North Gate Spirit is the newest project from Pharadon ‘Opor’ Phonamnuai, the legendary saxophonist behind Chiang Mai’s beloved North Gate Jazz Co-Op. The space begins life each day as a cafe pouring Chiang Rai coffee with creative twists – think Yuzu Americanos in cocktail glasses and coconut foam lattes prepared by baristas who double as bartenders. Yet unlike most cafes, you can also order a drink featuring North Gate Spirit – the house-made shochu distilled from rice and sugarcane at North Gate Distillery. It comes served as highballs with soda, poured neat over ice or delicately matched with tonic.
As afternoon fades, the space shifts into a bar and music venue, showcasing ethnic minority musicians. Soon, a new back bar will open with cocktail flights and a full programme of live music.
The setting is just as compelling as the drinks: a restored Old City shophouse filled with folk art and handmade details by local artisans. As Opor puts it, ‘Every inch of the building, every drink, carries the touch of local craft – from the architecture to the glass in your hand.’ There’s even a surprisingly addictive and rather boozy shochu ice cream – further blurring the lines between dessert and nightcap. Shochu affogato anyone?
North Gate Spirit. Shochu highball from B150. Ratchapakhinai Road. 9am-6pm.