About Miss Wong

Miss Wong is the name of a portrait, painted by a self-taught artist Vladimir Tretchikoff. The famous portrait of successful Russian artist Tretchikoff happened only by coincidence. Somewhere in the early 1950s, Miss Wong bumped into Tretchikoff in Cape Town, where he immediately decided he wanted to paint her. His realistic style is very inspiring and truly shines in this portrait, which has been reproduced many times. There are many items where we can find Miss Wong and this diversity can be a parallel with the artist’s life. In his 92 years, he lived on three continents with countless twists and turns.

Miss Wong Siem Reap Bar Ambience 

Strong Chinese influence is obvious from far with iconic lanterns and red walls. Contrasting wooden furniture divides attention with dark furnishing that compliments live plants really well. Of course, you’ll find the iconic Miss Wong in the most obvious places, but you’ll see many different art pieces on the walls. Most of all we admired vintage pieces for their emblematic charm and authentic Shanghai touch. However, the contrasting blend of old & new, local & distant was equally impressive. Miss Wong Cocktail Bar in Siem Reap truly is a unique place where you’ll relax under the iconic dimmed lights in the speakeasy way.

Miss Wong Siem Reap Bar Menu

Our focus at the Miss Wong Bar Siem Reap Bar were drinks. And we assure you their menu pleases many different tastes. A large portion of the Miss Wong Drink Menu belongs to different extraordinary spirits, beers, and various wine options. That doesn’t mean you can’t have a bite. For sure you can, and the food menu is in sync with charming surroundings. We are talking about home-style Chinese cooking. You’ll have a portion of moreish taro chips even if your goal is just to have a taste of some infused gin and tonic.

Miss Wong Punch

We had a cocktail or two and here is a must one, Miss Wong Punch! Knock-out house special is based on Gold rum, St. James Amber, and Triple sec. Each spirit comes with different qualities. Gold rum comes with deep, wooden notes intensified with some smokiness and sweetness. Saint James Amber rum is matured in oak casks and comes with spices and dried fruit notes. Both are great combined with orange-infused spirit, Triple sec. To that base, barmen added cranberry, pineapple, mango, and lime juice.

Miss Wong Siem Reap Review Card

• 9.2/10
  ATMOSPHERE – 9.2/10
• 9.0/10
  SERVICE – 9.0/10
• 9/10
  DRINK SELECTION – 9/10
• 6/10
  PRESENTATION – 6/10
• 9.2/10
  OUR DRINKS – 9.2/10
• 9.6/10
  VALUE – 9.6/10

Final Thought

Miss Wong Siem Reap Cocktail Bar is quite the opposite of loud Pub Street behind the corner. Therefore, it is a perfect place to retreat when you want to refresh and enjoy a bite with friends. Why do we think Miss Wong is one of a must-visit here in Siem Reap? Because of its tranquility, cool ambiance, and drinks, of course. Cocktails are solid and in Cambodian heat, they will go down like Prince’s Andrew titles. However, the biggest downvote is plastic straws and there could be some better presentation of the drinks alone.

Price & Location

Cocktails here at Miss Wong will cost you around 6 USD which is a bargain. Here is a link to the location for all who will pay them a visit

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Menaka Atmosphere

First thing first, the painting on the entry doors is amazing. It isn’t just a pretty sight, but it also could be a hint of creativity. Once inside, you’ll be greeted by the kind staff, flooded bar, and dimmed lights. In fact, the lighting brings additional privacy to a somewhat small space. Low light is also perfect for the interior in tones of the dark flame. When looking on the walls, we noticed carved stones, paintings of Khmer music stars, books… Wherever we looked it was obvious that this speakeasy bar in Siem Reap is run with respect to Cambodian history. Despite that, there is a noticeable parallel with the American Prohibition Era.

Menaka Menu

Could it be that papyrus scroll or old royal writs inspired Menaka menu? Either way, it feels special to read about craft cocktails from the cloth roll. Some of the best artisanal drinks in Siem Reap are inspired by the Angkor, Sangkum, and the Great Era. The Angkor era celebrates the wisdom and flavors of the ancient Khmer Empire with classic Cambodian ingredients. Cocktails in the Sangkum era are named by the songs, which capture the era of joy and love. The Great Era celebrates the quick growth and globalization that modernized Cambodia.

Besides the mixed drinks you can have a serving of Japanese or Scottish whiskeys. In case you want a bite or two you can also order some food from Menaka Café.

Our Cocktials

Love Like Honey

The praise of sweet honey is clearly understood through the seductive sweetness. We could clearly taste the honey backed up with mango nectar refreshed with lime. Taste profile made a complete circle with Vermont bringing the toasted wood and grain notes to the close. Since this is no joke drink but a vodka-based cocktail, we can say it is surely one that will make your evening a pure joy.

