Four distinctively unique Singapore cocktail bars : Absinthe Artisan, BARKODE, Drink Culture & The Studio
JASSMIN PETER visits watering holes focusing on bespoke drink experiences and upping the classiness of the Lion City's cocktail culture.
James Bond likes his Martini shaken - not stirred - Mad Men's Don Draper prefers his old fashioned while Carrie Bradshaw spent most of her time in Sex and the City as a social butterfly with a Cosmo in tow. Cocktails, it seems, never go out of style. In fact, they're getting trendier and more focused on delivering the highest quality in taste. Here are our top four bona fide cocktail bars serious about mixology and a must check out this party season!
If Vincent Van Gough's rumoured stunt of severing part of his ear off while under the influence of Absinthe gave the spirit a bad reputation, Absinthe Artisan is here to revive it. A little over two months old, this is currently the only boutique bar in Singapore to focus on education about the anise flavoured spirit and serving it the traditional way - via the la louche ritual.
Historically, Absinthe has received a lot of flak, but its purported psychoactive properties are now generally considered to be exaggerated. The US' century-long ban on "the green fairy" was lifted in 2007, it's not classed as a drug and it doesn't make you hallucinate.
Recognising Absinthe is an acquired taste, Absinthe Artisan serves its drinks in a unique manner. First timers are encouraged to start with a light cocktail - we tried the refreshing pineapple concoction with curry leaves and a splash of Absinthe. Once your tastebuds are introduced to the anise and fennel seed undertone, you can graduate to an Absinthe martini. Try the signature BK Martini which comes with a splash of Absinthe and a slice of Bak Kwa (salty-sweet dried meat similar to jerky) instead of an olive. And when you're ready for the Real McCoy, order up an authentic Absinthe drink. Part of the experience is to witness the la louche ritual which uses the Absinthe fountain to allow slow drips of cold water into the drink, liberating the essential oils within the spirit. It's also a sensory treat as you watch the green spirit develop a seductive opaqueness. Absinthe Artisan carries a wide repertoire of labels appealing to different palates, though it's usually the France and Swiss labels which win over the crowd. 60A Boat Quay. Tel: 6353 0838, www.absinthe-artisan.com
Drenched in classy black with an air of vintage glamour, The Studio is a concept bar delivering a distinctive New York loft vibe. It's a constant house party at this chic studio like apartment with its black and white décor and dim lighting. Chill out with friends in the living room, share an intimate drink with your special someone in the bedroom or waltz into the kitchen and order some savoury bites. Owners and sisters Angelina and Jessica Pradana's primary objective is to educate about cocktail making as an art form. "Every ingredient has to be chosen carefully so it blends well to make a great drinking experience. Through The Studio, we hope to shape the cocktail scene in Singapore and promote quality drinking, where people understand what they're drinking and not merely drink to get drunk," says Angelina. Must-try designer cocktails include the Dark Pleasure, Woodstock and The Big Apple. And because of its intimate and cosy layout, The Studio is also an ideal venue for private events and corporate parties. It can host a maximum of 50 pax (seated) and 100 pax (standing) and you can customise your event according to your needs. 778 North Bridge Road. Tel: 6396 6345
Eager to revolutionise the Singapore cocktail scene and debunk the myth that a 10-second cocktail equals a house pour and mixer, BARKODE is a minimalistic bar and café where you can order a carefully created, tasty mix served innovatively in just minutes. Officially opened in August, the impressive menu features 12 cocktails, of which nine change every three months. You can also customise your drinks. The bar has a self-imposed standard of quality so its drinks are only made with fresh fruits, rare ingredients such as egg whites and bitters and mixed with top tier house pours including Ketel One, Johnny Walker Black Label, Don Julio and Flor De Cana. All drinks are served with a bottle of Fever-Tree botanical mixer. You can even "upgrade" your basic drink to something swankier by adding a premium Atlántico Rum, Martin Millers Gin or Uluvka Vodka. Some of the drinks are also served in a Tumbler - a snazzy 500ml glass bottle enough for two servings.
BARKODE's drinks are great to look at and good enough to eat! The Earthy Temptation has earl grey flavours of TWG, mixed with Martin Millers gin and fresh lemongrass, and served with a spoonful of marmalade, while the Pisco Passion is a concoction of Barsol pisco, refreshing passion fruit and grapefruit, plus cinnamon spice and garnished with half a passion fruit, perched on a glass of ice so it's chilled until your very last sip. 66 Dunlop Street. www.barkode-singapore.com
Positioned as a premium champagne and cocktail bar offering attainable luxury to lifestyle connoisseurs, Drink Culture is located in a charming Tanjong Pagar heritage building boasting striking Victorian décor complete with rustic chandeliers and antique furniture. Chairs are hand painted with illustrations of kings and queens, and the attentive female staff are professional models.
While there's an extensive cocktail list to choose from, your Drink Culture experience actually starts with a dedicated mixologist understanding what flavours you like and inventing a personalised drink to satisfy your palate. All drinks are made from fresh fruits, herbs, vegetables and spices to enhance your drinking experience.
The Rum and Raisin Chocolate Flambé uses a special layering technique and is made with dark rum, chocolate liqueur and syrup, topped with fresh whipped milk - instead of cream - and adorned with a generous sprinkle of coco powder. A yummy dessert and drink combo! The Bloody Good Mary is a delightful mix of fresh cherry tomatoes and cucumber, thyme, lemon, vodka and Tobasco and Worcester sauce. Fresh orange juice is used as a natural sweetener. Another must-try is the Limoncello, which has reportedly impressed the most discerning of Italian tastebuds. Drink Culture is also one of a handful of bars in Singapore serving Dom Pérignon, Moët & Chandon Brut Impérial and Cristal Champagnes should you choose to party like a superstar this festive season. 51 Kreta Ayer Road. Tel: 6557 0538, www.drinkculture.com.sg
Posted Dec 2011
