There’s more to cocktail culture than just sipping your drink and knowing what’s in it. Each glass gives a glimpse into a mixology culture that's been passed down for centuries and boasts layers of flavors resulting from a creative blend of ingredients. You're not just sipping a cocktail; you're imbibing years worth of culture. And at these cocktail salons that we visited this year, tipplers are also introduced to novel ingredients, and the stories and experiences of each mixologist.
A super-sleek, super-cool watering hole by the folks behind Messengerservice Bar, Bar Us incorporates the essence of proper dining, sequencing the menu into “starter”, “main”, and “after”. Drinks are meticulously crafted from various ingredients made in-house to boast ultimately complex flavors from the first sip to the aftertaste. Can’t miss it if you're in town.
Soi Sukhumvit 26
Open Tue to Sun, 18:00 to 00:00
For her very first bar, prominent female mixologist Fah-beer Suchada Sophajaree took to the concept of “Translating Solid to Liquid” to symbolize how drinks are inspired by traditional Thai eats. As a bonus, Fah-beer will guide you to the best spots in the city to try the actual food that lent inspiration to each drink.
Thonglor
Open daily, 19:00 to 02:00
This bar in Phrom Phong is all about music and everything in between. Drumsticks adorn the walls, instruments are set here and there, and you can enjoy live DJ and percussion performances every night. Come here for cool vibes and music-inspired drinks by head barman Pisit "Jeng" Yooyencharoen.
Valia Hotel Bangkok, Soi Sukhumvit 22
Open daily from 19:00
This riverside spin-off of famed bar Sugar Ray serves up the latter’s signature cocktails and Japanese-inspired mixes alongside Japanese-style bar chow created by Chef Park Pattarawit Chanchai.
The Salil Riverside Bangkok, Soi Charoenkrung 72/1
Open daily, 18:30 to 01:00
The Bangkok outpost of the popular bar from Chiang Mai boasts blue, velvet-clad interiors and a curved bar that encourages conversation with strangers. The menu lists classic drinks with creative twists.
Soi Sukhumvit 16 (above Pepe)
Open Tue to Sun, from 19:00
Hidden away on the top floor of Italian restaurant Contento, this seriously chic drinking room features eclectic interiors that are somewhere between chinoiserie and Art Deco. Riffing off the theme, the cocktails are inspired by legendary Hollywood movies and stars of Chinese descent. Order the drink called Anna May Wong to kick off your night.
Mai Tri Chit Road
Open Wed to Sun, 19:00 to 01:00
Taking inspiration from the Prohibition period in America during the 1920s, this bar has a secretive entryway and velvety Art-Deco-inspired decor. Classic cocktails make up the drinks list.
Behind Civic Hotel, Soi Sukhumvit 63
Open daily, 19:00 to 02:00
What used to be a Nana mainstay has reopened on Ban Tad Thong eating street. Like before, you’ll still need to find the “photo booth” to get in. Once inside, you can choose from drinks inspired by the seven notes in music.
Ban Tad Thong Road (near Rama 4 Road)
Open Thu to Sun, 19:00 to 02:00
Perfectly positioned opposite Wat Pho, this scarlet-colored bar, which is part of the famous fine-dining establishment Nusara, offers classic drinks with modern twists alongside stunning views of one of Bangkok’s most renowned temples. The concept behind the cocktails, made by award-winning barman Nueng Ronnaporn, align with its location right in the heart of the old town.
Ta Tien
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