COA's Grand Debut: ZLB23 Welcomes Asia's Best Bar for an Exclusive Cocktail Takeover at The Leela Palace Bengaluru

21st November 2023, Bengaluru: ZLB23, the clandestine gem of The Leela Palace Bengaluru, is set to host an exclusive bar takeover with Asia's Best Bar, COA from Hong Kong, on the 22nd of November. This incredible partnership, which highlights COA's debut in India as part of The Leela Palace's mission to introduce world-class mixology to the nation, is a monument to the craft of handcrafted cocktails.

ZLB23’s international bar takeover will be helmed by award-winning mixologist and Operations Director Ajit Gurung heralding a new era of luxury mixology in India through meticulously curated cocktail menus.

"ZLB23 is committed to showcasing masterfully crafted drinks from the best bars across the world. We are extremely excited to host COA from Hong Kong for their India premiere, bringing exquisite flavours of Mexico to the city. Our aim is to spotlight the richness of India’s diverse cocktail landscape globally and provide spirit lovers with remarkable experiences that will last a lifetime.”

Madhav Sehgal, Area VP South India of The Leela Palaces, Hotels, and Resorts

"We are extremely excited to be taking over the ZLB23 bar and bring our cocktails to India. We are thrilled to introduce the bold, vibrant, and extraordinary flavours of Mexico to the city of Bengaluru. This collaboration marks the start of a revolutionary relationship with a pioneering speakeasy like ZLB23.”

Operations Director Ajit Gurung, COA

COA, consecutively ranked Asia’s 50 Best Bar in 2021, 2022, and 2023, and No. 20 on The World’s 50 Best Bars from Hong Kong is recognized for its agave spirits, traditional mezcal and cocktails inspired by the flavours of Mexico. Enter the adventurous world of agave spirits at ZLB23 with COA’s signature cocktails like Smacked Cucumber Salad, Pepper Smash, Mole Negroni and Coconut Milk Punch. The bar takeover guarantees an exhilarating exploration into mixology through live demonstrations and captivating discussions led by the mixologists.

As part of their ‘Best Bars at ZLB23’ initiative The Leela Palace Bengaluru has curated a meticulous and handpicked line-up of exceptional bars to take over ZLB23 from all over the world, with some of these bars making their debut in India. The below have already taken over ZLB23 with great success.

The World’s 50 Best Bars

● Handshake (No. 3 on World’s Best Bars 2023)

● Paradiso (No. 4 on World’s Best Bars 2023)

● Himkok (No. 10, World’s Best Bars 2023)

● Wax On – Berlin (No. 29 on The World’s 50 Best Bars)

● Floreria Atlantico (No. 30 on The World’s 50 Best Bars)

Asia’s 50 Best Bars

● Vesper Bangkok (No. 12 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2023)

● Sidecar New Delhi (No. 18 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2023)

● Atlas Singapore (No. 27 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2023)

● Employees Only – Singapore (No. 30 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2023)

Join ZLB23 and COA for an unforgettable evening with an array of exquisite blends, where each sip is a testament to the art of cocktails. Watch out for the below takeovers that keep you buzzing for the next couple of months.

Asia’s 50 Best Bars

● Bar Benfiddich Tokyo (No. 4 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2023)

● Manhattan Singapore (No. 21 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2023)

Event: International Bar Takeover at ZLB23

When: Wednesday 22nd November, 2023

Where: ZLB23, A Kyoto Speakeasy

For reservations send a WhatsApp message to Zia + 91 -9632060433 (Available on WhatsApp messages only)

About ZLB23

Travelling through time, Zia is bringing her mystery to a secret hideaway – ZLB 23. The hideout’s surreal decor and theatrical concoctions evoke an absinthe dream. With its hidden entrance, vintage décor and speakeasy style, it transports guests back in time to the era of Prohibition. This urbane space reveals an atmosphere of transcendental glamour where gatherings are held over magnetic music, remarkable dining, and prohibition cocktails.

The place offers fabled food, curated to reveal the lost recipes from the East. You’ll find that the ingredients, measurements, and methods unite to tell a flavourful narrative buried in time. The skilled mixologists have crafted a menu of prohibition

cocktails, each with its own unique flavour and story. These might sound classic but are futuristic in taste, look and sense such as the Paleman, inspired by the well-known Halloween monster, or Kyoto Sunrise which pays homage to the Land of the Rising Sun. And for those who want a taste of the good life, the menu also features a selection of rare and premium spirits. The last of the order but standing taller still is magnetic music, relaying a firm promise of original and curated music, making it a noteworthy destination for events that you would not want to miss. Instagram - ZLB23

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