Top 13 Bars in Kuala Lumpur & Penang Serving Roku Summer Cocktails

Five luxury hotel establishments and Eight cocktail bars present their signature summer cocktails made with Roku Gin during the season of happiness. This Summer, Roku Gin introduces the collaboration with five luxury hotels and their respective dining establishments in Kuala Lumpur as well as eight cocktail bars in Penang to celebrate the blissful season with a medley of mixology and gastronomic pairings.   

Roku Summer Cocktails at W Kuala Lumpur 

In Japan, summertime is filled with sunlight and nature comes alive with bountiful summer harvests. As temperatures and humidity levels rise, the premium Sencha Tea and Gyokuro Tea are harvested at the peak of summer to capture its maximum quality and flavour. Till today, Roku is still made with Sencha and Gyokuro Tea leaves from a traditional Japanese tea house. The leaves are veritably bursting with the natural aroma and flavour of tea. Gyokuro, the green tea that is grown and hand-harvested in shade, lends a soft umami earthiness to Roku Gin. The refreshing tang of Sencha and the umami of Gyokuro are the source of the multi-layered Roku taste experience.​  

‘Alive with the Seasons of Japan’, Roku Gin is crafted by Japanese artisans who embrace the art of ‘Monozukuri’ using the centuries-old tradition of meticulous attention to detail. Sakura leaves and flowers in Spring, Sencha and Gyokuro teas in Summer, Sansho Pepper in Autumn and Yuzu in Winter. Lovingly selected and handpicked, Roku meaning six in Japanese, artfully balances six of these unique Japanese botanicals of the highest quality to create a perfectly balanced, multi-layered spirit. 

A complex yet harmonious flavour of multiple botanicals, the award-winning Roku Gin teases the palate with a smooth and silky texture, flaunting a sweet, floral aroma from the Sencha, Gyokuro and Sakura, as well as a refreshing Yuzu top note with a crisp, slightly spicy finish from Japanese Sansho Pepper. 

Roku Gin invites cocktail lovers to celebrate summertime together from 9 July till 31 August 2022.  

KUALA LUMPUR 

Whether you are in Kuala Lumpur for a staycation or heading downtown to meet up with friends, enjoy an array of exciting new Roku Gin cocktails harmoniously paired with delicious high-tea dessert and savoury offerings at the following hotels and cocktail bars:  

W Kuala Lumpur 

From Left : Matcha Yuzu Azuki Choux, Roku Summer Fizz, Roku Sour, Gin-Ger Negroni 

An iconic hotel with bold and innovative design, W Kuala Lumpur offers patrons indulgent refreshing flavours of summer with a special green tea dessert elevated with Roku summer cocktails. The Roku Summer Dessert & Cocktail set (RM 65) features Matcha Yuzu Azuki Choux, complex and layered with Japanese summer flavours. The matcha comes together with yuzu in perfect harmony, infused with the delicate flavours of Roku Gin.  

For this season, W’s Woo Bar and Wet Deck introduce the Roku Summer Fizz (RM 40), a refreshing and spritzy aperitif that is bursting with summer fruity flavours of dehydrated kiwi and strawberries, elevated by the floral and citrus notes of Roku. The Yuzu Sour (RM 40) is a classic sour-style cocktail with bright yuzu flavours served with orange bitters, perfectly refreshing on a summer afternoon. An oriental twist on the classic Negroni, the Gin-Ger Negroni (RM 40) is layered with ginger, honey, and Campari, complemented by the citrus notes of Roku. 

Location & Reservations 

121 Jalan Ampang 50450 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 

Wet Deck 

M : +6012 347 9088 

https://marriottbonvoyasia.com/restaurants-bars/w-kuala-lumpur-wet-deck 

Woo Bar  

T : +603 2786 8888 

https://marriottbonvoyasia.com/restaurants-bars/w-kuala-lumpur-woobar    

Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur 

From Left : Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur Afternoon Tea Set, Roku Minted, Roku Sunny 

Nestled in the heart of KLCC, the elegant luxury hotel features several lounges and restaurants including a vibrant rooftop bar with a spectacular view of the city skyline as well.  

