Like all good menus the real goodies are on the last page. Those with a sweet tooth will not be disappointed
Discovering Cocktails Hollywood Style in Bangsar
Open just over a month, Kuala Lumpur’s bar scene has gained a new star. The Pacific Standard bar on the 41st floor of the Alila Bangsar exudes classic Hollywood style with its green marble, polished brass, 1950’s style furniture and some of the most delicious cocktails I have ever sampled.
The head bartender Ruben is as effervescent as my Bel Air Fizz cocktail. A quick chat with him reveals that he has worked in many exciting bars outside of Malaysia for the past 12 years, including a recent stint at the Marina Bay Sands Hotel in Singapore, but he is delighted to be back in his hometown making innovative and classic (with a twist!) cocktails in Bangsar.
Image credit: Pacific Standard Bar / Head bartender Ruben
The extensive wine list, craft beer selection (soon to be expanded), and the wide range of spirits available ensure that even those not interested in cocktails are well catered for. Add in some delicious food from the French style Bistro, Entier, next door and you have the ultimate after work drinks venue.
The Bel Air Fizz
Evoking West Coast America, the menu is divided into 4 sections with different flavour profiles, all priced at 45 rm each. I start with the Hollywood Highballs and the aforementioned Bel Air Fizz. After the first sip, I was in heaven. The citrus burst combining with the Monkey 47 Sloe Gin was as refreshing as a cool ocean breeze. The floral undertones and soda create a delightfully fun and light drink, perfect for an end of week pick-me-up.
Image credit: Pacific Standard Bar
Feeling confident in Ruben’s skill, I moved to the next section of the menu to sample the Sunset Swizzle, a concoction of Plantation Pineapple Rum, Green Chartreuse, Basil Cordial, lime juice and mint as I continue my journey back to the glamour of vintage California. The sharpness of the pineapple rum is beautifully balanced by the Chartreuse while the lime and mint compliment it perfectly, transporting you directly to a sun lounger on Venice Beach.
The Sunset Swizzle
As the sun began to set I moved to the aptly named LA Noire section of the menu for an old-fashioned aperitif with a difference – the Chocolate Negroni. The Italian classic has added chocolate bitters and served not only with the traditional orange twist but a melt in the mouth chocolate sliver. The smoothness of the gin and vermouth make this a serious contender for this bar’s signature drink.
The Chocolate Negroni
Like all good menus the real goodies are on the last page. Those with a sweet tooth will not be disappointed. The lure of a house made Donut Liquor foam is hard to resist so I choose the Fat White Russian. The artisan process shows that utmost care is taken to create this foam, the smell and flavour of doughnuts fill your senses from the first sip.
Officially launching on the 4th of July 2018, Pacific Standard is far from the standard cocktail bar. Skilled craftsmanship, home-made liquors, fresh juices and a relaxed, classy atmosphere are sure to make this a favourite in the Kuala Lumpur bar scene.
- Level 41, Alila Bangsar No. 58, Jalan Ang Seng, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Phone: +6016 2156 597
- Opening Hours: Sunday to Thursday: 12pm – 1am : Friday & Saturday: 12pm – 2am