TOKLFDA2018 Shortlist: Best Cocktail Bar

This popular watering hole in Bangsar has drawn crowds since it opened thanks to delicious cocktails and affordable prices. Award-winning bartender CK Kho is the man behind the bar and the drinks, so you know your drinks are in good hands. Classics are given a contemporary twist, and local flavours and ingredients are highlighted in the popular Koktel menu.

Part of the Troika family, Coppersmith is an elegant cocktail bar that opens up to a great view of the Twin Towers. The inventive cocktails here showcase the precise techniques employed by skilled bartenders, and reflect current trends in the world of mixology. The selection of cocktails may be limited, but at Coppersmith, the ethos seems to be quality over quantity.

Located high above the city on Level 59 of Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur, this rooftop bar offers great cocktails with uninterrupted views of the city skyline – a stunning backdrop for a great night out. Expect a range of well-balanced cocktails with complex flavour profiles and premium ingredients. Adding to the service at Vertigo are talented mixologists on hand ready to customise cocktails to your preference.

This hidden gem in Chinatown is a swanky space that serves cocktails by the era. Taking inspiration from Southeast Asian flavours and helmed by renowned bartender Angel Ng, the cocktails are bold, creative and delicious. The menu is divided into the different eras of the drink’s history and provides a glimpse into the past with classic cocktails (given a PS150 twist of course) alongside innovative creations.

SkyBar is exactly as its name suggests – a sophisticated bar in the sky where you can enjoy a cocktail looking out onto the magnificent views of the Twin Towers. Its modern design never fails to impress, with cosy alcoves as well as high tables and chairs around the pool. Creative cocktails are the name of the game, and the bar regularly hosts themed party nights.