Ebisu, a pop-up restaurant in Altitude, presents the delightful flavours of summer with their signature Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur Afternoon Tea Set paired with Roku summer cocktails (RM 188). The set is artfully crafted including an array of Japanese themed savoury and sweet treats, to selections of coffee or tea, served with signature Roku Gin cocktails.  

The cocktail selection features Roku Sunny (RM 45) with bright citrus flavours from Limoncello, lemon juice and Cointreau. The Roku Minted (RM 45) is a minty refreshment featuring the harmony of sake and chilled gin.  

The signature cocktails are also available at Vertigo.  

Locations & Reservations 

Level 53, Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur | 2, Jalan Conlay, 50450 Kuala Lumpur 

Ebisu at Altitude 

T : +603 2113 1823 

https://www.banyantree.com/malaysia/kuala-lumpur/dining/ebisu-altitude  

Vertigo 

T : +603 2113 1822 

https://www.banyantree.com/malaysia/kuala-lumpur/dining/vertigo   

The RuMa Hotel & Residences 

From Left (Front) : M. J., SEVENth Heaven & From Left (Back) : Let the Fun Be-Gin, Gindulgent 

Dubbed as the luxurious home away from home, The RuMa is a serene sanctuary that captures all the intimacy of a home run by an accomplished host. 

SEVEN, the hotel’s lobby bar and lounge, offers all-day dining, including the exclusive RuMa Summer Afternoon Tea & Cocktails (RM 138) that will delight the senses with bright and refreshing flavours of summer from savoury to sweet selections as well as a wide array of teas, elevated with Roku summer cocktails. The Matcha Dessert & Cocktails Set (RM 55) also highlights the complex flavour profile of matcha in a dessert as well as green-tea inspired cocktails Let the Fun Be-Gin (RM 55) sets the right tone to the meal, infused with orange, lemon as well as passionfruit for a citrusy tipple. The M.J. or Merah Jambu (RM 55) gets its pink hues from the strawberries used to make this fruity cocktail. Gindulgent (RM 55) is a delightful combination of sweet and tart notes from calamansi, honey and assam boi, is while SEVENth Heaven (RM 55) is a classic creation of a local twist concocted with cinnamon and gula melaka, lending a flavourful complexity.  

Location & Reservations 

7, Jalan Kia Peng, 50450 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 

SEVEN 

T : +603 2778 0751  

https://theruma.com/en/kuala-lumpur-luxury-hotel-dining/seven-lobby-bar-and-lounge/  

Four Points by Sheraton Kuala Lumpur 

From Left : Old Nutty Matcha, Lady Collins, Genmai-Cha 

Located in Chinatown, Four Points by Sheraton offers its patrons a unique experience where the old meets the new amidst the bustle of the city centre. Inspired by the local area, exposed raw bricks, warm wood and traditional jade-hued tiles adorn the lobby lounge with breathtaking panoramic views of the city.

Lady Yi’s Tea House introduces its signature matcha-inspired Roku Summer Dessert  –  Match Raspberry Finger –  a light premium matcha mousse cake harmoniously layered with raspberry jam, paired with a selection of Roku summer cocktails (RM 55 each). Made with refreshing nuttiness from the brown rice tea, the Genmai-Cha is also harmoniously mixed with gentle seaweed notes and uplifted by the citrus aromas of Roku. The Lady Collins is an elegant and refined highball layered with floral aromas and citrus aromas of Lady Yi Signature “11 Treasures”. The Old Nutty Matcha takes you through a green tea odyssey, with calming aromas of matcha lifted with macadamia syrup and toasted peanut garnish. 

Location & Reservations 

7th Floor, No 2, Jalan Balai Polis, Kuala Lumpur 50000 Malaysia 

Lady Yi’s Tea House 

T : +603 2035 7333 

https://www.myclubmarriott.com/hotel/restaurantdetail/en/lady-yi-s-tea-house  

 

The Westin Kuala Lumpur 

From Left:  Westin Summer High Tea Set, Rosella Sonata, Nuvola 

An experiential hotel in the pulsating streets of Bukit Bintang, The Westin Kuala Lumpur is a haven of wellness premium accommodations with signature comforts.  

From The Living Room, Splash or 443 Bar Lounge, indulge in an exclusive Westin Summer High Tea set (RM 208) that features a variety of savoury treats, sweet desserts and buttery scones, paired with Roku Summer Cocktails.  