Monsoon Perfume 

A flavorful rollercoaster keeps the mind occupied even after a sip is long gone. Once a refreshing mixture of lime, mint, tonic, and gin comes to a close Kampot pepper takes over. Our tastebuds found it addictive! It is incredible how smoothly the tranquilizing greeting ended with a pleasing tingle. Although we advise caution when drinking because Ian got a splinter of mature lemongrass in his drink. No bottoms up, but mindful sipping is the way to enjoy this delectable mixed drink. 

Peerless Shape

Ahead of tasting the Peerless Shape, we were expecting the sweet tutti-fruity bubble gum notes we discovered in jackfruit a while ago. Instead, we were amazed by the savory flavor profile that jackfruit is also famous for. In this case, it didn’t taste like pork, but more like raw bread dough, cheese, and fresh walnuts. Yes, interesting but not something we would want to hold on to. Still, we were blown away with the possibilities entrusted upon creative mixologists and couldn’t resist but compare it to the Out of Nowhere cocktail.

Menaka Lounge Review Card

• 9/10
  ATMOSPHERE – 9/10
• 9.0/10
  SERVICE – 9.0/10
• 8.9/10
  DRINK SELECTION – 8.9/10
• 8.4/10
  PRESENTATION – 8.4/10
• 9.5/10
  OUR DRINKS – 9.5/10
• 9.2/10
  VALUE – 9.2/10

Final Thought

Menaka Lounge speakeasy is a nice surprise here in Siem Reap. Warm ambiance, nice service and interesting cocktails are a winning combination for every bar seeker. Well at least a cultured one, for the animalistic party you will need to take a few hundred meters further. But hey, we all have our needs and preferences. This speakeasy is great to chill zone after your temple run. We recommend you pay them a visit and enjoy Siem Reap in full capacity. Any downside? Sadly yes, plastic straws! They should check their competition Sokkhak River Lounge, and see how they tackle this

Price & Location

Cocktails at Menaka Lounge are set to 6 USD which is a true bargain. Here is a link to the location for easier navigation. Enjoy!

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Sokkhak River Lounge Atmosphere 

For those of you, who love greenery you’ll love the Sokkhak River Lounge. There you’ll find a connection with nature almost without effort. Tall windows at the ground keep the view unobstructed and the café well chilled. We particularly loved the terrace, especially in the evening. Although, even more special is the sunset view at their Rooftop Bar. Up there, guests can enjoy the canopy of Siem Reap in changing colors.

Menu

On the ground floor, you’ll find an assemblage of invigorating drinks. Whether you crave a cup of coffee or tea, don’t miss their drinks made of fresh fruit. Then again you’ll find a selection of mineral water and a handful of alcoholic beverages. In addition to gin, wine, and beer we must mention cocktails. Although, don’t expect artisanal masterpieces but fresh fruit does taste delicious. We were particularly pleased with the mocktails we had.

Our Cocktails

White Dragon

Who wouldn’t love the mocktail made with fresh fruit? Pina Colada lovers know exactly what we mean by that. Besides this famous tropical drink, we have the NOBU Soju Dragon cocktail in mind. That unforgettable creation we had next to our NOBU afternoon tea was also made with dragonfruit. At the Sokkhak River Lounge, they sweetened the dragonfruit with pineapple and balanced it with lime juice. What we loved most were the changing flavors. At first, we could taste pineapple, but the aftertaste was focused on dragonfruit.

Sokkhak Punch

Punch lovers pay attention, for a gingery fire that will clear your throat before you finish it. On the first note, you’ll taste fresh orange juice combined with bubbly Sprite. As it fits for a punch there is alcoholic addition in a form of Jameson whiskey. At first, it is fruity but after a sip or two, you’ll begin to pick the healing side of ginger. Here we must confess our disappointment over unbalanced flavors that left us irritated. Luckily, our mocktail kept the fire under control.

Sokkhak’s Cooler Mocktail

A cooling mint is a queen, yet it is greatly matched with the refreshing lime juice. Lychee, the middleman, doesn’t stay out of the picture for too long neither. In fact, it is well present in aromatic sweetness that kept us glued to the glass. We absolutely loved this easy-to-make drink that fed us a little as well. Its thick consistency came out of blended fresh mint and lychee.

Monkey Tail

A combination of Grenadine syrup, orange, and juice of a very ripe mango resulted in an intensely tutty-fruity manner. If they would replace the syrup with passion fruit we would love it. Although, they could ditch grenadine entirely and use the juice of green mango. As it was, we liked it even less than the punch we had before.

