Kuala Lumpur Cocktail Week Returns for an Unforgettable 2025 Edition

Kuala Lumpur Cocktail Week (KLCW) is back for its highly anticipated second edition this April, offering a week-long cocktail celebration like no other. From April 22 to 27, 2025, the festival will shake up the city once again, promising to be bigger, bolder, and boozier than before. This event is set to solidify Kuala Lumpur’s position as one of Asia’s most exciting cocktail destinations.

With over 27 world-class bars participating, an immersive Festival Village, guest shifts from international bartenders, and industry-focused seminars, KLCW 2025 is primed to invigorate Kuala Lumpur’s cocktail scene this April.

For an entire week, the city’s most exciting bars will be divided into five dynamic cocktail zones—Bangsar, Petaling Jaya/Taman Tun Dr. Ismail, Damansara Heights, Chinatown, and Kuala Lumpur City Centre—each hosting exclusive guest shifts, collaborations, and one-night-only events. Visitors can explore the city through its vibrant cocktail culture like never before.

Elevating Kuala Lumpur’s Cocktail Scene

No cocktail festival is complete without the participation of the city’s finest bars. KLCW will bring together Kuala Lumpur’s award-winning establishments, including Bar Trigona, JungleBird, Penrose, Reka, Pahit, and more, offering exclusive cocktail menus, limited-time drinks, and special collaborations. Each bar will host guest shifts, pairing events, and exclusive KLCW cocktails, making this the perfect opportunity to dive into KL’s cocktail scene.

Cocktail enthusiasts can expect a stellar lineup of top-tier international bartenders who will be stepping behind the bar at these venues, showcasing their signature drinks and unique mixology styles.

Among the major international names joining KLCW 2025 are:

• Handshake Speakeasy (Mexico City, No. 1 on The World’s 50 Best Bars 2024)
• Bar Leone (Hong Kong, No. 2 on The World’s 50 Best Bars 2024)
• Jigger & Pony (Singapore, ranked No. 3 in Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024)
• BKK Social Club (Bangkok, No. 7 in Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024)
• Vender Bar (Taipei, named ‘Best Bar in Taiwan’ in Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024)

Other notable international participants include:-

• Hong Kong’s Argo – A futuristic bar blending innovation with sustainability
• Bangkok’s Firefly, Mahaniyom & Bar Sathorn – Each bringing Thailand’s vibrant drinking culture to KL
• Singapore’s Offtrack & Night Hawk – Pioneers of bold, creative mixology
• Jakarta’s ModernHaus – A sleek, contemporary cocktail destination
• Seoul’s Le Chamber – Intimate speakeasy vibes with Korean flair
• Kyoto’s Bee’s Knees – A masterclass in Japanese-inspired cocktails

And let’s not forget Malaysia’s own rising stars, adding local flavor to the festivities:

• Penang’s Good Friend’s Club & No Bar Here – Laid-back charm meets craft cocktails
• Johor Bahru’s Haiiro Usagi – A hidden gem with a playful approach
• Malacca’s Budi – Where heritage meets modern mixology

A New Culinary Experience: Cocktail Pairing Dinners

This year, KLCW introduces a new series of cocktail pairing dinners at some of Kuala Lumpur’s finest restaurants. Kuala Lumpur’s finest restaurants will collaborate with leading mixologists to create unforgettable flavor experiences. Look out for these standout venues:

Akâr, Barkar, Beta – Modern Malaysian and global flavors

Bistro Lea, Chipta, ESCA – Elevated dining with creative twists

Fifty Tales, Ignis, Jwala – Fire, spice, and everything nice

Jus, Okaju, Upperhouse, Yellow Fin Horse at RAW – Where cocktails meet haute cuisine

Industry Seminars and Workshops

Beyond the festivities, KLCW 2025 is committed to supporting the bar industry in Malaysia. In collaboration with Bar Convent Singapore, the festival will host industry-focused seminars and workshops, featuring renowned hospitality experts like Hadrien Moudoulaud of Bar Nouveau in Paris, who will discuss olfactory mixology, and Philip Bischoff of BKK Social Club, who will explore the art of hospitality.

The Grand Finale: KLCW Festival Village

The highlight of KLCW 2025 will be the Festival Village, held on Saturday, April 26, 2025, from 2:30 PM to 11:30 PM at Sentul Depot. This day-to-night affair will celebrate everything cocktail, featuring the industry’s biggest names, pop-up bars, exclusive drinks, hands-on experiences, live music, and interactive pop-ups from major spirits brands.

“We are really excited to be involved in KLCW this year with Roku Gin, putting together the best of craft and gin artistry and highlighting Roku Gin’s brand idea of ‘Shun’, celebrating peak of season,” says Leanne Kee, Suntory’s Senior Brand Manager for SEA.

“As the No.1 premium Japanese craft gin in Malaysia, we have a growing base of gin enthusiasts in Kuala Lumpur. KLCW is an excellent platform for Roku Gin to offer shared experiences and is a great way for the community to come together and experience the versatility of what a premium Japanese craft gin can offer,” she added.

Putting Kuala Lumpur on the Global Cocktail Map

As Kuala Lumpur’s cocktail culture continues to evolve, events like KLCW will only strengthen the city’s growing reputation as a world-class cocktail hub. Whether you're a seasoned cocktail connoisseur, an industry professional, or simply someone who enjoys a great drink, KLCW 2025 promises to be an unforgettable week filled with fine drinks, amazing experiences, and the best bartending talent from across the globe.

For more information and to secure your tickets, visit Kuala Lumpur Cocktail Week’s Instagram page @klcwofficial.