We at The Grid Asia recently had the absolute pleasure of attending a truly unique event: Marriott Bonvoy’s ‘First-Ever Coffee Rave’: Brew With Benefits. Now, you might be wondering, what on earth is a coffee rave? And yes, it’s surprisingly exactly what it sounds like — a high-energy fusion of delicious coffee and the electric atmosphere of a rave. It’s a concept that’s as fun as it is innovative!
The space was brought to life with live music, thrilling DJ sets, and the best part of all, a menu of delectable ‘cofftails’ — that’s a coffee cocktail, of course. Sounds fun, doesn’t it? Marriott Bonvoy kicked off this travelling coffee rave experience at the stylish W Kuala Lumpur, and it’s also set to tour a selection of participating hotels throughout August and September.
One of the most intriguing parts of the event was this mysterious door. On it were the words, “Knock 3 Times. Slide To Find Out.” Naturally, we just had to see what wonders lay beyond. And what did we find? A hidden bar serving up what they called “espresso martinis” — non-alcoholic, of course, but just as delicious. It was a delightful surprise and a perfect way to get the party started.
The real highlight of the Brew With Benefits coffee rave was the lineup of local-inspired cofftails, curated by guest barista Wira Merican, founder of local coffee collective hétam+. Let’s take a closer look at these intriguing concoctions that are more than just a regular cuppa.
Emas
Emas, the Malay word for “gold,” perfectly describes this luxurious drink. It literally tastes like liquid gold! Its bright yellow hue comes from the sweet Harum Manis mango from Melaka. This drink is a true treat — velvety from the foamy cream and surprisingly fizzy. Even though it contains espresso, the coffee flavour is so subtle that it’s the perfect drink for those who aren’t huge fans of coffee.
Khatulistiwa
Named after the Malay word for “Equator,” this Khatulistiwa cofftail is a tropical escape in a glass. It’s a delightful mix of citrus and a bittersweet flavour, making it incredibly refreshing and unique. With every sip, you can taste the distinct layers of acidity, sweetness, and that nice little edge from the coffee.
Saga
This was the only non-coffee drink on the menu, and it was a masterpiece. The Saga is a wonderfully velvety and creamy drink with a rich chocolate flavour. But what makes it truly special is the unexpected addition of cherry tomatoes and a hint of strawberry flavour. The cherry tomatoes add a savoury umami, while the strawberry provides a delightful little punch of sourness. It’s a flavour combination that sounds wild but works beautifully.
Brew, Sip, and Earn Rewards!
As the name suggests, Brew With Benefits is about more than just the great drinks it offers. If you’re a Marriott Bonvoy member, you can earn perks like bonus points and even complimentary sweet treats when you order these special cofftails at participating hotels.
You can find the coffee rave at these locations:
- Aloft Kuala Lumpur Sentral
- Moxy Putrajaya
- Renaissance Kuala Lumpur Hotel
- Palm Garden Hotel, Putrajaya, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
- Putrajaya Marriott Hotel
- Aloft Langkawi Pantai Tengah
- The Westin Kuala Lumpur
- Penang Marriott Hotel
So, if you’re looking for a fun and flavourful way to spend the evening, be sure to check out this incredible travelling coffee rave. And trust us, you won’t be disappointed!
For more information on Marriott Bonvoy, click here.
