Order a cocktail in Bristol and you’ll usually get a good guess at what’s in the glass — gin, something citrus, maybe a syrup. Order one at Mangosteen and the guessing gets harder, in the best way. Our drinks menu runs on the same pantry as our kitchen: lemongrass, jasmine, lychee, kaffir lime, coconut. The result is a cocktail list that tastes distinctly Thai, even when the base spirit is a classic like gin, rum, or tequila.
Here’s exactly what’s in each of our cocktails and mocktails, so you can order with confidence next time you’re in — or find your new favourite before you’ve even sat down.
Why Mangosteen’s Cocktails Taste Different
Most of our signature drinks lean on a small set of Thai ingredients that show up across the food menu too: lemongrass, jasmine syrup, lychee, coconut, kaffir lime leaves, and fresh chilli. It’s the same balance of sweet, sour, salty, and heat that defines Thai cooking, just poured over ice instead of served on a plate. If you want to see how that balance plays out with food as well as drink, our piece on the best Thai dishes and cocktails in Bristol covers the pairing side of things — this article is about what’s actually in the glass.
The Signature Cocktails, Ingredient by Ingredient
Mangosteen Martini
Vodka shaken with lychee liqueur, bergamot liqueur, and rose vermouth, finished with fresh lime and a Peychaud’s bitters foam. It’s our namesake drink — floral and fruity up front, with the bitters foam adding a dry, slightly bitter finish. Served with an edible flower garnish.
Maphraw Margarita
Tequila shaken with triple sec, coconut, and fresh lime, finished with a splash of chilli tequila and a salt rim. “Maphraw” is Thai for coconut, and it’s the coconut that softens the citrus here before the chilli tequila brings the heat back at the end. Served with dehydrated chilli.
Sabai Sabai
Gold rum shaken with lemon juice, jasmine syrup, and fresh basil, topped with soda and finished with lime leaves. Light, aromatic, and easy-drinking — “sabai sabai” roughly translates to “relaxed” or “take it easy,” which sums up the drink.
Dragon Tai Punch
Gin and golden rum shaken with lime, coconut syrup, apple juice, and fresh lemongrass, served over ice with a tiki-style garnish. The closest thing on the menu to a classic tiki punch, with lemongrass standing in for the usual heavy spice notes.
Siam Swizzle
Bourbon shaken with melon liqueur and banana liqueur, topped with ginger syrup and pineapple juice for a tropical, Thai-inspired twist. Fruity and warming at once, thanks to the bourbon base and ginger syrup.
Pear Saleswoman
Tequila blanco shaken with falernum liqueur, lime juice, fresh pear juice, and cucumber, served with a cucumber and mint garnish. Cool, crisp, and one of the less sweet options on the list.
Bangkok Badboy
Gin, elderflower liqueur and syrup, dry vermouth, and Lillet Blanc in equal parts, stirred and served on the rocks. A spirit-forward, stirred option for anyone who prefers their cocktails less sweet and more aromatic.
Darkmoon Espresso Martini
Gold rum shaken with coffee liqueur, vanilla syrup, and cold brew coffee, finished with Fernet Amaro and grated chocolate. Our take on the espresso martini, with Fernet Amaro adding a bitter, herbal edge under the coffee and vanilla.
Mocktails: Same Flavours, No Alcohol
Both mocktails are built the same way as the cocktails — real Thai flavours, just alcohol-free.
- Thai Peach Tea Cooler — peach iced tea shaken with lime juice and lemongrass syrup, topped with soda.
- Tropical Sunrise — orange and pineapple juice with coconut, lemon, and a hint of grenadine, topped with soda.
Simple Serves & The Classics
If you’d rather keep things simple, the serves menu covers pre-mixed, low-fuss options:
- Wray & Ting — Wray & Nephew overproof rum with Ting grapefruit soda.
- Ming & Ting — Ming River baijiu with Ting grapefruit soda.
- Mangosteen Gin & Tonic — lemon and lemongrass-infused gin with Schweppes light tonic.
There’s also a weekly cocktail special, and “The Classics” section on the menu means any classic cocktail is available on request — give your server a base spirit and a flavour you’re after, and the bar team will build it for you. See the full food and drinks menu for wine, beer, and soft drink options alongside the cocktail list.
Which Cocktail Pairs with Which Dish?
If you’re building a full order rather than just a drink, it helps to know the food side of the menu too. Our guides to what Thai tapas actually is and what makes a great Pad Thai are good starting points if you’re new to the menu. As a rough guide: the Maphraw Margarita and Pear Saleswoman work well against spicier small plates, the Sabai Sabai and mocktails suit lighter starters, and the Darkmoon Espresso Martini is built for after the food’s finished.
Where to Try Mangosteen’s Cocktail Menu
The full drinks menu is available at all three of our Bristol sites — Cotham Hill, North Street, and Gloucester Road. Each location runs the same cocktail list, so pick whichever’s closest and book a table to try a few.