Cover Pahit's martini trio: Ginger, Perfect Martini, and Yuzu
Pahit's martini trio: Ginger, Perfect Martini, and Yuzu
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In collaboration with The House of Suntory, these bars have presented their own innovative takes of this classic tipple
“Shaken, not stirred.” This universally recognised line is a testament to the martini's impact on our world. Traditionally made with gin and vermouth, the martini was incepted in the late 19th century and has become a timeless classic. The vodka martini is also a popular iteration of the classic cocktail, with vodka replacing gin as the base spirit.
Read more: 5 things we love about The House of Suntory’s 100th anniversary exhibition
In celebration of June’s World Martini Day, The House of Suntory has launched an initiative with eight bars around the Klang Valley, all tasked with presenting their iterations of the cocktail with Roku Gin and Haku Vodka. From the city centre’s popular PS150 to Taman Paramount hangout Remedy, here are the eight bars you need to visit for a killer martini.
1. Wildflowers
Above Wildflowers' Blooming Vesper, Green Spot, and Silver Spirit
Wildflowers' Blooming Vesper, Green Spot, and Silver Spirit
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Flavours and aromas are at the forefront at Wildflowers with its Blooming Vesper, Green Spot, and Silver Spirit martinis. The Blooming Vesper intertwines sweet and tangy flavours with Haku Vodka, elderflower, clarified lemon, honey, and sake.
The Green Spot is a refreshing and citrusy tipple made of Roku Gin, the melon liqueur Midori, shochu, Orange Curaçao, and clarified lemon. Last but not least, the bright Silver Spirit balances floral and fruity notes using Roku Gin, butterfly pea Lillet Blanc, Umeshu, and sake.
2. Remedy
Above Remedy's Wafuku, Yuzu Ame, and Suikawari
Remedy's Wafuku, Yuzu Ame, and Suikawari
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Taman Paramount’s Remedy is a relative newcomer on the scene, opening its doors in February. The bar has created The Suikawari, Wafuku, and Yuzu Ame martinis for this celebration.
The Suikawari is an intriguing blend of Haku Vodka, clarified watermelon juice, cacao blanc, and chocolate extract. In contrast, the Wafuku blends traditional Japanese flavours with a modern twist, featuring Roku Gin, Midori, bitters, and Lillet Blanc. The Yuzu Ame martini is a delightful citrusy drink made using Roku Gin, yuzu syrup, lemon juice, egg white, and a touch of matcha for depth.
3. Pahit
Above Pahit's martini trio: Ginger, Perfect Martini, and Yuzu
Pahit's martini trio: Ginger, Perfect Martini, and Yuzu
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Pahit prides itself on its craftsmanship, and it shows in its martini creations that will awaken your senses. Its three martinis are the Ginger, Perfect Martini, and Yuzu. The Ginger is a melodic balance between Roku Gin, Dolin Dry Vermouth, Umami bitters by The Japanese bitters, and pickled ginger juice, which offers a subtle kick to the drink.
The sweet and dry Perfect Martini lives up to its name, featuring Haku Vodka, Dolin Dry Vermouth, Sweet Vermouth, and Yuzu bitters by The Japanese Bitters. Lastly, the Yuzu martini is a citrusy and bright libration that blends the aromas of Roku Gin, Dry Vermouth, Sherry and a touch of Japanese yuzu bitters.
4. PS150
Above PS150's Autre Temps, Emerald Sour, and Orrzy Martini
PS150's Autre Temps, Emerald Sour, and Orrzy Martini
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Chinatown’s renowned PS150 has also created its own trio of martinis crafted with innovative flavour combinations. Start your martini journey with the Autre Temps, a captivating blend of floral Roku Gin, Sarawakian liquor Tuak, sweet Maraschino, and refreshing grapefruit bitters.
Next, go for the Orrzy Martini, which champions chocolatey flavours. The playful cocktail is made with Haku Voda, Bailey’s, and Oreo, ideal for those with a sweet tooth and a penchant for nostalgia. Finally, the Emerald Sour is crafted with chrysanthemum, Midori, lemon, and sugar syrup, making for a floral, vibrant, and subtly tart cocktail.
