION.BKK is Sanam Pao’s newest obsession with interesting drinks and great atmosphere

Born from a group of people that simply love spirits, and the little nuances each of them differ from each other, comes a cocktail bar that is filled to the brim with liquors and liqueurs from the owners’ adventures. Whether you’re looking for something on the rocks, enjoyed neat, or in a cocktail, let them recommend something that will leave a smile on your face till you have to leave. The simple, sleek bar interior works wonders in contrast with the view of the sky train outside, and be sure to keep their food menus in mind for when you’re feeling peckish.

It’s quite a bold move to do a cocktail menu with half being on the spirit-forward side, but it aligns with how much they appreciate the world of liquors and trying to showcase the best of them. Highlights include the “Smooth Operator” that had us moving from coast to coast, LA to Chicago, with Naked Malt whisky, Buffalo Trace bourbon, and Glendalough Irish whisky all in one glass, the “Casked Negroni” starring Gil (smoked gin from Italy) and Starlino Rosso vermouth, as well as the “Mozart’s Dream,” a very fun cocktail with brandy and rum, along with notes of coconut and vanilla.

More info: OBSESSION.BKK
Opening times: Tue-Sun, 6.30pm-1am (until 1.30am on Fri-Sat)
Location: 4th Floor, The Rock Pub, 1011-3/4 Phahonyothin Rd, Phaya Thai, Khet Phaya Thai, Bangkok
Nearest station: Sanam Pao, BTS

Rogue Affair presents a brand-new cocktail menu inspired by John Wick

Silom’s Rogue Affair is themed around the concept of espionage, with dimly-lit atmosphere contrasted by red glows from behind the bar and a big poker mat fully playable for the guests. Their new menu, “The Continental,” is inspired by everyone’s favourite hitman and notable dog person, John Wick. For when you’re executing missions and looping in on your targets, a drink in hand will definitely help to blend into the crowd.

Highlights include “The Excommunicado,” with melon-infused brandy, grilled corn-infused port wine, and served with parmesan cheese, “The Casablanca,” a tropical-style cocktail with notes of herbal tea and papaya, as well as “The Wife,” a riff on the classic cocktail Rosita (think Negroni with tequila), made by fat-washing tequila with coconut, infusing vermouth with jackfruit, and garnishing with a piece of jackfruit on top.

More info: Rogue Affair
Opening times: Tue-Sun, 6pm-1am
Location: 63 Sala Daeng 2 Alley, Silom, Bang Rak, Bangkok
Nearest station: Sala Daeng, BTS

MurMur bar presents fun new creations “From Our Lab”

At this point, the MurMur feels akin to an evening community space with lively, welcoming folks both in front and behind the bar. In a quite unlikely location such as Samsen road, it makes it even more heartwarming how they keep experimenting new things not to only pursue their own passions, but as a response to those who walk through their door. That is the beginning of their new menu “From Our Lab,” that looks simple at first glance, but is packed with flavours and feels complex.

Highlights include the definitely-soon-to-be crowd favourite “Spiced Chocolate,” made by infusing tequila with bird’s eye chili, and pairing it with almond milk and a punch of cacao, their take on the “Tom Kha” using kaffir lime, fresh lemongrass, galangal, and more, that feels fun and refreshing without feeling like drinking a mouthful of broth, as well as the “Peanut Butter & Pandan Old Fashioned” with flavours true to its name, and nothing less.

More info: MurMur
Opening times: Open daily, 6pm-1am (until 2am from Fri-Sat)
Location: 59, 61 Samsen Rd, Wat Sam Phraya, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok
Nearest station: Sam Yot, MRT

APT 101 is a nightclub with the vibes of a 1970s New York penthouse

Inspired by the lifestyles of fashion icons of 1970s New York, APT 101 is a place to dance, to drink, socalise, entertain, and everything in between. Even though the 1970s are known for economic hardship and rampant crimes, this nightclub chooses to instead reimagine the bustling art and nightlife movements that impact the world until today. As a fun twist, it seems they also decided to play a combination of house music, R&B, and hip-hop, although any references to disco fever that was born in the 1970s are nowhere in sight. We suppose the disco ball is just for decor.

More info: APT 101
Opening times: Thu-Mon, 6pm-midnight
Location: 3rd Floor, 233 Sukhumvit Rd, Khwaeng Khlong Toei Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok
Nearest station: Asoke, BTS

The best new bars and cocktail menus in Bangkok this October 2024

We’re surprised there are still new places to drink in Bangkok every month, and we still fully welcome it. The city is thriving, and people are looking to experiment with new things and have fun while doing so. These new bars and cocktail menus will surely help you find a new spot to hang out, be it solo or with some good company.

Messengerservice moves to Chinatown, complete with a grocery-themed menu

Before Bar Us, there was Messengerservice. Formerly of Pattanakarn area, they had found a new home in Chinatown area, tucked inside a beautiful 100-year-old building called Baan Trok Tua Ngork. It’s the clean, crisp flavours and minimal presentation they’re known for, with a menu that sets them apart from their other brands — signatures have been brought from the old location but with further tweaks and balancing, and new classic twists are in.

The new signature menu is themed around grocery shopping, with sections on produce, dairy, and more. As Messengerservice, they’re delivering those groceries into your hands. Those groceries just happen to come with booze. Highlights include the “Corn + Basil + Paprika,” a tequila-based cocktail with flavours true to the name and joined together by olive brine and coconut, their “MS Clover Club” which takes a spin on the classic Clover Club with lacto-fermented raspberries and clarified yoghurt, as well as their twist on the Negroni with palo santo.

More info: Messengerservice
Opening times: Tue-Sun, 6pm-midnight (until 1am on Fri-Sat)
Location: 3rd Floor, Baan Trok Tua Ngork, Thanon Santiphap, Pom Prap, Pom Prap Sattru Phai, Bangkok
Nearest station: Wat Mongkon, MRT

Bar Marco’s new signature cocktail menu is fun, colourful, and very Mondrian

Inspired by Piet Mondrian’s timeless abstract artworks, Bar Marco debuted a signature menu that are very colourful, and serves as perfect pick-me-ups with some company. Complex, but not complicated; intimate, but not without their warm hospitality. Plus, the additions to the food menu and DJs behind the station at the regular keep the vibes going from opening till late. Also, do yourself a favour and order their kaprao.

As fun touches, each drink is named after popular songs. “Black in Black”, one of the anthems of straight men is turned into a whisky-based drink with black sesame, butter, coconut, vinegar, and black cherry. “Call Me Maybe” made us trade our souls for wish, penny and dimes for a kiss — an easy-going cocktail with gin, pink peppercorn, cinnamon, and apple. “Too Sweet” is a drink that had us surprised, not only because how well coffee, coconut milk, and carbonation work well together, but also because Hozier really made a song about not being a morning person.

More info: Bar Marco
Opening times: Open daily, 6pm-2am
Location: 946/9 Sukhumvit Road, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok
Nearest station: Thonglor, BTS

The Backroom’s full signature menu repackages classic cocktails while staying true to their essence

After a busy day, we just wanted a spot where the gin is cold and the piano is hot, and The Backroom has both to offer. The drinking spot in Yenakart’s full signature menu features a few fun cocktails of their own — one with wasabi sprouts and another pairing rum with roasted coconut — but where they shine the brightest is their classic twists. In fact, it feels less like a twist, and more like an homage.

The “Bee’s Kiss” takes a spin on the post-prohibition cocktail Bee’s Knees using Arabica honey, then topped with honey meringue and bee pollen. The “Ghost of Mary” pulled the Bloody Mary out of its spot at brunch and turned it appropriate for any time, made using vodka, tomato water, clarified lemon, green chili, holy basil, complete with a half salt rim. The “Wake Up in Thailand” plays on the Espresso Martini with cold brew from Doi Saket, chocolate, and Frangelico (hazelnut and herbal-flavoured liqueur), resulting in a less-sweet, well-balanced drink that packs a punch of coffee flavour.

