What are the ingredients of a perfect modern speakeasy bar in Asia.

You may think some of the following would be:

• Opium den style theme with dim lights and illegal atmosphere
• Exotic and beautifully crafted cocktails
• Engaging Bartenders with stories
• Jazz music playing in the background
• Themed dress-up nights and regular events

Well one secret bar in Bangkok has all of this and much more.

Nestled close to the Khlong Saen Saep river, Philtration offers a speakeasy-style cocktail experience with a hidden entrance, making it a unique bar in the heart of Kasem San 3 Alley. Just a stone’s throw from the famous Jim Thompson House Museum, this underground bar captivates with its intriguing backstory and cozy, low-ceiling ambiance.

Located in the basement of a charming 110-year-old residence, the bar was once the birthplace of the well-known ‘Moh Mee’ (also known as Dr. Mee) and the creation of his famous herbal medicine.Moh Mee U Thaitip, used for heart and blood pressure.

As the popularity of the medicine soared, attracting even members of the Thai royal family, production moved to a larger factory still in operation today. The grand house, meanwhile, transformed into a restaurant and, in January 2020, began a new chapter as Philtration. This speakeasy bar, with a vintage twist, offers creative cocktails inspired by herbal remedies, each with a story of health benefits, despite opening during challenging times.

The talented mixologists, including Thawatchai “Nok” Permpol, a veteran from Q Bar, are the magicians behind these handcrafted cocktails. After a hiatus working with Fico Corp, Nok has returned, cocktail shaker in hand, ready to lead his team in creating these powerful elixirs.

According to Na, all the individuals involved in running this business are close friends who share a common love for cocktail culture. As a result, they came together to establish a bar.

Check out these three suggested cocktails at Philtration:

MEETING WITH MOH

One could argue that the Moh Meetini is the signature drink of Philtration, featuring the key ingredient of Moh Mee U Thaitip – the medicinal substance responsible for the success of the Moh Mee empire. According to Nok, it is a twist on the classic Vesper cocktail, incorporating Iron Balls vodka (40ml), Iron Balls gin (40ml), chamomile tea (10ml), Carpano Dry vermouth, and a few drops of the medicine, which gives the drink its pink hue. The challenge was to balance the distinct flavor of Moh Mee U Thaitip without it being overpowering. In terms of health benefits, this drink has a cooling effect and helps to take the edge off when enjoying a night of drinking.

HALLUCINOGEN HAVEN

Philtration’s cocktails always include a combination of flowers, herbs, and/or fruits, and the Opium Den cocktail specifically features blue lotus, a flower known for its mild narcotic properties. Nok, the creator of this signature cocktail and the only tequila option on the menu, begins by muddling miang kham leaves and grapes in a cocktail shaker. To this, she adds 45ml of El Jimador tequila blanco that has been distilled with blue lotus flower, 20ml of Triple Sec, and 30ml of lime juice. After shaking with ice and straining, the drink is finished with a layer of egg white foam and a garnish of a blue lotus flower.

MY BITTERSWEET CRY

The Sweet Tears of Mine cocktail may appear adorable and harmless, but it certainly packs a punch. Nok explains that the cocktail is named after the Black Tears spiced Cuban rum (45ml) that is infused with figs. The drink also includes green apple juice (30ml), lime juice (20ml), salted caramel syrup (15ml), and Tio Pepe sherry (10ml) infused with Kaffir lime and lemongrass. To add an element of enjoyment, the cocktail is served with a topping of sweet popcorn.

Hidden Underground: Jazz music setting the tone

In keeping with the speakeasy vibe, live jazz nights were initially the highlight. However, the program evolved to include a mix of jazz and musical performances, with a current emphasis on musicals. These events, held in an intimate space with seating for less than 50 people, occur once a month over two consecutive nights. They offer an engaging and interactive live show experience, where attendees are encouraged to dress up according to the theme. For instance, the recent Disney themed night saw attendees fully embracing their roles with elaborate costumes. The Showhopper group takes charge of organizing these themed nights, from selecting the singers to selling tickets, contributing to the unique drinking scene that patrons have come to love.

To learn more about Philtration, go to www.hiddenspeakeasy.club or follow us on Instagram (@hiddenspeakeasyclub)

Note blog reference: https://www.prestigeonline.com/th/lifestyle/wine-plus-dine/philtration-bangkok-speakeasy/