When it comes to cocktails, there’s no shortage of speakeasies, bars, or other places to imbibe in Singapore. And it’s true – our little red dot has kept its place as one of the top few cocktail capitals in Asia, boasting several of the best bars in the world.
Whether you’re looking for perennial classics to some of the most innovative blends, these bars consistently deliver the most ambrosial of liquids that will satisfy any palate. And while it can be tough to pick on a bar to have your drinks at after knocking off work, you might want to consider checking out the new cocktail menus that some of our bars here in Singapore are bringing to the table. From horse-themed libations to pop culture-themed cocktails, here, we take a look at the new menus that we recommend to quench your thirst with.
You could say that Tippling Club is one of the most avant-garde restaurants in town. And so it shouldn’t really come as a surprise that they’ve introduced a new cocktail menu inspired by Head Bartender Arathorn Grey’s love of music. Titled A Guide to Modern Drinking, Volume III – 6 Decades of Music, the drinks here highlights six decades of music, offering a wide selection of crafted tipples inspired by hits and jams over the years.
With 31 options for you to choose from, the drinks on the menu are mostly named after an artist and one of their songs, and guests are also invited to download the playlist on Spotify that accompanies the drinks at the start of the menu too. Some of the drinks to celebrate the 1990s era of pop, rap and alternative music include Big Poppa by Notorious B.I.G., a gangster twist on a champagne cocktail with bourbon, cherry, champagne and bitters, as well as Funky Monks by Red Hot Chilli Peppers, inspired by both the song and artist, which offers a fiery blend of Rhum Agricole ginger, blackcurrant and soda for a drink that packs a punch.
Fashioned as a globe-trotting lounge, Quaich Bar Wanderlust features a travel-inspired theme menu that consists of 19 new cocktails that are centred around familiar flavours of its inspired country. Some of the few cocktails to name include the Threesome, a spirit-forward blend that features peat done three ways: Bunnahabhain 12 years whisky, Lapsang Souchong-steeped Vodka and Montelobos Mezcal balanced with splashes of Gentiane, Pampelle and Cherry liqueurs that transforms into a smoky and herbaceous treat, and finished off with bar made coffee perfume; and the Ai Cai – a boozy and tropical cocktail served in a tiki mug boasting three kinds of rum (Appleton Estate, Diplomatico and Coruba Overproof) and three shades of citrus (pineapple, orange and almond orgeat infused Kaffir lime leaves).
Aside from its impressive cocktail programme, the casual cocktail lounge also prides itself on its extensive collection of whiskies. Here, you can choose from over 100 whiskies, of which you’ll even find house exclusives like Bunnahabhain 12 years (Scotland) and Three Ships 10 years (South Africa).
The iconic rooftop destination has just introduced a lineup of new cocktails to its menu under the creative direction of its newly appointed Head of Mixology, Hans Anuar. With its main focus on Asian Contemporary flavours, the new menu that’s set to launch this year, will see mouthwatering libations like the King of Heart, a savoury Tom Yum-inspired cocktail; The Legacy, a unique take on the local kaya toast that boasts a sweet and refreshing blend; and the Love at First Sight, an easy-to-drink number that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
One other noteworthy cocktail that you should look out for from the new menu is the Peanut & Chocolate. Eponymous with its name, the drink is a loving tribute to the nostalgic Singaporean childhood snack, min jiang kueh. It’s sweet, creamy, and rich, and it’s also topped with egg white and grated Dark Chocolate, for a creamy finish.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CfEDKJ-vVHd/
Located within the Sultan Hotel lies this new gastro-cocktail concept. The elegant equestrian-inspired venue recently opened earlier in September 2022 and serves up playful Asian creations and progressive libations inspired by thoroughbred horses that graced the track and derbies around the world.
On the second floor, you’ll find a beautiful loft bar that’s aptly named Stable, which boasts a balcony seating overlooking the streets. The drink program designed by The Compound Collective presents six novel horse-themed cocktails, that are all named after famous racehorses such as the Secretariat, which draws inspiration from Kentucky Derby’s official cocktail Mint Julep and a horses’ staple diet.
For those who prefer something that’s more umami, consider the Rocket Man. This progressive and ingenious tipple sees equal parts sweet, salty, and sour as it comprises a blend of sugar syrup made with horseradish and small-batched grape brandy.
Republic Bar has launched its highly anticipated Volume Two cocktail menu and it’s inspired by the influential hallmarks of pop culture in the 1960s. Here, the new lineup will see 16 cocktails, that will zoom in on four different themes: art, cinema, fashion and music.
Befitting the Art theme is the Georgette – a vegan-friendly gin-based clarified soy milk punch that’s easy to drink and is perfect for those who love something fruity. What’s unique about this tipple is that it comes with a kueh pie ti snack on the side that consists of diced fruits like strawberries and blueberries that pairs well with the cocktail.
If you love Pina Colada, then slake your thirst with the Lion City from the Cinema menu. The reconstructed cocktail showcases the flavours of Singapore and comes with hints of pandan – presenting a more local spin on the enduring icon.
However, if a ‘Gram-worthy cocktail is what you’re after, then we recommend the Mondrian. Paying homage to Yves Saint Laurent’s striking haute couture dress, the gin-sour style cocktail boasts a blend of Stranger & Sons Gin, cinnamon, apple, citrus, egg white and rinomato.
Of course, Republic Bar’s signature Irish Coffee also sees a new makeover this time ‘round. What sets it apart from the former is the addition of chocolate to its base and topped with bits of Dalgona – lending a more sweet and creamy note, that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Situated on the 33rd floor of Courtyard by Marriott Singapore Novena, is Las Palmas – the new rooftop poolside bar that offers a relaxing retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city. Taking inspiration from Palm Springs and Downtown LA, this vibrant bar offers a breezy respite with breathtaking views of the surrounding cityscape, as well as some intoxicatingly delicious libations that have been said to transport diners to the desert saloons and cocktail lounges of 1960s Palm Springs. Led by award-winning Head Bartender, Ron Aransay, some of the drinks that we tried from the menu include the Sonic Discoball, a bitter, yet refreshing cocktail that’s infused with glitter; and the Cabana, that’s made with ingredients like cognac, peach liqueur, citrus, almonds, and whites.
Text: Shazrina Shamsudin/HerWorld