Taste Four British Seasons through Vesper Bangkok's New Menu

Words: Wariya Intreyonk, Photos: Wariya Intreyonk and Vesper Bangkok

Vesper Bangkok is one of Thailand's premier cocktail institutes, renowned for its inviting atmosphere and expertly crafted drinks. For a decade, this bar has embraced its customers with genuine warmth and a welcoming spirit. Despite the changes in bartending staff over the years, Vesper has maintained its reputation and charm, standing the test of time. Under the guidance of Tom Hern, a distinguished alumnus of the prestigious American Bar at the Savoy Hotel in London, Vesper Bangkok continues to thrive, offering a new cocktail menu that blends British cocktail culture with local ingredients and mixology innovation.

The new menu is delightfully titled "Britain Through Seasons," inviting guests to embark on a sensory journey through the four distinct seasons of Britain, each represented by a trio of imaginative cocktails.

Spring section ushers in a refreshing series of drinks that encapsulate the vibrancy of the season. The first offering, Shandy Shake, is a captivating mescal-based concoction that harmonises the smoky undertones of the spirit with the bright, citrusy notes of lime juice, complemented by the herbal essence of black tea, the bittersweet elegance of Aperol, and the luscious sweetness of apricot liqueur.

Next comes Rhubarb & Cream, a colourful take on the classic Ramos Gin Fizz. This cocktail boasts a vibrant hue from the sweet tang of rhubarb and fragrant hibiscus syrup, with layers of complexity from the rich, nutty notes of almond and the comforting scent of vanilla.

Beesting is an inventive twist on the classic Sazerac cocktail. This drink elevates the experience with its unexpected yet delightful flavours of carrot and caraway, all beautifully infused in beeswax to enhance its texture and smoothness, along with a touch of honey's sweetness. The result is a cocktail that is not only aromatic but also offers a truly distinctive tasting experience.

Moving into the Summer section, the menu offers a selection of cocktails that capture the essence of warm, sun-soaked days. Parakeet is a bubbly clarified drink that tantalises the palate with a playful blend of blanco tequila and mezcal, coupled with the unique flavours of Thai sato, fragrant shiso, refreshing kiwi juice, and creamy banana, rounded off with a hint of macadamia distillate.

Solero reinvents the classic Pornstar Martini, infusing it with tropical bliss through the vibrant flavours of mango and passion fruit, complemented by subtle notes of coffee and cacao. This cocktail is served alongside a small, house-made ice cream, elevating the experience to a delightful drink.

Then there's Session Bitter, a refreshing twist on a Negroni, featuring an intriguing fusion of fino sherry, sweet peach, and a hint of pink peppercorn. Topped with aromatic basil, zesty verjus, and a drizzle of balsamic, this drink is both bitter and bright, perfect for summer afternoons.

Autumn section brings a cosy warmth with its selections. Golden Brown is a highball-style creation that celebrates the season with the rich flavours of Calvados and bourbon, accentuated by juicy pear and the intriguing hint of Tonka bean, offering a nostalgic yet sophisticated experience.

Leaf & Soil is a unique blend that combines pisco and whisky with the earthy undertones of amaro and fig leaf. This cocktail is finished with a creamy, toasted pumpkin seed orgeat, olive oil, bright lemon, and a frothy egg white, creating a drink that is both lush and innovative. Garnished with edible soil for an extra touch of artistry.

Roots is a delightful Manhattan variation that infuses a unique twist with the addition of creamy coconut and earthy beetroot, balanced by the subtle sweetness of parsnip. The cocktail is enriched with a splash of aperitif cherry wine, which adds a vibrant depth, while the local agricole rum brings a hint of rustic charm. A touch of maraschino completes this intricate blend, creating an unforgettable flavour experience that is both innovative and refreshing.

Wrapping up the menu is the Winter section, where flavours become rich and indulgent. Preserves is a cobble-style cocktail that combines dark rum and blended sherry with a dash of sherry vinegar and rooibos tea, enhanced by the zesty brightness of lemon and the warmth of clementine and raspberry marmalade, mingling with a medley of winter spices for a truly comforting drink.

The Baked Apple cocktail is a decadent dessert in itself, featuring smooth blended whisky and a sumptuous baked apple compote. With tantalising notes of brown butter and aged whisky, this drink is finished with a sprinkle of cinnamon and a topping of crème brûlée custard, making it a perfect way to end a meal.

Lastly, Forest Walk is a sophisticated twist on the classic Gimlet, infused with the resinous aromas of Douglas fir and eucalyptus, along with a refreshing touch of menthe. This unique concoction is complemented by sweet vanilla and exotic guava, and elegantly garnished with a frozen grape for a refreshing finish.

Vesper Bangkok offers a delightful selection of British classic snacks and desserts that promise to satisfy every craving. Guests can indulge in the flaky, savoury Sausage Roll, packed with spiced sausage meat that melts in your mouth. The rich and flavourful Steak Tartare showcases finely chopped beef, thoughtfully seasoned and served with crisps. For those with a sweet tooth, the zesty Lemon Posset provides a refreshing citrus burst, while the Sticky Toffee Pudding, warm and decadent, combines moist sponge cake with a luscious toffee sauce, perfect for a comforting finish to any meal.

Not only is this bar a favourite among patrons, but it has also earned multiple accolades, including spots on Asia's 50 Best Bars list for several years. It would be a mistake for drinkers to overlook this exceptional menu.

Vesper Bangkok

Hours: Daily, 17:30-02:00

Website: https://www.vesperbar.co/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vesperbkk/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vesperbkk/?hl=en

Email: bar.vesperbkk@gmail.com

Location: 10/15 Sala Daeng 2 Alley, Si Lom, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500, Thailand