Twilight Tipples: Aether brings dazzling drinks to W Dubai – The Palm 

Step into your element at the sultry speakeasy.  

Sssh, we’ve got a secret. A new speakeasy, Aether, has opened on W Dubai – The Palm. Located in the five-star hotel, the venue excels with its dazzling drinks. So, if you’re after creative cocktails from an expert team, here’s where to enjoy a drink or three. 

Aether is located on the ground floor of W Dubai – The Palm. The concept draws its inspiration from the four elements: air, earth, fire and water. The bar describes itself as the fifth element, which is inspired by the forces that shape the world. The name itself is an Ancient Greek phrase, which refers to the material that fills the universe, and translates to clear sky or fresh air.

The design is muted and minimalist with deep shades of black, grey and dim lighting. The black artistic stools give it a futuristic edge, and the soft red seats add a sultry, seductive shot of colour. The theme could have been explored further in the décor, although it comes to life with the drinks. Plus, the knowledgeable smiley staff are on hand to fill you in on the flavours. 

Aether’s mixologists were tremendously talented, and have created a cocktail menu inspired by the elements. Ranging from AED 70 to AED 100, the drinks boast plenty of personality, from the names to the presentation. Cloud Mail and Think Green make for a light and refreshing start. Cloud Mail mixed gin with egg white, orange blossom, pineapple, sage and vanilla, and was light and refreshing. Think Green mixed gin with acacia honey, basil leaves, citrus, coffee and cucumber. 

The Parachute Youth combines rum with caramel, citrus, lavender and yuzu. The ode to air was a creamy concoction and hit our sweet spot. The Espressioni mixed gin with chocolate, coffee-infused Campari, and vermouth rogue. The Ode to Fire was a smoky short drink with a brilliant balance of flavours. Plus, the drinks menu was divided into Unusual Finds and Worthy Splurges and ranged from vintage Champagne to dessert wine. 

Aether’s food menu features bites with beverages. Small snacks ranged from Nori Crackers to House Cured Beef Jerky. Asian influences were added with the Shrimp Gyoza with ponzu mayonnaise and Yakitori with chicken.

Aether’s music has been created by the hotel’s in-house music curator. The DJ helped set the scene and spun remixes of old-school tunes – ABBA, anyone? From Sunday to Wednesday, the set includes Bossa Nova, On Thursday, the set includes jazz musicians. From Friday to Saturday, the set spans disco, funk and soul. 

On our visit, Aether felt like extension of the lobby, and it hadn’t quite found its audience. The crowd ranged from families to hotel guests. Although, we were informed that children would not be allowed after a certain time, and in the future guests would require a secret code – speakeasy-style. 

Aether in W Dubai – The Palm: the secret’s out. 

GO: Visit www.marriott.com for more information.