Bangkok bar writes ode to the firefly
Firefly Bar at Sindhorn Kempinski Hotel Bangkok has created a cocktail menu based on the ‘mystical creature’ at the heart of the venue’s identity.
The bar’s previous menus have explored the firefly’s journey through flavour and experience, while the new edition focuses on ‘a deeper understanding of its life and significance’.
“A magical sight to uphold, fireflies are becoming increasingly rare – especially in a city like Bangkok,” said beverage manager Dicky Hartono. “This menu celebrates and honours the firefly, raising awareness of this special creature and helping to keep its magic alive.”
The menu is divided into four chapters: Etymology, Ecosystem, Luminescence, and Mythology.
The opening section features cocktails such as Where Is The Cricket, made with Stranger & Sons Gin, Mr Three & Bros Ginger Falernum, cricket protein, chocolate and banana, makrut lime, clarified milk and mixed spices. The serve is intended to represent the three parts of a firefly – the head, thorax and abdomen – ‘working together in harmony’.
The Ecosystem chapter features Blue Moon, a cocktail inspired by the firefly’s glow at night. It blends Michter’s American Whiskey and Michter’s Rye, which are then redistilled with Sri Sindhorn tea, peach, blue spirulina and Lustau Amontillado Sherry.
Meanwhile, Tres Elementos from Luminescence aims to replicate the firefly’s optical illusion of appearing both orange, yellow and green simultaneously, with a colour-matching garnish of tomato, pineapple and kiwi. The cocktail is made with Ron Matusalem Gran Reserva 15, Aperol, bergamot liqueur, Ron Matusalem Solera 7, pineapple distillate, and sparkling tomato water.
From the same section, the Gorgeous Lady in Red is similarly inspired by the firefly’s awe-inspiring appearance, made with Lady Trieu Contemporary Gin, Tito’s Handmade Vodka infused with hibiscus, pomegranate Shiraz wine reduction, Teara Sakura Japanese liqueur and citrus.
The final chapter offers Journey to Amphawa, a reference to the riverside town famous for its floating market and nighttime firefly displays. The cocktail features Phraya Rum Elements 8 Years, Prakaan Select Cask, makrut lime, Silpin Regal Lamduan syrup, lychee, coconut, lime, vegan foam, and Silpin Malai spray.
The menu features a contents page that places each cocktail on a visual axis of flavour, going from Fruity & Light to Complex & Bitter, and Strong & Bold to Sour & Refreshing.
Each cocktail then gets its own page, featuring an illustration of both the drink itself and of its story.
The firefly-inspired cocktails are accompanied by three ‘ultra-luxury’ serves.
An Old Fashioned variation featuring The Macallan is named A Night on Earth, while the Firefly Azul Margarita features Clase Azul Reposado. The bar’s Sazerac is made with Louis XIII Cognac.
The bar also offers a selection of non-alcoholic cocktails, built around local fruits, teas and spices.
Firefly Bar’s spirits collection features more than 370 bottles and is listed over more than 20 pages. All are available in 45ml pours or by the bottle.
As well as the cocktail menu, guests can explore an ‘interactive’ Tipple Trolley featuring Martinis, Negronis, and other classics, as well as a Build Your Own Gin & Tonic experience. In the latter, guests follow a guided flow chart to select from multiple tonics, flavours, garnishes, and edible perfume aromas.
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