The jazz bar introduces a new firefly-inspired cocktail menu, with flavours ranging from light and refreshing to bold and spirit-forward
When I first heard the name Firefly Bar, I imagined a space bathed in the soft glow of intimate lighting. As it turns out, the cocktail menu is just as inspired by the firefly as the decor. Now, they’ve introduced their new menu, “In Pursuit of the Firefly.”
This is already the bar’s third volume. While the first two chapters explored fireflies in Thailand and around the world, this latest edition is a nod to the ones we rarely glimpse in Bangkok these days.
Even without any actual fireflies in the glass, the drinks are impressive and cater to every palate, whether you prefer a spirit-forward sipper or an easy-drinking highball.
If you need an excuse to escape the kids for a proper date night, this jazz bar at Sindhorn Kempinski Hotel Bangkok does the job. With dark wood and moss-green accents, the atmosphere leans romantic, paired with the soft sound of live jazz. Honestly, the vibe is so dreamy it makes me wish I’d brought a plus-one.
Firefly Bar: Details at a glance
Best for: Date nights, cocktail enthusiasts and intimate night out with live jazz
Where: G Floor,Sindhorn Kempinski Hotel Bangkok, 20 minutes walk from BTS Ploenchit, Bangkok. Call: 02-095-9999
How much: Starting at B490 per drink for the new menu
Opening hours: Daily 5pm–1am
What to expect: A firefly-inspired cocktail journey
The menu is divided into four chapters – Etymology, Ecosystem, Luminescence and Mythology – and I like how it’s not just about the drinks, but how they’re presented. Each one tells a different part of the firefly’s story.
Etymology looks at the origins and structure of the firefly itself, with drinks that feel a bit more conceptual. The ecosystem is inspired by their natural environment, so you’ll find flavours that feel lighter and more nature-driven. Luminescence plays with the idea of light and colour, with more visual and expressive cocktails. And Mythology leans into storytelling and local references, with drinks that feel more nostalgic and rooted in culture.
But what stood out to me just as much as the drinks is the menu itself. Each cocktail gets a full page, with an illustration that tells its story alongside how the drink actually looks, from the colour to the glassware and garnish.
There are also flavour notes such as vegetal, herbaceous, fruity, or subtly spiced, which I found really helpful when choosing. At the bottom of each page, a small moon icon shows where the drink sits in the flavour spectrum, so it’s easy to pick something you’ll like or just try something different.
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What’s on the menu: A few firefly-inspired sips from my visit
I started with Where Is The Cricket (B530) from the Etymology section. It blends gin, ginger falernum, chocolate, banana, kaffir lime, clarified milk, and mixed spices, with cricket protein as a garnish.
Taste-wise, it’s light and easy to drink, with a subtle creaminess, gentle sweetness and a hint of spice. And if you’re worried about the cricket, it’s just a crisp garnish, you wouldn’t even know it’s made from insects unless someone told you.
Next is Like That Ya! (B550) from the Ecosystem section. It’s made with Olmeca Altos Blanco, Thai chilli paste, Thai tea foam, Tia Maria, Thai coffee and caramel.
It plays on the idea of the firefly as both predator and prey. Fireflies hunt smaller insects, using their light to lure them in, but that same glow also makes them vulnerable to being spotted and eaten. It’s that contrast of attraction and danger, something that draws you in but can also betray you.
In the glass, it reminds me of an espresso martini, rich, sweet and bitter, with a kick of spice that makes it more interesting.
As I was curious to see how they play with colour in the glass, I ordered two cocktails that both came in shades of blue.
Blue Moon (B570) from the Ecosystem chapter is made with Michter’s American Whiskey and Rye, redistilled with Sri Sindhorn tea, peach, blue spirulina and Lustau Amontillado. It captures the moment fireflies light up the sky at sunset. The drink leans smooth and slightly fruity that makes it very approachable.
For something more spirit-forward, I tried Art du Bleu (B550) from the Luminescence section. It features Tanqueray No. 10 with strawberry and chamomile distillate, Mancino Secco and blue cacao butter, giving it a more complex profile. It’s floral and fruity, with a stronger, more structured finish that lingers on the palate.
Lastly, Walk The Walk (B500) from the Luminescence section is a must if sour cocktails are your thing. It’s crisp, slightly perfumery and hits just right. It blends Johnnie Walker Black Label infused with shiso and Earl Grey tea, alongside Ketel One, passion fruit, vanilla, Chardonnay and Perrier sparkling water.
While the idea of “In Pursuit of the Firefly” didn’t really jump out to me, the cocktails themselves were thoughtful, balanced and a joy to sip.
Is Firefly Bar’s new cocktail menu worth a visit?
It’s definitely worth a visit, especially if you’re after an intimate date night with live jazz music. The whole place makes you forget about the chaos of Bangkok for a while. The staff are very friendly and welcoming and if you come alone, it’s easy to end up chatting with them.
There are also a few bites if you get hungry, like calamari fritti (B290) with roasted garlic mayonnaise, or kra tong thong laab hed (B120), a crispy tart filled with spicy mushroom salad, which pair well with the drinks.
That said, it’s not exactly a casual night out. Expect to spend a bit more, but it feels worth it for the overall experience.
