Ranking at number 79 on the World’s Best Bars, and number 19 in Asia, Vesper is one exceptional place for cocktails when dining and drinking in Bangkok. The establishment is apparently named after James Bond’s favorite martini cocktail, and, true to that claim, the interior is swanky enough to make you feel that you, too, are one of cinema’s suavest characters. Despite the vibe (and a moderate, “Smart Casual” dress code), Vesper couldn’t be a more welcoming place if it tried. Here is a place that recognizes that gathering people is its purpose for being. That’s not always the case with high-end bars making international waves.
The current rotational menu at Vesper is a case study in contrast. Classic cocktails, like The Libre, are treated with reverence through well-thought bases, like Appleton’s 12-year rum, before being imparted with the harmonious disparity of sweet and sour tamarind cordial with Frenet and cola. For North Americans traveling to Thailand, you’ll find that the heat and humidity turn up the craving for familiar, thirst-quenching tastes that are actually oceans away. Like a margarita, for example. Vesper delivers. Featured beverages transcend borders, such as the Grilled Babycorn Margarita (jalapeño, grapefruit, lime, and grilled corn-infused Don Julio Blanco). Likewise, a non-alcoholic menu transcends the idea of what a bar can be.
