Introducing the 2019 Bar of the Year Winners

Helmed by a panel of judges and backed by public nomination, the Bar Awards are not a run-of-the-mill system. The lengths in deciding winners are commemorative of their excellence and, for its winners, a mark of pride. 2019’s four winners explore an expansive scope of drinks and decor, distinguished in their own right. Their diversity ranges from the elaborate grandeur of Kuala Lumpur’s Bar Trigona and the polished interior of Singapore’s Jigger & Pony, to the rustic ambiance of Macau’s Goa Nights and old-time sophistication of Thailand’s Bamboo Bar.

BAR TRIGONA – 2019 BAR OF THE YEAR, BAR AWARDS KUALA LUMPUR

Located within Four Seasons hotel, in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, Bar Trigona has captured the imagination with its ornate intricacy, both in ambiance and drink choices. Experience is the name of the game, with their unique selection rivalled only by their superb service. Claiming the honourable title has supplied opportune chance for them to truly appreciate the support from the local bar community and consumers, as well as use their platform to guide and inspire a new generation of bartenders. With inventive techniques, employment of local ingredients, and detailed flavour discernment, Bar Trigona has transformed itself into a place one relishes to be in – for both its consumers and its staff.

JIGGER & PONY – 2019 BAR OF THE YEAR, BAR AWARDS SINGAPORE

After setting up their new home within Central Singapore’s Amara Hotel in late 2018, Jigger & Pony wasted no time celebrating their eagerly-anticipated return with an equally refreshed range of beverages. Their pride in their specialised crafting of cocktail creations is matched with a confident hospitality and generous energy. Professing the concept of “kaizen”, or continuous improvement, the method to their success, they constantly challenge themselves to further quality in any and all aspects of their bar. While bringing Singapore’s blossoming cocktail scene to the forefront, Jigger & Pony abide steadfastly to their goal in being a place of comfort, friendliness and warmth for their patrons.

THE BAMBOO BAR – 2019 BAR OF THE YEAR, BAR AWARDS BANGKOK

To take the term “jazzed up” to an entirely different level, Mandarin Oriental Bangkok’s Bamboo Bar is an instant transportation device to the Jazz Age of the 1920s to 1930s. Its conspicuous character is distinct from the moment you step foot in the establishment, with an antiquated ‘old money’ trait thrust into modern-day settings. To further emphasise this point, its live jazz band performances allow its guests to briefly escape contemporary life to instead relish in sonorous blues and vibrant tunes. However, the Bamboo Bar isn’t resting on the laurels of its win, instead gearing itself up to launch a new menu in 2020 to feature cocktails that will be doubly delectable.

GOA NIGHTS – 2019 BAR OF THE YEAR, BAR AWARDS HONG KONG & MACAU

Goa Nights was only 16 months into its operational tenure when they were named the winner. Tucked in the heart of the old Taipa village, its purposefully eclectic interiors within the old-style Portugese building are emblematic of its laid-back, rustic atmosphere. Combined with a memorable menu touting tapas dishes in addition to their drinks, an accommodating hospitality and seamless fusion of Eastern traditions with Western flair, their indubitable rise through the ranks of Macau’s locals happened in a short span of time. Complacency is not forthcoming for Goa Nights, however, and their vision for the brand to travel across countries is one they persist in pursuing to actualisation.

Diverse in their respective conceptualisations, these bars remain united through their passion and first-class service. Most vitally, these winners unanimously agree on a necessary understanding of increasing consumer consciousness, and appreciation, for the crafted curations of specialty cocktails. Whether made locally, festive, or flavourful, the need for an unforgettable drinking experience has become the primary factor spearheading bar culture. With a rapid population of bars flourishing across the ASEAN region, excitement and enthusiasm will pave the wait for the results of The Bar Awards 2020.

[GOA BAR] GOA XI FA CAI

Ingredients:
15ml MONIN Matcha Green Tea syrup
60ml Bombay Sapphire gin
30ml oolong tea (cold brew)
30ml lemon juice
3 cucumber slices
10 mint leaves
Dash of egg white
Mint sprig

Preparation:
1. Combine liquid ingredients and mint leaves in shaker
2. Double strain into tall glass with ice
3. Garnish with mint sprig and cucumber slices
4. Serve

[JIGGER & PONY] MANDARIN HIGHBALL

Ingredients:
10ml MONIN Mandarin syrup
5ml MONIN Lychee syrup
30ml Scotch whisky
Soda water
Bak kwa

Preparation:
1. Combine all ingredients in shaker
2. Pour into glass
3. Top up with soda water
4. Garnish with bak kwa
5. Serve

[BAR TRIGONA] GOLD

Ingredients:
15ml MONIN Blood Orange syrup
40ml whisky
30ml mandarin orange soda
30ml mandarin orange juice
20ml lime juice

Mandarin Orange Soda:
1. Cook mandarin orange zest in water for 15 minutes
2. Allow to coolStrain and pour into a soda charger
3. Charge and keep cool

Full Preparation:
1. Combine all ingredients in shaker
2. Pour into glass
3. Garnish with slice of mandarin orange
4. Serve

[BAMBOO BAR] CHAI-YO!

Ingredients:
20ml MONIN Chai Tea syrup
5ml cognac
30ml fresh apple juice
15ml tamarind paste

Preparation:
1. Combine all ingredients in shaker
2. Double strain over ice into a tea pot
3. Serve in Chinese tea cup