AsiaLIFE

We make it our business to know what is being served up at the bars of Phnom Penh. Mai Lynn Miller Nguyen surveys some of the city’s crème de la crème in cocktails.

A superior cocktail is a beautiful thing. Rum and coke, gin and tonic, vodka orange—these drinks have their time and place. Yet a cocktail can strive to accomplish so much more. Given a little ingenuity and a dexterous grasp on correct cocktail shaking, bartenders can create true alcoholic art.

This month, we honour some of our favourites. Competition is fierce, but our staff refuses to shirk from the challenge of identifying the best. Extensive bar hopping was necessary, as well as the consequences of libation ‘research.’ Hiccups, spilt drink fiascos, and the joy of being seen in a messy state are all just part of the job. The payoff? We know our drinks.

Best Historically Referenced Drink
If Jacqueline Kennedy were a drink, what would she be? Naturally, there would be Champagne to represent her sophistication, Crème de Fraise Sauvage to evoke her femininity, and Cognac as a symbol of her strength. Raffles Hotel Le Royal greeted Jacqueline with this very concoction on her 1967 visit to Cambodia. Decades later, the glass Jacqueline sipped from was discovered in storage, still imprinted with her red lipstick. Drinking Femme Fatale cocktails (US$7.50) in the Elephant Bar is still the epitome of class, just as Jacqueline was herself.
Elephant Bar at Raffles Hotel Le Royal, Tel: 023 981 888, Open Monday to Friday from 2pm to 12am, Saturday to Sunday from 12pm to 12am, Happy Hour from 4pm to 8pm.

Best Martini
The Lavender Goose (US$7) is as refreshing as the breeze that drifts throughout the rooftop terrace at Chow. A touch of fresh, house-made lavender syrup softens the martini’s robust blend of vodka and dry vermouth. Chow uses the finest of vodkas, France’s inimitable Grey Goose, to create something simple, yet sublime. Shaken with ice, the Lavender Goose is perfectly chilled. The concoction may go down easily, but don’t underestimate its potency. It is, after all, a martini.
Chow at The Quay Hotel, 277 Sisowath Quay, Tel: 023 224 894, Open daily from 7am to 11pm, Happy Hour from 4pm to 8pm.

Best Mojito
Muddling cannot be taken too lightly–or, for that matter, too heavily. Too much muddling creates small pieces that block straws. Inadequate muddling prevents the flavours from being properly emancipated. When it comes to mojitos, well-muddled mint is key. Liquid’s version of the Cuban classic (US$3) avoids the pitfalls of poor muddling. Havana Club rum, soda, sugar syrup, and lime juice are invigorated with a generous amount of superbly handled Cambodian mint. Added value? Fresh breath.
Liquid, 3B Street 278, Tel: 023 720 157, Open 8am to late, Happy Hour from 5pm to 8pm.

Best Pick-Me-Up
Committed to a night on the town but your eyelids are feeling heavy? Caffeine-plus spirits never fail to fuel the party engine. For a jolt, head straight to Metro for the Espresso Martini (US$5). All desire for bed will be banished after a few sips of the Stolichnaya Vodka, Tia Maria coffee liqueur, and espresso mix. A hint of cream makes for a velvety consistency that is a rich delight. Warning, don’t be tempted to over-consume or you’ll be literally bouncing off the walls—unless that’s what you’re aiming for.
Metro, Sisowath Quay at Street 148, Tel: 023 222 275, Open daily from 9.30am to 1am, Happy Hour from 5pm to 7pm.

Best Bloody Mary
Though Rubies may be the destination for many a Friday night, the well-loved bar’s potential for daytime drinking seems to be largely overlooked. With earlier opening hours and a killer Bloody Mary (US$4) on the menu, why hesitate? Sneak away for a lunchtime extravagance, and you’ll find your day will be looking up. Rich and spicy, the Rubies addition of port to the traditional formula makes for one powerful Bloody Mary. The secret to its kick? A pinch of zesty wasabi.
Rubies Wine Bar, Street 240 at Street 19, Tel: 092 319 769, Open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 12pm, Happy Hour from 4pm to 7.30pm.

Best Local Brew
The announcement that Kingdom Breweries was to start creating European style beer here in Phnom Penh elated many a beer lover. Even better news—it’s good. Bracing and hearty, the signature pilsner is a triumph for the country’s latest microbrewery. German malt and Czech hops are the secret to this impressive lager. Though the Kingdom Pilsner will be widely available (US$26 per case), have a try at the brewery’s river-facing bar. Cheers, Cambodia!
Kingdom Brewery, 1748 National Road 5, Tel: 023 430 180, Bar set to open Monday to Saturday from 12pm to 7pm.

Best Spectacle
The Darlin’ Darlin’ way to build a Flaming Lamborghini shooter: 1. The bartender sloshes together Galliano, Bailey’s, and Kahlua in a martini glass. 2. Climbing atop the bar area, he constructs a tower of two wine glasses, one port glass, and a shot glass on the original glass. 3. For the show-stopping finale, he ignites a mixture of Blue Caraçao and Sambuca and sets the entire structure ablaze. Talk about a bang for your (US$10) bucks. How will your ensuing drunken antics top that show?
Darlin’ Darlin’ Club Lounge, Nagaworld on Samdech Techo Hun Sen Park, Tel: 023 228 822, Open 7pm to 2am.

Strongest Drink
Last but not least, the category many of you lushes out there are waiting for. Serving up the recipient of the strongest drink title, Dodo Rhum House with its Martinique white rum infused with a range of flavours. As any Dodo regular will tell you, a glass of coconut rum (US$2.50) really packs a punch. Add a splash of pineapple juice for a tropical twist. There’s no official Happy Hour, but as the owner will tell you, every hour at Dodo is happy. Knock back just one and you’ll be well, well set…Hiccup.
Dodo Rhum House, 42C Street 178, Tel: 012 549 373, Open from 5pm to late.