Pahit Gin Bar
Classy after-dinner drinks mean getting intoxicated while settling for a pleasant debate and sweet nothings at these gardens of spirits in Kuala Lumpur.
A drink or two can never go wrong on your date night but kick it up a notch for your Valentine lover to dote on. Since nightlife is a growing scene in the city, these are some of the finest refreshment places for couples to venture in, extending from the best ambience to varying spirit elements that will brew the right moods in you and your significant other.
Pahit
Lovers can take a trip down memory lane and reminisce in the rustic house build in retro flooring and peeling walls, made possible with wicker seating adorning the space while the backlit brick bar shines as the centrepiece. Best known for their top-notch gin, Pahit houses more than 80 different varieties on their shelf varying from small to international brands.
Founders CK Kho and Chye are no amateurs when it comes to alcohol and offers a careful collection of curated gins that appeal to your taste buds. Pahit– which also means bitter in Malay – serve their spirits on a tasting board for beginners to explore the endless plethora of drinks and let you find your sweet moments in midst of the bitterness.
Best for: Sentimental couples
Specialty drink: Gin Pahit (London dry gin, bitters, house falernum & lime)
Address: 3, Jalan Sin Chew Kee, Bukit Bintang
IKKI
The city’s largest speakeasy bar can be your next favourite destination with its unrivalled offerings. Enclosed behind walls is a modern version of a gentleman’s club with a luxurious ambience of sophistication and wealth. Fitted with leather sofas, plush velvet armchairs, chandeliers and a pool table, you can find yourself indulge in the richness along with an effervescent view of Petronas Twin Towers.
The memorable part calls for their Japanese-inspired signature and classic cocktails. IKKI’s award-winning mixologist Osmund Bernard is well-known for his genuine craft of Japanese cocktails as well as artisanal Haig and Nikka whiskies. The contemporary vintage setting and soft music will make an ideal place for you and your companion to drink in the night with grandeur.
Best for: Double dates
Specialty drink: Chotto Mate Kudasai (Tanqueray No.10, Galliano, vanilla syrup, fresh watermelon, fresh lime & thyme)
Address: Unit E-1-08, No.438 Jalan Tun Razak, TREC
61 Monarchy
If you know your spirit like you know your woman, 61 Monarchy is the ideal speakeasy bar for some after-dinner drinks. Housing more than 400 whisky bottles in the establishment, they take pride in their splendidly vast collection of worldwide liquors and whisky knowledge. Otherwise, you can tickle your taste buds with wine, champagne or whisky-based artisanal cocktails from their solid menu or recommendation from Ms Shirmy, their excellent bar manager.
The space builds on a familiar set of surroundings with swinging chair, rattan furniture and wooden shelves that replicates a warm and inviting old colonial house. As you relish in your malt and company, the bar also serves some exquisite light-bites such as Smoked Fish Tartare, Truffle Fries and Pan Seared Scallops that go well with spirits.
Best for: Sensuous couples
Specialty drink: 6th of June (Islay whisky, blood orange liquor, blackcurrant liquor, Campari, sweet vermouth & lemon)
Address: 61M, Jalan SS21/1A, Damansara Uptown, Petaling Jaya
The Berlin KL
Beyond Agosto Guesthouse in Chinatown is a lively hidden bar that transports you to another country. A welcoming neon signage ‘Ich Bin Ein Berliner’ reveal the concept bar driven from the streets of the historic capital decorated with various paraphernalia like film posters, illustrations and news clippings while nostalgic vibes run in the facility with hip graffiti on the walls.
Specialising in cocktails, you can choose your dose of drinks from their booze content which are all named after Berlin landmarks. True to their roots, this speakeasy serves authentic German hotdogs as nibbles to your tipples. Besides, the edgy place is bouncing with in-house DJ that plays varying club genres so you can even spruce things up and sneak a dance with your lover by midnight.
Best for: Party dates
Specialty drink: Brandenburg (Jägermeister, pineapple juice, fresh lemon juice & passion fruit syrup)
Address: 208, Jalan Tun HS Lee
The Pawn Room
Distinguished from other watering holes in KL is TPG’s thematic bar called The Pawn Room, the first barter bar in Malaysia where you can trade your items or services for their beverage. This red cocktail lounge draws inspiration from traditional pawn shops and 1920s period in Shanghai that resonates with passion, fervour and spirit. Every corner of the place transports you back in time where porcelain stools, paper parasols and Chinese lanterns are a thing.
Popular resident mixologists Sepet, McKay and Janice are skilled crafters of Asian-influenced spirits that make full use of Malaysian flavours and spices in liquors. Paired with the vintage feel and live jazz performances, this bar is a real winner for your date night to be complete.
Best for: Jazzy couples
Specialty drink: Mr Darkside (Tanqueray, Chartreuse Green, gingerbread syrup, yuzu juice, lime leaves & elderflower liquor)
Address: 46B, Persiaran Zaaba, Taman Tun Dr Ismail
Words by Jessy Wong
