Cover Island-inspired tipples and the open-air, romantic setting of Ambar, Ubud
Island-inspired tipples and the open-air, romantic setting of Ambar, Ubud
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Ambar is where Ubud’s history and ancient wisdom collide in a menu that pays homage to craftsmanship.
Perched on a cliff with views of the Ayung River valley, this open-air bar at Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, pays close attention to its locale. With a lush interior reflecting its verdant surroundings, cosy corners perfect for tête-à-tête moments, a stellar cocktail programme, live jazz performances, and Japanese-forward gourmet bites, Ambar has garnered a faithful following since its debut in 2022.
Helmed by head bartender Adi San, who grew up in Bali amid the island’s wild nature and ancient traditions, it comes as no surprise that the bar menu reflects his deeply rooted knowledge and passion for the art of mixology. The Lontar Taru Pramana—an age-old manuscript on the medicinal value of plants—serves as his inspiration for Ambar’s signature cocktails.
Above Adi San, head bartender of Ambar at Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
Adi San, head bartender of Ambar at Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
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Herbs, fruits, and plants are abundant, forming part of a circular ecosystem that has long made Ubud a unique destination for healing. Drawing on his interest in botany, San has developed distinctive, island-inspired ingredients and techniques, including making house-made vermouth and using coconut for cocktail aging.
The drinks menu is a journey through the island’s seductive terroir and its generous yield. As they await sundown at Ambar, guests may savour cocktails such as Monkey’s Guava, My Grandma, and Perfect Mistake. The first is an homage to the cheeky inhabitants of Ubud’s Monkey Forest—a vodka-based concoction with a tannin-rich, sweet-and-sour profile, featuring guava leaf gomme, known for its blood sugar–lowering properties.
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Above Monkey's Guava, one of the signature cocktails at Ambar
Above My Grandma, a rum-forward cocktail inspired by traditional elixir
Monkey's Guava, one of the signature cocktails at Ambar
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My Grandma is inspired by San’s grandmother, whose daily ritual of rubbing betel leaves on her teeth was believed to support dental health. She also often enjoyed a glass of loloh kunyit. This influence manifests in a rum-forward, sweet-and-savoury cocktail made with andaliman liqueur, betel leaves, infused dry vermouth, turmeric, and wild honey. For those seeking a richer, more herbaceous profile, Perfect Mistake is an excellent choice. Inspired by bamboo cooking techniques, this smoky tipple features lemongrass vermouth, fermented tomato water, and garum.
Complete the experience with small bites such as Lobster & Eel Rolls or a Tamago Sando for a visit that leaves an enduring impression of a bar near the sky.
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