Sokkhak River Lounge Review Card

• 9.1/10
  ATMOSPHERE – 9.1/10
• 9.0/10
  SERVICE – 9.0/10
• 9.5/10
  DRINK SELECTION – 9.5/10
• 7.5/10
  PRESENTATION – 7.5/10
• 8.7/10
  OUR DRINKS – 8.7/10
• 9.5/10
  VALUE – 9.5/10

Final Thought

Sokkhak River Lounge in Siem Reap will provide an energizing experience at any time of the day. This can be because of the heavy presence of vegetation, but also the place gives off the restful character. What we loved most was the kind service and freshly juiced fruit in their drinks. Another welcoming tribute to nature was also the absence of plastic straws. Just like at the Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort we got lemongrass that did the job perfectly.

Price & Location

Mocktails will cost you 4,5 USD and cocktails a dollar more, which is a barging. However, here is a link to the location for easier navigation.

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Ambiance 

First thing first, summer fun is at home at the Kep Sailing Club. Before we reached the Lounge, we noted activities of all sorts that can happen on this seaside side property. The list is long, so we will focus on the spacious Lounge itself. Most notable is the breezy feel of the open Lounge made of wood. The material is kept in dark chocolate tones that act like a hug with supporting pillows in sunset tones. Next to the bar is a meaningful art piece made of used tins that livens up the back wall. Overall, beach life for sure. 

Kep Sailing Lounge Menu

A special place on the menu belongs to the Cocktails, but there are other options. Of course, there is beer, wine, and stronger spirits, but you’ll find alcohol-free options and a handful of bites as well. Our eyes were pointed on mixed drinks so expect the details on those. In general, we enjoyed the experience but we weren’t blown away by artisanal magic. Sure enough, we enjoyed the roasted peanuts seasoned with kaffir lime leaf, chili, garlic, and lemongrass.

Our Cocktails

Lychee Lime Fizz

Refreshing mint kept us cool till the end but it took over the main wheel from lychee. We missed this fragrant sweet fruit in the aroma, but we got one meaty example inside to nibble on. Indeed, it was a lovely counterbalance to the lime juice. Once the fruit went down the drain, we appreciated moderate honey touch.

The Lounge Special

Sweet pressed citrus syrup with aromatic and orange bitters complimented each other wonderfully. Nevertheless, the drink wouldn’t be such a delight without the heavy influence of pineapple-infused rum. Plantation 3 Star Pineapple Rum bonded with the bitters due to its smokiness and tropical fruit extending much further than just pineapple. 

Pina Colada

Beach bar simply can’t exist without good ‘ol Pina Colada. This Pina Colada was the real deal from start to finish owing to fresh ingredients. Juiced pineapple and fresh coconut were the real gems. Although the 3 years aged Havana Club rum rounded up the drink with its characteristics. Think of caramelized pear and banana, but most of all we picked on the vanilla and smoked oak.

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Kep Sailing Club Restaurant Bar

The Mistake

This mistake smashed us with for our taste too sweet introduction, leaving us searching for the fading passion fruit. We found it in the aftertaste, right where the ginger and aromatic bitters were hiding as well. 

Kep Sailing Club Lounge Review Card

• 9.5/10
  ATMOSPHERE – 9.5/10
• 9.0/10
  SERVICE – 9.0/10
• 9.0/10
  DRINK SELECTION – 9.0/10
• 7.5/10
  PRESENTATION – 7.5/10
• 7/10
  OUR DRINKS – 7/10
• 8/10
  VALUE – 8/10

Final Thought

Although the view is outstanding, the ambiance lovely, and the summer breeze on point but there is just one detail missing – artisanal cocktails. You know, homemade liqueurs, syrups, more fresh juices and presentations, all that and more creativity as well. I know the majority is just fine with “classics” made of mainstream syrups, but hedonists like us are willing for more. And that is right! Kep Sailing Club Lounge has a lot of potentials, and who knows maybe next time we will be there they will show us all best.

Price & Location

Cocktails here at Kep Sailing Club Lounge Bar will cost you about 7 USD, and here is a link to the location for easier navigation. Enjoy your sunset!

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Health Boosting Cocktails is a Thing

Tea based cocktails can be easily named as the healthiest cocktails. But there is alcohol in it! Hey, having a banana is healthy; try having 400 bananas at once, and you are dead. Nonetheless, they didn’t say “good ‘ol remedy for nothing”. Here is our second Covid cocktail recipe – Sage Advice. In case you missed the first one, here is a link to Rose Hip Thyme.