The Nuvola (RM 45) is a summer delight bursting with tropical fruity flavours of pineapple and mango, mixed with Cointreau as well as Aperol. Sweet and tart, the Rosella Sonata (RM 45) features aromas of roselle tea uplifted by the bold fruitiness of grapefruit. 

Location & Reservations 

199, Jalan Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 55100 

T : +603 2731 8333 

https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/kulwi-the-westin-kuala-lumpur/overview/  

PENANG 

Penang Island is not just famous for its mouth-watering cuisine or beautiful beaches, it is also home to a selection of unique speakeasies set within historical architectures and colonial building. From 9 July to 31 August, set out on an adventure to seek out the best Roku Gin summer cocktails at the following bars: 

Backdoor Bodega 

From Left : Matcha Magi, Mushi Mushi, Genmai Highball 

Touted as ‘the most elusive of George Town’s speakeasies’ by Lonely Planet, Backdoor Bodega serves up an ever-changing menu of specialty cocktails. Backdoor Bodega kicks off the summer celebrations with the Genmai Highball (RM 40), inspired by the traditional Japanese highball with a touch of tea and gin, garnished with shisho leaf.  

An unconventional take on a matcha latte made with clarified milk, Matcha Magic (RM 40) is layered with the floral notes from elderflowers and citrusy lemon. Say hello with Mushi Mushi (RM40), a refreshing cocktail that celebrates everything we love about Japan. Calpis, sake, yuzu and a garnish of pocky come together in a symphonic celebration of Japanese summertime bliss.  

Location & Reservations 

37, Jalan Gurdwara, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang 

www.backdoorbodega.com   

Archipelago  

From Left : Magic, Blessings (Front), Enchante 

Archipelago is a charming hidden cocktail bar in Penang inspired by the Bars in Cuba. Through the dark room of a quaint antique store on Armenian street is an “Exit” sign leading into a courtyard, where one will find Archipelago Penang. 

Serving up a summer themed menu, the celebration of the new season starts with Enchante (RM45), inspired by the blossoming roses in summer, “hanakotoba”, elegant and floral with layers of rose and rich fruits.  

There’s Magic (RM45) in the air, as one takes a walk through a luscious field of lavender with this cocktail, refreshing and bright with scents of flowers and citrus. Inspired by the Blessings (RM48) of tea in Japan and prosperity of calamansi in Penang, this cocktail is layered with intense flavours of premium uji sencha and gyokuro green tea, mixed with gold flakes sake and kaffir lime leaf. 

Location & Reservations 

Backyard 114 Armenian Street, George Town, 10200 Penang Island, Malaysia 

www.facebook.com/Archipelago  

Good Friends Club 

From Left : In Love with Roku Guava Sour, Kiss the Summer Collins, Moving On with Smoky Martini 

This rustic yet cosy speakeasy-like bar, located in Hin Bus Depot, projects a very local feel with cocktails derived from Penang and broader profile flavours of Malaysia. 

For the Japanese summer fest, their green tea themed signatures include Kiss the Summer Collins (RM 45) that is layered with the sweetness of rock melon and lavender soda, reminiscent of one’s first love. Taking another trip down love lane is being In Love with Roku Guava Sour (RM 45), perfectly balanced with the sweetness of guava, tartness of plum and botanical flavours of the Japanese Craft Gin.  

When the love fades, Moving on with Smoky Martini (RM45) offers a stiff drink with a twist on a classic, layered with the complexity of earthy green tea, shiso-infused dry vermouth and umami bitters. 

Location & Reservations 

39, Jalan Gurdwara, George Town, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang 

T : +6010 550 1204 

www.facebook.com/goodfriendsclubpenang/  

Manchu Bar  

From Left : Sea Foam, Consort Gin, Pink Marmalade

Stepping beyond the red curtain into this hidden gem is like taking a time capsule back to the Qing dynasty with servers dressed in Manchurian outfits and decoration from that era. From the shores, the Sea Foam (RM 40) is a rich and elegant cocktail wrapped in the royal blue hue of the butterfly pea, laced with Campari, triple sec, lemon juice as well as orange and angostura bitters with a foam finish.  