More info: The Backroom
Opening times: Tue-Sun, 7pm-2am
Location: 35/5 – 35/7, second floor, Soi Si Bamphen, Thung Maha Mek, Sathon, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon
Nearest station: Khlong Toei, MRT

Bubbs features a cocktail experience without sugar nor syrup

Everyday feels like a Friday night at Bubbs. Located in Sukhumvit 47, Bubbs is located right next to the newly-opened Indian eatery Tapori, and they boast both signature creations and classic cocktails without adding sugar nor syrup — all the sweetness from the ingredients and the liqueur. Head bartender Vivek Yadav makes sure that all the drinks stay true to the concept without sacrificing the ingredients nor balance.

Highlights you must try include the “Tonka”, made with vodka infused with vanilla and tonka beans, Malibu, Midori, passionfruit, and topped with cream and grated tonka, the “Amrut”, a tequila-based drink with guava, jalapeno, and black salt, as we as the “Narangi”, a light start to the evening made with gin, clarified orange juice, vanilla liqueur, and orange blossom.

More info: Bubbs
Opening times: Tue-Sun, 5.30pm-midnight
Location: 22, 2 Sukhumvit 47 Alley, Khwaeng Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok
Nearest station: Phrom Phong, BTS

TICTACTOE is a bar that encourages you to find that special someone

“Love sold here”, said TICTACTOE. As part of Emwonder, the pink and purple-tinted lounge with warm lights encourages you to find love at their bar. Whether you want to start off with something intimate — perhaps some live music to groove to — or a fun-filled session with live DJs, they have you covered. The seats are designed to be seamless, connecting to each other, as a nudge-nudge, wink-wink, to the ones who perhaps found love sitting an inch beside them.

Their 11 signature cocktails tell the story of a flirty date night, one that could happen to you. Start the night off with the “Hello, Stranger”, an easy-going drink that feels inviting to the touch. “Just the Two of Us” really says that we could make it if we try, because the THB 890 price tag comes in two glasses for the two people with sparks in their eyes. “Netflix and Chill” is also another drink to which describing the details of the activity referenced could make a Victorian-era woman faint from embarrassment. Feeling fun? They also got vodka shots with caviar to pair.

More info: TICTACTOE
Opening times: Open daily, 7pm onwards
Location: 5th Floor, Emsphere, 628 Sukhumvit Rd, Khlong Tan, Khlong Toei,Bangkok, Thailand
Nearest station: Phrom Phong, BTS

WYWS Cocktail Bar takes guests on a train ride around the world through drinks

Abbreviated from “Where You Wander? Station,” Asoke’s newest addition to their forever traffic-jammed block is an intimate sanctuary for those looking to escape the chaos of the cityscape. This station acts like a connecting sector to train station around the world, to which those who wander in can discover through their menu.

The “Time Square 42nd” is a basically a sour with bourbon, corn milk, and brown butter syrup. “Kawaguchiko” features green tea gin, fortified wine, lemon juice, ume plum syrup, and egg white; a refreshing take on Japan. And of course, Thailand is in there with “Sanam Chai”, with the deeply-inspired tom yum vodka combined with lemon juice, topped with ginger ale and soda.

More info: WYWS Cocktail Bar
Opening times: Open daily, 6pm-midnight
Location: Sukhumvit 21, Asoke Montree Klongtoey, Nua, Watthana, Bangkok
Nearest station: Petchaburi. MRT

The best new bars and cocktail menus in Bangkok this September 2024

Ruby’s presents a bitter tale of love through gemstone-inspired cocktails

“Cocktails are like kisses,” said Ruby. Ruby was hurt by a who she thought was the one; they went on a beautiful journey together, yet he left before the day breaks. Stung by a shattered heart, she reminded herself of the woman most fearless of all, one not to be shaken by any other man again: herself. As any sensible women would do, Ruby brushed herself off, and used the pain to start a cocktail programme.

With Langsuan as the backdrop, Ruby concocts 14 cocktails and 2 mocktails inspired by gemstones. The bar boasts a 16-seat experience — a place not only for drinks, but also for intimate talks and perhaps sultry conversations.

Although the large, beautiful menu is a joy to flip through in itself, some of the signatures got a hold on us and won’t let go. These include the “Emerald,” a fun, vibrant cocktail made with gin, artisanal mezcal, melon, mango sticky rice and durian coconut foam, the “Diamond,” a tequila-based drink with notes of yoghurt, citrus, and pear, as well as the “Sunstone,” a spirit-forward crafted using whisky, mezcal, saffron, porcini mushrooms, and jasmine rice.

More info: Ruby’s
Opening times: Open daily, 5.30pm-midnight
Location: L floor, Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok, 78 Soi Ton Son, Lumphini, Pathum Wan, Bangkok
Nearest station: Chit Lom, BTS

The Loft takes us on a tour through contemporary history through their new cocktail menu

The 20th century is full of wonders: its innovations, ideas, influences, and more, directly affect our daily lives more than we think. The year 1928 saw Alexander Fleming’s discovery of penicillin, paving the way to modern medicine. In 1969, humankind witnessed Neil Armstrong’s historic step on the moon. In 1977, Saturday Night Fever launched the population into disco inferno. It is just magical looking back at what we could accomplish in a mere hundred years.

Bar Manager and history teacher Song Terbsiri condensed all the good times throughout the century into The Loft’s new signature cocktails. The “Pizzeria,” telling the story of how Pizza Margherita arrives in New York, spawning countless twists of the dish, including this cocktail, is made with vodka, tomato liqueur, toasted bell pepper basil, and topped with a beautiful cream cheese foam. The “Rock & Roll” represents the sounds of 1950s youth culture that resonates today — a cognac-based drink with banana liqueur and peanut butter syrup. The “Level Up” is a gin-based sour with notes of yuzu and watermelon, harkening back to the arcade boom of the 1970s.

All of those, and more, are available as you climb into the time machine that is The Loft.

More info: The Loft Bangkok
Opening times: Open daily, 5pm-midnight (till 1am on Fri-Sat)
Location: Level 56, Waldorf Astoria Bangkok, 151 Ratchadamri Rd, Lumphini, Pathum Wan, Bangkok
Nearest station: Ratchadamri, BTS

Thurty opens as a cosy living room amidst the bustling Chinatown area

The age of thirty is, to many, a turning point in their lives. It’s the age where the family notices you’re getting too old to receive money in family gatherings; yet too young to have kids come ask you for advice. You’re too old to run towards love “like all the kids,” yet too young to consider marriage like your friends had.

Thurty turns those unique stories of dreams and passions that come with age into cocktails, with a living room-esque interior designed for guests to interact. The menu also encourages guests to relate themselves to the story of each drink before the ingredients within. After all, what’s a good story if you can’t share it with the people you care about most?

Abandon the world and be a “Backpacker,” a savoury-fizzy aperitif with rum, canned fish cordial, and topped with tonic. Remember (or dream about) your “1st Million” with a beautiful Remy Martin VSOP-based drink with homemade strawberry cordial and dry sparkling wine, served with duck as a pairing. Or, put yourself through an “Awakening,” an eye-opening cocktail with notes of wasabi, lime, and pickled ginger.

More info: Thurty
Opening times: Open daily, 6pm-1am
Location: 225 Soi Nana, Pom Prap, Pom Prap Sattru Phai, Bangkok
Nearest station: Wat Mangkon, MRT

Stella debuts a new cocktail menu inspired by the old neighbourhoods of Bangkok

Capella Bangkok’s new Beverage Manager Roberto Castro Rodriguez has arrived in Bangkok, and is inspired by the charm of the history, traditions, and the cultural diversity of the city. From the bittersweet harmonies that Bang Rak offers, to the prominent era of Thai cinema in Phra Nakorn’s Chalerm Thai Royal Theatre, guests are transported into destinations they never thought they would get to visit when walking into Capella. Bangkok is an easy city to fall in love with, and these drinks remind us so.

Think back to Bangkok’s first paved road with the “1861,” a fizzy cocktail with rye whisky, shiso, jasmine, cherry wine, and topped with tonic. Celebrate the art of muay thai with “The K.O.,” a spirit-forward with rum, chocolate, Campari, umeshu, plum, and vermouth. Or, for those who travel through Sathorn and have noticed the Robot Building, get the “Robot B.,” a gin-based cocktail with white vermouth, yuzu, jasmine kombucha, and topped with soda.