Sage Advice Cocktail Recipe

You’ll need just a few ingredients for this tea cocktail, even though it is a far cry from an easy one. After all, what makes the artisan cocktails different from the others? Homemade ingredients from the scratch, if you ask me. For the Sage advice, I used two preprepared ingredients, purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) liqueur, and young pine shoot syrup. I will describe later how to prepare each of these. As an alcohol base, I used Ki No Tea expression by the Kyoto Distillery. However, you can use any other London Dry gin. Tanqueray with its juniper straight and licorice will fit perfectly here. As you already know, this is a tea-based cocktail and I used strong sage tea. In addition to that, you need a spoon of good forest honey and organic lemon.

Ingredients

Young pine shoots syrup:

• 4 cups of fresh young pine shoots
• 2 cups of coconut sugar (if you have a chance to get Gula Melaka, you can try with it)

Purple coneflower liqueur:

• 4 cups of fresh Purple coneflower flowers and leaves
• 2 cups of sugar
• 3 cups of moonshine (try to get higher than 50% ABV)

Sage tea

• 5g of dried sage leaves (you can mix varieties. I like to add some lemon sage for zesty note)
• 100ml water

Sage Advice Cocktail:

• 30ml London Dry Gin (I used Ki No Tea by the Kyoto Distillery but some classics like Tanqueray will do as well)
• 20ml purple coneflower liqueur
• 30ml sage tea
• 1 teaspoon young pine shoots syrup
• 1 teaspoon forest honey
• lemon

Directions

Alright, let’s go to the directions on how to make this amazing tea cocktail. First thing first, there are two ingredients you should prepare in advance – young pine shoots syrup and purple coneflower liqueur. If you don’t have them, and you wanna make this cocktail straight away, check at your home remedy shop.

Young Pine Shoots Syrup

For homemade young pine shoots syrup, you should go and harvest them in mid-spring when they are like the name says it – young. Above all, make sure you don’t pick the one on the top of the pine tree. Needless to say, it brings bad luck to you and dwarfism to the tree. At home put a layer of the pine shoots in the glass jar and cover it with organic coconut sugar. We do encourage you to try Gula Melaka if you have a chance to get it. After that, repeat the layers until you finish with the sugar on the top. Seal the jar and leave it in the sun throughout the whole summer. In the autumn filter it, and you have your syrup. Sweet shoots you can use for desserts or cook them in tea.

Just like that, you got extremely delicious syrup that has a beneficial effect on the respiratory system and helps soothe caught.

Purple Coneflower Liqueur

Purple coneflowers are easy to cultivate. In the light of gardening, we can say you just burry some seeds into the ground and forget about it. In the late summer, you will enjoy the view of the happy bees and start picking them. Cut the flowers and some leaves in a way the young flowers will continue to grow. In like manner, you can pick them up through the whole summer till early autumn. At home prepare a huge container with strong alcohol (we used 65% ABV organic homemade moonshine) and sugar. Furthermore, store it in a dark place. Every time you pick new flowers and leaves soak them in the existing solution and leave them covered. After a few months filter it into the bottles and you have your home remedy.

Please be careful, purple coneflower is potent and should be used with cautions. For more read here. Special tip: dry some whole flowers which can be used as decoration or making a freshly brewed tea.

Tea Cocktail Recipe

Alright, now that you know how to make the syrup and coneflower liqueur, we can get straight to the tea cocktail. Boil very strong sage tea and leave it to cool down (you can leave the sage leaves in it and macerate it more if you please).

For the cocktail, stir London dry gin, coneflower liqueur, pine syrup, cold concentrated sage tea, and honey altogether. Add ice and stir, strain it to the glass, or even better – lovely porcelain cup. At the end squeeze a wedge of organic lemon and garnish with a slice. On the top of the slice put some fresh sage leaves or coneflower petals.

Thank you for your attention. I hope you will try out this delicious Covid Cocktail Recipe and get your spirits and immune system high. Check us from time to time for new healthy cocktails and wait for our cocktail recipe book.

The post Tea Cocktail Recipe: Sage Advice appeared first on Wild 'n' Free Diary.

Rose Hip Thyme Cocktail Recipe

Rosehip is a renowned natural cold and virus remedy, just what we need right now. Therefore, the whole cocktail is mixed with a thought of the antiviral property. To that, we are adding honey, lemon, thyme essential oil, ginger and even rooibos tea. Does this sound more like a remedy than a cocktail?

Ingredients

Rosehip syrup:

• 4 cups of rosehips
• 4 cups of water
• 1 cup of white sugar

Rooibos tea

• 5g of fine loose leaf rooibos tea
• 500ml water

Cocktail:

• 40ml Chivas Regal 18y or some other medium body blended scotch whisky
• 40ml rosehip syrup
• 40ml rooibos tea
• 20ml lemon juice
• 5g flower honey
• 3 drops of organic thyme essential oil (you can substitute it with dried thyme. Cook it with rooibos tea)
• pinch of grated ginger
• free-range egg white (about one-third of the egg or chickpea water in vegan version)

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Sage Advice Cocktail Recipe

Directions

First thing first, making rosehip syrup is incredibly easy. Just start with crushing the rosehip berries and mix them in a pot of sweetened boiling water. Simmer the mixture on low heat for about an hour. Before you strain the liquid through cheesecloth or strainer, do let it cool down. Once you got all the juice out, keep your syrup in the fridge at least one day before making a cocktail. However, you can keep closed bottles of rosehip syrup in the refrigerator for almost the whole year long. Just make sure you will bottle it hot (over 80 Celsium degrees).

