World Class Cocktail Festival Bangkok 2019: Silom-Charoenkrung

This jazz institution at Mandarin Oriental is the oldest cocktail bar in Bangkok, having been around since 1953. A mix of rattan chairs, wooden slats and jungle-print cushions give off a tropical safari vibe, although a very sophisticated one. Sip on creative creations mixed by British head bartender Jamie Rhind, which combine local ingredients from different Thai regions, while listening to soothing jazz tunes.

This Mediterranean eatery serves up comforting Spanish tapas in a laidback setting that features wood-heavy details and a bar counter decorated with colorful Moroccan tiles. Pair well-executed cocktails by celebrity mixologist Carson Quinn with a great variation of Mediterranean-inspired tapas bites.

This chic lounge in SO Sofitel Bangkok, which has views overlooking the treetops of Lumpini Park is a great place to take in high tea in the afternoon before settling in for sunset cocktails.

This buzzy rooftop restaurant serves modern western fare and an array of delicious cocktails along with stunning views—not just of the flaming sunset or the shimmering evening sky, but of lush Lumpini Park below.

Sorrento has long been a mainstay for rustic Italian fare, but for cocktail connoisseurs it’s also a go-to for one of the best tippling experiences in Bangkok. The bar is helmed by Pongpak Sudthipongse and Jane Kaew-yod, who were crowned Diageo World Class Bartender of the Year 2015 and 2018 respectively.

The lobby of Mandarin Oriental is presently undergoing a months-long facelift. During this short hiatus between June-August, the iconic hotel is hosting popular Hong Kong-hailing cocktail bar The Old Man, the No.1 on this year’s Asia’s 50 Best Bars. Helmed by a trifecta of Hong Kong hospitality icons that include Agung Prabowo, James Tamang and Roman Ghale, The Old Man takes an inventive and serious approach to cocktails, taking inspiration from Ernest Hemingway and his works along the way.

Dark wood and polished leather is the vibe here. The Bar is situated in the right wing of this awe-inspiring neo-classical mansionturned- restaurant, and offers specially crafted cocktails as well as bite-sized chow.

The rooftop bar at Banyan Tree Bangkok, which is one of the world’s highest on the 61st floor, is definitely not for the faint-hearted. Recently reopened after a renovation, the Moon Bar, which is positioned next to alfresco restaurant Vertigo, bounces back with a new design that features a spectacular diamond-shaped bar. Head bartender Deepak Soni creates refreshing Tiki-style drinks to accompany light tapas-inspired bites and stunning sunset views. The new design also introduces Moon Walk, a short glass bridge that serves as the deck where you can pose for Instagram-friendly photos amidst a backdrop of glistening skyscrapers. 

The sky-high bar will benefit from the skillful bartending of Lester Ligon of ABV bar in Manila on 6 June (20:00-24:00). Lester was awarded the top prize at Diageo World Class Philippines 2018 and represented his country in Berlin for Diageo World Class Global Finals where he was claimed the winner in the Ketel One Better Drinking Challenge.

Named after James Bond’s favorite drink (shaken, not stirred), Vesper is a sleek, stylish venue imbued with pine-green marble bar tops, reflective lights, mirrors, and heavy curtains that give the space a secretive feel. Founded by Choti Leenutaphong and Debby Tang, the pioneers of restaurant group Foodie Collection, Vesper was recently converted from an Italian restaurant to a full-fledged bar. The watering hole now specializes in cocktails inspired by artistic masterpieces (expect drinks with names like Autumn Rhythm No.30 and Campbell’s Soup Can), modern classic mixes, and forgotten classics. Group bar manager Supawit “Palm” Muttarattana, who was crowned the winner of the Diageo World Class Thailand Competition in 2012, is the one responsible for making sure each drink comes out perfect. Vesper welcomes Italian bartender Simone Rossi, the assistant beverage manager of Rosewood Hong Kong, for a special guest shift on 8 June (20:00-24:00). Rossi, who was selected as the winner of World Class Cocktail Competition Hong Kong and Macao 2018, will be whipping up signature drinks using Tanqueray gin.

This fashionable space, situated next to the lobby of the chic hotel W Bangkok, serves cocktails that pump up the fancy (one even has a cotton candy topper). Vibrant neon lights and upbeat music, from groovy house to techno to hip hop, set the scene for a night of drop-down dancing.