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Thailand’s vibrant bar scene has once again been recognised on the global stage, with 10 exceptional bars making it onto Asia’s 50 Best Bars list in 2024. With four bars in the top 50 and another six ranked within the top 100, these bars in Bangkok offer some of the finest drinking experiences in Asia whether you’re a cocktail connoisseur or just love a good night out.
Let’s explore these bars to discover what makes them special. By the end of this article, you’ll surely want to add some of these places to your must-visit list.
1. BKK Social Club – Bangkok (Ranked #7)
Located within the Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok, BKK Social Club embodies the glamour and sophistication of Buenos Aires in the 1970s. This bar has quickly climbed the ranks with its exquisite cocktails, lavish interiors, and impeccable service. Signature drinks like “Evita,” featuring the classic Negroni and citrus mix, perfectly capture the bar’s chic, South American vibe.
2. Vesper – Bangkok (#13)
Vesper in Bangkok’s Silom district is a perfect blend of European sophistication and Thai ingenuity. Known for pushing the boundaries of cocktail creation, Vesper’s standout drink is the “Dirty Vesper.” This intriguing cocktail includes a touch of fish sauce, offering a savoury twist on the classic martini that’s both daring and delicious—an absolute must-try for the adventurous.
3. Mahaniyom Cocktail Bar – Bangkok (#18)
Mahaniyom Cocktail Bar is a true hidden gem, celebrated for its inventive use of Thai ingredients. The “Siam Punch” is a prime example of the bar’s creativity, featuring a complex blend of Siam gin, blanco vermouth, tomato, pomelo, tangerine, galangal, basil, makrut lime, yoghurt, and coconut. This cocktail perfectly encapsulates Thailand’s vibrant flavours, offering a refreshing and exotic drinking experience.
4. Bar Us – Bangkok (#21)
Bar Us is a new favourite in Bangkok’s bar scene, known for its minimalist design and bold flavours. Located in the city centre, Bar Us focuses on clear, powerful cocktails. The “Guava Leaf + Green Chili + Kaffir Lime” is an intriguing drink featuring Hendrick’s gin, green chilli, and kaffir lime, with lychee and ginger brine adding a modern sour twist. It’s a must-try for anyone looking to explore innovative flavours in a sleek setting.
5. Tropic City – Bangkok (#62)
Tropic City is a vibrant, tropical oasis in Bangkok that brings Caribbean vibes to the urban landscape. Known for its lively atmosphere and creative cocktails, Tropic City’s “Welcome to the Jungle” is a standout drink, featuring Havana Club rums, apricot, pimento dram, and a mix of tropical fruits like pineapple, orange, and lime. This cocktail perfectly captures the bar’s energetic and playful spirit, making it a top choice for a lively night out.
6. Opium – Bangkok (#73)
Opium, located in Bangkok’s Chinatown, is known for its unique and bold cocktails that push the boundaries of flavour. A standout on their menu is the “More Rum Mor Lum,” a cocktail that features prawn butter washed, issan rum, cold-pressed tomato, dried chili, black lime, and a pickled shallot foam. This drink offers a rich and savory experience that reflects the bar’s innovative approach to mixology.
7. Firefly – Bangkok (#83)
Firefly at the Sindhorn Kempinski Hotel Bangkok is a bastion of classic elegance, offering a modern twist on traditional cocktails. One must-try is the “Thai Old Fashioned,” a complex and bold drink featuring Michter’s US*1 Bourbon, jasmine rice, salted coconut sugar, chocolate bitters, and orange bitters. This signature cocktail embodies the essence of Firefly’s refined yet adventurous approach to mixology.
8. Asia Today – Bangkok (#90)
Asia Today, located in Bangkok’s vibrant Chinatown, is renowned for its eclectic and experimental cocktails. A standout on their menu is the “Dance Like A Butterfly,” a cocktail that blends whiskey, salt, stingless honey, coconut, and bitters. This drink offers a unique and aromatic experience that reflects the biodiversity of the region, perfect for those who appreciate the fusion of traditional and modern flavours.
9. The Bamboo Bar – Bangkok (#91)
The Bamboo Bar at the Mandarin Oriental Bangkok is an iconic venue that blends historical charm with contemporary mixology. Try the “Smoked Bamboo,” a sophisticated cocktail that features Mancino Bianco, Fino Sherry, and Ardbeg 10-Year Scotch. This drink is a perfect representation of the bar’s commitment to creating timeless yet innovative cocktails.
10. Dry Wave Cocktail Studio – Bangkok (#98)
Dry Wave Cocktail Studio stands out in Bangkok’s bustling bar scene by offering “super classic” cocktails that merge two traditional favourites into one glass. One of the highlights is the “1806-1988,” a blend of an Old Fashioned and a Cosmopolitan, which neutralizes the tangy flavors of the Cosmo while lightening up the intensity of the bourbon. This makes it a top choice for those seeking a unique twist on classic cocktails.
Explore Bangkok’s Unforgettable Cocktail Culture
Thailand’s dynamic bar scene is flourishing, with these 10 exceptional venues earning well-deserved spots on Asia’s 50 Best Bars list. From luxurious lounges to intimate speakeasies, these bars showcase the best of what Bangkok has to offer. Whether you’re in the mood for a tropical escape, a journey through Asian flavours, or a taste of classic sophistication, these bars are sure to deliver an unforgettable experience. Make sure to add them to your itinerary and explore the rich cocktail culture that makes Thailand a top destination for bar enthusiasts!
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