Can a bar help you to get loose and challenge you at the same time? Yes, it can! One of these bars is Vesper Bar Bangkok, where your drinks are inspired by the world’s most famous artworks, and your challenge is to find a connection. Whether or not you want to embrace the artistic philosophy is up to you, but the tasty drinks are there for guidance. In case that is over-extravagant, you can still stick to free-style party at Vesper Bangkok bar. How good this party will be, check our detailed review.
Contents
The Atmosphere at Bar Vesper Bangkok
A blend of a polished concrete floor and stylish interior is liberal and zippy at the same time. Due to the lighting composition, the shine comes out of the sides rather than the ceiling. A savvy twist that draws attention to the particular items and makes space appear larger. During daylight, the leading light suppliers are the windows which offer great amusement even after sunset. As always I love vivacious Bangkok’s streets, which are full of street vendors and unconventional traffic. All of the above gives the Vesper Bar Bangkok uniquely chilled out vibe with the snazzy interior.
Vesper Bar Dress Code
keep in mind the smart casual dress code of Vesper Bar Bangkok. If you think about it, ditching the sporty clothes leaves you with more than enough freedom to spruce up your style.
Drinks Menu at Vesper Bar Bangkok
The drinks menu called The Art Book is the added value of Vesper Bar Bangkok. It represents the cocktails with a storyline based on the artworks of the 21st century and past. Each cocktail reflects the meaning of the artwork and is made of locally grown ingredients. I suggest embracing the artistic part of yourself by remaining curious.
A variety of mixed drinks at Vesper bar is broad, to say the least. Ian’s and my focus was on the cocktails inspired by art, but that doesn’t mean we didn’t check anything else here. Some of them are classics, while others like “Mata Hari” by Jason Kosmas and Dushan Zaric, or “Naked & Famous” by Joaquín Simó became popular in the last decade.
You don’t have to think twice to work out that there is a long list of spirits for solid entertainment at Vesper Bar. I can say that the Gin collection was the most comprehensive, following the Whiskies from all around the world. I especially liked a few of the local Thai spirits. Other typical drinks on the Vesper spirit menu were Cognac and Brandy, Vodka, Tequila and Mezcal, Rum and Pisco, and finally a good deal of Bitters and Sweets.
Our Cocktails at Vesper Bar
Personal interpretation of art pieces can be made in many different ways. Most often, we talk and think about it, but some are willing to go a step further. At Vesper Bar Bangkok the mixologists let the famous artworks speak to them in a tasty manner. Read on to find more about artsy Vesper cocktails we tried.
Jackson Pollock: Autumn Rhythm
When autumn gets in full swing, it is over before you know it. Literally in full swing Jackson Pollock painted his famous paintings. He painted so quickly he barely controlled the brush and ended with different perceptions with every blink. Actually, this Autumn Rhythm cocktail also keeps evolving with every sip just like Pollock paintings keep revealing new imagery.
Expect: Before I felt its velvety touch, it hit me with a fume explosion, but it had that pleasing bite.
Wassily Kandinsky: Composition
Cocktail inspired by Wassily Kandinsky’s Composition V is a fragrant melody full of tropical rhythms. Maybe. The description of the drink is just my interpretation of both of the artworks. Interestingly, Wassily Kandinsky wanted to bring music to the ears through his images. How? He heard colors, or if you need a name for this wonder, he had Synaesthesia.
Expect: Spicy to floral fumes with a balance between the acidity and bitters in honey-like sweetness.
Damien Hirst: The Physical Impossibility of Death in the Mind of Someone Living
Is Damien Hirst’s artwork focused on the philosophy behind the title and its terrifying connection between seeing a real shark and the written word? I believe so, images are powerful messages and so are words. What is not powerful is not accepting the natural events and replacing the original shark. Especially, if the message is about life and death! Another issue is picking yet another victim. What privilege gives Hirst the right to point the gun and say: “You’ll be next?”. Well, no, not me. I’m protected by law. But why am I more important than a shark? Apparently, Ian is already looking for a grandma with dementia who will voluntarily choose post-mortem art collaboration. He would like to stuff her with a middle finger up in the air. The meaning: Up yours D., you are already forgotten.
