Tristan Tanaya
Jul 31, 2026
As the August sun begins to settle over Bali’s southern coastline, the atmosphere at COMO Beach Club takes on a distinctly Indonesian spirit. Glasses are raised against the sound of the Indian Ocean, local flavours come to the fore, and Indonesia’s Independence Day is celebrated through a collection created especially for the occasion.
Throughout August, COMO Beach Club presents Flavours of Freedom, an exclusive collection of six cocktails inspired by the colours, ingredients and character of the Indonesian archipelago. Each creation draws upon a different expression of the country—from its celebrated spices and tropical produce to the enduring symbols of independence and national pride.
The story begins with Garuda 45, a bold and quietly powerful cocktail named after the year Indonesia declared its independence. Dark rum and spiced arak are balanced with palm sugar and tart tamarind, creating a rich, complex serve that reflects the strength and significance of 1945.
Batavia Storm brings the energy of the capital to the coast. Light rum, gula jawa and lime are lifted by the lively spice of Batavia ginger beer, resulting in a bright and refreshing highball with a spirited kick.
Indonesia’s national colours take centre stage in Red and White Elixir. Inspired by the Merah Putih, vibrant strawberry forms the red layer, while a soft coconut foam provides its creamy white finish. Playful in presentation yet rooted in meaning, the cocktail offers a refreshing tribute to the flag that unites the nation.
The journey continues through the fragrant landscapes of the archipelago with Nusantara Spice. Pandan, clove honey and spiced rum come together in an aromatic composition that celebrates Indonesia’s long and storied relationship with spice.
Garuda Golden Flight captures a more tropical expression of the national emblem. Aged rum is blended with ripe mango, passionfruit and vanilla, then finished with a delicate golden accent. Smooth and indulgent, it evokes the warmth and richness of the islands.
Completing the collection is Spirit of Nusantara, an arak-led cocktail layered with kaffir lime, lemongrass and honey. Fresh, herbal and unmistakably Indonesian, it brings the collection back to the ingredients and traditions that inspired it.
“Indonesia’s Independence Day is a meaningful occasion for our team and our community, and we wanted to celebrate it in a way that felt both joyful and authentic to COMO Beach Club,” says Henry Scott, General Manager of COMO Canggu. “Flavours of Freedom brings together familiar Indonesian ingredients and stories in a fresh, contemporary form. Each cocktail has its own personality, but collectively they express our pride in Indonesia and the remarkable diversity of flavours found across the archipelago.”
Created to be enjoyed beside the ocean, the collection invites guests to discover Indonesia one glass at a time—whether through the warmth of arak, the fragrance of pandan, the richness of gula jawa or the refreshing brightness of kaffir lime.
As red and white flags appear across the island and the nation prepares to mark another year of independence, Flavours of Freedom offers a relaxed and spirited way to share in the celebration.
Six cocktails. Countless flavours. One shared celebration of freedom.
Flavours of Freedom is available throughout August 2026 at COMO Beach Club at IDR 185,000++ per cocktail.