Alice may have incurred the wrath of Wonderland’s Queen of Hearts, but we discovered her sweeter side on our adventure down in Thong Lor’s Rabbit Hole.
To promote their Monkey Shoulder whisky, William Grant and Sons recently revived a 75 year-old bartending instrument: the Konga Shaker. The once must-have item of 1930s bartenders was created at a time when the tiki bar craze took off in California—hence the name.
When we heard that Rabbit Hole had procured one of the seven Konga Shakers given out in Bangkok, we headed down to the Thong Lor watering hole and, in honor of the shaker’s history, started our session with a Tiki-era cocktail created by the bar to coincide with the Konga launch.
The El Coco (Monkey Shoulder, Luxardo, honey, lemon juice, coconut, and pandan) wins for stylish preparation, using both the Konga Shaker for mixing and a coconut cream foam applied as final bit of flair. The whisky-based cocktail packs a punch but is balanced by both the sweet maraschino flavor of Luxardo liqueur and the coconut foam.
Taste: ♡♡♡♡♡ - While the taste of its cocktails is clearly paramount, as the sophistication of patrons’ tastes has evolved, the new menu has been organized into five categories: Spirit-forward, Refreshing, Dry, Savory, and Fragrance. There’s now something perfectly suitable for everyone who sidles up to the bar, newcomers and regular patrons alike.
Presentation: ♡♡♡♡ - Garnished simply with a lotus flower petal, Queen of Hearts was the most presentable looking drink we ordered, though the cocktail presentation is only a facet of an imbibing experience that places equal emphasis on aroma, color, texture, temperature, and taste.
Ambience: ♡♡♡♡♡ - Dimly lit and yet enticing, this cozy warren of a watering hole was designed for drinking and intimate conversation, with the ground floor featuring predominantly bar-front seating and tables for two and an upstairs with a cozy corner of sofa seating for larger groups (* Reservations recommended).
Tips: Don’t be shy to chat up the bar staff about the menu or the spirits featured therein: the selection can be overwhelming (especially with so many great offerings available) but you’re unlikely to order something unsuitable if you take the time to discuss your preferences with the knowledgeable staff.