In fact, the second step is even easier. Make some rooibos tea with steeping rooibos in hot water. Same as syrup, let the tea cool down in the fridge, preferably made on the same day as a cocktail.

For the cocktail, mix Chivas Regal 18y (or some other medium-bodied blended scotch, preferable with vanilla hints), rosehip syrup, rooibos tea, lemon juice, honey, thyme essential oil, ginger, and egg white. First, dry shake everything, second, add ice and reshake. Strain it to the champagne coupe and decorate with grated lemon zest and rosehip before you finish with fresh Italian thyme tips.

The cocktail has a smooth taste of oaky vanilla notes coming not only from the whisky but rosehip seeds as well. Between its woody charms and fruity rosehip, you’ll find herbal thyme. Indeed this drink keeps evolving while it gets warm in your hand but remains pleasing till the last drop.

Thank you for your attention. I hope you will try out this delicious Covid Cocktail Recipe and get your spirits and immune system high.

The post Covid Cocktail Recipe: Rose Hip Thyme appeared first on Wild 'n' Free Diary.

Now, let’s dive into the Intercontinental Ljubljana rooftop B-Bar review, where artisanal cocktails are enriched with the help of Slovenian bees.

B-Bar’s Ambiance 

The highest bar in Ljubljana is about urban luxury and sleek contemporary interior design. It offers comfort, including the easy-going vibe supported by uplifting beats. 

We have to take you through the B-bar’s sweeping views from the 20th floor. On one side, you’ll see Ljubljana’s largest and greenest park, the Tivoli park. Between the park and the medieval castle on the hilltop, we also feel in love with the ongoing greenery stretching beyond the Slovenian capital.

Indeed, Ljubljana is green both, in green surfaces as well as an eco-city. As a matter of fact, the European Commission has awarded it the European Green Capital of 2016. 

B-Bar Menu

There is no secret B-Bar is about artisanal cocktails and fine drinks. However, before you order, go through the abundant Gin selection that counts about fifty labels, five of them Slovenian. More numerous is Slovenian wine selection in a separate wine menu. There you’ll also find many renowned international wines

Of course, there is plenty of whisky, whiskey, cognac, brandy, tequila, and vodka if one pleases. Despite all, we advise you to try some of the signature honeyed cocktails and mocktails.

Notwithstanding the bounty of cocktail bases on stock, the head mixologist makes all sorts of infusions. That way, a unique experience is secured and a tasty one if we may add. To keep things exciting and creativity flowing, the menu changes with seasons. 

Our Drinks

Common ground for all our drinks was the well-tuned balance between corresponding ingredients. Could that be a link to the natural balance where overkill doesn’t belong? Bees have a role in the ecosystem, bigger than giving us a celestial treat. Therefore, honey is treated with respect at the B-bar. 

Coffee Sour

The star of this drink is orange, and no, not just because of the garnish. It is true that the aroma of fresh orange zest bonds with the orange and lemon juice. But the Tia Maria coffee liqueur and chocolate bitters give the orange wings. As it happens, light touch on both keeps this drink in the mocktail section. 

Mexican Bee

A very refreshing cocktail, firmly based on smooth Herradura Reposado tequila. Around tequila, lemon and lime form thirst-quenching alliance moderately sweetened with acacia honey seasoned with basil.

One can include edible garnish and explore the power of the slat or red pepper between the sips. Both are in abundant supply as an edible garnish and uniquely change the enticing drink.

Pina Tullada

The taste of the Caribbean coming from the tiki glass exceeded our expectations of the pineapple and coconut mix. We especially loved how the fruity acidity felt close to the taste of the cooked banana. Besides that, the roasted coconut helped the Tullamore DEW X.O. whiskey’s caramel side. 

Antons Negroni

Mixologists respected Negroni’s roots with bees take on the classic. They infused Campari with pollen to get the unique floral aroma and slight sweetness. Bittersweet honeyed notes expand with the lemon zest and Punt E Mes addition. The aftertaste is spicy with lingering bitters, just as it should be. For the final element is Slovenian minimalistic Bratinov gin, made with only four herbs. 

