PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA – At first glance, Sora’s newly launched Build & Sip cocktail menu is a celebration of creativity. Inspired by iconic building bricks, the collection transforms nostalgic childhood memories into sophisticated cocktails through Japanese techniques, Cambodian ingredients and meticulous craftsmanship. But behind every carefully constructed drink is an equally considered philosophy, shaped by none other than Bar Manager Nimol Leourng.

Perched on the 37th floor of Rosewood Phnom Penh, Sora has long been recognised for its sweeping views over the capital, where the Mekong and Tonlé Sap rivers meet. Yet under Nimol’s leadership, the rooftop destination has continued to evolve into something far greater than a bar with a spectacular skyline. Today, it is helping redefine Cambodia’s place on the global cocktail map through thoughtful hospitality, sustainability and an unwavering commitment to quality.

That approach has already earned international recognition. Sora became the first Cambodian bar to appear on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 51–100 list and has also been recognised with the Ketel One Sustainable Bar Award, reflecting Rosewood Phnom Penh’s commitment to responsible sourcing and environmentally conscious bartending. For Nimol, however, accolades are never the end goal. “Recognition is important because it motivates the team,” he says. “We’re proud of what we’ve achieved, but it also challenges us to keep improving every day.”

Ask almost anyone about Sora and they’ll mention the panoramic views first. Nimol understands the appeal, but believes memorable hospitality goes far beyond the setting. “The view attracts people to Sora,” he says. “But what makes them come back is the cocktail, the story behind it and the personalised service we give every guest.”

That philosophy underpins every aspect of the guest experience, from the moment visitors arrive until the final drink is served. “Flavour is our most important standard,” he explains. “But personalised service is just as important. We want every guest to feel recognised. We learn their preferences so every visit feels personal.”

It’s a mindset reflected throughout Build & Sip, where every cocktail begins with the familiar framework of a classic before being reconstructed with Cambodian ingredients, Japanese influences and a story unique to Sora.

One of the defining characteristics of Sora’s cocktail programme is its celebration of local ingredients. From Kampot pepper and carefully selected cinnamon to fresh herbs grown in Rosewood Phnom Penh’s own hydroponic garden, Cambodia’s diverse flavours have become central to the bar’s identity. The team also works closely with local organic producers to source seasonal ingredients, reinforcing the hotel’s wider sustainability initiatives. “We don’t use local ingredients simply because they’re local,” Nimol says. “We choose ingredients that showcase Cambodian flavours and add complexity to every cocktail.”

The response from international guests has reinforced his belief that Cambodia’s culinary identity deserves greater recognition. “One of my favourite moments is when guests taste our cocktails and say, ‘Wow, Cambodia has incredible pepper.’ It makes me proud because they’re experiencing our country through flavour.”

For Nimol, every ingredient carries a story, one that connects guests not only to the cocktail in front of them but also to the country beyond the glass. And while menus like Build & Sip celebrate imagination and experimentation, Nimol believes true excellence is built on consistency. “No matter who is behind the bar, every guest should receive the same quality cocktail every single time,” he says. “Every drink is measured accurately, prepared to the same standard and served with the same level of care.”

That consistency begins long before service. Rather than relying solely on bartenders, Nimol encourages every member of the Sora team, from servers to floor staff, to contribute ideas, share guest feedback and help shape the overall experience. “Everyone contributes,” he says. “When bartenders, waiters and service staff share their ideas and knowledge, the whole team becomes stronger.”

New cocktail concepts undergo extensive testing before reaching the menu, balancing creativity with precision to ensure each drink delivers the same experience night after night. And when it comes to serving them up, for Nimol, cocktails and service cannot be separated. Guests may arrive for the drinks, but genuine hospitality is what transforms a first visit into lasting loyalty. “We want guests to feel at home,” he says. “We treat everyone like family, customise drinks to their preferences and build real relationships with them.”

It’s this human connection that he believes defines truly exceptional bars. “You can make a technically perfect cocktail,” he says. “But if you simply place it on the bar without creating a connection, something is missing. Hospitality is what gives a cocktail its soul.”

As Cambodia’s cocktail scene continues to mature, Nimol hopes Sora can play an important role in its future. Events such as the Phnom Penh Cocktail Festival, which brings together bartenders from across Asia and beyond for guest shifts, masterclasses and knowledge sharing, have helped strengthen the local industry while introducing international audiences to Cambodian hospitality. “Phnom Penh is becoming an exciting cocktail destination,” he says. “By welcoming bartenders from around the world, sharing ideas and learning from one another, we’re helping grow the entire community.”

His ambition extends beyond awards or rankings. Instead, he wants Sora to become synonymous with Cambodian creativity and hospitality, a destination where guests leave with a deeper appreciation for the country’s flavours, culture and people. “I want Sora to become one of the world’s recognised cocktail destinations,” he says. “That’s what motivates me every day.”

For Nimol, that ambition is grounded in a quiet pursuit of precision: taking familiar classics and reinterpreting them in a way that feels relevant to a new generation, while allowing the ingredients and the craft behind them to speak for themselves. His personal signature, the Negroni Sour, perhaps captures that philosophy best. Bright orange and evocative of the Phnom Penh sunset seen from Sora’s rooftop, the drink is deceptively simple: a playful reworking of the classic Negroni, brightened with citrus and given a softer, more approachable character. There is no need for excess. Its appeal lies in the balance, the quality of the ingredients and the technique behind the glass.

It is a fitting expression of Nimol’s approach to bartending: respect the classics, understand the ingredients and then find a way to make them your own. For visitors enjoying the playful creativity of Build & Sip, that ambition is already evident in every carefully constructed cocktail. While each drink begins with a strong foundation, it is Nimol’s commitment to craftsmanship, collaboration and heartfelt hospitality that continues to elevate Sora far beyond the skyline.

Whether discovering the imaginative Build & Sip collection or returning for a favourite classic, at Sora, guests can expect an experience where every detail has been carefully considered, and every cocktail tells a story.

Sora Bar is located on the 37th floor of the Rosewood Hotel Phnom Penh. More information available here To make a reservation, email phnompenh.fnbreservation@rosewoodhotels.com or call +855 23 936 860.