In a nightlife destination already home to hangouts Charm, Bunker and Revolucion; a new cocktail bar is paying tribute to the young and wild hedonism of a century ago.
Hidden behind blue walls and a mock bookshelf, BYT Bar opened earlier this month to serve concoctions that nod to the 1920s, when Prohibition pushed some Americans to trade North America’s Gilded Age for the Années folles of Europe. There they helped spread cocktail culture among the BYT, or Bright Young Things, as the young British aristocrats were labeled by the press for their outrageous party lifestyles.
Founded by a couple — Ratchanon Khanijou and Priyanuch Khanijou — the bar roped in Vesper’s award-winning bartender Supawit “Palm” Muttaratana to design its signature drinks. Each is named for a European city, from famed capitals such as London, Paris and Amsterdam to Istanbul.
Inside the low-lit interior, “Bright Young Things” glows in red neon not far from the marble bar, high-swivel stools and a shelves densely packed with fancy spirit bottles. Bartenders were shaking and pouring a few drinks for customers (and yes, many noted difficulty finding the entrance).
Among nearly a dozen signature cocktails, highlights include a bold and boozy move that mixes absinthe with sparkling wine. Paris (absinthe, sparkling wine, egg white, lemon, sugar and thyme for THB440) comes with an unexpected combination of the two, topped off with aromatic thyme. The drink is recommended for anyone who wants to start the night with a refreshing, smooth sip.
At the other end of the spectrum is Istanbul (THB400). The dark, fairly strong and complex glass results from a mixture of blanco tequila, dry vermouth and several Turkish spices, including saffron.
There’s more and more on the list, or just pick your favorite city: Amsterdam (Bols Genever, orange, lime, vanilla, peach and Peychaud’s bitters for THB440), London (Bulldog Gin, elderflower, apple, lemon, sugar and tonic water for THB370) and Porto (Wild Turkey Bourbon, port wine, Maraschino, Angostura bitters, egg white and lemon for THB400).
BYT Bar is open 5:30pm until late every day, except Monday. It is located on Soi Sueksa Witthaya (between sois Silom 9 and Sathorn 12) and can be reached from BTS Chong Nonsi.
FIND IT:
BYT Bar
Opens from 5:30pm until late daily, except Monday
Soi Sueksa Witthaya (Soi Silom 9), Bang Rak, Bangkok
Phone: +6685 553 5844
BTS: Chong Nonsi
