The Contemporary Era arrived on our shores in 2010 bringing along with it a cocktail culture that has since morphed and evolved into quite the exciting industry that it is today. Malaysia’s cocktail scene has fast been growing year after year with the introduction of new concepts in new-old spaces, unique pours, and fresh young talents breathing new life into an aging bar scene. Local bartenders today seem to enjoy putting their own spin on well-beloved cocktails, injecting local flavours into familiar staples. Some of these brazen acts are met with accolades from consumers and industry peers alike but all too many are of the mind that the beauty of a classic must not to be tampered with.
Here, Angel Ng Ji, award-winning pioneer in Malaysia’s cocktail arena and bar & beverage professional, owner of Three Piece Shaker, a one-stop bar & beverage solution company, co-founder of MY Bartender’s Handshake, a social media platform for the community by the community, has carefully curated Malaysia’s all-time best selling classic cocktails with the help of bartenders from the best bars around the country exclusively for Set the Tables. Make yourself a drink, take a seat, and let us reveal the 15 best selling cocktails in Malaysia, ranked in order:
15. The Last Word
14. Sazerac
13. Expresso Martini
12. Gimlet
11. Moscow Mule
10. Bee’s Knees
9. Dry Martini
8. Margarita
7. Mojito
6. Jungle Bird
5. Long Island Iced Tea
4. Gin & Tonic
3. Whiskey Sour
2. Negroni
1. Old Fashioned
Special thanks to Atas Speakeasy, Bar Trigona, Beta, Botak Liquor, Cabinet 8 by JWC, Hyde at 53M, Joloko, Mish Mash, Pahit, Suzie Wong
Words by Angel Ng. Gin Jubilee National Champion 2016, La Maison Cointreau National Champion 2017, TBA’s Ada Coleman Award 2017. Angel currently consults clients on pre-launch bars, organising events and provides bar training through her consulting agency, Three Piece Shaker.
Atas Speakeasy Located in heritage Ipoh, this hidden and cosy bar offers an array of quality artisanal spirits and inventive cocktails. One of the best bar in Ipoh, do try their Pinocchio’s Conscience from their newly launch second edition menu.
Bar Trigona Located in the city’s most luxurious hotel – The Four Seasons Hotel, Bar Trigona is as equally opulent and glamorous. Helmed by head bartender Ashish Sharma, the cocktail menu is meticulously crafted, placing great importance in using local ingredients sourced from farms around Malaysia.
BETA ventures into four distinct regions of Malaysia to bring a newly redefined gastronomic experience that embodies the hallmark palates of Malaysia. If you are looking for something truly Malaysian, Beta is your place.
Botak Liquor Located right in the heart of Chinatown, this bar is surrounded with lush green wherever you sit. True to its “farm-to-glass” approach, all ingredients are sourced from the farmers or the owner’s own farm and served fresh to the guests.
Cabinet 8 by JWC A forefront of the bar scene in Johor, head bartender Justin Tay claimed the top spot at the La Maison Cointreau 2018 Malaysia finals. Expect nothing less but stylish cocktails that are well-balanced and well-crafted.
Hyde at 53M This stylish bar is definitely well-stocked. Japanese single malt, whisky, crafted beers to cocktails. Not forgetting its moreish bar snack menu too! The perfect place to unwind with a tipple or two after a long week.
Joloko Step into Joloko and you’ll be transported to another world. This Afro-Carribean bar has this soothing tropical breeze vibe with its lush greens. Order a drink or two, and you’ll start speaking Spanish. They have a pretty impressive range of cocktails, wine, mezcal and tequila.
Mish Mash After opening its doors in 2014, Mish Mash quickly made a name for itself as the must-go bar for anyone who visits Penang. Mish Mash is also the first bar in Penang to offer a vast variety of scotch whiskeys, american rye, bourbons and japanese whisky.
Pahit Gin specialist bar Pahit is a mix of old Malaya charm with a contemporary approach to its drinks. A favourite spot for locals and foreigners alike, this bar stocks more than 60 brands from all over the world for juniper lovers to discover
Suzie Wong The enchanting world of Suzie Wong is a blend of classic orient, grit and classic Hong Kong glamour. Expect to bedazzled by ladies dressed in 50s attire, live entertainment and an impressive cocktail menu to match.