Conclusion

I can’t tell you how happy I am to see artisanal cocktails here in Ljubljana. To be honest, the Slovenian cocktail scene was poor and far from creative, but now it is waking up. We got some hints to check some other cool bars. Who knows, maybe we might find even hidden bar here around… No matter what, we will present you with more Slovenian cocktails!

Now, let’s see how our first incredible finding played the game. B-Bar is an outstanding bar, there is no doubt. To point out, our waiter was professional all the time and his creations kept us on toes. Cocktails were nice with the great red line – honey. If you are looking for some exceptional drinks, the 20th floor at Intercontinental Ljubljana is your gig. B-Bar is one of the best bars in Ljubljana and we warmly recommend it.

B-Bar Review Card

• 9.6/10
  ATMOSPHERE – 9.6/10
• 9.7/10
  SERVICE – 9.7/10
• 9.9/10
  DRINK SELECTION – 9.9/10
• 9.7/10
  PRESENTATION – 9.7/10
• 9.5/10
  OUR DRINKS – 9.5/10
• 9.6/10
  VALUE – 9.6/10

Price and Location

Cocktails here at B-Bar comes at about 11 USD, while mocktails cost less than 8 USD. Here is a link to the location for easier navigation. Keep in mind to obey the guidelines of a smart-casual dress code. Another thing you might pay attention to is that the bar’s offer varies by the hour. For example, you’ll get a cocktail after 5 p.m. and food after 6 p.m.

The post B-Bar Intercontinental Ljubljana Review appeared first on Wild 'n' Free Diary.

About Liberation Bar

The award-winning team at the Liberation cocktail bar has been reaping success after success. Their latest triumph is sowing joy with new flavors that come from modern techniques. That state-of-the-art equipment is just a tool to achieve the wildest mixology dreams. To make everything more excited, Liberation Bar is hidden and has a speakeasy character.

The Machine: Rotary Evaporator

Rotary evaporator, or rotovap, looks complicated, but the procedure is simple. In a nutshell, the process could be called a reduced pressure distillation. The rotovap is used for removing solvents from the mixture at low temperature while under pressure or vacuum. That can be done once the mixture is heated in the rotary bulb. When the solvent evaporates from the mixture through the cold finger, it gets trapped in a separate flask. That flask catches the concentrated clear liquid packed with flavor. 

Mixologists at the Liberation bar Bangkok are pushing the limits of the contemporary mixed drinks. They extract flavor from edible plants, liquids, and even one special waterbug. In the end, the crystal-clear extractions form a delicious “library” that pushes modern mixology to the limits.

Ambiance 

The gloomy minimalist interior design puts the heart of the Liberation bar into focus. Nevertheless, a stylish black interior with a few shiny elements sets the mysterious atmosphere in place. Things get even more exciting once you see the high-tech gear on your way to the bathroom. Chances are you’ll also get distracted by the large display of spirits at the end of the bar. Let’s not leave out the upbeat DJ performance. Can you ask for more?

Liberation Drinks Menu

The liberation drinks menu is divided into four parts. The first half covers innovative cocktails, inspired by the Propaganda-era posters. While the second half of the menu is offering a bounty of Gin, Vodka, Rum, Mezcal, Tequila, Whiskey (Single Malt, Blended and Asian Whiskey), and Borbon.

If you have trouble deciding, then check the menu ahead of your visit to the Liberation bar. Their cocktail selection is plentiful, and many include unexpected ingredients. Once you take that into a count, you know you’ll be amazed. If you still aren’t prepared for the wild adventure ask kind staff for friendly advice.

Our Drinks

Vegan War

Girls might be attracted to the color of a pink gem, but this drink isn’t just for them. Nevertheless, it is a must for all lovers of holy basil (Tulsi or Thai basil). Its sweet aroma goes well with carrot cordial and tomato’s sourness. On the other hand, the red cabbage supplies the depth. Our first thought was about a refreshing healthy drink, with a strong scent of holy basil.

Inspiration: Dig on for victory 1939

Britain’s hugely successful propaganda campaign persuaded people to grow their food in the time of WWII. Growing your own food reduces the imports and as we know, it is also more sustainable. Maybe after growing some vegetables people could start respecting food, instead of throwing it into the garbage without a second thought. In addition to that, we all know that fresh is the best, and farm to table is the only right way to go.

Yellow Union Flag

Strength and unity in a single glass deliver mouth-watering pleasure. At first, it is about a fruity combination of re-distilled green apple peel, apple juice, and coffee cherry kombucha. Yet, the presence of Monkey Shoulder whiskey and oolong tea provides the welcoming depth. Both sides come together with the addition of the Osmanthus honey and soda. We especially liked the fizz and caramel sweetness in the aftertaste.

Inspiration; Chinese 1947

During the Second World War, the governments used propaganda posters to influence mass opinion in their favor. 

