Home Culinary Travel Raising the Bar: The Ritz-Carlton Langkawi Hosts Global Mixology Icon

Raising the Bar: The Ritz-Carlton Langkawi Hosts Global Mixology Icon

The Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi, a hidden gem nestled between the island’s iconic rainforest and the Andaman Sea, is to launch an exclusive menu with decorated drinksmith Nico de Soto this April. The globetrotting mixologist will introduce his collaborative series in a one-night residency, with a takeover of the resort’s adults-only Horizon bar and mouthwatering masterclass for guests.

The Parisian responsible for cult Paris speakeasy Danico, #49 on The World’s 50 best Bars 2024 and New York-based Mace, #71 on The World’s 500 Best Bars 2023, will present a collection of four new cocktails inspired by the local ingredients, beauty, folklore and legends of Malaysia’s Langkawi. The new menu will be available exclusively at Horizon bar at The Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi running throughout 2025.

Incorporating botanicals from the resort’s own Nibong Garden and in a flavoursome ode to the region, the new serves will include:

Pandan Celebrations – With pandan fresh from the garden, this aromatic blend of Planteray 3 Stars Rum, Salted Pandan Syrup, fresh Lime, and Nico’s special Agar Agar Pandan Lapis is a feast for the senses and a celebration of one of Malaysia’s most beloved herbs. 

Mat Raya Fizz – Named after the fabled giant who was transformed into Langkawi’s tallest mountain, Gunung Raya, guests will experience a refreshing concoction that blends kaffir lime-infused Citadelle Jardin d’Été gin, Nisan Kerek (palm sugar) from Langkawi, lemongrass, Thai basil, lemon, egg white, soda, and garnished with fresh Pegaga, that compliments the resort’s vistas. 

Mat Cincang Airmail – A Langkawi twist on the classic Airmail, local Tualang (stingless bee) honey melds with smooth brown butter washed Planteray Barbados Rum, with lighter notes coming from fresh lemon and Champagne. As guests luxuriate with this cocktail in hand, gazing across the Andaman Sea, they can admire the direct view of Gunung Mat Cincang from Horizon.  

Gedembai Negroni– An enchanting creature, Langkawi’s legends say Gedembai had the power to transform anything with a single word. This tantalizing tipple blends sweet and bitter elements, with Citadelle Gin, Campari, Sweet Vermouth, jackfruit, the signature coffee beans of The Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi and a little Thai chili for a kick. The result – transforming the way guests appreciate cocktails. 


On the 25th April, epicures can learn how to create one of de Soto’s signature tipples, with an intimate cocktail masterclass under his guidance.  Against an unrivalled backdrop, The Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi’s Horizon bar is an open-air sanctuary floating over the serene waters of the Andaman Sea, flanked by the lush rainforest of the Langkawi gem’s tree-to-sea locale. With blissful infinity pool and sea vistas a focal point, this award-winning day to night venue marks the most memorable location to celebrate some of the world’s finest sips.

This stellar partnership follows the resort’s visiting bar series which in January 2025 saw Seoul’s renowned Pine & Co, #50 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024, Maiga from sister property TA’AKTANA and in 2024 Stockholm’s Röda Huset, from Hampus Thunholm, bring their signature experiences to the venue.