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5 new Singapore cocktails and cocktail bars
Mix, shake and learn: It's more than just cocktails and dreams at these five new watering holes that pride themselves on not serving you a Singapore Sling
The hallmark of a good cocktail bartender -- or mixologist -- is the ability to whip, shake, stir, and invent a cocktail to suit individual taste buds and mood.
That’s why we like these five new cocktail bars (and their mixologists) that take the time and effort to recommend a bespoke concoction to suit individual palettes and moods.
And they've been kind enough to let us shoot them so you can watch the magic happen.
Click here for videos.
1. Café Fables & Bar Stories
Mixologist: Zachelias
The cocktail: Quebec-Oie (S$30)
Why we liked it: It’s imaginative. Made with goose fat with a splash of lemon juice and a peg of smoky Islay whisky, this drink has that hard-to-pin-down umami taste associated with tenderly grilled foie gras. And the strong citrus flavor helps "cut" the drink before it became too cloying. Sadly, Zachelias doesn’t serve this complex concoction on weekends because it’s “a bitch to wash up.”
Try also: The Absinthe Forward Martini (S$25), a potent mix of absinthe and gin; we recommend sipping this slowly.
57A Haji Lane, +65 6298 0838
2. Drink Culture
Mixologist: Ethan Leslie Leong
The cocktail: Rum & Raisin Flambé Series Martini (S$28)
Why we liked it: The Rum & Raisin Flambé Martini has two distinct layers in a martini glass, a white foamy top floating on dark-chocolate liquid. Like a crème brulée, the magic lies on the surface where the top coating of milk foam is gently blow-torched until it caramelizes into a light, fluffy taffy texture. Of course, it left the rummy drink untouched. We suggest that you bite before you sip to truly taste the flavors within.
Try also: The Bloody Good Mary (S$20) which is bloody good. Freshly muddled cherry tomatoes that are given a kick with celery bitters, a dash of citrus and cucumber-infused vodka.
50/51 Kreta Ayer Road, +65 6557 0538; www.drinkculture.com.sg
3. Barkode
Mixologist: Din
The cocktail: Earthy Temptation (S$16)
Why we liked it: It’s a refreshing, slow appetizer that’s lemony, packed with gin, and a little dry to the palette. Perfect after a long day of chasing drinks, and with a playful twist. The cocktail comes with a little wooden spoon of orange marmalade that acts as a sweetener. Either stir the blob into the drink, or do what we did -- sip, then lick.
Try also: Their "Tumblers," special ready-to-enjoy one-of-a-kind cocktails made with premium U’Luvka and Kauffman vodka, Pappy van Winkle Bourbon, Ron Diplomatico and Damoiseau rum, and Martin Miller’s gin. Served in a snazzy half-liter glass bottle, it's made for sharing.
66 Dunlop St., +65 6396 4463; www.BARKODE-Singapore.com
4. Néktar
Mixologist: Raveen Misra
The cocktail: (S$20)
Why we liked it: This sweet, lime margarita comes with a burp, courtesy of carbon dioxide injected into the cocktail. According to Misra, fizzing the cocktail cuts down on the sweetness and gives it acidity which cleanses the palette. A side effect is its clean-cut presentation which does away with salt rimmed glasses.
Try also: The signature Néktar Club (S$26) inspired by Burma's Pegu Club that combines rum, Sagatiba, Cointreau, fresh pineapple and grapes.
31 Scotts Road, +65 6836 9185; www.nektar.com.sg
5. Amara Sanctuary Tier Bar
Mixologist: Kelvin Tay
The cocktail: Tiery Mary (S$15)
Why we liked it: This spiced-up Bloody Mary is the antidote to a hard day with its perky tomato juice and cinnamon-chili vodka used to bring you back to life.
Try also: Perfect Martini (S$15), as the bar prides itself on it stash of 50 vodkas, go crazy.
1 Larkhill Road, Sentosa, +65 6825 3868; www.sentosa.amarahotels.com/tier-bar