There is so much to learn about, as you enjoy Stella’s hospitality, live music, and tourists taking photos with the peacock statue.

More info: Stella Bangkok
Opening times: Open daily, 6pm-midnight
Location: 300/2 Charoen Krung Road, Yannawa, Sathorn, Bangkok
Nearest station: Saphan Taksin, BTS

G.O.D’s new uni pairing list has ascended us to heaven and back

Chinatown’s G.O.D has always been keen on pairing cocktails with smalls bites, and this time, they’re bringing uni into the mix. Chapter two of their cocktail menu see a little twist on the classics we love, done right, and dare we say, elevated.

“The Only Vesper Martini” boasts an ice cold Vesper made with Gordon Vintage mixed with distilled vodka with Peach Stem and Lilet Sauvage, served with a bite of Bafun uni on a rice pillow, with ikura, ponzu, and black salt. The “Salted Cacao Negroni” leans hard into cacao, created using cacao nibs distillate, Campari and cacao juice vermouth, served with uni, chocolate, and black charcoal salt. If you’d prefer to go a little more low-ABV, the “Saketini 2.0” pairs the refreshing notes of Sake Junmai Daiginjo with vermouth and watermelon, served with uni atop a bed of watermelon and balsamic.

More info: G.O.D Bkk
Opening times: Open daily, 7pm-1am
Location: Soi Nana, Pom Prap, Pom Prap Sattru Phai, Bangkok
Nearest station: Wat Mangkon, MRT

Black Rabbit Bar & Bistro opens as an Isaan-style izakaya in Ekkamai

The Isaan-style izakaya (dubbed Isaankaya) has become quite a trend in the last couple of years, and the hottest place in town everyone’s talking about is Black Rabbit Bar & Bistro. Chef Poom of Top Chef Thailand fame is bringing the spice kick to go with the premium ingredients. Whether you’re just in the mood for a few drinks, or to treat yourself to some beautiful A5 wagyu, they’ve got you covered.

The cocktail menu features local spices from Thailand. There is also an array of wines to pair with the food, and good vibes all around great to share with company.

More info: Black Rabbit Bar & Bistro
Opening times: Open daily, 11am-midnight
Location: 438/4-5-6-7 Soi Sukhumvit 63, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok
Nearest station: Ekkamai, BTS

The best new bars and cocktail menus in Bangkok this August 2024

Lime by Us puts tropical flavours into the limelight with modern techniques

Tiki drinks sometimes get a bad rap for being syrup-y or too boozy. After all, any beach bar has to know how to make a Long Island Iced Tea or a Piña Colada, but island-inspired drinks, made with care, are some of the best ways to unwind no matter the time nor occasion.

Messengerservice, Bar Us, and now: Lime. Owners Aum and Taln reinterpret the cocktail category with their signature style of sleek, clear aesthetics, combined with tropical fruits our country has all year round. After all, even the most simplest drinks shine with quality ingredients.

The menu is split into two sections: one more akin to how they run things in their previous bars, putting star ingredients to the forefront, and another dedicated to classic twists. Highlights include the “Hops Jungle Bird,” a spin on the classic Campari-tinged classic now with distilled hops and some carbonation, as well as the “Passionfruit + Bitter Melon,” with those ingredients as the star, served with clarified pineapple juice and pickled ginger.

More info: Lime by Us
Opening times: Tue-Sun, 6pm-midnight (till 1am on Fri-Sat)
Location: 61/37 Sukhumvit 26 Sukhumvit Rd. Khlong Tan, Khlong Toei, Bangkok, Thailand
Nearest station: Phrom Phong, BTS

4th Wall brings back the 60s through “The 4 Walls of 4th Wall” menu

Langsuan’s 4th Wall unveils their first-ever signature menu, The 4 Walls of 4th Wall. The four walls represent the culture of the 1960s, as well as a nod to the retro-chic interior they’re known for. 12 new cocktails are divided into four pillars they used as inspiration: Brutalism, Futurism, Ideas, and Cinema.

Brutalism is a post-war architecture style notable for its raw, barebones aesthetic. One of the drinks to represent the movement is “His Airness,” inspired by the Bangladesh National Parliament House, made from Johnnie Walker Black, mango chutney, and yuzu.

Futurism captures the bright dynamics and vibrant energy of the modern world and translates these into art. Get into the movement with “Sunbathing in Venus,” a fizzy, prosecco-topped cocktail with guava, vanilla, and clarified yoghurt.

More info: 4th Wall
Opening times: Open daily, 7pm-2am
Location: Luxx Langsuan, 828 Renaissance Bangkok Ratchaprasong Hotel Lumphini, Pathum Wan, Bangkok
Nearest station: Chit Lom, BTS

Last Call proves that many times, the best drinks are the most simple ones done right

Vipop “Tor” Jinaphan is one of Bangkok’s long-standing stars when it comes to the bar industry. With him co-owning Sugar Ray, You’ve Just Been Poisoned, going on to overlook so many projects, and leading many groups of people, he claims Last Call to be his last bar; the only bartender standing is him.

With bars nowadays having grandiose themes and concepts to their venues and menus, Last Call has none of those things. What they have is fresh ingredients depending on the day, knowledge on how to successfully do classics, and most importantly: great ice. There are only bar seats, and music from the vinyl turntable.

When available, Gimlet twists never fail to impress. We had one made with Kanade Yuzu and Murasaki Kyoho. Another to try is their Pickle Back Whisky Sour, with yuzu marmalade and pickle brine. The way Tor controls each element down to the smallest detail is art.

More info: Last Call
Opening times: Tue-Sat, 6.30pm onwards
Location: 413/10-12 Sukhumvit 55, Thonglor 25, Khlong Tan, Wattana, Bangkok, Thailand
Nearest station: Thonglor, BTS

Raze Arcade is the only place you should drink and drive

It seems the fifth floor of Emsphere has become a nightlife hub that’s bustling with life, and Raze Arcade is one of the very noteworthy new additions. Raze Arcade is a Formula 1 themed bar, complete with DJs on the regular and good drinks. Their main attraction, no doubt, is the corner where a number of F1 arcade machines sit, each complete with a little table for your drink.

Although there may be a queue, the machines are a great fun with company. Guests can also get into the fantasy early by watching their F1 screenings on the big screen.

Signature cocktails are classic twists, simple yet complex; they get the job done. Highlights include the “Pole Position,” made with Bacardi Carta Blanca, pineapple juice, coconut juice, and topped with popcorn-vanilla espuma, as well as the “One Night Carnival,” a whisky-based cocktail with dry vermouth infused with shiso, umeshu, maraschino, and a little bit of bitters.

More info: Raze Arcade
Opening times: Tue-Sat, 6.30pm onwards
Location: Empshere, 5th Floor, 628 Sukhumvit Rd, Khlong Tan, Khlong Toei, Bangkok
Nearest station: Phrom Phong, BTS

Beer Pradith showcases Thai craft beers from four regions of the Kingdom

Joining the roster of many F&B venues in Banthat Thong is Beer Pradith, and it’s surely going to make waves especially among the many beer lovers of Bangkok.

Beer Pradith is established to support entrepreneurs across the country. After all, with Thai laws and traditional customs still present, it’s still quite difficult to really make it as a microbrewery. So, with Thai talent on the forefront in the form of 24 taps, they aim to have people fall in love with the artform.

They also introduced two IPAs exclusive to the venue: ‘Samyan Triple IPA,’ a light-bodied beer made from New Zealand hops, and the ‘Banthat Thong Golden Ale,’ a fruity, aromatic beer that goes down very smoothly.

More info: Beer Pradith
Opening times: Open daily, 5pm-2am
Location: 2030 Banthat Thong Rd, Wang Mai, Pathum Wan, Bangkok
Nearest station: Hua Lamphong, MRT

Italasia Erawan opens with a beautiful ancient Roman bar concept

When it comes to making a good drink, Italasia has everything that you need in a one-stop destination. The newly-opened branch in Erawan Bangkok comes with an ancient Roman bar theme with warm tones and white pillars.

From spirits to wines, premium products are brought from around the world to make sure your home bar is complete and ready for guests. They also offer non-alcoholic syrups, coffee, as well as tableware and glassware. Pop by for a bottle, come home with a whole bag of products.

