Getting together with friends and your loved ones over custom botanical gins is a refined way to unwind after spending a week stressing over work. And the various combination of diverse flavours makes it a great way to indulge on a chilly weekend night when you don’t really have to think about responsibility.
Whether you want a basic gin and tonic or go deep into the heavier cocktails, you’re sure to have a good time at these gin bars in KL. Some of these spots even offer a gin cart where you can select not just the sort of gin you desire, but also the complementing herbs and garnishes to go with your cocktail.
Join the Glitz’s renaissance by visiting the city’s top bars for a gin and tonic, complete with fancy enhancements!
Best Gin Bars in KL
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1. Pahit
Pahit is a gin expert, offering everything from gin-based cocktails to an excellent selection of G&Ts. They feature a large selection of gins from throughout the world, such as Williams Elegant Crisp Gin from England and Caorunn Small Batch Gin from Scotland. Try one of their various fruit-infused G&Ts at the end of a work week for something cold and refreshing that, although being packed with herbs and ingredients, packs a punch.
| Where? | 3, Jalan Sin Chew Kee, Bukit Bintang, 50150 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur |
| Operating Hours: | Tuesday – Sunday: 5pm-1am Monday: Closed |
| Contact Information: | 03-2110 0776 |
2. Mrs Jones Parlour
At this beautiful retro-inspired pub, gin cocktails, house-infused gins, and traditional G&Ts abound. The house-infused gins are steeped for at least four days with various fruits and herbs, while the G&Ts are produced using diverse combinations of gins and tonics. The bar has a wide range of brands from across the world, as well as a selection of sloe gin, which is a somewhat more robust cocktail that is delicious on its own over ice.
| Where? | 617a, Jalan 17/10, Seksyen 17, 46400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor |
| Operating Hours: | Monday – Saturday: 4.30pm-11.30pm Sunday: Closed |
| Contact Information: | 018-285 9008 |
3. The First Chapter
Head on down to The First Chapter and get a taste of their signature Gin drinks! A hidden speakeasy with a hidden bookshelf door? What more can you ask for? Get your OOTD pictures taken at their entrance before entering this cosy secret bar inspired by the prohibition era in New York. Offering 2 signature Gin drinks, take your pick of their Signature Rose Infused Gin or Signature Chrysanthemum Gin.
If you want a rosy delight with light floral notes, try the former as it contains ingredients such as Juniper, East Imperial Burma Tonic and Rose Buds. For a twist to the classic Gin & Tonic, try the latter for a medley of warm, tangy and sweet flavours. Containing similar ingredients the only difference is the swap of Rose Buds to Charred Chinese Liquorice. Starting at RM42+ each, book your table now at +6011 2319 2556 or DM them @thefirstchapterspeakeasy.
| Where? | 139a, Jln Aminuddin Baki, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, 60000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur |
| Operating Hours: | Wed-Sat: 5pm – 12am | Closed on Mondays, Saturdays & Sundays |
| Contact Information: | +6011 2319 2556 |
4. Hyde At 53M
Although HYDE presently stocks up to 24 different types of gin, three of which are handcrafted kaffir lime-, Earl Grey-, and saffron-infused gins, the bar hopes to add new flavours to its menu every one to two months. The bartenders here take care of both the appearance and the flavour of their drinks. Pairing their beverages with the freshest garnishes imaginable, such as colourful edible flowers, is one such example. The drinks do really taste as delicious as they appear.
| Where? | 53M, Jalan SS 21/1a, Damansara Utama, 47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor |
| Operating Hours: | Tuesday – Sunday: 5pm-12am Monday: Closed |
| Contact Information: | 018-213 9291 |
5. Omakase + Appreciate
Omakase + Appreciate carries 10 various types of gins from throughout the world, ranging from London dry gins to fresh gins. Plymouth gin, which is earthier than a London dry and is exclusively made in Plymouth, England, is also in their lineup, as is the berry-like sloe gin. The bartenders have devised their own trademark gin cocktails, each made with a different variety of gin and with a distinct flavour profile.
| Where? | Bangunan Ming Annexe, 9, Jln Ampang, Kuala Lumpur, 50450 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur |
| Operating Hours: | N/A |
| Contact Information: | 03-2022 2238 |
6. MAZE
MAZE’s collection of over 150 foreign artisan gins ensures that gin-based cocktails are as exciting and varied as they come. Another highlight is their ‘gin sum’ cart, which is offered when you order a traditional G&T. You may hire the services of this cart, which contains a variety of fresh garnishes such as blackberries, watermelon, and others, to go with your G&T.
| Where? | Tropicana, 47410 Petaling Jaya, Selangor |
| Operating Hours: | N/A |
| Contact Information: | 010-311 1888 |
7. Botakliquour Bar
Botakliquor’s great thing is that it practises a sustainable farm-to-glass idea. Their beverages, like the renowned farm-to-table concept, are created with an emphasis on local products. Expect unusual flavour additions like pandan, aromatic rice-flavoured coconut water, and more in their tailored botanical drinks depending on the season. With over 30 gins to choose from, you may also create your own cocktail based on your preferences. To give you an idea, the Chocolate x Chili cocktail, which is created with tequila, gin, dried chilli, sweet vermouth, and chocolate bitters, is depicted above.
