Sora Bar, Cambodia’s acclaimed destination for craft cocktails perched on the 37th floor of the Rosewood Phnom Penh property, announces a string of exciting developments to welcome 2024.
50 Best Discovery’ Honor
Following the announcement by The World’s 50 Best Bars Academy in October 2023, Sora Bar is delighted to be included in the latest World’s 50 Best Discovery list as a must-visit destination in Phnom Penh. This recognition is a testament to the team’s unwavering commitment to delivering the highest quality cocktail experience to guests and positions Phnom Penh as a rising cocktail capital to look out for.
“It is an incredible honor to be recognized in this year’s 50 Best Discovery List. Our team works hard to deliver the most memorable guest experiences, and this is a proud moment for us as we strive to become a mainstay on Southeast Asia’s regular roster of must-visit cocktail destinations,” shares Daniel Simon, Managing Director of Rosewood Phnom Penh.
Sora Bar warmly welcomes Lam Ka Tsun ‘K.T.’ as its new Bar Manager
Strengthening its leadership, Sora is pleased to announce the addition of Lam Ka Tsun, former Bar Manager of Rosewood, Hong Kong, in February. Warmly known as ‘K.T.’, the celebrated mixologist brings a wealth of experience and creativity, having helmed the cocktail program at DarkSide — housed in the flagship property for the Rosewood Hotels & Resorts Group. Besides innovative mixology, the Hong Kong native also brings an in-depth knowledge of rare, aged dark spirits and vintage cigars. His adeptness in seamlessly pairing exceptional drinks with premium cigars will also enhance guests’ experience at the Whisky Library.
K.T. shares: “I can’t wait to join the remarkable team at Sora Bar, Rosewood Phnom Penh, and bring my passion for mixology to the heart of Cambodia. The establishment’s inclusion in this year’s 50 Best Discovery List is an inspiring nod to the growing talent in Phnom Penh.”
K.T. started his bartending journey in December 2014 at the now-defunct private members’ club, KEE Club, following a three-year stint at Zuma Hong Kong before his appointment at DarkSide in Rosewood, Hong Kong.
Sip on Excellence: Unforgettable guest shifts in January and February
Continuing Rosewood Phnom Penh’s commitment to showcasing The World’s 50 Best Bars and bringing distinguished mixology talent to the heart of Cambodia, Sora Bar is proud to unveil this year’s line-up of high-anticipated incoming guest shifts and outgoing Sora pop-ups in industry-leading establishments worldwide. Each session promises a curated cocktail journey weaved with innovation and storytelling while delivering refined hospitality and expertly crafted tastes.
On January 26, Jay Khan, owner of Hong Kong-based Coa – #1 bar on Asia’s 50 Best Bars list in 2021, 2022, and 2023 – joins the team at Sora Bar to present a series of four agave-forward drinks inspired by the region of Oaxaca, Mexico. Guests attending the guest shift at SORA’s expansive bar are treated to COA classics, including Bloody ‘Beef’ Maria, amplifying Blanco Tequila and Mezcal Joven with beef stock, chile and pepper, and Pepper Smash, featuring Jalapeño-infused Tequila, Perilla Liqueur, bell pepper, and acid-adjusted pineapple. Since 2017, Coa’s cocktail program has shaped the way tipplers drink by offering the most sophisticated and extensive agave spirits menu in Hong Kong. Its trailblazing efforts in educating drinkers on the qualities of agave-based spirits are often commended by industry leaders around the world too.
From February 26 to 29, Director of Bars Bob Louison heads to New Delhi-based bar, Sidecar, for an exclusive one-night guest shift before traveling south to helm the bar at Cobbler & Crew for a one-night-only in Pune. He brings with him four signature cocktails from Sora Bar’s ‘Book of Yokai’ menu that weaves Japanese mythology with Cambodian flavors.
Guests in both cities will journey through a range of Cambodian staples such as rice, Kampot pepper, sugar palm, and banana in libations like Jewel Princess, crafted with Premier Cru Cognac, Genmaicha tea, and Chinato Vermouth, or an aromatic and effervescent Sora 75, concocted using sparkling sake, London Dry Gin, Kampot pepper and citrus.
“It is, without a doubt, an honor to be at the forefront of bringing exceptional global bartenders to Phnom Penh’s bar scene and sharing our craft with audiences around the world. Following our recognition on the 50 Best Discovery, the team and I look forward to another year of showcasing and creating outstanding mixology from a diverse pool of talent,” shares Bob.