More info: Italasia Group
Opening times: Open daily, 11am-9pm
Location: 494 Phloen Chit Rd, Khwaeng Lumphini, Pathum Wan, Bangkok
Nearest station: Chit Lom, BTS

Taste the joy of R.Jelinek products and try some Goldcock

R.Jelinek products are now available in Thailand, and these include liqueurs such as amaro and fernet, as well as many premium spirits from whisky to absinthe. Industry veteran William Pravda conducted a masterclass for Bangkok’s bar industry to showcase the products, and each was met with positive reviews.

Many were captivated by the taste of Goldcock, a collection of gins and whisky done in small batches to keep the tradition alive and well. With Goldcock, you’ll be sucked right off to an adventure, and your mouth will be begging for more.

The best new bars and cocktail menus in Bangkok this July 2024

Maybe she’s born with it. Maybe it’s the hangover. Come rain, come shine, a good cocktail can whisk a day of hardships away like magic. Coupled with some great hospitality, you know why it’s so hard to stop and just one. Let these new bars and cocktail menus show you how it’s one.

SEEN Restaurant & Bar’s new menu pays homage to South and Central America

“Back to our roots” is the concept of SEEN Restaurant & Bar’s new cocktail menu, and the ethos of what the drinks stand for. Beverage Manager Brian Glez combines the beautiful flavours of South and Central America with carefully-selected ingredients and time-tested techniques, taking advantage of how the climates of here and there are not so different.

It is also worth noting that they work with local producers to bring this menu to life. It shows that going back to one’s roots does not mean it cannot be appreciated by the modern palate — it just needs some proper love and care of the craft.

Highlights include “The Olmec,” an agave-based drink made with both tequila and mezcal, Cocchi Di Torino, strawberry cordial, Tio Pepe fino sherry, strawberry cordial, Ancho Reyes, and garnished with a bonbon from Kad Kokoa, as well as the “Drink My Pina,” a twist on the classic Piña Colada with two rums, Matusalem 15 and Phraya Elemental, along with pandan, coconut, lime, pineapple, coconut milk, coconut water, carbonated into a fizzy drink.

More info: SEEN Restaurant & Bar
Opening times: Open daily, 11am-1am
Location: AVANI Riverside Bangkok 257/1-3 Charoen Nakhon Rd, Khwaeng Samre, Thon Buri, Bangkok
Nearest station: Wongwian Yai, BTS

Nuss Bar spotlights Thai craft spirits for their new Thai Sensations menu

The bar with possibly the most traditionally Thai view in Bangkok, Nuss Bar has introduced a new menu for the season, spotlighting Thai craft spirits and ingredients. Against a backdrop of the city’s temples in the night time, dive into four new cocktails, each offering a Thai twist on a familiar classic. Bar industry star Ronnaporn ‘Neung’ Kanivichaporn (also behind Mahaniyom fame) calls it “Thai Sensations.”

Highlights on the new menu include the “Som Tam Fizz,” a highball-style cocktail inspired by the fiery Thai papaya salad, made with Dechita rice and coconut nectar spirit, Phraya Element Thai rum, green papaya, vodka, Nipa palm nectar, tomato, lime, fish sauce, and pickled long bean, topped with shrimp-coconut oil. For the more daring, a great choice is the dessert-like “Tu-rian Colada,” made using Sichon pineapple spirit, Scotch whisky, vanilla liqueur, dark cacao liqueur, cooked durian (yup), and salted pandan coconut espuma. The new bar snacks on the menu, hailing from the kitchen of the award-winning Nusara restaurant upstairs, are also worth ordering, as you admire the super interesting collection of Thai spirits right in front of you.

More info: Nuss Bar
Opening times: Open daily, 5pm-12am
Location: 336 Maha Rat Rd, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok
Nearest station: Sanam Chai, MRT

Kilik Social Club’s new cocktails bring famous paintings to life

If you haven’t visited Kilik in a while, the vibes of the place took quite a turn recently. New sounds have been brought in, with live bands playing a range of genres throughout the week. The bar team is a breath of fresh air, with warm hospitality perfect even for those coming solo.

As we celebrate the artform that is mixology, Head Bartender Jineax brings another medium into liquid form, with cocktails inspired by famous paintings around the world. They also have a bottle of gin well-chilled, so the place is great to pop by for a martini, too.

Highlights of the menu include the “Apple of Eden,” a gin-based drink with cacao nibs and their homemade cordial of coconut and caramelised apple, along with the “Last Supper,” a spirit-forward made using bourbon fat-washed with sweet potato, as well as blended vermouth, and smoked apple syrup. The team joked that the sweetness of the syrup hits you before the bourbon, like being betrayed by Judas as the dinner goes on.

More info: Kilik Social Club
Opening times: Open daily, 6pm onwards
Location: 100 Warehouse26 Soi Sukhumvit 26 Sukhumvit Road, Klongteoi, Bangkok
Nearest station: Phrom Phong, BTS

Kodo Bar presents a journey through Japan with their new cocktail menu

A trip to Japan is never boring. After all, the Japanese archipelago is filled with bountiful ingredients. Kodo Bar’s freshly-minted menu features a journey through the country through the prefectures’ specialty ingredients, from North to South.

Yamaguchi prefecture’s puffer fish fins make for a surprisingly good aperitif. The “Fugu” infuses fish fin with Saneha gin, and umami bitters, topped with tonic. Nagano and Hunma prefectures are famed for their tofu, and it has been turned into a low-ABV cocktail with Malibu and soy milk. For those with a sweet tooth, the “Dango,” inspired by Kyoto’s delicacy of the same name, will sure impress. The drink is made with Chalong Bay rum, matcha, coconut milk, and butter extract.

More info: Kodo Bar
Opening times: Tue-Sun, 5pm-midnight
Location: 1372, 3rd Floor, Wangmai, Pathum Wan, Bangkok
Nearest station: National Stadium, BTS

The Brass Bar opens up an Art Nouveau experience in Sathorn

French restaurant Brasserie 9 has been a staple of Sathorn for years, and now, you’ll find The Brass down by the side. The newly-debuted bar and cigar lounge is inspired by the Art Nouveau movement, an artistic style born during the early 1890s characterised by the use of nature and flowing motifs.

The cocktail menu also reflects the movement, with drinks representing the seasons. Highlights include the “Spring,” a bright and refreshing gin-based drink with notes of elderflower, peach, and champagne, as well as the “Winter,” made from vodka, absinthe, creme de cacao, strawberry, and bergamot.

More info: The Brass Bar
Opening times: Open daily, 6pm-midnight
Location: Phiphat 2, Silom, Bang Rak, Bangkok
Nearest station: Chong Nonsi, BTS

12Rasi brings the flair bartending experience to Chinatown

Flair bartending has been seeing a surge in Bangkok, and we fully welcome the movement. Bartenders throwing bottles, breathing fire, setting the whole bar on fire — we’re never not impressed every single time we see it.

12Rasi has that experience on the regular, and you’ll find them tucked away behind Yaowarat Road. As you’re getting away from all the chaos, a drink and a show are a nice combo to enjoy.

Their cocktails are inspired by the 12 zodiac signs, each with their own element to be wow-ed by. Highlights include the “Cancer,” made with whisky, butter scotch, salted caramel, and crab fat, as well as the “Scorpion,” using Barcardi, limoncello, elderflower, tonic, and garnished with a scorpion (really).

More info: 12Rasi Bar
Opening times: Open daily, 5pm-midnight
Location: 70 Thanon Phat Sai, Khwaeng Samphanthawong, Samphanthawong, Bangkok
Nearest station: Wat Mangkon, MRT

The Traveller Cocktail Bar offers intercontinental fun through drinks

Sukhumvit is a lot of hustle and bustle, and sometimes you need somewhere quiet to sit and relax. A drink in hand certainly helps. The Traveller Cocktail Bar features fun twists on classic drinks, all while offering international bites to accompany in case anyone is feeling peckish.

Embark on a flight with three cocktails with three bites to pair. The absolute highlight is the “Pho,” inspired by the streets of Vietnam. The drink is made with bourbon fat-washed with beef oil, white wine reduction with pho spices, triple sec, and pink salt, served with a patong go bahn mi and homemade pho sauce.

