In comparison to all the other spirits out there, gin—in spite of its complex aromas—remains one of the most notorious for tasting like utter piss when drunk neat. Unlike aged rum or a good scotch which you can enjoy on the rocks, gin is a spirit that requires help in the form of citrus or a good, robust, typically sourish mixer to carry it.
That being said, whipping up a solid gin cocktail that’s balanced with all the right flavour profiles and delicious is no easy feat. It is based largely on the knowledge and skill of a bartender to ensure that the cocktail is perfect. In sunny Bangkok, the gin scene has gained a steady following with many connoisseurs flocking there to have a taste of juniper joy.
Keen on exploring sin city’s gin bars? We’ve rounded up 5 of our favourites.
1. Abar Rooftop Bar (Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park)
Amidst the vast sea of posh and elegant rooftop bars scattered across Bangkok, ABar Rooftop Bar stands proudly as one of the most unique of the lot. Besides boasting a picturesque view, the bar curates an extensive list of gin spanning London dry gins, floral-tasting gins, fruity-accented gins, aged gins to even gin-based liqueurs.
The folks here really know their gin and you can trust them to know exactly how to bring each varietal to life, accompanied by artisanal tonics and deliberate dashes of this and that.
Address: Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park, 199 Soi Sukhumvit 22, Khwaeng Khlong Tan, Khet Khlong Toei, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10110, Thailand
Opening Hours: 5PM – 1AM (Daily)
Contact: +66 2 059 5999
2. Iron Balls Gin Parlour & Saloon
When a bar goes as far as to hand-make their own brand of gin—we’re talking all the way from fermenting to distilling—you can bet that they mean business. Their house-owned Iron Balls gin comprises fresh coconut and pineapple (all hand-picked) and is distilled along with 15 different botanicals components.
Over at Iron Balls Gin Parlour & Saloon, patrons can expect to be treated to a wide repertoire of delicious cocktails from the classic G&T to sweeter options.
Address: Sukhumvit 45 Alley, Khwaeng Khlong Tan Nuea, Khlong Toei, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10110, Thailand
Opening Hours: 8PM – 2AM (Daily)
Contact: +66 63 225 1331
3. Junker & Bar
Housing a decent array of craft beers, this no-nonsense burger joint slash drinking hole is worth a visit for gin aficionados. Junker & Bar’s owner is a huge fan of gin meaning that the bar stocks up a pretty wide selection of locally distilled gin labels and other global brands.
Address: Thanon Suan Phlu, Khwaeng Thung Maha Mek, Khet Sathon, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10120, Thailand
Opening Hours: 3PM – 12AM (Tue to Sun), Closed on Mondays
Contact: +66 85 100 3608
4. Just A Drink (Maybe)
Besides offering a tantalising array of Taiwanese-style bar snacks, Just A Drink Maybe prides itself on curating Bangkok’s biggest gin collection. Not only that, their gin offerings constantly expand, a testament to how passionate and inventive their resident mixologists are.
They are currently promoting their floral based gin cocktails which see the infusion of exotic flowers and local gin.
Address: 44/3 Soi Thong Lo, Khwaeng Khlong Tan Nuea, Khet Watthana, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10110, Thailand
Opening Hours: 12PM – 1.30PM, 5.30PM – 1.30PM (Mon), 5.30PM – 1.30PM (Tue to Fri), 5.30PM – 12AM (Sat), Closed on Sundays
Contact: +66 65 991 5725
5. Teens Of Thailand
Located inside a dingy old shophouse, you wouldn’t think of Teens Of Thailand a speakeasy gin bar upon initial inspection. But believe it or not, this shanty bar is one of Bangkok’s most popular gin joints.
As the first gin-forward bar in the city, Teens Of Thailand serves just slightly under a hundred gin-based cocktails. Its seasonal drinks list rotates frequently—bespoke, made-to-order drinks are also available.
Address: 76 ซอย นานา Khwaeng Pom Prap, Khet Pom Prap Sattru Phai, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10100, Thailand
Opening Hours: 7PM – 12AM (Sun to Thu), 7PM – 1AM (Fri & Sat)
Contact: +66 96 846 0506
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