The Ku and its calmer cocktails
Mixing genius Knut Randhem doesn't need fireworks to give his drinks that "wow!"
HAD ENOUGH of those out-of-this-world cocktails? Head to Ku Bar at Ku De Ta Bangkok for a dose of delicious cocktails that don’t need bubbles, smoke or fireworks to pack a wow factor.
Swedish mixologist Knut Randhem of the renowned “cocktail constancy” Nordic Bar Syndicate is the mastermind behind the extensive list of Ku Bar’s drink mixes. His long years on the global cocktail scene equip him with profound know-how and unique flair that make him one of the most respected bartenders and mixologists around.
Dressed down yet still elegant, the cocktails at the Ku are created with layers of flavours in mind, using premium spirits as well as Japanese and Thai ingredients. But don’t expect a foot-long lemongrass root or whole red chilli in your glass – Randhem knows better than that. His ingredients are subtly merged and visually hidden, leaving just traces, a tang or a whiff to stir the senses.
One recommended glass is the super-sleek Godzilla Gimlet (Bt320), which is a mix of Tanqueray gin, shiso lime cordial and celery bitters. This well-rounded cocktail is very enjoyable and easy to drink, so pace yourself. You might feel a “Godzilla hit” after one too many!
If you want something really tasty and refreshing, order a Storm Cooler (Bt320) which sports a great balance of sweet, sour and spicy. It’s constructed from Ketel One
vodka, passion fruit, honey and liquorice powder.
Not a lot of bars do a good rum cocktail, and aren’t you tired of mojitos? The Havana 86 (Bt280), which is a mix of Pampero rum, Tahitian lime juice and lots of chocolate, is the perfect combination and the chocolate really brings out the sweetness and the bitterness of the rum.
Don’t like lychee in cocktails? The Hurricane Lychee (Bt360) can probably convert you. It’s actually a twist on the Ramos Fizz, with Tanqueray gin, egg white, cream, sugar, soda and the lychee. The mixologist has to shake it longer than most drinks to get the egg white super frothy, and it should be enjoyed very cold. You don’t get the off-putting smell of lychee that much, and it’s not at all overpowering, nor too sweet.
Ku Bar also serves rare vintage cocktails, mocktails ("hangover-free cocktails”, they call them), sake, wine by the glass and local beer starting at Bt160.
COUNT ON THE KU
>>Ku Bar is at the Ku De Ta Bangkok on Level 39 of the Sathorn Square Building, adjacent to the Chong Nonsi BTS station.
>>The bar’s open daily except Sunday from 11am to midnight. Call them at (02) 108 2000 or head to www.KuDeTa.com.
