Forget Dry January because at Avani+ Riverside Bangkok, the concept of going alcohol-free is a permanent feature. The property’s rooftop bar, SIN has launched an alcohol-free cocktail menu for the benefit of guests.
Carrying the theme of Sober Sips, the outlet now serves non-alcoholic versions of its signature cocktails, each inspired by themes of sin and desire. The menu crafted by SIN’s award-winning Head Mixologist, Brian Gonzales Fernandez is catered towards sober revellers.
Sober Savouring
Head Mixologist, Brian Gonzales Fernandez.
The move towards zero-proof is timely as the category continues to grow amongst consumers. According to alcohol data and analysis firm IWSR, the global no-alcohol category is forecasted to deliver incremental growth of over US$4 billion by 2028.
“What started as the Dry January movement has fuelled a drastic lifestyle change across all age groups, including millennials and Gen-Z,” elaborates Fernandez about the Sober Sips menu. “More and more people are choosing not to drink alcohol but still want to be part of the social experience.”
Before moving to Bangkok, Fernandez worked in London and Madrid, where sugary mocktails have given way to polished, fully original creations that more than hold their own. Drawing on this experience, he uses natural, healthful ingredients for Sober Sips, ensuring guests can enjoy a sophisticated mixed drink sans alcohol whether on a romantic night out or celebrating with friends.
Crafting With Care
The Temptress.
Priority, he says, is given to high-quality sober spirits and dealcoholised wines, like the sparkling French Bloom Le Blanc. Fernandez treats each Sober Sip exactly as he would a normal cocktail. He starts with building layers, integrating ingredients and experimenting intensively to get the flavour profile and texture just right.
From Forbidden Nectar, crafted with sober whiskey, miso, caramel yoghurt, and carrot, to The Temptress, a blend of sober gin, sober amaretto, raspberry, lemon, matcha, and foam, he uses special techniques, infusions and ingredient clarification to create alcohol free cocktails with unparalleled depth and complexity.
Accompanying the cocktails is a curated menu of light, contemporary bites designed to pair perfectly with the drinks. Highlights include Gillardeau oysters, served with mignonette or topped with Hokkaido uni and wasabi mayonnaise, gourmet sashimi, wagyu beef tartare made from Miyazaki A5 grade beef and the ever-popular katsu sando.
Sober Sips adds to the allure of SIN, the most recent addition to after-dark rooftop experiences at Avani+ Riverside Bangkok Hotel. As the city’s newest rooftop bar, it offers a view overlooking the Chao Phraya River. Nestled on the 27th floor of Avani’s flagship hotel, the venue provides an intimate atmosphere with expansive views of the city.
