Celebrating disco drinks

The Star

20-06-2025

Iconic cocktail classics on the menu in KL rooftop bar
Disco classic cocktails can be a rare find on contemporary menus, often overshadowed by more modern or Prohibition-era inspired drinks.
However, at @21 Rooftop Bar within the Hyatt Centric City Centre Kuala Lumpur, a selection of disco-era cocktails has taken centre stage.
Janelle Carissa, the bar mixologist responsible for the menu, explained her desire to revive these overlooked classics.
'Cocktails like these aren't often found on menus.
'So, I wanted to feature them for our guests.
'Alongside the disco classics, I've also added several of the bar's signature creations,' she said.
A retro yet sophisticated vibe exuded from the bar of this new Kuala Lumpur F&B hotspot.
The bar's design has masterfully blended rustic charm with an industrial aesthetic in homage to the city's history as a tin-mining hub.
Vibe Check.
A close-up view of towering Kuala Lumpur skyscrapers provided a striking contrast to the otherwise tranquil and comfortable space, perfect for meaningful engagement and intimate conversations.
The Classic Disco Hits section of the cocktail menu highlighted six iconic disco-era creations: the Blue Hawaiian, Paradise, El Diablo, Brandy Alexander, The Godfather, and Midori Sour.
The Brandy Alexander, for instance, was similar to a 'spiked milkshake' due to its rich, sweet profile.
Mixed with Hennessy VS, crème de cacao and cream, this thick, foamy drink is topped with grated nutmeg for added aromatics.
Guests can also enjoy something refreshing like the Midori Sour, a concoction of Midori Melon Liqueur, Belvedere vodka, lemon, lime and soda.
As for the bar's signature cocktail menu, aptly named Retro Remixes, it showcased Carissa's innovative approach to mixology.
'I like adding a bit of fun to it and something that would appeal to Gen Z.
Brandy Alexander.
'One of them is the Vibe Check which I wanted to be relaxing and fun; imagine a drink that is like enjoying a bubble bath,' she said.
This orangey drink, a blend of Tanqueray London Dry Gin, Aperol, orange and lemon, was topped with an Asam Boi Espuma to reflect the bubble bath concept.
It also came with a cute rubber duck on the side of the glass.
Citrusy and refreshing, this sweet drink offered a delicate aroma of local favourite assam boi.
Another highlight, Tropic Like It's Hot, has been playfully named after Snoop Dogg's song Drop It Like It's Hot due to the phonetic similarity.
'It's also a twist on the Blue Hawaiian cocktail to which I've added Sarawak langkau, or distilled rice wine.
'Then, it's topped with pineapple juice and spiced Blue Curaçao,' she said.
Disco Beans and Cognac Dreams.
Served on a mini float, the potent langkau added a rich flavour to this tropical, rum-based drink.
The cocktail was effortlessly enjoyable and its presentation was spot on.
For those who prefer a spirit-forward drink, there's the Disco Beans and Cognac Dreams cocktail.
Mixed with Tia Maria coffee liqueur, crème de cacao, and coffee-infused Hennessy VS, Carissa described it as 'Espresso Martini's cooler cousin'.
This creamy cocktail had strong coffee flavours while the shot of cognac added complex depth.
Visitors can also try other signature drinks like the Big Fizz Energy cocktail, a mix of pandan-infused Belvedere vodka, Midori Melon Liqueur and Limonata soda.
Tropic like It's Hot.
There's also the Nutty Heist which features peanut butter-infused Johnnie Walker Black Label, Lagavulin 16 years and gula melaka.
For those who prefer a sober night, there are zero-proof drinks available.
The Jack-O-Jack is a delightful combination of jackfruit, banana, milk, pandan, sago and gula melaka, while the Butterfly Hana mixes butterfly pea-infused jasmine green tea, lemon juice, lavender, vanilla and soda.
Food options are plentiful to accompany your drinks.
Consider ordering the Larb Gai Quesadilla which comes with Thai-marinated chicken, mint yoghurt, sriracha, guacamole and Monterey Jack cheese.
Other quesadilla choices include lamb kofta, beef rendang, tiger prawn and mushroom, each served with different condiments.
@21 ROOFTOP BAR, Level 21, Hyatt Centric City Centre Kuala Lumpur, Jalan Sultan Ismail, Kuala Lumpur. (Tel: [phone]) Business hours: 4.30pm to midnight (weekdays), 11am to midnight (weekends).
This is the writer's personal observation and is not an endorsement by StarMetro.