Festive elixirs a nod to Chinese culture
AS the city embraces the Lunar New Year, one of Kuala Lumpur’s sexiest cocktail bars G-String KL is marking the auspicious season by unveiling a tantalising array of cocktails.

Called Lunar Elixirs, the cocktail series partners with two spirits labels, namely Chivas Regal Extra 13 featuring four cocktails and Monkey 47 Schwarzwald Dry Gin where there are two cocktails.

Bar co-owner Alex Tan said the new cocktail menu has a Chinese influence, which is apt for the Chinatown area which is vibrantly cloaked in the festive mood.

“The cocktails feature ingredients often used in Chinese desserts and beverages that bring a medley of flavours when mixed with the two spirit labels.

“Ingredients such as sea coconut, childhood favourite sarsaparilla soda as well as osmanthus syrup will be used in our cocktails,” he said.

G-String bar is where risqué ambiance meets refined mixology and its new cocktail menu offers an experience that is as provocative as it is sophisticated.

The “G” in its name represents gin – a lighter liquor option that appeals to new drinkers and used in most of the cocktails.

Inside, the dimly lit interior exudes an aura of mystery with plush velvet floral sofas and seductive pink neon lighting.

A cabinet vintage television set, radios and lamps courtesy of co-owner Desvin Tew flank the bar.

Monkey 47 dry Gin is used in the Oriental Monkey (right) and Monkey Soup cocktails.

As for the cocktails, though some are suggestively named, they are designed to delight the senses and are fun drinks for customers’ enjoyment.

Take Creampie Mountain for example, which uses Chivas Extra 13 Sherry Cask mixed with Amaretto, sea coconut, mint and Sarsaparilla Soda topped with a thick egg white foam.

The sarsaparilla soda lends distinct sweetness that goes exceptionally well with the slight bitterness of Amaretto. The mint in the mix adds a lovely refreshing minty aftertaste.

With a slight oaky flavour of cherry cask, the taste balances out nicely without overshadowing the other ingredients.

The Pandan shooters at G-String KL.

The cocktail is also slated to be in the running for the Chivas Regal Extra 13 Cocktail challenge 2024 where selected bars battle it out with their own creative rendition of cocktails using the blended whiskey as an alcohol base.

Meanwhile, inspired by pop culture and the Super Saiyan main character in the Japanese anime Dragon Ball – the Son Goku cocktail, made with Chivas Regal Extra 13 Sherry cask, exudes a bold flavour.

It presents a tinge of bitterness from the Campari-infused saffron that is balanced out by the citrusy notes of lemon juice and orange marmalade as well as saffron syrup.

Served in a body-shaped cocktail glass, the Anaconda Dream uses Chivas Extra 13 Rye Cask with St Germain liqueur, Japanese Shiso Bitters and butterfly pea-infused elderflower soda.

Aromatic floral notes is to be expected when taking a sip.

The last of the whiskey cocktails is the Green Missile Head.

(Clockwise from left) Octo Thai, char kuey teow and Korean coin purse.

The combination of Chivas 13 Tequila Cask, Lillet Rose, pomelo syrup, orchid syrup, lemon juice and fresh cilantro gives a hint of sweetness and a refreshing aftertaste.

As for the gin cocktails, the Oriental Monkey’s tinge of sweetness and citrusy notes is from the ume plum syrup, lemon juice and date fruit mix.

It is mixed with Monkey 47 Dry Gin that boasts an astonishing 47 different botanicals and red wine.

As for the Monkey Soup cocktail, the drink is a blend of Monkey 47 Dry Gin, Monk Fruit or luo han guo tea, osmanthus syrup and lemon juice.

This appetising drink is light and refreshing with a hint of osmanthus fragrance.

The Son Goku (right) and Green Missile Head cocktails are some of the new finds on G-String’s menu.

For party-goers, the bar is offering a set of six spirit-forward Pandan shooters with Beefeater Gin served in half a dozen transitional Chinese-style shooter glasses.

The hungry can look forward to some satisfying food options such as Octo Thai which is steamed octopus with Thai sauce or hot favourite char kuey teow served with plump prawns, fish cake and mixed vegetable.

Bite-sized snacks include Korean coin purse, prawn gyoza with kimchi cream as well as the Mini Kraken, which is breaded squid rings served with tartar sauce.

The cocktail menu is available throughout February. G-STRING KL, 147, Jalan Petaling, Kuala Lumpur. (Tel: 013-938 6322) Business hours: 5pm to 2am, daily.

This is the writer’s personal observation and is not an endorsement by StarMetro.
AS the city embraces the Lunar New Year, one of Kuala Lumpur’s sexiest cocktail bars G-String KL is marking the auspicious season by unveiling a tantalising array of cocktails.