Siam Mary

St. Regis Bar, 12/F St. Regis Hotel, 159 Rajadamri Rd., BTS Rajadamri. 02-207-7777. www.stregis.com Open daily from 12pm-1pm
Ingredients: Lemongrass, Thai basil, Thai chili, wasabi, fresh lime, coriander, tomato and vodka
What they say: St. Regis’ Thai interpretation of the Bloody Mary, the Siam Mary is inspired by flavors found in traditional Bangkok recipes. The spiciness of the chili and wasabi is nicely balanced by the sourness of the lime and tomato juice.
What we say: Cute presentation in a silver goblet, and despite the fact that it sounds like an indiscriminate mix of all things Thai, it’s better than expected. If you’re not into tomatoes or spicy food, this might be a bit scary though. But if you can dig the heat, this is a refreshing drink, rich in texture and with a nice lemongrass aroma.
Price: B290

Hangovertini

Sky Bar, Le Bua Hotels & Resorts, State Tower 1055 Silom Rd, 02-624-9999 www.lebua.com Open daily from 6pm-1am
Ingredients: Whiskey, sweet vermouth, green tea liquor, fresh green apple juice and rosemary-infused honey
What they say: Created in honor of the filming of The Hangover II at Le Bua, the Hangovertini was allegedly made for the production team at the end of long days on set.
What we say: If you’re not into whiskey, fear not. The taste and smell are masked by the apple juice and rosemary-infused honey. Three spirits in one martini might seem hardcore, but you wouldn’t know it from the taste, which is refreshing and kinda does feel like a boost to your energy levels. The green tea liquor is unusual and adds to the complexity.
Price: B400

Tom Yum Yum

Bar Su, G/F Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit, 250 Sukhumvit Rd., BTS Asoke. 02-649-8888. www.sheratongrandesukhumvit.com/ Open daily from 7:30pm-2am
Ingredients: Vodka infused with lemongrass, chili, galangal and kaffir lime leaves, fresh lime juice and boiled shrimp
What they say: With the aim of creating a truly Thai cocktail, the folks at Bar Su take their inspiration from another symbol of Thainess: tom yam kung. The lemongrass, chili, kaffir lime leaves and galangal are infused with the vodka for two weeks before being mixed with the other ingredients.
What we say: This cocktail is like eating your favorite soup, but cold and boozey. Thumbs up for the boiled shrimp—it’s nice and fresh and doesn’t make the whole thing fishy. Careful if you don’t do spicy. This heat from this cocktail lingers in the throat. If you’re really into spicy food, though, try the vodka as a shot.
Price: B400

Thaijito

Bamboo Bar, The Oriental Hotel, 48 Charoenkrung Soi 40. Open daily from 11am-2am. 02-659-9000 www.mandarinoriental.com
Ingredients: Mekhong whiskey, brown sugar, fresh lemongrass, mint leaves, fresh lime, fresh ginger, lime juice and sugar syrup
What they say: This is the bar’s signature drink, created more than 50 years ago by the former bartender with the recipe handed down from generation to generation.
What we say: Refreshing and easy drinking, thanks to the mint leaves and fresh lime juice. This is very similar to the classic Mojito, except for the distinct taste of Mekhong which eclipses the lemongrass a bit.
Price: B300

Siam Sunrays

Available at hotels and resorts in key tourist destinations around Thailand
Ingredients: Vodka, coconut liqueur, syrup, Thai chili, young ginger, kaffir lime leaf, lemongrass, lime juice and soda water
What they say: Invented by Surasakdi Pantaisong, the winner of 2008 Bartender Championship hosted by the Tourism Authority of Thailand and Thai Hotel Association, this drink is a marketing campaign to create Thailand’s equivalent of the Singapore Sling.
What we say: Aromatic, easy-drinking and not too potent. The soda water gives it a pleasant lightness.
Price: B250-400