More info: The Traveller Cocktail Bar
Opening times: Wed-Sun, 5.30pm-midnight
Location: 9, 1 Sukhumvit 20 Alley, Khwaeng Khlong Toei, Khlong Toei, Bangkok
Nearest station: Phrom Phong, MRT

The best new bars and cocktail menus in Bangkok this June 2024

Frog BKK is a Japanese speakeasy that makes all the little details shine

In a city filled with influencers calling every bar a “hidden speakeasy,” Frog is an actual speakeasy that will remind you how cocktails are an art form without giving any pretentious feeling. The spirits are well-chilled, the ice is clear and precisely-cut, and the hospitality is as warm as their blowtorches. Feel free to hang around and chat with the bartenders as they perform their magic on the first floor, or ask them to show you the intimate room upstairs, with walls adorned with rows of rare cognacs and armagnacs.

The signature menu will have you spoiled for choice. Their take on the Negroni (THB 480) features their own blend of bitter liqueurs with accompanying notes of tonka beans and chocolate. The Blue Cheese Salty Dog (THB 480) is a spin on the grapefruit-pronounced classic cocktail that takes a more savoury route with blue cheese. No whiskies in this building, but you won’t look back once you’ve tasted their armagnac highball, chilled to perfection.

More info: Frog BKK
Opening times: Tue-Sun, 6pm-midnight
Location: 237 Sukhumvit 49, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok
Nearest station: Phrom Phong, BTS

Penthouse Bar + Grill’s new menu invites us to hop on a motorbike and explore the world through cocktails

If you could see the world from your motorbike, where would you head to? Sample a taste of that fantasy with Penthouse Bar + Grill’s new signature cocktails, where they pull inspiration and ingredients from all around the globe, condensed into creations you won’t forget in a hurry. Each cocktail comes with the country it’s inspired from. Some say half a cocktail’s a well-crafted story, and these certainly do have a well-crafted story.

Pull up in a Triumph with the “Rush Up!”, a spirit-forward with the United Kingdom in mind, made with Mackintosh scotch infused with oak wood, Mancino Bianco vermouth infused with Scottish native herbs, Drambuie, mint jelly, and topped with some more smoky Scotch. Rush to Oktoberfest in a BMW with the “Micro-Brewery,” a Bavarian-influenced cocktail made with Bulleit rye fat washed with butter, homemade beer syrup, Jagermeister, lime, ginger beer, and topped with soda. Perhaps you’d be enticed to fulfil your Parisian fantasy in a Peugeot motorbike with “Madame Glamour,” a very floral drink with notes of cherry and Ispahan rose.

More info: Penthouse Bar + Grill
Opening times: Open daily, 5.30pm-2am
Location: 34th – 36th Floor, Park Hyatt Bangkok, 88 Witthayu Rd, Lumphini, Pathum Wan, Bangkok
Nearest station: Phloen Chit, BTS

Amaris Cocktail Bar serves up Asian excellence in liquid form

In Thai, “Amaris” refers to the Fountain of Youth, a mythological pool of water from which anyone who drinks from it is granted eternal life, historically known for being featured in the fourth season of Ben 10. Many cultures have used alcohol as medicine, or as ailment when they’re in need of energy — that turned into inspiration for the people of Amaris Cocktail Bar. What they serve is in good intention, to calm the nerves and soothe the soul for those who enter.

Their signature menu is inspired by Asian cultures, which extends to their choice of ingredients. “Fujian” is inspired by China, and the drink of the same name served here uses osmanthus and, of course, oolong tea. “Don Mot Daeng” is a Thai-inspired cocktail that utilises unexpected ingredients such as lemongrass, chili, and makrut lime leaves.

More info: Amaris Cocktail Bar
Opening times: Open daily, 5pm-1am
Location: 144/1 Pridi Banomyong 31 Alley, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok
Nearest station: Phra Khanong, BTS

GOT Bangkok is the new party place on the eyes of many Sukhumvit-ians

We vaguely remember a saying about God opening the backdoor when the front door was gone, or something. Since Rimshot has announced their relocation, GOT Bangkok seems to be receiving a lot of attention as the new party place, seeing it’s located just a minute of walk away. An abbreviation for “Good Old Times,” the golden retro-chic interior screams luxury, and the vibes are definitely on point as soon as the DJ steps behind the booth. Grab some company, order a bottle of tequila, and dance the night away.

More info: GOT Bangkok
Opening times: Open daily, 7pm-3am
Location: Mahogany Tower, Sukhumvit 24 Alley, Khwaeng Khlong Tan, Khet Khlong Toei, Bangkok
Nearest station: Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre, MRT

The best new bars and cocktail menus in Bangkok this May 2024

Do you wanna dance with somebody? Do you wanna feel the *heat* with somebody? No? These places will make you feel welcomed nonetheless. A perfect night out in Bangkok is different for everyone, but if you like good vibes and great drinks, we have new bars for you to try.

Find the Locker Room’s new menu transports you through the eras with their completed time capsule

Pop culture moments of the past are blueprints of the present. Some moments are so iconic we still reference them today. Find the Locker Room’s “Time Capsule” menu takes us on a journey through those times with cocktails inspired by pop culture from the 1960s to 2010s — a journey that is best described as, for lack of a better word, so fetch.

Take a trip to the 90s-esque 8-bit “Mushroom Kingdom,” an earthy yet refreshing combination made from Kakubin whisky, Aperol, mushroom, ketchup, honey, and a little bit of absinthe. Grab your Burn Book and put on your pink courtroom power suit for the “Bougie Princess,” an ode to 2000s chick flicks using Bacardi Cuatro rum, toasted milk distillate, blueberry rice milk, vanilla syrup, and adorned with a fondant heart. And who could forget the frosted tips hairstyle of the 2010s, turned into drink form as “Just the Tips,” made using Roku gin, blueberry cordial, cold brew, and topped with cranberry and jasmine tonic.

More info: Find the Locker Room
Opening times: Open daily, 6pm onwards
Location: 406 Thong Lo, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok
Nearest station: Thonglor, BTS

Groovin’ High Jazz Bar transports us to an April in Paris

“L” is for the way you let your partner know you’ll be home late tonight, for the newly-opened Groovin’ High is making people of Silom fly to the moon. They have live jazz performing everyday, and the warm hospitality is never on break.

The drinks are cleverly named and inspired by famous jazz songs, including the “Hit The Road Jack,” a frothy cognac-based cocktail with cacao syrup and jackfruit cordial, as well as the “Watermelon Man,” made from white rum, watermelon cordial — perfect for lovers of fruity cocktails.

More info: Groovin’ High
Opening times: Open daily, 6pm-1.30am
Location: 118 Si Lom Rd, Khwaeng Suriya Wong, Khet Bang Rak, Bangkok
Nearest station: Sala Daeng, BTS

Apron Bar Bangkok has craft beers on tap where you can pour at your own pace

The old town area of Samsen now has one more destination to go to after dinner (or before, we’re not judging). Apron Bar Bangkok offers 18 craft beers on tap, both local and international, along with friendly staff to help you find your new favourite. Best part? Grab a mug and pour your own beer straight from the tap. Pay what you pour, no minimum nor maximum, and no judgments. Coupled with the old town vibes, it’s the perfect place to hang out with some good company after a long day of work.

More info: Apron Bar Bangkok
Opening times: 5-11.30pm
Location: 2/1, Samsen 4 Road Trok Wat Trithosthep, Baanpanthom Sub-district, Bangkok
Nearest station: Sam Yot, MRT

Siamese Cocktail & Gallery turns Thai food into cocktails, spices and all

Thai art, Thai drinks, Thai dishes — these are the three tenets of Thonglor‘s Siamese Cocktail & Gallery. Formerly Pennant Thonglor, this newly-rebranded venue serves inventive drinks centred around the taste notes locals are familiar with, served with dishes we know and love, from khao soi to fried larb. DJs stand behind the booth on the regular to make sure the vibes are just right.