| Where? | 156, Jalan Petaling, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur |
| Operating Hours: | Tuesday – Sunday: 6pm-12am Monday: Closed |
| Contact Information: | 03-2022 1100 |
8. Jack Rose
Jack Rose KL, a nice addition to the Damansara Heights scene, is a laid-back spot for after-work beverages. Aside from ladies’ night on Thursdays, they also host unique events such as a ‘Tarot reading with Madam Lale Mimoza,’ which happened only last night. While you sip your cocktails, eat on their chicken wings, nachos, and other good-for-sharing fares.
| Where? | No. 2 Lorong Dungun Kiri, Damansara Heights Wisma E&C, Suite B1.01, Basement L1, Bukit Damansara |
| Operating Hours: | N/A |
| Contact Information: | 03-2011 0682 |
9. The Franks Bar KL
The New York-style speakeasy-themed on Frank Sinatra has received excellent reviews in the short period since it opened. The secret bar in Avenue K, with its décor inspired by the golden Hollywood era, jazz-style music, and a bespoke cocktail menu to match, offers weekly guest collaborations with some of KL’s greatest bars with views of Four Seasons Place and the Petronas Twin Tower to match!
| Where? | Avenue K, Unit 06 Level 03, 156, Jln Ampang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur |
| Operating Hours: | Everyday: 5pm-2am |
| Contact Information: | 012-674 4860 |
10. The Roof
This stunning restaurant and bar is located on the sky level of First Avenue and is separated into seven distinct locations. Guests can choose from an elegant and relaxed lounge bar at Signature, a vibey sports bar called Score, Malt & Leaf a luxurious whisky and cigar lounge, chilled drinks on the open-air rooftop helipad at Stratosphere, a first-of-its-kind concept steamboat that uses coconut-based broth at Yezi, modern bar & bistro Liquidity, or clubbing at BAE. These are some of the top bars in Kuala Lumpur, all of which are conveniently located in Asia’s premier entertainment district.
| Where? | First Avenue, Bandar Utama, 47800 Petaling Jaya, Selangor |
| Operating Hours: | Everyday: 4pm-12am |
| Contact Information: | 016-229 1505 |
11. IVY Gin Bar
One of the recently opened bars in the metro, IVY offers a wide range of gin as well as exclusive cigarettes to go with your drink. Relax and unwind as you listen to their live performances in the lounge weekly, from 7pm onwards. Aside from that, they also host themed club events that you and your friends can attend and enjoy free flows of drinks for the ladies.
| Where? | Level 2, Eastin Hotel, Kuala Lumpur, Pusat Dagang 13, Jalan 16/11, seksyen 16, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia |
| Operating Hours: | Weekdays, Saturday 3pm – 12am | Sunday – Closed |
| Contact Information: | +60 12-716 2093 |
12. The Alchemy
Step into The Alchemy reminiscent of New York-themed jazz bars that offer an impressive collection of gin – from dry to fresh. They specialise in crafting “flavourfully inventive and artfully-presented” gin and cocktail concoctions inspired by the four seasons. Get the gins on the rock mixed in with tonic water or let the mixologists surprise you with their specialty cocktails mixed with it.
| Where? | Starhill Gallery, 181, Jln Bukit Bintang, Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia |
| Operating Hours: | Weekends 3pm-6pm |
| Contact Information: | +60 18 929 8060 |
13. Bar Shake
Aside from their unique selection of cocktails, their Japanese gin offers are also a must-try! The Japanese bar beside the Sushi RYU in KL where they excel in bringing out the core flavours in their drinks. Order food with your drinks that perfectly complements it and enjoy a quiet night in at Bar Shake.
| Where? | Unit 3.3A, Level 2, Tower 1, Platinum Park, 11, Persiaran KLCC, Kuala Lumpur |
| Operating Hours: | Weekdays, Saturdays 5pm – 12am | Sunday – Closed |
| Contact Information: | +60 11-4008 7618 |
14. MariGin
This sophisticated MariGin draws influence from historic gin parlours of yesteryear and welcomes customers with comfortable decor and an amazing choice of quality gins. Over 50 gins are available, which are utilised in the bar’s gin infusions (called ‘ginfusions’ and are blended with local flavours), unique gin cocktails, and classic G&Ts created with different gin and tonic combinations.
| Where? | One Kl, Lot 1.02 Ground Floor, No 6, Jalan Pinang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur |
| Operating Hours: | Everyday: 1pm-12am |
| Contact Information: | 03-2386 6030 |
15. Mercat Barcelona Gastrobar
Mercat adheres to the simple G&T and avoids exotic drinks. They stick to their heritage by serving a Spanish take on the gin and tonic: A double shot of gin served in a balloon glass with huge ice cubes and topped with fruits or spices to match the gin’s botanicals. Every month, the bar will launch two to three new gin variations, in addition to the existing Mercat selection.
| Where? | 1 Mont’ Kiara, 1, Jalan Kiara, Mont Kiara, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur |
| Operating Hours: | Everyday: 11am-12am |
| Contact Information: | 03-6211 7969 |
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