5 Kuala Lumpur speakeasies that make the most creative cocktails in town

Jun 17 , 2019

The amount of effort that Bar Shake’s Japanese bartender Sam Kinugawa puts into his cocktails is impressive. Bar Shake is indicative of the direction the fast growing Kuala Lumpur speakeasy scene has taken in recent years with the emphasis being on original and cleverly constructed cocktails. Photo: Bar Shake

KL’s mixology scene is awash with originality, from The Deceased bar’s celebration of the macabre, the attention to detail at Bar Shake, to the organic simplicity of Botak Liquor

It’s been six years since Kuala Lumpur’s speakeasy scene exploded, and in that time, mixology in the Malaysian capital has continued to go from strength to strength. Local KL-ites’ perennial thirst for original, cleverly constructed cocktails has given rise to a fresh and exciting crop of bars, all of which put their own unique spin on the speakeasy experience. You might not have to queue to get in – not yet, anyway – but reserving seats in advance is always a good idea.

1. The Deceased

Don’t let the smell of funeral incense and the bloody handprints along the wall deter you from climbing up the stairs to this sinister speakeasy. Its entire cocktail menu is based on Malaysian superstitions – of which there are many – and black magic, including one drink that’s named after the notorious murderess and bomoh (a Malay shaman) Mona Fandey. Meanwhile, the bar counter groans with skulls and the walls are plastered with gory, Manga-esque depictions of hell. All in all, it’s a scream.

A visit to The Deceased bar is sure to be a scream with plenty of macabre concoctions to choose from. The Petty Person Beating comes with a handy clog to whack your worst enemy with.

Order: The Petty Person Beating, accompanied by a clog to whack your worst enemy with.

Address: 55 Jalan Sultan, 50000, Kuala Lumpur

Open: Wednesday-Monday, 6:30pm-2am

2. Bar Shake