How it tastes
Pandan up front, lime mid-palate, gin underneath holding it all together. The juniper and the pandan trade off in interesting ways. Pandan reads as grassy and slightly vanilla on its own, but with juniper it gets sharper and more aromatic. The lime is doing structural work more than flavour work. Soda for length. This is a long, slow drink rather than a hit.
Why we built it
The Tom Collins is one of the easiest cocktails in the world to make and one of the easiest to overlook. Swapping the sugar syrup for pandan syrup turns a familiar template into something that tastes specifically Malaysian without trying too hard. We're not the first bar to do this. We've just kept tightening the proportions until the pandan reads clearly without anyone having to ask what it is. More on pandan extraction methods here.
Where to drink it
On request at Soluble Solids in SS2 Petaling Jaya. We don't always have it on the printed list, but we always have pandan syrup behind the bar. Ask the bartender. Walk-ins welcome. Reserve a table if you want a guaranteed seat.
Frequently asked questions
What glass is the Pandan Collins served in?
A tall Collins glass over fresh ice, with a knotted pandan leaf tucked down the inside of the glass and a dehydrated lime wheel floated on top. The Collins glass holds the volume of a long drink and the pandan knot extends extra aroma into the glass as you drink.
Can I substitute the pandan syrup?
Pandan (the leaf of Pandanus amaryllifolius) is the structural aromatic and not really substitutable. The grassy-vanilla character is what makes this a Pandan Collins and not just a Tom Collins. Vanilla syrup is the closest western substitute and gives you a vanilla Tom Collins (also nice, different drink). Fresh pandan leaves are readily available at Malaysian wet markets at RM 3 a bunch; just make the syrup.
How strong is the Pandan Collins?
Around 10 to 13 percent ABV in the glass after the soda top and ice melt. The 45ml of gin is the alcohol load; the pandan syrup, lime, and roughly 90ml of soda add volume but no extra spirit. Long format, low strength, built for hot afternoons or as the second drink of the night. Easy to pace.
Where can I order a Pandan Collins in PJ or KL?
At Soluble Solids in SS2, Petaling Jaya (50-1 Jalan SS2/24, Wed to Sun 18:00 to 01:00, WhatsApp +60 11-1682 8651) is where this drink is poured at its home version, with fresh pandan syrup behind the bar. Also at Dissolved Solids in Damansara Kim, Petaling Jaya (43-1 Jalan SS20/11, Tue to Sun 15:00 to 01:00, WhatsApp +60 11-4008 7607). Both bars are in Tatler Asia Top 20 Bars 2025/26.
What food pairs with the Pandan Collins?
Anything Southeast Asian and herbal. Otak-otak. Nasi lemak with sambal. Vietnamese fresh spring rolls. Lemongrass-chicken skewers. For dessert pairings, pandan chiffon cake or kuih seri muka (the pandan in the drink picks up the pandan on the plate). Light fried snacks like fried tofu or sotong goreng tepung. Avoid heavy curries; the drink is built to refresh.