Juniper
An extraordinary milestone dawned at Renaissance Kuala Lumpur Hotel & Convention Centre this week for the launch of Malaysia’s first national mocktail—the Bandung Pandan Spritz. As part of the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign initiative, the mocktail earned its triumph at the Signature VM 2026 Mocktail Championship 2025 held recently in the city, where it has been named the official signature beverage to be served in participating hotels across the country next year. Hosted at the hotel’s signature outlet, R Bar, the launch event celebrated the creativity and cultural inspiration behind the winning creation by local bartender, Muhammad Nadzemi Norihan, a talented Ambassador at Renaissance Kuala Lumpur.
Crafted as a tribute to a cherished local classic beverage called Sirap Bandung, the award-winning mocktail offers a fresh interpretation of tradition with a nod to modern creativity. Nadzemi’s innovative spin to the beverage comes through the use of clarification and carbonation techniques with zero-proof artistry.
At the national competition organised by Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH), Malaysian Food and Beverage Executives Association (MFBEA), and Mixology Alliance of MFBEA (MAM), together with main sponsor, Yeo Hiap Seng (Yeo’s), the Bandung Pandan Spritz made its mark from underscoring local muse with an inventive splash. In the essence of featuring “Malaysia in a Glass”, the mocktail celebrates the emerging trend of sophisticated, zero-proof experiences in the hospitality industry.
“This recognition is truly an honour for us as it is an extraordinary mark for the hotel as well as for Nadzemi. 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,” Martin Ehlers, the Multi-property General Manager of Renaissance Kuala Lumpur Hotel & Convention Centre and Four Points by Sheraton Kuala Lumpur, City Centre, elaborates.
More than a beverage, the Bandung Pandan Spritz tells a story of heritage and a new embrace of bartending culture in hospitality. The attending audience at the launch event had the privilege to witness a live demonstration of the mocktail curation by Nadzemi himself. He attributes his winning creation to his favourite local beverage, Sirap Bandung, which resounds with familiarity and feeling of home. The winning touch is owed to his refined technique of clarification and carbonation infused in the mocktail—a testament to Nadzemi’s take on preserving the soul of the beverage while speaking the language of modern mixology, staying true to the Malaysian identity.
“It is still surreal to be able to achieve this given it is my first time competing in such an elaborate scale. 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. It is an honour to contribute to this achievement for the hotel and for Malaysia,” Nadzemi shares. The launch event at Renaissance Kuala Lumpur drew local medias, key industry leaders, and esteemed partners to toast the future of zero proof novelty. Graced by the distinguished leaders of Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH), Malaysian Food and Beverage Executives Association (MFBEA), Mixology Alliance of MFBEA (MAM), Yeo Hiap Seng (Yeo’s), and Tourism Malaysia, the celebration marked a turning point for the hotel as it places Bandung Pandan Spritz at the forefront of identity, inspiration, and national pride. The award-winning mocktail is expected to make its way to participating hotels across the nation early next year.