5. Ikiya 2.0
Above Ikiya 2.0's Lychee, Sweet Potato, and Kiwi martinis
Ikiya 2.0's Lychee, Sweet Potato, and Kiwi martinis
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Over in Taman Tun Dr Ismail, Ikiya 2.0’s martinis put fruits on the forefront with the Lychee, Sweet Potato, and Kiwi martinis, all named after its star ingredients. The Lychee is a sweet and aromatic amalgamation of Roku Gin, lychee, absinthe, and some citric acid, perfect for those who lean towards bright and refreshing cocktails.
Meanwhile, the slightly savoury Sweet Potato is a unique tipple of Haku Vodka, Imo shochu, Dry Vermouth, sweet potato essence, and a hint of olive brine. For those who like a kick, the Kiwi martini blends Haku Vodka, sake, kiwi, citric acid, Chile pepper liqueur, and aromatic bitters. This cocktail is vibrant and smooth, thanks to the Haku Vodka, sake, and kiwi, and comes with a hint of heat from the Chile pepper liqueur.
6. Xun Bar
Above The Espresso Martini, Dry Martini, and Breakfast Martini at Xun Bar
The Espresso Martini, Dry Martini, and Breakfast Martini at Xun Bar
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Xun Bar has created a collection of martinis that are both timeless and elevated, comprising the Espresso Martini, Dry Martini and The Breakfast Martini. The Espresso Martini is sure to wake you up with its smooth combination of Haku Vodka, Bailey’s and cold brew coffee.
Another classic choice, the Dry Martini, is made with a simple yet sophisticated blend of Roku Gin and Dry Vermouth, garnished with olives. The Breakfast Martini takes inspiration from the day’s most important meal, featuring Roku Gin, Triple Sec, lemon juice, and some orange jam for a touch of zest.
7. Concierge
Above The Oliver Twist, Ume Martinez, and Not Stirred Umami Vesper at Concierge
The Oliver Twist, Ume Martinez, and Not Stirred Umami Vesper at Concierge
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Concierge’s martinis display sophistication and complexity. The Oliver Twist plays with herbal, bitter, and citrusy notes, combining Roku Gin, Italicus, Dry Vermouth, lemon bitters, and olive bitters. On the other hand, the Ume Martinez is a sweet, fruity, and smoky drink, fusing the flavours of Roku Gin, Punt e Mes Vermouth, smoked tea plum wine, Maraschino, and Boker’s Bitters.
The Not Stirred Umami Vesper is a modern and unique take on a classic, concocted with Roku Gin, sun-dried tomato-infused Haku Vodka, Lillet Blanc, cucumber water, and grapefruit bitters, making for a savoury, tangy, and refreshing cocktail.
8. Frank's
Above Beautiful Monday Morning, Not “Dirty”, and Big Apple at Frank's
Beautiful Monday Morning, Not “Dirty”, and Big Apple at Frank's
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Frank's, a bar named after the jazz icon Frank Sinatra, has created its martini trio of the Beautiful Monday Morning, Not “Dirty”, and the Big Apple. The Beautiful Monday Morning is a delightful and indulgent cocktail to start your evenings with, comprising Haku Vodka, Frangelico liqueur, borghettie coffee, and pistachio paste.
The Not “Dirty” is a one-of-a-kind blend of savoury and salty flavours, made with Haku Vodka, salted tomato with basil Bianco, and a spritz of saline solution. Lastly, the Big Apple, named after the iconic Sinatra tune “New York, New York”, is made with a delicate and refreshing mixture of Roku Gin, Cointreau, and apple tea Bianco.
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Images: The House of Suntory
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Amanda is a KL-born and raised third culture kid, who lives to eat. If not found reading, writing for Tatler Dining, or snacking, she is most likely playing with her dog, Katsu, sourcing new Birkenstocks, or looking for a new restaurant to venture to.
Follow her on Instagram at @feedingamanda.
