Bangkok is never short of new bars to try but, this year, Dry Wave Cocktail Studio has managed to up the ante. Its team discusses ‘super classic’ cocktails, Tom Cruise and scooping the Campari One To Watch Award at Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024
A nature-inspired bar run by Thai cocktail veteran Supawit ‘Palm’ Muttarattana that remixes classic recipes into never-before-seen concoctions was always likely to pique the interest of drinks lovers. Add in an offbeat name and it’s no wonder Dry Wave Cocktail Studio has become the toast of Thonglor, one of Bangkok’s trendiest neighbourhoods.
“It does have a weird name, to be fair, and everyone always asks why we called it that,” muses Muttarattana. “We love art and we find that waves are present in so much around us, from music and cocktails to marbled patterns and tree rings, beaches and waves – they all inspired our menu and concept.”
Dry Wave Cocktail Studio's striking design is inspired by nature
This deference to nature and natural forms is emblematic in the bar’s conceptual design, from its setting, which seems to have grown organically around an ancient tree in an airy community space called Solidarity, to the soothing wave-patterned walls and the bar’s centerpiece: a gently undulating bar made of brick-coloured marble.
The seating is cozy and plush, the lighting dim and soporific and the décor a warm embrace of earthy shades in sand, clay and cream. “The space took us around seven months to find,” he confides. “But it was worth it because our inspiration is drawn from nature and we needed that to be reflected in our setting.”
Everything comes in waves
With stints at the helm of Vesper (No.13 in Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024) and Backstage (No.35 in Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2021) under his belt, Dry Wave is by no means Muttarattana’s first rodeo; so it is perhaps unsurprising that he knew exactly what he was looking for with his debut solo venture.
Supawit ‘Palm’ Muttarattana (left) and his team collected the bar's trophy on stage in Hong Kong
This time, however, he’s not on the journey alone as he’s been joined by his wife Niwarin ‘Ae’ Phlainoi as co-creator of Dry Wave. “My career in the industry began more than 20 years ago, when I swapped a role as a hotel barista for one as a bartender,” adds Muttarattana. “After four years with Diageo as a brand ambassador, where I met my now wife, I took a job on the corporate side of F&B just before Covid hit.
“After the pandemic, I realised I was 37 years old and felt it was time to make something happen. So, inspired by the encouragement of others and supported by my wife, Dry Wave Cocktail Studio was born.”
Rising tide
Muttarattana and team were perhaps expecting a modicum of buzz for the new bar, but nothing could prepare them for the shock of being ranked in the extended 51-100 list of Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024, let alone receiving the accolade of the Campari One To Watch Award, all just eight months after opening.
Reflecting on the ceremony, the couple initially expected a casual reunion with old friends and industry peers and were dumbfounded when Dry Wave’s name was announced. “I looked at Palm for validation when we realised what was happening as we were utterly in shock, we had no idea! We are still in shock and overwhelmed with gratitude,” says Phlainoi.
Dry Wave's 'super classics' seamlessly blend timeless creations with contemporary flair
Dry Wave Cocktail Studio is a culmination of the team's unwavering dedication to the craft of mixology but what’s really setting the bar apart is its invigorating take on classic cocktails.
“I wanted to do something completely different with Dry Wave, but I’m also old school at heart, because I love classic cocktails, so I had to find a way of balancing the two,” says Muttarattana. “After months of extensive research, we came up with the concept we call super classics – a combination of two classic cocktails that becomes one signature drink.”
This distinct method of mixing two established drinks to bring contrasting flavours together sounds complicated at best and unpalatable at worst but, in practice, is pure alchemy. The converging waves of both cocktails create what Muttarattana calls a ‘third wave’, resulting in ingenious, signature concoctions that you won’t find anywhere else.
The 1806-1988 takes its name from two important years in cocktail history
“One of our menu highlights is the 1806-1988. The year 1806 pays homage to the origins of the original old fashioned, while 1988 references the release of the seminal film Cocktail with Tom Cruise. We look at it as old meets new to blend the cleanliness of an old fashioned with the sexiness of a cosmopolitan,” he says.
Other unexpected pairings on offer include Love Birds in Venice – a combination of the bellini (martini, prosecco, peach) with a paloma (tequila, lime grapefruit soda) – and the Morning Tijuana, which is a clash between a mezcal margarita and a zesty breakfast martini.
Go with the flow
The rising-star bar, which managed to break into the extended ranking in its inaugural year, is focused on creating a welcoming, neighbourhood experience where guests can feel at home no matter their drink preference. Like a finely wrought, delicately synthesised blend of contrasting flavours, personalities and influences, the team will continue to do what comes naturally.
“Fundamentally, it’s about creating the right balance and making sure we craft a truly memorable experience,” add Muttarattana. So far, so successful.
Miss this year's ceremony? Watch the highlights below:
The list of Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024, sponsored by Perrier, was revealed at a live awards ceremony at Rosewood Hong Kong on 16 July. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube to stay up to date with all the news and announcements.
