I carefully climb the steps of a low-rise in Bangkok’s trendy Thonglor neighborhood, anticipating the premium pours I’m about to try. Inside Dry Wave Studio, bar staff don matching cream-colored jackets, crisp white shirts, and black ties. The venue is ready for the flow of locals and visitors who are discovering a sleek new addition to Bangkok’s cocktail community.
Ten years ago, high-end hotels in this sprawling, frenetic city of 11 million offered classic cocktails. In 2023, Bangkok bars nabbed 8 top spots on the 50 Best Bars in Asia list. With over 1200 drinking establishments, Bangkok’s burgeoning bar scene now includes intimate speakeasies with secret entrances and rooftop bars overlooking the Chao Phraya River. Thai spirits are trending and Bangkok’s bars offer an array of tipples, melding classics with a twist, and Thai flavors with mixology trends.