We ask four bartenders from Kuala Lumpur and Penang their favourite cocktails to drink

Their concoctions are some of the most celebrated in the city but what do these bartenders like to order during their down time? Let's find out.

Related: World Cocktail Day 2022: Cocktails Bartenders Make to Impress

Raz Ng, Gekko Dining

Tatler Asia
Photo: Instagram/@razxberry
Above Photo: Instagram/@razxberry
Tatler Asia
Photo: Unsplash/Claus Grunstaudl
Above Photo: Unsplash/Claus Grunstaudl

"I would normally order a neat shot of agave spirits or rum but if I do order cocktails, I would start off with the bar's signatures as I appreciate the people who put their effort and time into their menu. Bonus point if the bar practises and understands the importance of using quality large clear ice cubes in their drinks as they melt slower, reducing the rate of dilution and fewer impurities. Good ice can make or break a cocktail."

Related: International Women's Day 2022: 6 Women Who are Raising the Bar

Giovanni Magliaro, Reka:Bar

Tatler Asia
Photo: Reka:Bar
Above Photo: Reka:Bar
Tatler Asia
Photo: Instagram/@apetimeofficial
Above Photo: Instagram/@apetimeofficial

"For me, the foundation of every great bartender and bar is the mastery of the classics. My all-time favourite classic cocktail is the Boulevardier, which has only three ingredients—whisky (usually bourbon or rye), Campari and sweet vermouth, and served with an orange twist. A recent Boulevardier that had impressed me recently was from a bar called Drink Kong in Rome, which was expertly prepared with the addition of a cordial made from leftover citrus."

Related: Mixologists to Watch in Kuala Lumpur

Kean Choo, Good Friends Club

Tatler Asia
Photo: Kean Choo
Above Photo: Kean Choo
Tatler Asia
Photo: Pexels/Sebastian Coman Photography
Above Photo: Pexels/Sebastian Coman Photography

"Negroni is my favourite cocktail. It's not just a classic but also a high-quality elixir that can be adjusted according to the mood. Part gin, part sweet vermouth and part Campari, you can adjust the amount of each ingredient to get the taste you prefer—it's not a monotonous drink. Personally, I like them in equal amount; I liken the combination to a symphony in my mouth."

Related: 6 Trendy Bars in George Town, Penang for a Cocktail

Karl Too, Happy Stan

Tatler Asia
Photo: Karl Too
Above Photo: Karl Too
Tatler Asia
Photo: Unsplash/Gabriella Clare Marino
Above Photo: Unsplash/Gabriella Clare Marino

"To be frank, I have low alcohol tolerance. But when I drink, my go-to cocktails are easygoing concoctions like Mr Black Coffee Liqueur with Tonic, the Garibaldi and Aperol Spritz. These two-to-three-ingredient cocktails require no shaking or elaborate flourishes, and are easily replicated so you can't really go wrong."

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