A Toast to the Malaysia’s First Signature Mocktail
In a vibrant ceremony brimming with national pride and innovation, Renaissance Kuala Lumpur Hotel & Convention Centre played host last week to a milestone moment in Malaysia’s culinary scene, the official launch of the country’s first-ever national mocktail, the Bandung Pandan Spritz.
Unveiled at the hotel’s signature R Bar, this striking non-alcoholic beverage is a declaration of modern Malaysian identity. Crowned the winner at the recent Signature VM 2026 Mocktail Championship, the Bandung Pandan Spritz will take its place as the official signature beverage for the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign, to be served in participating hotels nationwide.
At the heart of the mocktail is its creator, Muhammad Nadzemi Norihan, a gifted local bartender and proud ambassador of Renaissance Kuala Lumpur Hotel & Convention Centre. His award-winning creation is a modern homage to Sirap Bandung, a nostalgic pink-hued favourite known for its fragrant blend of rose syrup and milk. Nadzemi, however, has spun tradition on its head. Drawing from the contemporary techniques of mixology—clarification, carbonation, and zero-proof finesse—he’s given new life to a classic, crafting a drink that resonates with memory while speaking the language of today’s discerning palate.
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“It is still surreal to be able to achieve this given it is my first time competing in such an elaborate scale,” Nadzemi said humbly during the launch, which included a live demonstration of his skill. “This triumph is not just for me, but a celebration of the support from the team who supported me from the beginning to the end.”
The event brought together a distinguished crowd of local media, industry insiders, and key representatives from the Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH), Malaysian Food and Beverage Executives Association (MFBEA), Mixology Alliance of MFBEA (MAM), main sponsor Yeo Hiap Seng (Yeo’s), and Tourism Malaysia.
“This recognition is truly an honour for us as it is an extraordinary mark for the hotel as well as for Nadzemi,” said Martin Ehlers, Multi-property General Manager of Renaissance Kuala Lumpur Hotel & Convention Centre and Four Points by Sheraton Kuala Lumpur, City Centre. “It is not just about what is in the glass—it is about who we are and the representation that it brings as a whole, for the nation and the Renaissance brand. We are proud of this milestone as part of our contribution to the national campaign. Our gratitude extends equally for the opportunity to spotlight on our local talent and innovate flavours in a way that is responsible, modern and deeply rooted in culture,”
At once nostalgic and novel, the Bandung Pandan Spritz encapsulates what many in the industry are calling the future of beverage culture: a mindful, flavour-forward experience that eschews alcohol without compromising on craft. It’s a move that aligns with evolving guest preferences and a growing appetite for meaningful, inclusive culinary storytelling.
With its effervescent pink blush, whispers of fragrant pandan, and delicately balanced layers, the mocktail doesn’t just quench, it is surely one of homegrown pride.
Come 2026, guests across the nation will be able to raise a glass of Bandung Pandan Spritz in a toast not just to travel, but to a culinary legacy reimagined.
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