Ruby’s Bangkok: a gem-inspired cocktail bar
Tucked away on the L Floor of Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok, Ruby’s offers a more intimate take on Bangkok’s cocktail scene. With seating for just 16 guests, the bar pairs considered mixology with a narrative-driven approach, turning each drink into a chapter in the story of its fictional muse, Ruby.
Launched in late 2024, the bar’s cocktail concept draws inspiration from precious stones, using their symbolism and character to shape the ingredients, preparation and presentation of each creation. Its second volume, titled Transformation, launched on 1 October 2026, continues the narrative from where its predecessor left off: heartbreak. This time, the focus shifts towards recovery, self-discovery and the process of becoming someone new.
The concept extends beyond the menu’s storytelling. Ingredients undergo infusion, fat-washing, clarification and fermentation, transforming familiar flavours into something unexpected. Created by Bar and Beverage Manager Andreas “Andi” Kaltenmark and executed by Ruby’s bartending team, the latest collection introduces 13 new cocktails, each inspired by a different precious stone.
Among the highlights is Diamond, a pale-gold creation that combines tequila, mezcal, sake, vermouth, rooibos and pear. Clarified with milk, the drink takes on a light, floral character, with a subtle trace of smoke from the mezcal. Its hand-cut ice pyramid evokes a rough stone awaiting its final form, reflecting the cocktail’s namesake and its journey towards transformation.
For something more vivid, Jadeite arrives in luminous green, with gold-flecked ikura perched along the rim. Japanese whisky and matcha liqueur meet yuzu, lychee and house-made wasabi cordial, balancing an initial sharpness with savoury salinity and a more contemplative finish.
Fire Opal offers a more theatrical moment, served alight with a live flame sweeping across the surface. Tequila infused with tortilla is layered with chilli liqueur steeped in Thai tea, white cacao, green bell pepper, habanero syrup and agave, producing a cocktail that is spiced and earthy, with chocolate notes beneath the heat.
The menu also ventures into savoury territory with Sunstone, a more unconventional combination of Rémy Martin 1738 cognac, Cocchi Americano Bianco, bacon, blue cheese, tomato shrub and Thai coriander. Developed through infusion and fermentation over several weeks, it reimagines the flavours of an American diner with a more refined touch. Meanwhile, Amethyst pairs Islay gin and Lanna vodka with açai, vanilla, butterfly pea and citrus in a milk-punch-clarified cocktail, finished with seasoning around the rim for an interactive final flourish.
Beyond its signature creations, Ruby’s caters to the growing interest in mindful drinking with several low-alcohol and zero-proof options. These receive the same technical attention and narrative consideration as the rest of the collection, ensuring that guests can explore the concept regardless of their drinking preferences.
nahm Bar: Thai-inspired cocktails with a contemporary twist
At COMO Metropolitan Bangkok, the experience of Thai flavours extends beyond the dining table. At nahm, a collection of signature cocktails takes inspiration from the country’s vibrant culinary traditions, pairing local spirits with fresh produce, aromatic herbs and bright citrus to create drinks with a distinctly Thai character.
Known for its refined interpretation of Thai cuisine, nahm provides a natural setting for a cocktail programme that celebrates the depth and diversity of local ingredients. Rather than relying solely on familiar classics, its signature creations explore the interplay of sweetness, spice, acidity and herbal complexity, offering a contemporary expression of Thailand in the glass.
Among the highlights is the Tang Mo Smash, a refreshing combination of local vodka, sweet watermelon, aromatic Thai basil and lime. Fruity and lively, with delicate herbal notes, it makes an approachable choice for a leisurely afternoon or an aperitif before dinner. Its balance of fresh fruit and fragrant basil also offers a natural complement to the bold, layered flavours associated with Thai cuisine.
For something with greater depth, Suan Som takes a more spirit-forward direction. Made with Mekhong Thai whiskey, ginger, calamansi and Angostura bitters, the cocktail balances warm spice with bright citrus and a measured hint of bitterness. Smooth yet bold, it offers a distinctive Thai-inspired sundowner, with the character of the local spirit providing the foundation for its more complex flavour profile.
The Esan Lime Drop, meanwhile, looks to the culinary traditions of northeastern Thailand for inspiration. Thai gin infused with lemongrass, galangal and ka yaeng is finished with the zesty aroma of makrut lime, resulting in an aromatic, citrus-forward cocktail. Fresh and contemporary, it brings regional ingredients into focus while offering a spirited interpretation of Isan’s vibrant flavour palette.
Together, the three signatures demonstrate how familiar ingredients can take on a different dimension when approached through the lens of mixology. Watermelon and basil provide freshness, Mekhong whiskey brings warmth and character, while lemongrass, galangal and makrut lime introduce the aromatic complexity that defines so much of Thailand’s culinary identity.
BKK Social Club Bangkok: Latin American glamour and creative cocktails
At BKK Social Club, Latin American glamour meets Thai hospitality in a polished setting where handcrafted cocktails take centre stage. An award-winning destination bar in Bangkok, it draws inspiration from the energy and character of Mexico City, translating the city’s landmarks, coffee traditions and spirited nightlife into a menu that rewards exploration.
The cocktail programme moves between bright citrus, smoky mezcal, rich coffee and savoury combinations, with each creation offering its own interpretation of Mexican culture. For those seeking something beyond the familiar classics, the menu balances playful references with thoughtful spirit selections and layered flavours.
La Capilla sets the tone with a tequila-based creation that brings together strawberry cenote blanco tequila, Se Busca mezcal, peach, citrus, sea salt, Fever-Tree sparkling pink grapefruit and a touch of sweetness. Created in homage to Don Javier Delgado Corona, the owner and bartender of La Capilla in Mexico, the drink balances sweet, sour, bitter and salty notes in a lively, palate-awakening combination.
Coffee takes a more prominent role in Chiapas, a cocktail inspired by the Mexican region known for its coffee traditions. Bacardi Reserva Ocho rum meets Mr. Black cold brew coffee liqueur, espresso, popcorn and amaro, creating a rich, layered expression that captures the spirit of an after-dark coffee ritual.
For a journey through Mexico’s landscapes, Carretera reimagines the Negroni through a mezcal-led interpretation. Los Siete Misterios Doba-Yej mezcal is paired with pineapple, Campari Coffee Vermouth Blend and olive saline, bringing together smoky, fruity and bitter elements. Its name evokes the iconic Pan-American Highway, lending the cocktail a sense of travel and discovery.
The menu also embraces a more playful side of Mexican culture with Lucha Libre, a highball inspired by the spectacle of Mexican professional wrestling. Grey Goose vodka, tomato water, spices, soy, chilli, pickles, citrus, salt and Mexican light beer come together in a michelada-style creation. Savoury, refreshing and full of character, it pays tribute to the theatrical energy of lucha libre, where masks, rivalries and larger-than-life personalities define the experience.
Beyond its cocktails, BKK Social Club offers elevated bar bites alongside a considered selection of cigars, wines and champagnes, making it equally suited to a pre-dinner aperitif or a longer evening of drinks and conversation. The experience brings together the exuberance of Latin American nightlife and the attentive service associated with Bangkok’s luxury hospitality scene.
Its standing in the international bar community is reflected in its recognition on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2026 list, where it secured the No. 20 position. For travellers exploring Bangkok’s cocktail scene, BKK Social Club offers a distinctive perspective on contemporary mixology, with a menu that turns Mexico City’s cultural references into an invitation to discover something unexpected in every glass.
