Cocktail bars in Vietnam are redefining luxury drinking experiences

Dot Bar is also the first in the country to stage Hat Boi performances, while bartenders dress in the graceful ao dai. Each cocktail becomes a story, drawing on Vietnamese heritage, with notable examples including Co Nhac and Tuong Doi.

The menu embraces flavours from across the nation, with drinks such as Ms. Sai Gon and Da Lat 75. Every cocktail carries a nostalgic essence, even when mixed with modern techniques, local produce and slow infusion. Enhanced with Zacapa’s signature rum, Zacapa No.23 and Zacapa XO, the bartenders create standouts such as Scarlet Spring (a bold and seductive blend, reminiscent of mountain blossoms with red fruits and a hint of spice) and Cyan Oasis (a refreshing harmony of pandan, chestnut and ripe pineapple, like an oasis in the tropical heat).

Through this, Dot Bar has shaped the contemporary bar scene in its own style, building fresh experiences from familiar roots.

Concealed in a 150-year-old French-era apartment in Ho Chi Minh City, Drinking & Healing greets guests with a façade both weathered and enigmatic, a setting that enhances its rustic, almost mystical charm. With deep-toned interiors, red-orange velvet brick walls and industrial details, the cocktail bar has become a favourite among connoisseurs. Its philosophy is simple: cocktails should not only look and taste exquisite, but also serve as a form of quiet therapy.

Drinking & Healing has earned a reputation for a diverse and distinctive drinks menu, the result of the constant imagination of its bartenders. Beyond their refined mixing techniques, they are known for listening and understanding, creating cocktails inspired by the emotions and stories of each guest, designed to match their mood and desires.

This approach has made Drinking & Healing a true “bespoke” destination in its own right. Rather than chasing short-lived trends or relying solely on luxurious ingredients, the bar is guided by the individual experiences of its patrons. This reflects a wider international movement, where cocktails are highly personalised yet still honour the essence of the ingredients and the cultural roots behind them. Here, the charm of Zacapa rum, combined with natural flavours and herbs, evokes memories and nostalgia in every glass.

Tucked away behind an unmarked door, Firkin channels the atmosphere of a classic Tokyo speakeasy. Without fanfare or extravagance, it has quietly become a fixture for cocktail enthusiasts since opening in 2017. Those who appreciate bespoke drinks in an intimate and discreet setting come here for conversation as much as for the carefully crafted cocktails.

Dedicated to bespoke service, Firkin quickly won loyal patrons thanks to its extensive whisky collection – from timeless single malts to bold bourbons, alongside the smooth and alluring rums of Zacapa XO and Zacapa No.23. With such a foundation, bartenders create singular recipes to suit the tastes, emotions and personal style of each guest.

Here, there is no fixed menu. Instead, bartenders guide customers through choices of flavour, intensity and finish, then craft a drink tailored entirely to them. This is what sets Firkin apart; a union of relentless creativity and profound knowledge of structure and taste, and a benchmark that is defining the new standard of luxury cocktail bars.

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Among the city’s speakeasies, ATM Cocktail Bar & Kitchen has quickly gained a following among younger cocktail lovers, thanks in part to its entrance disguised as an ATM machine. Yet its reputation rests not only on the playful design but also on the quality of its drinks, especially the vibrant and enticing cocktails featuring Zacapa XO and No.23.

Step through the unusual doorway and the bar opens up to a space that feels at once nostalgic and refined, blending the character of a Tokyo whisky bar with the ambience of a classic lounge. Regular acoustic and saxophone performances make it an ideal gathering place for friends or late-night conversations.

Every cocktail here is handcrafted to reflect the preferences and stories of the guest. A visit promises not only sophisticated drinks but also the pleasure of immersion in a nostalgic setting, rich in atmosphere.

At a time when young enthusiasts are seeking private, intimate spaces with personalised menus and nostalgic charm, ATM Cocktail Bar & Kitchen has become a favourite, distinguished by the attention it pays to every detail of the guest experience.

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Tatler Best is Asia’s authoritative guide to the region’s top 100 hotels, 100 restaurants and 100 bars, celebrating excellence in hospitality and dining. With 24 Best-in-Class awards – 10 hotels, 8 restaurants and 6 bars – Tatler Best honours the hospitality elite. Nominees are chosen through the expertise of Asia’s most discerning travel, food and beverage connoisseurs, reflecting the evolving tastes of the region.

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