Waterbug

Infused and distilled male water-bug is very fragrant and sweet. To support its characteristics, the mixologist added gin and re-distilled vodka as a base. Bedsharp bitters and lemon took care of the gentle counterbalance at every sip. The addition of egg white smoothens the drink and also bonds very well with honey almond syrup.

Inspiration: Nature is the Real Treasure

Half of the world is still grossed out when insects are put on the table. The other half is enjoying its peculiar delights. Hopefully, a negative mindset is soon going to change with sustainable solutions and processing. If you don’t see what you are eating, it is easier to swallow it, if you like the taste then the prejudice is long gone. Propaganda posters changed people’s minds many times, so accept some changes in the near future. We really loved the somewhat dried mouthfeel of the Liberation waterbug cocktail.

Cacao

Cacao and chocolate are trendy in Bangkok and we checked some chocolate bars before. Afterall, cacao is growing successfully in Thailand, so why not highlight these delights! Here at Liberation bar, we have tried their cacao inspired cocktail and it was outstandingly delicious. All that chocolate flavors combined with Thai Issan rum are on point. The only trouble is putting the drink down! Not only is delectable but holding the cocoa husk feels pretty good as well. Maybe it was even more special due to the resemblance of our dessert at Le Normandie. Yummy.

Inspiration: Thailand

Thailand is rich when it comes to ingredients, and cacao is one of the tasty treasures. When we were at Kad Kokoa we tried a bunch of Thai chocolate samples, and it’s hard to tell the winner.

Final Thought

It feels lightyears away when the invention of fire changed food and drink forever. Scientists say it was about 400,000 years ago, but agree it might be much earlier than that. Less than two hundred years ago, modern science started supplying kitchen appliances that revolutionized modern cuisine. Now we are a step closer to the alchemy and can see what mother nature is offering us in the detail. At the Liberation bar Bangkok they celebrate the modern science and natural treasures hand in hand. That policy and creative team list the Liberation bar on the list of the best bars in Bangkok.

Liberation Bar Review Card

• 9.4/10
  ATMOSPHERE – 9.4/10
• 9.8/10
  SERVICE – 9.8/10
• 9.6/10
  DRINK SELECTION – 9.6/10
• 9.4/10
  PRESENTATION – 9.4/10
• 9.7/10
  OUR DRINKS – 9.7/10
• 9.4/10
  VALUE – 9.4/10

Price and Location

Liberation bar Bangkok is not in plain sight, but it is easy to find. Once you reach the Piman 49 complex, on Soi Sukhumvit 49 enter the building and walk to the fourth floor. There you can taste the Liberation signature drinks for a little under the 13 USD daily from 7 pm to 1:30 am.

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JungleBird Ambiance

This tiki bar is only a few minutes away from Sofitel Damansara but in a more quiet part of the KL. Creative solutions are visible on every step of the JungleBird Bar tiki bar. Rattan furniture, bamboo, rainforest wallpaper, and rather disappointing plastic greenery will surround you.

It can happen that for a moment, you might even forget you are still in a metropolitan city. At JungleBird Bar in Kuala Lumpur, you’ll be at ease in no time. We only missed windows, which would make conditions for real greenery and a fresh air provider.

JungleBird Bar Menu

Tiki cocktails and in-house creations were our primary focus. Nevertheless, if you prefer something else, you’ll be happy to hear they serve beers, ciders, spirits, as well as red and white wines. In addition to that, you’ll also find the abundant rum section on the JungleBird menu. On top of that, add the alcohol-free mixed drinks and commercial soft drinks that everybody loves; tea, coffee, juice, fizz? You name it!

Daily from 5 PM to 9 PM, and on Sundays, the JungleBird KL caters to the Jolly O’clock menu. On the happy hour, the JungleBird menu is a handful of cocktails, rums, spirits, and tap beer. Really, this is just the limited addition to the regular menu at a happy price.

Our JungleBirds

Classic Junglebird

This tiki cocktail is sweet and quite strong on Diplomatico Mantuano rum with apparent Campari bitters. We immediately got the idea of a hot and humid place, where something direct is needed. Our cold indoor situation pointed us towards solving a mystery of bittersweet Campari liquor.

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Trigona Bar Kuala Lumpur

This infusion of 86 ingredients includes herbs, peels, roots, spices all finished with sugar. All the details are in the secret family recipe that is still in use. Well, that medicinal bitters are put on the tropical spin with a squeeze of fresh lime and pineapple juice.

JungleBird Kombucha Coolers

Kombucha is tricky and probably the reason why this mocktail is made in small batches. Also, fragrant lavender, lemongrass, chrysanthemum, and camomile, need some time to develop such a divine smell. Honestly, floral fragrance is part of a wonderful aftertaste that gets wings on kombucha fizz.