Turning food into liquid form, the “Tom-Khlong” is a mezcal-based savoury drink with bianco vermouth, umami tincture, and packed with a lot of Thai herbs. The “Nam-Nueng” is inspired by grilled sausages brought into Thailand by the Vietnamese, made from gin, coconut and pandan syrup, cucumber, Thai basil oil, and a splash of ginger ale.

More info: Siamese Cocktail & Gallery
Opening times: Open daily, 6pm-2am
Location: 58, 14-15 Thong Lo, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok
Nearest station: Thonglor, BTS

Listen to the grooves and surround yourself with spirits at Murmur

Sometimes you don’t need much to unwind, just great vibes and a good drink in hand. Murmur is exactly that, with warmly-lit ambience and friendly hospitality. The cocktail menu is inspired by different parts of Bangkok — simple recipes perfect for a Friday night out, with naming convention as if picking out random words from the dictionary but in an adorable way.

For instance, the “Thonglor Durian Elegance” is basically a gin sour with durian syrup, cinnamon syrup, and lime instead of lemon. The “Chinatown Ginger Fusion” is pretty much a Negroni subbing gin with ginger-infused brandy. And who could forget the “RCA Midnight Bloom,” a dark rum-based cocktail with butterfly pea syrup, lime wedges, lemongrass, then topped with soda.

More info: Murmur
Opening times: Tue-Sun, 6pm-2am
Location: 59, 61 Samsen Rd, Wat Sam Phraya, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok
Nearest station: Sam Yot, MRT

The best new bars and cocktail menus in Bangkok this April 2024

It was the great Chinese philosopher Grand Master Oogway that said, “Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift. That is why it is called the present.” Maybe it’s time to give yourself that present, a little treat for your accomplishments no matter how small they may be. After all, a lot of problems can go away with a good drink in hand and a bartender who cares — everyone deserves a treat once in a while. Here are the best bars in Bangkok that are perfect for that.

Blessing Shophouse has us feeling lucky from the first sip

Wed-Sun, 6pm-midnight

Tucked inside a quiet soi in Asoke, Blessing Shophouse presents a beautiful aesthetic, with equally alluring cocktails to match. Entering the shophouse, you’ll find a blend of old-world Chinese design elements stylised into a more modern ambience. The wooden tables with chairs to match, the auspicious symbols of good luck and fortune adorning the walls, the sliding doors and the warm illumination — it’s the equivalent of that moment when Mulan looks into the mirror and sees her reflection.

The cocktail menu is all about looking through classic cocktails through a Thai-Chinese lens, all while keeping the theme of luck and prosperity. Start the night the right way with “Bitter is Good,” an excellent aperitif that combines the innate bitterness from the bitter melon with the nuanced notes of Chinese celery and orange peel-infused gin. If you prefer something more spirit-forward, the “Five Spice” is a rum-based drink with cinnamon, star anise, Sichuan pepper, cloves, fennel seed, pineapple, and clarified milk.

You can find more information at Blessing Shophouse.

NOVA Social Club presents a sky-high experience and cocktails to match

Open daily, 5.30pm-1am

Bangkok isn’t new to cocktail bars located on floors high above, but NOVA takes it to another level altogether. The bar takes the centre stage, with a gorgeous view of the skyline just behind, and bar seats directly facing it. But not only do they take the sky into your view, they also condensed it into one cohesive cocktail menu.

The Earth’s atmosphere is the inspiration behind the drinks at NOVA — five layers, then onto interplanetary space. As you go up the Earth’s atmosphere layer by layer, the temperature goes down. That fact translates into the cocktails that play around with temperature and layers, as the flavour and texture of each drink can change as you wait for the beverage to lose its coldness for a bit. Not only does it make for pretty drinks for social media, the showiness also makes sense as technical value.

Highlights include the “Big Bang,” a spirit-forward cocktail made with vanilla-infused gin and sake vermouth, served inside a glass coated with white wine gel inside which will melt into the drink as time passes, as well as the “Winter of Meteor,” a sour drink that fuses chamomile tea with their spicy tamarind cordial.

You can find more information at NOVA Social Club.

The Backroom flips the script with classic twists and ingredients from all over the country

Tue-Sun, 6pm onwards

Some spirits are perfect for a cocktail, the rest sitting on the top shelf are better to sit and enjoy themselves — or at least that’s what we’re used to. The Backroom is doing it differently, using different ingredients found in different provinces to complement the unique tastes that those top-shelf liquors offer, and combining them into a cocktail some may even find sacrilegious. The complexity is still very much intact, and serves as a great introduction for those willing to try. Of course, other cocktails without the top-shelf price tags are also available, and are inventive and well-made.

With the red velvet curtains and live music in the air, The Backroom is a Prohibition-era speakeasy done right. Their own version of Gin & Juice is a must, using Botanist 22 gin, lemon juice, tangerine juice, and calamansi syrup from Chantaburi; as well as the “Japanese Impression,” an old-fashioned made from Hibiki Harmony with muscat and melon sous vide into syrup, then served alongside Japanese melon, muscat, and 6-18 month aged jamón serrano.

You can find more information at The Backroom.

Buph Phe Bar is serving up cocktails that are unapologetically Thai down to every ingredient

Wed-Mon, 6pm-1am

Thai-inspired cocktails aren’t new; you can even say they’re getting a bit much sometimes. But what if we dial it up to a hundred, so high it loops back to being interesting again? Buph Phe Bar has opened pn Yaowarat road, and their signature cocktail menu doesn’t feature anything that isn’t found in Thailand. Every spirit is Thai-made, each fruit from local sources or other provinces, and all pairings are Thai snacks made in-house. The country is huge, with each area containing its own characteristics to discover, and this bar’s unapologetic approach to Thai-inspired cocktails is as refreshing as it can be.

“Sun” is Isaan in a glass, and it’s made from liquor distilled from coconut flower; a bountiful commodity from Sakon Nakhon, sweetened with tamarind sauce and paired with crispy jelly. If you’d prefer a trip to the east, “Island” showcases quite an uncommon fruit. The guttiferae (local name mapam) is a tropical fruit grown in Chantaburi in the same family as the mangosteen. It’s then combined with two different species of cardamom, coconut milk, and pineapple juice, served alongside Thai coconut meringue.

You can find more information at Buph Phe Bar.

Invitation Only is like if Wes Anderson opened his own bar, complete with fun signature cocktails

Open daily, 5pm onwards

With the sheer number of new bars in Bangkok, we think it has taken too long for a hotel-themed one to appear. Walking into Invitation Only feels as if The Grand Budapest Hotel got a red hot coat of paint, and you’ve never been more tempted to order room service. Complete with live music and a bar menu filled with international favourites, you’ll get to absorb good vibes only as you enjoy the view of the Bangkok skyline from the 55th floor.

Drinks are definitely the stars of the establishment, and with 16 signature cocktails in total, there’s bound to be one you’re in the mood for that day. Highlights include the “Bananarama,” a bourbon-based drink with almond liqueur, creme de banana, clarified milk cheese, cinnamon, ginger, and garnished with a chocolated-covered banana, as well as the “Cigarettes After Ex,” a smoky yet refreshing cocktail with mezcal, green tea-infused gin, chamomile citrus, and honey yuzu.

You can find more information at Invitation Only.

The Label Club combines the joy of vinyl with a direct view of the skytrain passing by

Wed-Sun, 6pm-midnight

Cocktails don’t have to be so complicated every time you go out. Sometimes you’re just in the mood for a simple drink, coupled with great vibes and the music that hits just right. The Label Club is doing exactly that, with a drinks selection that does the job, DJs on the regular, and an array of vinyls old and new to pick and have on queue. Feeling like a bit of Whitney Houston? Sure, and you’ll wanna dance with somebody. Maybe some of Miki Matsubara? Of course, and she’ll tempt you to stay with them a while.

For drinks, the “Rihanna” is a twist on the usual sour with bourbon and almond liqueur, then topped with red wine. The “Big Bang” is a refreshing tall drink with a base of tequila infused with butterfly pea. They also have an extensive wine list perfect to share with company.

You can find more information at The Label Club.

