PUBLISHED November 6th, 2023 06:00 am | UPDATED November 24th, 2023 05:34 pm
Bangkok is renowned for its dynamic nightlife scene, and the city’s cocktail bars are no exception brimming with creativity and diversity. From trendy rooftop bars with stunning city views to cozy hidden gems, you’re almost guaranteed a good time, no matter if you’re a cocktail aficionado or just looking for a memorable night out. Here are the ten best cocktail bars in Bangkok for the ultimate night out.
BKK Social Club
Currently rated the best bar in Asia and No.13 in the Words 50 Best Bars 2023, BKK Social Club is the quintessential when it comes to Thai hospitality. Located in the luxurious Four Seasons at Chao Phraya River, the bar is a haven for cocktail enthusiasts combining timeless elegance with innovative mixology. At the helm is industry expert Philip Bischoff, previously at Manhattan, Singapore. The menu takes inspiration from Argentina and Latin America and the vibrant bar scene of the 1970s and 80s, with a mix of classic and contemporary cocktails. The poison of choice here are definitely the array of American whiskies, whilst the signature drink is the Evita (T฿490) with Plantation pineapple rum, campari, aperol, citrus mix, bay lead and cinnamon syrup. The elegant atmosphere, coupled with the live jazz music make it a perfect choice for a sophisticated night out.
BKK Social Club is located at 300, 1 Charoen Krung Rd, Khwaeng Yan Nawa, Khet Sathon, Bangkok, p. 66 (02) 032 0885. Open daily 5pm-12am.
Tropic City
Coming off a big high as No.6 of Asia’s 50Best Bars 2023, and No.66 of the World’s 50 Best Bars 2023, amongst other accolades, needless to say Tropic City is a highly recommended pitstop in Bangkok. Step into a tropical oasis at a bar dedicated to creating cocktails with exotic flavours and flair. Not to mention the ultra cool interior adorned with lush greenery and the passion for music. The menu – crafted using fresh, locally sourced ingredients – focuses heavily on rum. Try their crowd-favourite Welcome To The Jungle (T฿420) with rum, apricot, pimento dram, pineapple, orange and more.
Tropic City is located at 672, 65 Soi Charoen Krung 28, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500, p.+66 (0)97 242 2890. Open daily 7pm-late.
Vesper
Another award-winning bar, Vesper is a modern cocktail bar that serves up progressive drinks in the Silom district. The modern luxe ambiance is accentuated by the likes of high quality leather furnishings and dashing forest green counters. In the PEOPLE OF VESPER menu series, the bar’s skilled mixologists play off of signature cocktails inspired by their regular guests. Don’t forget to sample their Dirty Vesper (T฿420), a contemporary take on the classic James Bond favourite, with gin, vodka, caper brine and fish sauce. Alternatively the Venezia (T฿420) is a spin off a Sgroppino, with vesper sparkling peach wine, bourbon, and basil sorbet. Read our previous full review here.
Vesper is located at 10/15 Convent Road, Silom, Bangkok, p. +66 (0) 2 235 2777. Open daily 5.30pm-1am.
Mahaniyom Cocktail Bar Bangkok
Nestled in the vibrant neighbourhood of Chinatown, Mahaniyom Cocktail Bar embraces the local culture and ingredients to create unique concoctions, with each ingredient used in various ways. Run by the same folks behind Find the Locker Room, the spot is set in usual Thai flare – fluorescent neon signs, and dimmed lighting for a casual yet elevated space. Needless to say, the bar’s commitment to preserving Thai heritage while pushing the boundaries of mixology is evident in every drink they serve with the bar making it to No.19 in The World’s 50 Best Bars 2023. Must try is Orange, a martini style cocktail from their all-new “Resourceful cocktail” menu.
Mahaniyom Cocktail Bar Bangkok is located at 104 Maha Set Rd, Si Phraya, Bang Rak, Bangkok, 10500, p. +66 61 664 6588. Open Tue–Sun 5pm-11pm.
Havana Social
Transport yourself to 1940s Havana at Havana Social, a hidden speakeasy-style bar in the heart of Sukhumvit. This retro bar is known for its authentic Cuban themed cocktails, live music, and the ambiance of an old-world Cuban nightclub. Unsurprisingly, the drinks program here is majorly centred around rum-forward classic cocktails like the daiquiris, cuba libres, and mojitos. Top contenders include the The Cuban (T฿350) with Flor De Cana 4y rum, Luxardo Maraschino, lime, Turbinado sugar, orange, pomegranate, and egg White as well as the Peanut Butter Old Fashioned (T฿340) with peanut butter washed wild turkey 81 bourbon, homemade mango syrup, and bitters. The cherry on top is that you also get to taste the finest cigars of Havana in Bangkok.
