Jelas Delivers a New Cocktail Concept to NYC

Photos: Jelas                                                                                                 

“Jelas,” which means “clear” in the Malay language, is the latest bar concept by Colin Stevens, a partner in the hidden cocktail bar, Singlish. Jelas, located near Union Square, is showcasing five rotating milk punch cocktails, using a process known as milk wash clarification.

“Milk washed spirits and milk punch cocktails date back to the 1910s, originating from Great Britain. In the last decade or so, the process has been further refined and elevated by Singaporean bartenders,” said Stevens. “That interconnected history inspired us to create Jelas to showcase creativity and the exciting, dynamic Southeast Asian flavors that are emerging from award-winning distilleries in the region.”

The clarified cocktails include, “Vietnamese Coffee” (a creamy concoction of three blends of coffee), “Singapore Sling” (clarified milk punch with a fruit forward finish), “The Margarita” (a riff of a classic with Sichuan pepper and jasmine tea), and “New York Sour” (a whiskey sour with red wine foam). The cocktails are priced at $16.

Stevens’s business partner, Salil Mehta (LAUT, Singapura, WAU), has also crafted a small plates menu consisting of four types of “clear food” items to pair with the beverages. Patrons can choose from a “Vietnamese-style Summer Roll” with a choice of peanut or chili dipping sauce; “Glass Noodles in Chilli Oil,” “Har Gow Crystal Dumplings,” and a booze-infused “Agar-Agar” dessert (coconut jelly).

Jelas’s décor embraces the clear and transparent theme, from crystal decanters to diamond cut chandeliers, accented by subtle brass finishes around its intimate interior. The stand-up space with its cozy and welcoming vibe fits just 12 people, but you might want to squeeze in!

Jelas is located at 17 East 13th St, New York, NY 10003 (ground floor level). Walk-ins only. For more information visit www.jelasnyc.com. Open seven days a week, from 5:30 pm to midnight.