From Jungle to Glass: The "Spirits of the Ubud Jungle" Experience

The name "Ubud" is rooted in the Balinese word Ubad, meaning medicine. In this lush region, botanicals are far more than just garnishes; they carry profound spiritual weight. It is only fitting, then, that the jungle’s natural abundance would eventually be translated into world-class mixology. In late February 2026, the "Spirits of the Ubud Jungle" event did exactly that.

Hosted by Ambar Ubud Bar at Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, this collaborative event was much more than a standard bar takeover. It was a rare, creative dialogue blending the expertise of Asia’s most celebrated mixologists with one of Bali’s most awe-inspiring landscapes.

A Setting Above the Clouds

Ambar, which translates to "sky" in Sanskrit, sits perched on a clifftop offering panoramic views of the rainforest and the Ayung River below. The venue is deeply connected to its surroundings, a philosophy championed by Head Mixologist Adi San. Ambar's identity is defined by a hyperlocal approach, relying heavily on indigenous botanicals, house-made vermouths, and spirits aged in coconuts.

An International Lineup of Visionaries

To interpret the spirit of the jungle, Ambar invited five acclaimed bars from across Asia, each bringing their distinct philosophy to the Balinese canopy:

Fura (Singapore): Founded by Christina Rasmussen and Sasha Wijidessa, Fura is one of Singapore’s most forward-thinking sustainable bars. Fura built its reputation on radical ingredient transparency: using invasive species, food-waste fermentations, and hyper-seasonal produce to create cocktails that feel like dispatches from the future of drinking. Ranked in Asia’s 50 Best Bars, Fura won the Ketel One Sustainable Bar Award in 2024.
COA (Hong Kong): A legendary agave-focused bar led by Jay Khan (Asia’s 50 Best Bars’ 2025 Roku Industry Icon). COA’s dedication to indigenous Mexican spirits translated seamlessly to Bali's local botanicals.
Carrots (Jakarta): Debuting at No. 34 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2025, Carrots approaches cocktail creation from a chef’s perspective, making them perfectly suited for an event focused on foraging.
Le Chamber (Seoul): Ranked No. 50 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2025, this venue brings South Korean drinking culture to life through meticulous technique and theatrical presentation.
Workshop 14 (Hanoi): Winner of the 2025 Campari One To Watch Award, this rising star blends Vietnamese heritage with modern craft under the guidance of bartender Rich McDonough.

The Format: A Foraged Black Box Challenge

Rather than relying on pre-planned menus, the event utilized a "Black Box" format. The visiting bartenders arrived armed only with their techniques and philosophies, tasked with crafting spontaneous cocktails using foraged local ingredients. This constraint sparked incredible creativity, resulting in drinks shaped entirely by the surrounding environment. The guest shifts took place over two evenings in rotating one-hour slots.

The Evolution of Bali's Cocktail Culture

"Spirits of the Ubud Jungle" highlighted a global shift toward conscious bartending—a movement where responsible sourcing, waste reduction, and respect for traditional knowledge are integral to the craft.

Ambar, alongside partners like Fura and COA, proved that sustainability is a practice, not just a marketing tool. Furthermore, the event signaled a maturation in Bali's cocktail scene. Moving beyond casual beach clubs, the island is cementing itself as a serious destination for mixology. By foraging the very same canopy that local healers have used for centuries, today's bartenders are honoring the true, medicinal roots of Ubud.