Coley’s original rustic space behind a cafe in a quieter part of bustling Bangsar couldn't contain the bar’s popularity for its refined, Malaysian-inspired cocktails. Two years after opening, Coley – named after The Savoy’s legendary female bartender, Ada Coleman, inventor of the Hanky Panky – moved into elegant new digs a few doors down with a refreshed menu. Despite a luxe interior of black, gold and woody accents, Coley remains down to earth with owner and bartender CK Kho at the helm.

The cocktail bar’s creations are complex yet unpretentious and affordably priced – one of the many reasons the bar draws endless crowds from its 5pm opening until late. Some quirky libations inspired by local flavours include whisky and bubble tea, gin and coconut, and one-off specials such as the Miloni, a playful take on the Negroni using Milo, where a sweet mix of gin and vermouth is poured over a Milo malt chocolate jelly.

Address: 6-G, Jalan Abdullah off Jalan Bangsar, 59000 Kuala Lumpur

Blue 

Shoot up to the 51st floor of luxury hotel EQ and let the dazzling new rooftop bar that is Blue take your breath away. Here, evening feels infinite, like stepping into a sky full of stars; a magical effect created by the ceiling’s twinkling lights splayed across flanking mirrors and the city’s glittering skyline. The view afforded by the open-air lounge is mesmerising, boasting sweeping vistas of the KL Tower and Petronas Twin Towers on either end.

With a variety of seating available throughout the space, including an upper deck for more privacy, Blue is ideal for intimate date nights, parties and casual post-work tipples. The signature Blue Moon cocktail is theatrical and delicious, served under a smoking glass dome cloche to reveal a gorgeous violet concoction of gin, elderflower liqueur, hibiscus purée, lavender bitters and egg white. For a well-rounded evening, consider the adjoining fine dining restaurant, Sabayon – the ambrosial menu by Swedish Michelin-starred chef Hans Boren and selection of fine wines are otherworldly.  

Address: EQ, Equatorial Plaza, Jalan Sultan Ismail, 50250 Kuala Lumpur

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Bar Trigona

Nestled on the seventh floor of Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur, Bar Trigona oozes opulence with its gilded embellishments, mirrored mosaic walls and marble counters. But it’s not all shine and no substance – the meticulously crafted libations are just as exquisite. Head bartender Ashish Sharma champions local ingredients sustainably sourced from Malaysian farms, particularly the sweet and sour nectar produced by stingless trigona honeybees.

The winner of the Ketel One Sustainable Bar Award 2019, Bar Trigona’s sustainability efforts extend beyond its daily operations, recently launching an adoption programme that allows patrons to adopt their very own beehive at an organic farm in Negeri Sembilan. As for the root-to-shoot cocktails, each one has a story, and the knowledgeable staff are more than happy to provide insights. Prepare to sink into the plush upholstery, order one too many, and enjoy the city’s dancing lights through the floor-to-ceiling glass windows.

Address: Four Seasons Hotel, Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur, 50450 Kuala Lumpur

Brixton 23

A dapper speakeasy inspired by the British secret intelligence movie Kingsman: The Secret Service, Brixton 23 commits to the theme right down to its hidden entrance. Head towards the bar’s Jalan Sultan Ismail address and you’ll find a classic tailor shop with sharp suits and bespoke shirts you can legitimately purchase. But discerning drinkers will know that behind this shop front is a slick restaurant and speakeasy spanning two floors with ample space for a night of sophisticated fun.

Enter through a secret door in the tailor’s office (hint: try the shelves) and down a staircase to delight in the extensive food and drink menu. Highlights include the tuna and salmon tartare, served on crispy sushi rice cakes and punctuated by kabayaki eel sauce and Sriracha mayo, and the Kingsman, a smoky smooth blend of cinnamon-infused Scotch brightened with splashes of grapefruit, orange and lemon.

Address: 23 Jalan Sultan Ismail, Bukit Bintang, 50200 Kuala Lumpur

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JungleBird

Rum enthusiasts should look no further than JungleBird for their boozy fix. The tropical bar serves up chilled vibes and exotic drinks, its bamboo decor and leafy prints evoking the feeling of breezy summer nights by the beach. When ordering, you’ll be spoiled for choice with their impressive collection of more than 100 rums from all over the world.

Fondly known as ‘rumah rum’ (Malay for ‘rum house’), JungleBird’s menu celebrates the spirit’s versatility in classic tiki tipples and special in-house creations by champion bartender, Joshua Ivanovic. Pop by on Island Thursdays for cheap cocktails and specials for the ladies, or on weekends for live DJ sets and events with international guest bartenders.

Address: 15M, Jalan Medan Setia 1, Bukit Damansara, 50490 Kuala Lumpur

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