By the way… this cocktail is a killer and the right choice if you are late to a party.
Expect: Strong taste of Hoarfrost Oolong tea with a mighty alcoholic trio.
Ai Weiwei: Coca Cola Vase
The first idea that comes to my mind behind Ai Weiwei’s vase is the Coca-Colonization of the planet Earth. As the second meaning, I understand the freedom we have when we get personally involved with global newbies. Coca Cola is rarely treated as an ingredient and is almost always a single star. However, this statistic doesn’t apply to this Vesper cocktail. Not only was Coca Cola one of the elements, but it was also specially treated.
Basically, everything in this drink improves the Coca Cola. OMG… how do I dare to say something like that? Admittedly, I’m not Coca Cola fan, not even as handy cleaning master. In this Vesper cocktail, I prefer the sweet Chinese herb Luo Han Guo and lovely numbing trick by Sichuan pepper that leaves my mouth tingling. Together with Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva rum and vanilla, they explore the limits of Coca Cola use.
Expect: Herbal taste with a honey-like sweetness.
Unknown: Jadeite Cabbage
China has basically everything and Chinese people find pleasure in many beliefs as well. Jadeite cabbage with insects is a perfect collaboration of natural resources and creativity. At the same time is part of the privileged few, since it was first displayed in the Forbidden City. Its origins are unknown, but it supposed to be Lady Jin’s dowry in the 19th century.
This herbaceous mixed drink made me believe it carries many health benefits just as the humble cabbage does. Most certainly is one of healthier Vesper cocktails and the one for minimalizing morning misery.
Expect: Savory – bitter – herbal remedy with evolving taste. The resemblance with cabbage is not a coincidence.
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Diego Rivera: Flower Carrier
Even for a person spending every day surrounded by flowers, life isn’t one single joyous blossom. Suffering is usually hidden from the eyes and the same goes for the alcohol in this drink. Translucent Citadelle Original gin, Diplomatico Planas white rum, very aromatic Chardonnay and Peychaud’s bitters embody the hard work. On the other hand, the floral aroma and colorful blossoms indicate the happy days ahead.
Expect: Soft encounter with sweet, full-bodied core and floral aroma.
James Rosenquist: Gears
Taste of Gears cocktail is a little challenging and playful, but always straight forward as the gender issues, James Rosenquist exposed in 1977. His recognition of the universal culture and evolutionary balance is the “bang” of this Pop Art piece. How this “bang” echoed in my mind is as if the lightbulb would reveal the same gender issues across the globe.
Gears of modern human are beauty products, but we are also talking about the old issue of gender inequality at the same time. That is why I believe the Vesper Bar Bangkok mixologist choose the fine Michter’s Bourbon and powerful Ardbeg 10YO Single Malt Whisky for a base. Completing the sexless drink with the addition of cranberry and cherry-pineapple tonic.
Expect: Mature drink with fruity caramel and smoky notes.
Final Thoughts
I don’t really care for “the box” in which art is forced. To me, art starts with intentional passion and talent. The field in which the talented persons get to express themselves doesn’t matter, let’s say; the more, the merrier. I love how Vesper Bar Bangkok combined two seemingly different worlds into one. Cheers to that!
If you are looking for the best cocktail in the Bangkok, Vesper Bar might be your address. Mixologists are making a real art here and the classy chill-out vibe will be your passenger at this exhibition.
Vesper Bar Review Card
- ATMOSPHERE – 8.4/108.4/10
- SERVICE – 9.7/109.7/10
- DRINK SELECTION – 9.5/109.5/10
- PRESENTATION – 9.5/109.5/10
- OUR DRINKS – 9.4/109.4/10
- VALUE – 9.4/109.4/10
Price and Location
Cocktails here in Bangkok have a similar price tag, which is around 13 USD. Ian said these are his favorite art pieces we have ever bought. For easier navigation, here is a link to the location.
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