Akara Sky Hanuman is the new go-to spot for luxurious rooftop vibes

Open daily, 5pm-2am

Located atop One City Centre building in Ploenchit, Akara Sky Hanuman becomes the name in every partygoers mouth when looking for somewhere to enjoy good vibes, good drinks, and an impressive lineup of DJs on the regular. When there’s an abundance of rooftop bars in the city, setting yourself apart is key. Thereby, nothing could set you apart more than a giant dome of the mythical Hanuman — perfect for any Instagram updates — along with gorgeous bar bites courtesy of Vaso Spanish Tapas Bar.

A lot of cocktails are presented by Grey Goose Vodka, which pair perfectly with luxury ingredients. The “Goosebump” matches the vodka with the most refined taste of the sea: caviar. The “Grey Goose Oyster Soirée” combines the crisp, sharp taste of the vodka with a refreshing oyster served atop of the drink.

You can find more information at Akara Sky Hanuman.

The best new bars and cocktail menus in Bangkok this March 2024

With a throbbing hangover at the time of writing, we can confidently say we have alcohol on our minds. March is here, which means you can shift your attention from taking care of your significant other in February to taking care of yourself. And as having a good time is basically self-care, here are the new bars in Bangkok you should check out.

G.O.D BKK has us on our knees for their martini

Teens of Thailand, Asia Today, TAX, Independence, Untitled, and now G.O.D — the group’s last rodeo. An abbreviation for “Genius On Drugs,” the bar aims to be inventive, experimental, and raw. The establishment plays into that feeling as well, with the interior reminiscent of a desecrated church brought back to life still with the exposed brick walls and jarring beams. Our advice is to sit at the bar and wait patiently to be showered with G.O.D’s love.

The first cocktail menu is titled “Excessive is Necessary” with bar bites to pair with each drink. Their “Oyster Martini” is made with oyster juice, and served with actual Fine de Claire No.2 oyster and Coppa ham. The “Trinity: The Father, The Son & Larb Kwaii” is an experimental cocktail utilising larb-infused vodka, pig’s blood, and served alongside crispy buffalo skin and truffle mayo.

We’ll be back for a second coming.

You can find more info at G.O.D BKK.

BRUT introduces cocktails garnished with post-war history

The name BRUT derives from “brutalism,” an architecture style popular during the post-war period, characterised by the use of raw concrete, exposed materials, and the raw feeling upon sight.

Brutalism isn’t that much appreciated, though, as many see it as cold and rigid. Still, the rest appreciate that it’s raw and unpretentious; beautiful in its simplicity. That’s exactly what BRUT is doing — what you order is exactly what you get, and nothing less. The vibe is unpretentious, welcoming anyone onto the bar seat.

Must-tries include “1950s,” a very refreshing gin sonic infused with matcha and lemon, aloe vera, Campari, and a brush-stroke of squid ink to pair, as well as the “Concrete,” quite a unique sensation pairing gin with hazelnut liqueur, cherry brandy, sweet vermouth, and radish.

You can find more information at BRUT.

Crimson Room’s new signatures take you on a trip around the world, and back to good jazz

“The Times They Are A-Changin,” says Crimson Room’s signature menu, and yet, some things stay until today. Crimson Room unveils new a whole new signature menu inspired by global history, its tales, its traditions, its ingredients — the things that work and have stayed with us for as long as we can remember. After all, a Negroni has kept its recipe for over a hundred years, but it’s still one of the most popular classic cocktails today. Categorised into continents of the world, let the bar team at Crimson Room give you a glimpse into history through their balanced drinks incorporated with ingredients that represent times and places from each country.

Highlights include the “Polynesian Fizz,” a refreshing drink with Tanqueray gin, Yerba Mate, agave, lime, topped with ginger beer, and served in a Moai-shaped glass, the “Crimson Room No.5,” inspired by the famous Chanel perfume turned into a spirit-forward made from vodka, Champagne cordial, jasmine vermouth, bergamot, and orange blossom water, as well as the “Road to Mumbai,” a spin on the classic Gimlet with mangosteen cordial and masala.

You can find more information at Crimson Room.

Playroom’s new menu is sleek, classic, and inspired by their guests

When the people behind the bar care about their guests, you will feel it. In addition to their homey hospitality, Playroom’s new cocktails pay homage to their guests. It won’t be said in the menu or in any text. By first glance, customers returning will notice the change towards minimalism; martini and couple glasses with minimal garnishes. As you hear the stories behind the drinks from the bar team, you’ll notice that these drinks stem from what people order, what they enjoy, and what they come back to.

That, of course, also makes us want to come back again.

Take a stroll along “Boulevard St. Germain,” a gin-based drink with a strong punch of floral aroma, combined with white tea, umeshu, and elderflower. For an interactive adventure, “Lisa” will be staying in the back of your minds for days as a rum-based cocktail with vanilla and almond liqueur, apple, lemon, and topped with parmesan ice cream. Grab both and more, crafted for your pleasure.

You can find more information at Playroom.

Siwilai Group unveils new drinks for all their venues, plus hearty food options for Radical Club

The Siwilai brand is partying extra hard recently, presenting a brand new City Club recently in Central Embassy, holding events and hosting performers, as well as opening a club in Thonglor. The Siwilai Radical Club does not want to be just a place for nightlife, but also an all-day dining destination open from morning till late. Craving good spaghetti after you dance? Their signature vodka rigatoni has you covered. Happen to be in Thonglor during the day and in need of a hearty brunch? Let their Greek frittata sweep you off your feet.

All their venues get new cocktails exclusive to each location. Highlights include “Stick No.1” at Siwilai City Club, a fruit-filled cocktail with vodka, blueberries, lychee, and lime; “Straight, No Chsaser” at Siwilai Sound Club, a Mezcal-based spirit-forward with blended vermouth, bourbon, and Campari; as well as the “Wasted” at Siwilai Radical Club, a strong, punchy drink with three kinds of spirits, spice mix a’la cola, and topped with seltzer.

You can find more information at Siwilai.

Rogues Bar is retelling world history, now available in drinks form

Located on the second floor of the Intercontinental Bangkok Sukhumvit, Rogues is an interesting little place to have a drink. It’s decorated with warm tones that scream opulence, but each seat has a zebra print pillow that feels fun and lively. It calls itself a speakeasy, but is extremely easy to find and brightly lit. The cocktail menu at first glance draws inspiration from the Old World, with a drink paying homage to The Great Gatsby, and another named after a Wong Kar-Wai film. But as you read on, you’ll find a cocktail inspired by Kill Bill, one telling a story of a pirate life at sea, and suddenly we’re back in Thailand for some mango sticky rice. It’s everything, everywhere, all at once.

If we were to choose, their “Rogue Negroni” is a Tanqueray and Vermouth Rosso combo, with the addition of Thai rice spirit and topped with vermouth foam.

You can find more information at Rogues Bar.

The best new bars and cocktail menus in Bangkok this February 2024

It was Thailand’s drag icon Amadiva that said, “drink more, so we’ll look better.” Since the month of love is now, these bars are just perfect to celebrate with your partner, to-be-partner, or hoping-they’ll-keep-being-your-partner. Hey, maybe some drinks will help, so consider this list of places a checklist.

Ride the wave of classics with Palm Supawit’s Dry Wave Cocktail Studio

Thailand industry icon Palm Supawit‘s newly-debuted bar in Thonglor has been making waves since it opened. At Dry Wave, his “Super Classics” combine two classics into one, showcasing the unique notes of each in a singular glass, like waves crashing harmoniously into another. If you have a classic in mind, you can trust the team will not disappoint.

The “Bitter Sweet & Mint” combines the sweet, aromatic Mint Julep with the bitter and punchy Hanky Panky. The “Dirty Red Dot” takes the distinct raspberry taste from the Clover Club and lets it meet the savoury notes of the Dirty Martini. All of those, and more to discover.

You can find more information at Dry Wave Cocktail Studio.

Stir it, shake it, move it, make it — the new W Lounge is all about vermouths and cabaret

Life is too short for a subpar Martini, and with only two ingredients in the drink, what you put into the mixing glass makes a difference. It’s not everyday we see vermouth taking the centre stage, and it’s the key that makes all the difference in a cocktail. The W Lounge has over 40 vermouths, so whether you like it dry, herbal, aromatic, or fruity, they have it covered. With a spicy theme of “modern cabaret,” they’re fully bringing the vibes of Paris into Bangkok.

