Bangkok (Lonely Planet) - Andrew Burke [132]
Then there are the more-expensive barley-based whiskies produced in Thailand, which appeal to the can’t-afford-Johnnie-Walker-yet set. Such whiskies include Blue Eagle, 100 Pipers and Spey Royal, each with a 40% alcohol content. These come dressed up in shiny boxes, much like the expensive imported whiskies they are imitating.
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DRINKING
Bangkok’s watering holes cover the spectrum from English-style pubs where you can comfortably sit with a pint and the paper, to chic dens where the fair and beautiful go to be seen, not to imbibe. A laundry list of beverages is available, though alcohol prices are relatively more than, say, cab rides or street food.
Because food is so integral to any Thai outing, most bars have tasty dishes that are absent-mindedly nibbled between toasts. Bars don’t have cover charges, but they do strictly enforce closing time at 1am, sometimes earlier if they suspect trouble from the cops.
AMOROSA
Map Bar
0 2221 9158; www.arunresidence.com; Arun Residence, 36-38 Soi Pratu Nok Yoong; 6-11pm)
Perched above the Arun Residence, Amorosa takes advantage of a location directly above the river and opposite Wat Arun to make it one of the best places for a sundowner in Bangkok. Watching boats ply their way along the royal river as Wat Arun is lit up behind is richly evocative of traditional ideas of the East. A memorable end to a day or start to an evening.
BACCHUS WINE BAR
Map Wine Bar
0 2650 8986; 20/6-7 Soi Ruam Rudi, Ploenchit; 6pm-midnight; Phloen Chit exit 4
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THE WHISKY SET
Thai beer is generally more miss than hit, so the next time you’re out on the town, why not drink like the Thais do and order a bottle of whisky?
Your first step is to choose a brand. For a particularly decadent night out, the industry standard is a bottle of bláak (Johnnie Walker Black Label). Those on a budget can go for the cheaper imported labels such as Red Label or Benmore, and a rock-bottom-priced, but fun, night can be had on domestically produced spirits such as 100 Pipers or Sang Som. And it’s not unusual to bring your own bottle to many Thai bars, although some might charge a modest corkage fee.
As any Thai can tell you, your next immediate concern is mixers. These will take the form of several bottles of soda water and a bottle or two of Coke, along with a pail of ice. Most waiters will bring these to you as a matter of course.
Mixing is the easiest step and requires little or no action on your part; your skilled waiter will fill your glass with ice, followed by a shot of whisky, a splash of soda, a top-off of Coke and, finally, a swirl with the ice tongs to bring it all together.
If you can’t finish your bottle, shame on you, but don’t fret, as it’s perfectly normal to keep it at the bar. Simply tell your trusted waiter, who will write your name and the date on the bottle and keep it for your next visit.
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Wine bars are still a new and relatively uncommon concept in Bangkok. Bacchus was among the first, and still sets the aesthetic standard with exposed brick walls, floating stairs and sculpture seating. Despite the slightly upscale setting, it’s a friendly enough place to down a glass or two of one of the 400 varieties of wine, or cop a nibble from the lengthy menu of tapas and appetisers.
BAGHDAD CAFÉ
Map Bar
0850 400 054; 15 Th Samsen, Banglamphu; 8pm-1am; air-con 3 & 16, ordinary 3, 15 & 16; Tha Phra Athit (Banglamphu, N13)
Roughly the size of a large closet and decorated with a mishmash of vaguely Middle East–related photos and paraphernalia, this is the place to simultaneously suck down a Singha and a sheesha. And when you’ve had your fill it’s just a door over to the rocking live tunes at Ad Here the 13th.
BANGKOK BAR