Follow with the refreshing Consort Gin (RM 42) that is layered with citrus aromas from yuzu, orange and lemon, balanced with the delicate aromas of rose. The evening can only get sweeter with the Pink Marmalade (RM 42) that gets its hues from the grenadine, mixed with Campari, triple sec, and orange. 

Location & Reservations 

38 & 40, Jalan Pintal Tali, 10100 George Town Pulau Pinang 

T : +6012 500 7588 

https://manchu.business.site  

Magazine 63 

From Left : Roku n’ Ringo, Red Dates-tini, &  The Perfect Match (Front) 

This iconic cocktail bar resembles a traditional Chinese Inn where one might expect a martial arts fight scene to break out. Instead, Magazine 63 is a must-visit hangout for gourmet cocktails.  

Gloriously creamy, The Perfect Match (RM40) is a boozy matcha latte that will leave you licking your lips from side to side like a feline after a bowl of cream. A tropical take on the gin sour, the Roku n’ Ringo (RM 40) is concocted with spicy cinnamon and sour apple. The Red Dates-tini (RM 40) is a classic martini twist that is sweet and delicate with the caramel flavours of red dates. 

Location & Reservations 

63, Jalan Magazine, George Town, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang 

T : +6017 636 3551 

www.facebook.com/magazineM63/  

Eki Sake Bar 

From Left : Gin Garden, Roku Moon, Summer Time

Eki Sake Bar is a brightly lit, high-ceiling bar that serves up a wide variety of Sake and Japanese dishes with modern innovative trends, seasonal fresh ingredients as well as delicious charcoal-grilled yakitori.  

Eki Sake Bar prides itself on unique cocktail creations, showcasing the summer-themed concoctions with the Japanese Craft Gin. Start off with the Roku Moon (RM 38). Delightfully tart with sour plums and lime, it is the perfect pre-dinner drink to cleanse the palate.  

A medley of fresh summer flavours in a glass, Gin Garden (RM 38) features the refreshing notes of green tea and cucumber to herald the start of summer. Enjoy Summer Time (RM38) with a delightful tanginess of grapefruit uplifted by the mild herbaceous notes of rosemary and spiced flavours of golden falernum.  

Location & Reservations 

68-2-1 & 68-3-1, Sunrise @ Gurney, Persiaran Gurney, 10250 George Town, Pulau Pinang 

T : +6011 2668 6683 

https://www.facebook.com/ekisakebar/  

Kara Kara  

From Left : Meanwhile in Kyoto, Into The Wild, Minted

Kara Kara is a Retro-Futurism Concept Bar and Dining located in the heart of Penang, inspired by science fiction films of the 80s, yet presenting a depiction of the future.  

Fresh summer flavours take centrestage as one sips Into The Wild (RM 58) with the herbal freshness of mint complemented by the floral fragrance of jasmine green tea. Get Minted (RM 48) with this cocktail that features the elegant sweetness of aged sake and green mint tea. The big, bold, and bright Chill Like a G6 (RM48) with juicy citrus lemon flavours heralds the turn of the season to celebrate the summertime.  

Meanwhile in Kyoto (RM 58) is concocted with juicy berry notes, chocolate bitters and Sakura green tea, offering a well-balanced complexity. Paying tribute to green tea, Make Mine Matcha (RM48) offers a soothing earthiness of green tea that is lightly herbaceous.  

Location & Reservations 

5B, Pengkalan Weld, 10300 George Town, Penang, Malaysia 

T : +6017 270 6729 

www.facebook.com/karakarapenang/  

Red Forbidden Bar 

From Left : Fleur de Bamboo, Oriental Basil, Yuzu Akitori 

One of the newest nightspots on the island, Red Forbidden celebrates its grand opening on 9 July with a summer themed cocktail menu.  

The Oriental Basil (RM 48) marries basil and mint in this concoction, uplifted by refreshing cucumber. Another minty and cooling green cocktail for the summer is the Yuzu Akitori (RM 48) made with soothing peppermint and citrusy lemon. Fleur de Bamboo (RM 48) opens the palate with its delightful tartness of sour plum on the nose and body before finishing with the citrus notes of orange.  

Location & Reservations 

16, Gat Lebuh Melayu, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang 

T : +6016 558 7817 

www.facebook.com/redwallforbiddencity/