Hunting down the best cocktails is an enjoyable pastime for many. Trying out a new cocktail or revisiting an old favourite can be an incredibly satisfying experience. But where should one begin the hunt for the perfect tipple?
The first step is to identify where to hunt. Bars and pubs around the island offer a wide range of cocktails, so it’s important to find the right spot. Some may prefer the classic atmosphere of a traditional pub, while others may choose the modern chic of a trendy city bar. Some sips of the cocktail will keep you cool as you watch the sunset or enjoy the evening from your daybed under a thatched roof. Wherever you choose, it’s worth doing your research to make sure the venue has a good selection of cocktails.
Next, it’s time to consider the kind of cocktails you’re looking for. When choosing your best cocktail as the base for your signature drink, you can start by considering your go-to cocktail, both as a couple and individually. Perhaps you enjoy drinking a dry martini, while your plus one likes sipping a Manhattan, or you both look forward to clinking a Champagne cocktail. Do you want something classic and timeless, or something more modern and creative? Or perhaps you prefer something a little more daring, such as a tiki cocktail or a sour-based drink. Whatever your preference, the options are endless. You can shake or strain, pour it in a cocktail glass or build it over ice in a rocks glass; it’s all your choice!
Once you’ve narrowed down your options, it’s time to start tasting. Ask the bartender for their recommendations and don’t be afraid to try something new. It may take a few attempts to find the perfect cocktail, but it’s all part of the fun of the hunt.
Now, let’s tweak the balance between sour and sweet. Here is our list of the best cocktails in Bali (in alphabetical order)!
9 Deers on Vacation
Vodka definitely makes an exciting addition to several mixed drinks to your own taste and liking. Whether you like the flavour to be strong or mild, you have all the control. At Ku-De-Ta, their 9 Deers on Vacation is mixing Vodka with pineapple spice reduction, coconut liqueur and Ku-De-Ta coconut foam. You can simply pour all ingredients into a shaker with ice, shake with love, pour onto a rock glass over ice, and top it with Ku De Ta coconut foam. Some dills and pomegranates on the foam will make a perfect ending. Sip it as the sun goes down. Now, close your eyes when you take the first sip, and you will be transported back to Seminyak Beach with turquoise blue waters and palm trees swaying in the light breeze. This is the next best thing to a tropical vacation. Be rest assured this appealing cocktail will jazz up the rest of your day!
KU-DE-TA
Acaraki
If you’ve been swearing off alcohol in the name of flat abs, well try this low-calorie cocktail at Pala Rooftop Bar and Selasar Deli of Apurva Kempinski Bali. Taking inspiration from the traditional concoction of Jamu, the professional mixologists of the resort came together to create a refreshing cocktail that fuses the traditional and modern. Named after the term used to describe Jamu makers, Acaraki is a refreshing cocktail based on pandan leaf infused arak, Bali tangerine marmalade, rice galangal cordial and sparkling water. Now, who says you can’t keep healthy while cocktailing?
The Apurva Kempinski Bali
Banana – A Resemblance of Human Being
Homemade clarified black banana liquor, banana leaf steamed tea. This is Woobar’s Zero Waste Cocktail is combining sustainability and comfort. At Woobar, they try to repurpose and upcycle where they can. All ingredients are left over from the breakfast buffet. They are upcycled to new dehydrated garnishes and contemporary ingredients for this signature cocktail.
WooBar
Citrus Sensation
Focusing on the exploration of Indonesia’s fine tropical offerings, Moonlite houses a vast range of infused locally produced arak. This Balinese traditional spirit is made from coconut, rice and cane infused with the best produce in Bali such as snake fruit, pineapple, rambutan, rosella, honey, strawberry and many more. Featuring Citrus Sensation, a solid combination of gin, fresh lemon, orange, lime and strawberry. Alternatively, go with the Blue Ocean, made with Balinese rum, fresh mango, basil leaves, lime juice, sugar and grenadine. So, whenever you’re feeling a little under the weather, simply raise a glass and sip it on!
Moonlite Kitchen & Bar
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G&T Collection
Gin is often packed full of herbal goodness! Made with juniper berries, angelica root, rosemary, citrus peel, nutmeg, sage, lemon-grass; the list is endless, most of which offer a wide range of healing benefits. The gins at The Lounge of Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort come in a variety of aromas with the widest range available in Kuta area. Each gin is paired with a garnish which has been carefully selected. By all means to create your own mixture of flavours! These gins are perfectly served with Fever-Tree Tonic. Made by blending the finest botanical oils with soft spring water and the highest quality quinine from the ‘fever trees’ of the Eastern Congo, Fever-Tree Tonic is a delicious, natural, award-winning mixer with a uniquely clean and refreshing taste and aroma. Designed to enhance the taste of gin rather than mask it. So, whenever you’re feeling a little under the weather, simply raise a glass of gin!
Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort
Gunung Agung
This tropical cocktail was inspired by the highest mountain in Bali, Agung Mountain. A mixture of Nusa Cana Light Rum, Falernum and Rosella Soda, this drink is a perfect balance of sweet and sour. You can smell the aroma of sugar cane with warm notes from ginger and balance with the sourness from the Rosella Soda. To top it off, a slice of orange is added to give a fruity finish to this delightful concoction. Enjoy this refreshing libation as an after-dinner treat or as an aperitif to start the evening. Either way, sip it while viewing the beautiful Agung Mountain from Ikan Bar when the sky is clear.
Ikan Restaurant & Bar
KSC Bloody Mary
A Bloody Mary is a classic brunch-time drink that’s sure to give you a kick. Start with a generous measure of vodka, then fill the glass with tomato juice. Add a pinch of salt and pepper, plus a squeeze of lime juice. For a little extra tang, add a dash of Lea & Perrins Worcestershire sauce. Lastly, garnish with a celery stick and you’re ready to enjoy your Bloody Mary! Cheers!
Kuta Social Club
Nusa Colada
With a name derived from the Malay word for island, Nusa Colada is the club’s take on the iconic Puerto Rican rum cocktail. Utilising the same ‘strained pineapple’ concept combined with coconut cream that defines the classic piña colada along with Nusa Caña white rum (distilled in Java) and flavoured syrup made from clarified pandan coconut water to bring out the vibrant fruit flavours for an unbeatable tropical cocktail. Simply combine all ingredients into a mixing glass, add some cubes of ice, stir and strain into the glass over a cube of ice and garnish with pandan leaves and dehydrated pineapple. Voilà – a couple of sips will bring you the exotic vibe of Puerto Rico.
Le Club 22
Triple Coklat
This cocktail at Attika Bar of La Favela is the all-out crowd-pleasing cocktail. Not only is the presentation a feast to the eye, tasting it will double up your expectation. Maximising unique taste of gin wash with chocolate, almond milk, chocolate liqueur and chocolate syrup, the Attika’s Mixologist was inspired by chocolate lovers in creating this drink. He knew that everyone likes chocolate, and therefore he found the best balance for this cocktail. So, shake and pour it in Martini glass with chocolate rim… voila!
Attika Bar