Highlights include “The Jazz Sway,” a twist on the classic Rosita with Campari fat-washed with coconut, Mancino Rosso vermouth, Mancino Bianco vermouth, and a few dashes of grapefruit bitters, as well as the “Miraculous,” combining the fragrant Grifoll vermouth with apple wood smoke.

You can find more information at W Bangkok.

NOUN Bar arrives in Bang Phlat with refreshing drinks and a strong sense of comfort

It’s not every place where you can feel that it’s alright to let your hair down, and NOUN Bar’s hospitality and refreshing drinks will whisk away your worries like magic. Tucked away in ChangChui Creative Park, Bang Phlat — it’s definitely one of the more unlikely places to get a cocktail, but they’re certainly taking their craft seriously. Plus, spreading cocktail culture to different parts of the city is always a move we welcome.

Highlights to try include the “Love Potion,” a sweet, creamy drink perfect for the month of love made with vodka, caramel, honey, raspberry, and rose tea, as well as the “Power Potion,” mixing herbal and fruity notes of mixed berry, red wine, and absinthe.

You can find more information at NOUN Bar.

Untitled House is the embodiment of the phrase “good vibes only”

Untitled House is named that way because it tries to escape being labelled. It’s lively and fun, yet intimate and sophisticated. It’s like meeting friends at their home, and sometimes it’s like you’re bringing good friends into yours to show off your new place. It’s everything at once, and for that, it’s untitled. Another cocktail bar in Ladprao also makes the area one to watch.

From their signatures, highlights are the “Laughing Out Loud,” made from rhum agricole, yogurt, and a hint of elderflower, as well as the “Chasing Starlight,” pairing mezcal and tequila with Chinese black tea smoke. A sip makes you feel like dancing in a sci-fi elevator with Dua Lipa.

You can find more information at Untitled House.

Maria Bar is serving vibrant cocktails for jazz lovers of Phra Khanong

Located right next to Phra Khanong BTS station, Maria Bar is the perfect afterwork destination for people in the area. They pride themselves on a simple-but-done-well food menu of European classics with wines to pair, but their cocktails are also quite enjoyable and worth a visit.

The “French Awakening,” with a name that with invoke PTSD for any French royals in 1789, is a gin-based drink with pink guava, parsley, and sparkling wine, and the “Summer in Rome” is a refreshing, bitter concoction made from Campari, dry vermouth, Merlot, and topped with soda.

You can find more information at Maria Bar.

MUST Wine Bar pairs wine with great food and good fun

Wine doesn’t have to feel dressy, and MUST Wine Bar is showcasing just that. As you enter the establishment, you’ll get to walk through rows and rows of 300+ labels of wines before getting to the 35-seat diner. Benjawan “Ben” Wisootsat behind FIN Wines steps into the kitchen herself to make sure everything is perfect for the guests. Plus, it’s pet-friendly, so feel free to bring your furry friends along.

You can find more information at MUST Wine Bar.

The best new bars and cocktail menus in Bangkok this January 2024

It’s a new year, and a new you. But if this “new you” loves to drink as much as the old you, we know just the places you should check out. We also hope you enjoy classic twists because there’s a lot of great ones in town. Perhaps you’ll be able to reacquaint yourselves with the old ones you love, and discover new favourites. We certainly did.

4th Wall brings back forgotten classics through wall-breaking hospitality

From the Vesper team, Langsuan’s 4th Wall has no signature menu, but a daily rotation of classic cocktails. Apart from nailing your Old-Fashioneds and Pina Coladas, they really dug deep to introduce you to lesser-known and forgotten classics from the history of mixology. The Tuxedo No.2 is similar to a Martini, with maraschino liqueur and absinthe to rinse. The Japanese Slipper is a sweet-and-sour hit a clear hit of melon. The Cold War Easier is an aromatic vodka-based cocktail with hints of cherry and orange, then topped with Pinot Noir. All of those, and a whole lot more reasons to keep coming back.

You can find more information at 4th Wall.

The Pickwicks Chronicles is a Dickensian adventure with a lot of gin

Bangkok is long overdue for a literary themed bar. The Pickwicks Chronicles is inspired by The Pickwick Papers, the first fictional work by Charles Dickens telling the story of a group of men going on adventures to spread the wonders of science while having fun doing so. That concept, to our opinion, is perfect as a concept for a bar. Helmed by Gliga Gabriel formerly of Havana Social, the cocktail menu is created after the lively characters of The Pickwick Papers. It’s all about spreading the joy and technicalities of mixology, all while making sure the guests enjoy their time discovering everything the bar has to offer.

If you need help picking what to order, the “Samuel Pickwick,” named after the protagonist of the series, is crafted with gin infused with pink Szechuan peppercorn, falernum liqueur, apricot liqueur, and some citrus and sugar.

You can find more information at The Pickwick Chronicles.

Find the Photobooth is back with drinks, live tunes, and even more photobooths

If you haven’t found the photobooth, now’s your chance. The bar’s a culmination of talents from industry icons: Colin Chia from Nutmeg & Clove, Singapore, Hidetsugu Ueno of Bar High Five, Tokyo, Nick Wu from Bar Mood, Taipei, Neung Ronnaporn and Janz Chennarong from Mahaniyom Cocktail Bar. After moving to Banthat Thong road, they brought in a lot of live tunes perfect for winding down after a long day of work and energetic playlists with pop hits that will out anyone in the closet.

Their cocktail menu is themed after musical notes, with classic cocktails and their own variations. One of their must-tries is the “C Sharp,” a riff on the Clover Club made from Beefeater gin, Chivas 12YO,  raspberry liqueur, and peach bitters.

You can find more information at Find the Photobooth.

Tiki-themed rooftop bar Dark Waters opens with clear riverside view

When we discovered this little gem, we didn’t think there would be a cocktail bar in Khlongsan area. Located on the top floors of the newly-opened Ten Six Hundred hotel, Dark Waters feature a gorgeous view of the Chao Phraya river that you can enjoy while the riverside breeze is wafting through your hair. And as you adore the contemporary interior of onyx and reclaimed wood, their cocktail menu is filled with bright and bold tiki sensations — perfect for a night out with some company.

Enjoy some light bites from their kitchen and end your night on a high note with the “Mudslip,” a very vibrant dessert drink that packs a strong punch of coffee and topped with a scorched marshmallow.

You can find more information at Dark Waters.

Aqua Bar’s new cocktail menu is a perfect night out in Bangkok

With Filipino sensation Ryan Germino manning the stations, the selections of Aqua sees new fun drinks, along with their own iterations of classic cocktails. It’s not everyday we can confidently say that a menu will sure excite both cocktail enthusiasts and those simply looking for a fun night out, but Aqua Bar’s new menu is simply filled to the brim with passionately-crafted concoctions, each with a balance that hits just right. Fair warning that each glass will prove quite difficult to put down once picked up.

Highlights you should not miss include their version of the Paloma, utilising both tequila and mezcal (Clase Azul reposado and Montelobos), pink grapefruit, Aperol, and the agave salt that ties everything together, as well as “The Hungry Caterpillar,” a classy spirit-forward made from Ginger 1800 Coconut tequila, Don Julio Blanco, clarified apple juice, green apple ginger shrub, and Angostura bitters.

You can find more information at Aqua Bar.

Tropic City’s ‘Tropicology’ menu is a tropical island full of rum and creativity

We know that describing a tiki-themed establishment as a tropical island isn’t the most unique, but Tropic City’s just-debuted cocktail menu really casted us away into Blue Hawaii. No matter if you’re here for some good mixology, or the party vibes the place is known for, you’ll find yourself in a perfect getaway with a lot of rum, fruits, and everything that will help you with those 50 first dates and more. Two drinks in, our jaws were on the floor and we already forgot Sarah Marshall.

Highlights you must try include the “Ultimate Banana Lord,” made with Mount Gay Black Barrel rum, Tito’s vodka, banana, salted caramel, and browned butter, as well as “For a Cooler You,” a very tiki drink that uses Naked Malt whisky, an array of tropical fruits, roasted coconut, and just the right of their punch of salted maple syrup.

You can find more information at Tropic City.