The St. Regis Bar Jakarta unveiled its latest evolution of luxurious libations: the New York inspired cocktails 2.0. This refreshed menu invites guests to immerse themselves in a vibrant celebration of flavors and heritage, inspired by the legendary King Cole Bar at The St. Regis New York, reimagined for the cosmopolitan city of Jakarta.
Each cocktail is a journey through the iconic neighborhoods of New York, from the bustling streets of Lower Manhattan to the cultural melting pot of the East Side and the sophisticated charm of Upper Manhattan, this collection transports guests to New York in every glass.
The St. Regis Bar Jakarta promises nothing short of a spectacular vibe, with an energy that is both vibrant and lively, with a jazz band playing nightly.
By popular demand, Ruby Band has returned, Ruby was a sensation during their previous tenure, and their comeback is set to captivate audiences again.
Fahri Yusuf, head bartender at the St. Regis Bar Jakarta, takes the helm with the launch of New York 2.0. Yusuf’s interest in the food and beverage industry began with wine, in his words: “There’s something magical and enchanting about the glasses themselves.” Yusuf decided to move to bartending and cocktails due to the rigidity and lack of innovation. His first experience behind the bar began at Pullman Jakarta while joining competitions and building a large network in Jakarta.
What is the idea behind the St. Regis Bar's new menu?
Bringing the taste of the Astor family’s heritage to Jakarta’s discerning audience, these cocktails are masterpieces of mixology, combining key ingredients into flawless concoctions. Embodying the union of elegance and excitement, perfectly encapsulated as Bernard DeVoto once said, “The proper union of gin and vermouth is a great and sudden glory; it is one of the happiest marriages on earth, and the shortest lived.”
The idea behind this new menu was to ‘break some rules.’ St. Regis Bars around the world used to imitate the menu of St. Regis New York. St. Regis Bar Jakarta’s new menu will be the first pioneer to divert from that ‘rule’ while still staying true to the concept of St. Regis itself, keeping the New York-inspired stories and names – only tweaking ingredients and replacing them with local ingredients for the cocktails. With this new concept, St. Regis Bar Jakarta’s New York Inspired 2.00 has a total of 15 signature cocktails, 3 Martinis and 4 Bloody Mary’s.
Cocktail Showcase courtesy of The St. Regis Bar Jakarta Team
With the huge new menu, I have decided to curate and present my top 4 cocktails based on my personal preference. These cocktails range from sweet and creamy to savory and dry:
A War time Break
A cocktail made with gin infused with Marie Biscuits – a popular local biscuit made with wheat flour, sugar, and shortening — which unlike the rich English tea biscuits, is typically vanilla-flavored. Vanille de Madagascar – a fine liqueur made from the natural flavor of Madagascar vanilla, butterscotch cream and Earl Grey syrup. A sweet and creamy cocktail reminiscent of a grasshopper with the Marie-infused gin providing a sweet flavor and floral smell to the cocktail.
Lawyer’s Sour Deal
Concocted with Citron Tequila, white rum, sour grapefruit liqueur, and pomelo – a large citrus fruit, native to Southeast Asia which tastes like mild grapefruit, with a little of its common bitterness, and lemon juice.
United Market
A mix between Pandan-infused-London dry gin, coconut rum, creme de cacao, bitter orange, and elderflower tonic. A cocktail with a rich and tropical flavor profile, with sweet, nutty, and floral layers, balanced by the bitterness and citrus of the orange and gin botanicals.
Hever Castle in New York
Made from Rye whiskey, Pedro Ximenez dulce sherry, Italian bitter aperitivo, lemon juice, pineapple juice, and some bitters. The cocktail has a mix of rich, sweet, and bitter flavors. Overall, a complex and well-rounded cocktail with a fruity yet earthy finish, perfect for sipping.
With the conclusion of the showcase, the St. Regis Bar Team would hope that this menu would last for the next year or two, with the idea that should the menu change, they won’t change everything out of respect for the regulars’ favorites. With this menu, they hope that they can provide a new experience for both new customers and old regulars with their new selections. Hence, stay frosty and stay hyped as St. Regis Bar Jakarta has a lot in store for you!
