The best bars for gin in KL

Pahit specialises in all things gin – from gin-based cocktails to an impressive range of G&Ts. They have an extensive list of gins from all over the world, including Williams Elegant Crisp Gin from England and Caorunn Small Batch Gin from Scotland. For something cool and refreshing at the end of a work week, try one of their many fruit-infused G&Ts that, even though are filled with herbs and ingredients, pack a punch. And definitely don’t leave without trying their cocktails.

Gin cocktails, house-infused gins and classic G&Ts abound at this charming retro-inspired bar. The house-infused gins are steeped with various fruits and herbs for at least four days, while the G&Ts are made with different pairings of gins and tonics. The bar stocks plenty of labels from around the world, and also a selection of sloe gin, which is a slightly more robust drink and is great on its own over ice.

This classy MariGin takes inspiration from traditional gin parlours of old and invites guests in with casual decor and an impressive menu of premium gins. There are over 50 varieties of gins on offer, which are used in the bar's gin infusions (called 'ginfusions', and are combined with local flavours), creative gin cocktails and classic G&Ts made with different gin and tonic pairings.

With a collection of over 150 imported craft gins, MAZE offers the assurance that gin-based cocktails here are as interesting and varied as they come. Another thing that stands out here is their ‘gin sum’ cart that’s available when you get a classic G&T. You can purchase the services of this cart – which carries all sorts of fresh garnishes like blackberries, watermelon and many more – to try with your G&T.  

No fancy cocktails here as Mercat sticks to the classic G&T. Staying true to its roots, Mercat pours a Spanish version of the gin and tonic: A double shot of gin served in a balloon glass with large ice cubes, garnished with fruits or spices to complement the botanicals of the gin. The bar will introduce two to three new varieties of gin every month, in addition to the existing collection Mercat is already carrying.

Omakase + Appreciate carry about ten different kinds of gins from all over the world, from London dry gins to fresh gins. Also in their collection are Plymouth – which is earthier compared to a London dry and is only produced in Plymouth, England – and the berry-like sloe gin. The guys and girls behind the bar have created their own individual signature gin cocktails, each using a different type of gin and with its own distinct flavour profile.

Although HYDE already carries as many as 24 varieties of gin, three of which are the homemade kaffir lime-, Earl Grey- and saffron-infused gins, the bar still has plans to introduce new flavours to their menu every one to two months. The bartenders here pride themselves presentation as well as the taste of their cocktails. One such example includes pairing their drinks with the freshest garnishes possible such as colourful edible flowers. Indeed, the cocktails taste just as good as they look.