Conclusion

And the last words for our JungleBird Bar Review… The reason for such a success of the JungleBird bar Kuala Lumpur are great drinks. With creative mixology comes music, and passion evolves. No wonder this bar is a great addition to Kuala Lumpur’s nightlife. It is unique and away from prying eyes. Still, I can’t stop dreaming of this being the rooftop bar… Hopefully, someday it will be.

However, as a downside, we should mention no side snacks with our cocktails, and a few fails in a presentation.

JungleBird Bar Review Card

• 8.9/10
  ATMOSPHERE – 8.9/10
• 9/10
  SERVICE – 9/10
• 9.7/10
  DRINK SELECTION – 9.7/10
• 8.9/10
  PRESENTATION – 8.9/10
• 9.4/10
  OUR DRINKS – 9.4/10
• 9.4/10
  VALUE – 9.4/10

Price and Location

Cocktails, here at JungleBird, have a pricetag around 11 USD. Here is a link to the location for, you know, convenience.

The post JungleBird Bar Review: Kuala Lumpur’s Tiki Bar appeared first on Wild 'n' Free Diary.

What Is All About?

Remember the last time when we were wandering in Kuala Lumpur and found this picture-perfect bar – Iron Fairies? Well, Iron Balls Bangkok is part of the same family, with a few differences. Most noticeable is the Asian Gin revolution, which takes part in their distillery. Iron Balls is quite popular Southeast Asian gin. Their in-house distillery didn’t stop with drink, but they rather built a bar around this gin. Let’s check an ambiance of this ballsy gin temple, shall we…

The Ambiance of the Iron Balls Parlour & Saloon

The father of Iron Balls’ concept is Ashley Sutton, an extremely talented designer who is standing behind many outstanding projects. Like Iron Fairies also this bar begins with the moody setting adorned by steam-punk theme and peerless touch. In a word, this bar looks funky.

When we were there, DJ was playing some old school funky jams on her LP stereo. Neat! The main theme of the bar and hmmm gin itself is vintage scuba diving. 20.000 leagues under the sea if you like.

The Drink Menu

The pillar here is, of course, Iron Balls Gin, which recently got a great partner – Vodka. You can enjoy each on its own or mixed into a delicious cocktail. The head mixologist here is Carson Quinn, who worked his way through some of Ashley Sutton’s top bars in Asia. Let me explain that the menu is not extensive; it has only twelve cocktails on it. However, as a gin lover, all I need is a gin with lemon and good old G&T for my darling.

Our Drinks

My choice was reasonable and full of respect – gin with a slice of lemon and rocks on aside. Vivi, on the other hand, took classic Gin&Tonic (Fever Tree Elderflower).

The base for Iron Balls Gin is pineapple and coconut, which are fermented for about a week. Then, the spirit is macerated with 15 botanicals. The recipe was in work for three and a half years, so don’t expect a reveal of all herbs. However, among others, there are ginger, lemongrass, mace, nutmeg, pepper, cinnamon, coriander seeds, ginseng, and juniper berries. Juniper berries are keeping this gin in the classic zone, while tropical herbs are keeping it tropically floral. On the nose, I got strong ginger and cinnamon with mango and pineapple. Juniper berries came out more at the back, especially in the aftertaste. Taste is fruity with citrus hints and medium aftertaste. This gin is clever and ballsy at the same time.

Vivi’s G&T was fabulous as well. Tonic prolonged floral notes from the gin and got along with its fruitiness perfectly. Elderflower with ginger and lemongrass is a classic hit, so I think this tonic might be just perfect for it. Lovely G&T!

Conclusion

There were more than 600 recipes attempts to get Iron Balls Gin as we know it today. As you can see, Ashley Sutton is a perfectionist and his approach to gin destination is damn serious. We can only confirm and applaud his dedication. Iron Balls Gin is amazing and Thailand deserves a good gin like this. If you are in Bangkok, I strongly recommend to stop there and have a nautical drink way.

Iron Balls Parlour & Saloon Review Card

• 9.5/10
  ATMOSPHERE – 9.5/10
• 9.3/10
  SERVICE – 9.3/10
• 9.0/10
  DRINK SELECTION – 9.0/10
• 9/10
  PRESENTATION – 9/10
• 9.2/10
  OUR DRINKS – 9.2/10
• 8.9/10
  VALUE – 8.9/10

Price and Location

A drink here will cost you about 15 USD. Iron Balls Parlour & Saloon is located on the famous Sukhumvit road. Here is a link to the location for easy navigation.

The post Iron Balls Parlour & Saloon Review: Thai Gin Mania appeared first on Wild 'n' Free Diary.