Cocktails do not necessarily need elaborate presentations and garnishes.

Even a clear beverage can be packed with flavour and have a distinctive profile.

True to the style of Yashodan Sinniah – head mixologist at Living Room, W Kuala Lumpur, the hotel’s latest cocktail menu has been designed to reflect just that.

“It’s just the way I like it – simple and enjoyable.

“This time, we’re focusing on sustainability, using as much of our local ingredients as possible to minimise waste.

“For example, we incorporate both the watermelon flesh and rind to create different types of cocktails,” he said.

Yashodan’s preference for simple and enjoyable cocktails infuses the new menu that also focuses on sustainability.

Yashodan highlighted that local fruits took centre stage in the menu.

“Crafting cocktails with fruits can be a lot of fun.

“They give us the flexibility to craft a wide range of flavour profiles as well as garnishes.

“These are not only aesthetically pleasing but also complement the cocktails,” he said.

Featuring six cocktails and three mocktails, the menu takes guests on a journey of discovery, exploring different textures, and flavour combinations.

Aptly named The First Drop, the “journey” starts off with a light, refreshing cocktail made with whisky, watermelon cordial, saline solution, citric acid and effervescent water, topped with watermelon jerky.

A slice of watermelon jerky tops the refreshing First Drop.

A spritz of watermelon perfume adds a subtly sweet aroma.

This smooth, mellow aperitif is reminiscent of a whisky highball but delivers a fruity punch that many will find delightful.

Next, the No.19 Lorong Abang Haji Openg 6 cocktail holds a special place in Yashodan’s heart.

“Using starfruit as the main ingredient brings back fond childhood memories of the starfruit tree in my home garden,” he said.

Starfruit is the main ingredient in the No.19 Lorong Abang Haji Openg 6 concoction.

This gin-based cocktail blends starfruit, elderflower, Choya Jyuku Rich and is topped with curd from a milk wash, creating a silky texture with subtle tannins from the starfruit.

Meanwhile, the Strawberry Highland Tour – a mix of mezcal, sous-vide strawberry oleo, herbal liqueur and vinaigrette – was a pleasant surprise.

Expecting a sour cocktail, I was taken aback when the drink turned out to be nothing of the sort.

It wasn’t overwhelmed by the strawberry flavour but instead presented a harmonious balance between the ingredients.

A balance of flavours impresses in the Strawberry Highland Tour.

The chocolate leaf tuile that garnished the drink also paired beautifully with it.

Back by popular demand, the Senpai Got Lost in Mexico drink is a blend of mezcal, spent beer syrup, homemade cucumber liqueur and citrus, making it a light and appetising cocktail.

As for the R&R cocktail, it takes inspiration from Malaysia’s nostalgic street snacks.

Made with tequila-infused asam boi, clarified guava soda, orange liqueur, asam mix and caramelised guava, it offers a playful yet sophisticated twist.

For those who prefer a spirit-forward cocktail, The Last Drop is the perfect way to wrap up the night.

The flavour of a homemade watermelon pickle bursts through in The Last Drop cocktail.

A crystal-clear mix of vodka and dry vermouth, it is served with a homemade spiced watermelon rind pickle that is bursting with flavour.

Besides providing a sweet and savoury twist, the green, cucumber-like notes offer a refreshing finish.

The new menu also includes three mocktails that use different ingredients such as mango, coffee as well as pandan and coconut.

Also try out some of the snacks that are offered at the bar such as Sushipuri, a unique twist to pani puri where the shell is filled with salmon avocado and nori.

The sweet and flavourful Tebasaki Karaage Win is also a delight which is garnished with sesame seeds and Japanese togarashi spice powder.

LIVING ROOM, W Kuala Lumpur, Jalan Ampang, KL. (Tel: 012-347 9088) Business hours: 11am to 11pm (Mondays to Thursdays and Sundays), 11am to midnight (Fridays and Saturdays).

This is the writer’s personal observation and is not an endorsement by StarMetro.