Gem for bespoke cocktails
Rye has sophisticated vibes with a retro feel for cosy evenings. — Photos: JAROD LIM/The Star
Hidden from plain sight on the ground floor of Hilton Petaling Jaya in Selangor is Rye Bar.
This stylish hideaway offers an intimate setting for after-work drinks and social gatherings.
Not far from the lobby, the bar is tucked away beside a staircase and is easy to overlook because of its discreet signage.
Step inside, though, and one is greeted by an interior that speaks of sophistication, with subtle retro elements.
Warm lighting sets the tone for a cosy and comfortable evening.
A stage in front of the bar plays host to live bands performing soul, jazz and R&B from midweek through the weekend.
Hilton Petaling Jaya general manager Andre A. Gomez described Rye as a destination to celebrate good music, great food and exceptional drinks.
Blue Hawaii.
'Here at Rye, we want to craft a tasteful experience with our unique selection of single malts, whiskies, bourbons and gins,' he said at the bar's launch.
'While the bar proudly serves classic cocktails, we're excited to introduce new varieties and creative twists in the near future.'
In addition to its collection of whiskies and spirits, Rye also has a curated list of cocktails.
One of the highlights is the Ryegroni cocktail, a refreshing twist on the classic Negroni.
Crafted with bourbon whisky in place of gin, it is paired with Campari and house-made Rosso (red wine) instead of adding in traditional sweet vermouth.
The spirit-forward drink is finished off with a thin orange peel strip for aroma and a pop of colour.
Citrusy aroma from the orange peel and Campari's slight herbaceous, spice notes layer the drink with depth and flavour.
Ryegroni (below).
Another standout is the Peachy Blinders cocktail, inspired by British period crime drama Peaky Blinders but reimagined with Malaysian flair.
Using aromatic bunga kantan gin as its base, the cocktail is mixed with peach and almond syrups and lychee fruit puree.
Whipped aquafaba lends it a silky foam crown.
The result is a light, creamy and refreshingly unique drink.
Then there's the Resstini, an after-dinner indulgence with its sweet profile coming in to party.
It features a blend of fat-washed whisky, espresso, stout reduction, and passionfruit, topped with a hint of Emmental.
Its bittersweet profile is a hit with coffee and spirit enthusiasts, making it the perfect nightcap.
At Rye's launch, guests also enjoyed timeless classics such as tropical Blue Hawaii and iconic Jungle Bird, both paying tribute to Hilton's rich cocktail heritage.
The former's distinctive bluish hue comes from a mix of Blue Curaçao, light rum, vodka and a sweet-and-sour blend – a tropical creation by Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort's head bartender Harry Yee in 1957.
Peachy Blinders.
The Jungle Bird, on the other hand, is proudly Malaysian.
Created in 1973 by Hilton Kuala Lumpur's then-beverage manager Ong Swee Teik, it combines dark rum, Campari, fresh lime juice, simple syrup, and pineapple juice.
Rye can accommodate up to 50 guests, making it ideal for curated tastings, themed evenings, corporate functions and exclusive celebrations.
The bar also hosts live performances and monthly ticketed live music nights, complete with prizes to be won.
RYE, Hilton Petaling Jaya, Level 1, Jalan Barat, Petaling Jaya, Selangor.
(Tel: 03-7955 9122 or 017-643 4862)
Business hours: 4pm to 1am Wednesday to Sunday (except on eve of public holidays and public holidays).
This is the writer's personal observation and is not an endorsement by StarMetro.
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