Havana Social is located at 41, 3 Sukhumvit Road Khlong Toei Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110, p. +66 (02) 038 5111. Open daily 6pm-2am.
#FindTheLockerRoom
Finding this speakeasy can be a challenge, but once you locate it, you’ll be rewarded with expertly crafted cocktails in an intimate setting just seating 35 people. When it comes to the drinks, FindTheLockerRoom is all about precision and attention to detail, offering a curated menu that changes with the seasons. Some notable mentions include the gin-based crowd-pleaser Strawberry Fields, loaded with sugar, spice and everything nice, as well as Flower Power garnished with vibrant flowers. To keep you fuelled up fr the night, there’s also delicious Yumcha bites to dig into. Read our previous review here.
#FindTheLockerRoom is located at 406 Soi Sukhumvit 55, Sukhumvit Road, Watthana, Bangkok, 10110, p. +66 61 524 2689. Open daily 6pm-late.
Asia Today
A hub of the young and spirited, Asia Today is run by the same operators as Teens of Thailand, with Niks Anuman-Rajadhon at the helm. Situated in the heart of Thonglor, here you’ll find nothing to be ordinary – expect a shark suspended from the ceiling, cheeky neon signs, graphic art and other playful decor. Their creative cocktails smartly incorporates honey in its concoctions. This includes the raved about Eastern Honey (T฿390) with gin, wild honey, bees wax, sesame, honey foam and citrus. We also have our eyes peeled on the Coconut Blossom (T฿385) for our next trip, spiked with Rhum Agricole Nongkai, and coconut nectar soda.
Asia Today is located at 35 Soi Rammaitree, Rama IV road, Pom Prab, Bangkok, 10100, p. +66 97 134 4704. Open daily 6pm-1am.
Thaipioka
Thaipioka, located in the lively Thonglor area, is an intimate and hip cocktail bar that not only serves up a well-curated cocktails, but also groovy music with guest DJs and spin-masters. Their ammo is to infuse their cocktails with herbs like pandan and kumquat leaves, as well as unusual fare like cow fat offering a delightful blend of innovative mixology. We’d say to sip on the Chrysanthemum Salted Plum (T฿380), for a sweet and sour delight, or save room for unheard combinations in Pickle Guava Basil (T฿380), and Raisin Balsamic Negroni (T฿380).
Thaipioka is located at 44/7, Thonglor Soi 1, Sukhumvit 55, Wattana, Bangkok, 10110, p. +66 082 889 2992. Open daily 7pm-late.
Crimson Room
Housed in the elegant Hotel Muse, the Crimson Room is a classic jazz and cocktail lounge that exudes sophistication. Here, sip on your favourite red, whites, and timeless classics and modern concoctions, all set to the backdrop of live jazz music and a relaxed and refined atmosphere. Styled to look like a theatre, treat your camera lens to the likes of large chandeliers, globe lights and dark wooden accents. Amongst the signatures are the Dazzling in Red (T฿460) with Chandon sparkling wine, cabernet sauvignon shrub, pomegranate and lime, as well as TEMPO! TEMPO! (T฿440) with G’Vine Floraison, mango, hops & wasabi syrup, lime and egg white.
Crimson Room is located at Lumphini, Pathum Wan District, Bangkok 10330, p. +66 062 259 2525. Open daily 6pm-2am.
Lennon’s
A homage to the legendary John Lennon, Lennon’s bar in the Rosewood Bangkok is a stylish spot for a night of cocktails and live music. The speakeasy is tucked behind a Vinyl shop featuring an extensive 6,000-vinyl collection, which guests can play through and experience along with their sippers. From occasional drinkers to expert imbibers, the menu features a diverse selection of drinks. Some highlights include “Thai Disco” (T฿450) inspired by Thai actress Chantana Kittiyapan, with rum, coconut pandan rice cordial, and citric acid, and the “Indian Disco” (T฿450) after the Indian singer Bappi Lahiri, boasting gin, vermouth, citric acid, and curry leaf. You can also indulge in their ecoCOCKTAILS sporting four creatively crafted cocktails, made with locally sourced ingredients, complemented by ecoSPIRITS’ low-waste technology. Oh, and the view through the floor-to-ceiling glass windows is also a major plus!
Lennon’s is located at Rosewood Bangkok, 1041 38 Phloen Chit Rd, Lumphini, Pathum Wan District, Bangkok, Bangkok 10330, p. +66 2 080 0030. Open daily 6pm-12am.
Top Image: Vesper Bangkok