HO CHI MINH CITY | Summer Experiment opened in 2019, and it wasn’t long before it became known as one of Ho Chi Minh City’s best cocktail bars. This shouldn’t come as a surprise, given that it’s from Aussie mixologist Jay Moir, and the team behind top cocktail bar, Layla.
The concept here is similar to Layla, but steps things up a notch. It’s about experimental cocktails, using locally sourced produce, with a particular focus on Vietnamese fruits, vegetables, and flavours. Sustainability is a big focus here, and there’s a herb garden on the rooftop, which provides ingredients for the bar and kitchen.
To find the bar, you need to go up several flights of an unmarked building in District 1, once you reach the top, go through the door to find a space brimming with character. The inside is low lit, with the long bar taking up an entire length of the venue, further back, there’s a balcony full of greenery, overlooking the street.
The cocktail menu is beautifully illustrated, showcasing the 30 or so cocktails on offer, beautifully. One of the most popular creations is the ‘365 Days of Summer, which is served in a watering can. I highly recommend the ‘Dragon’s Delight’, which combines Bacardi Carta Blanca rum, infused guava syrup, red dragon fruit puree, basil, sparkling wine, and house-made Espuma.
If you’re after something other than cocktails, Summer Experiment also offers a top notch selection of international wines, local and imported beers on tap, and spirits. For food, it’s a menu filled with delicious snacks and share plates that share the same philosophy as the drinks. Try the cassava (khoai mì) arancini-like cheese balls, served with a salted egg mayo, garnished with herbs.
Summer Experiment
2F, 77-79 Lý Tự Trọng
District 1
Ho Chi Minh City
Vietnam
Telephone: +84 2835 210 789
E-mail: [email protected]
Website
Open
Sun – Thu: 4:00pm to 1:00am
Fri – Sat: 4:00pm to 2:00am