Gin is one of the most widely loved of all base spirits, distilled from grains like barley, corn and rye like its vodka sibling, but uniquely flavoured with the juniper berry and a garden of other botanicals. If you’re a connoisseur of this versatile liquor, reaching any or all of these three outlets in KL is a must.
MariGin Gin Bar
The latest outing from the famed Marini’s Group, the just-opened MariGin serves concoctions which capture the cosmopolitan spirit of gin with a quintessential local touch. There are over 57 varieties on the menu and with some of the city’s finest mixologists behind the bar, the cocktails here are forward-thinking and immaculately built blends. 
Low sofas, leather furnishings, dark marble floors and mahogany walls exude elegance, but the atmosphere is a relaxed one however, with pool and gin-pong tables on the terrace.
MariGin Gin Bar
Where One KL, Jalan Pinang, Kuala Lumpur
When 5pm-1am (Mon-Sat)
Tel 03 2386 6030
marigin.my
Pahit
Juniper lovers should make a beeline for Pahit, one of the bars leading the charge in KL’s gin revolution. The brainchild of local bartending legend C.K. Kho, who also runs Coley in Bangsar, Pahit drips with old world charm like the 1920’s shoplot it’s located in.
Pahit, meaning ‘bitter’ in Malay, stocks between 70 to 80 types of gin, ranging from the traditionally made Bols Genever with a smooth, bright and botanical finish, to Japanese examples like the Ki No Bi that packs a dry, rosey bouquet. The real must-tries here, however, are the locally infused versions that include calamansi and assam boi.
Pahit
Where 3, Jalan Sin Chew Kee, Kuala Lumpur
When 5pm-1am (Tues-Sun)
Tel 03 2110 0776
facebook.com/barpahit
Botak Liquor Bar
A bar that more than deserves a spot on this list is the refreshing and organically-inclined Botak, a verdant outlet filled with foliage – literally and on the menu! The focus here is on clean, well-balanced libations made with home-grown herbs, spices, fruits and vegetables, and strictly clear spirits.
Among the gin specials, you’ll want to try the Jasmine and Tarragon for one, a perfectly sweet cocktail available on draught, and if you’re feeling creative, you can build your own drink – just tell the barkeep what you want and he’ll do the rest.
Botak Liquor Bar
Where 1st Floor (above Chocha Foodstore), 156 Jalan Petaling, Kuala Lumpur
When 5pm-1am (Thurs-Sat), 3pm-11pm (Sun, Tues-Wed)
Tel 03 2022 1100
facebook.com/BOTAKLiquor