PHNOM PENH — Sora, the rooftop bar at Rosewood Phnom Penh, has introduced a new cocktail menu titled “Build & Sip”, offering a playful yet refined drinking experience inspired by the creativity and nostalgia of iconic building bricks.
Developed by Jonas Vittur, Director of Bars at Rosewood Phnom Penh, together with the Sora team, the menu draws parallels between assembling building bricks and crafting cocktails, transforming familiar drink structures into layered compositions of flavour and storytelling.
Each creation reflects the bar’s signature approach of combining Japanese aesthetics, locally sourced Khmer ingredients and globally inspired cocktail traditions, resulting in a menu that celebrates creativity, nostalgia and cultural identity.
According to Vittur, the concept explores the idea that cocktails can be constructed much like architecture, where every element contributes to the final experience.
The Build & Sip menu features 16 drinks in total, including 14 alcoholic cocktails and two zero-proof options, ranging from spirit-forward classics to lighter, easy-drinking selections. Each cocktail begins with the foundation of a familiar classic before being reinterpreted through Sora’s distinctive techniques, flavours and presentation.
Reflecting the building theme, the drinks also incorporate playful design details such as studded ice blocks, architectural glassware and edible garnishes inspired by brick structures, adding visual character to each serve while maintaining a refined aesthetic.
The menu further highlights locally sourced ingredients and regional produce, celebrating Cambodia’s agricultural heritage while supporting a more sustainable approach to cocktail creation.
Among the highlights is the Khmer Colada, which combines white rum, pineapple and coconut with Cambodian curry spices, sansho pepper and a touch of chilli for a tropical drink layered with warmth and spice.
Another standout is Cherry Lady Punch, a clarified milk punch inspired by Japanese cherry blossom landscapes, blending cashew nut whiskey, spiced rum, ratafia rossa, almond liqueur, Cointreau, cherry syrup and sakura tea, finished with a dark chocolate garnish infused with cashew and pepper notes.
Meanwhile, the Nihon Gimlet draws inspiration from Japanese tea rituals. Served in a ceramic tea cup, it combines Japanese gin, matcha green tea and kaffir lime leaf to create a crisp cocktail with herbal depth and citrus freshness.
Sora’s latest menu arrives amid growing international recognition for the bar. In 2025, it was ranked No. 65 on the Asia’s 50 Best Bars 51–100 list, becoming the first bar in Cambodia to appear on the prestigious regional ranking.
The bar also received the Ketel One Sustainable Bar Award the same year, recognising its commitment to responsible sourcing, sustainability and thoughtful cocktail practices.
