The Proof Collective’s prized pocket bar Junior is back with another sultry cocktail concept. Just shy of a year since its opening, the bar has already been delighting cocktail fans with their original concepts—rotated and presented twice a year. This newest thoughtful curation of artisanal spirits should be no different.
New Orleans cocktail culture takes center stage in the concept Magnolia, named after the flower commonly found in the southern states of the USA. Iconic cocktails that have been birthed there include the Sazerac, Ramos Gin Fizz and the Brandy Milk Punch—forming the cornerstone of modern drinking culture, whether people realize it or not. Considering the rich history and cocktail culture of the Louisianan city, an exploration of New Orleans drinks in Singapore seems a long time coming.
For a midday pick-me-up, try Magnolia’s take on the Ramos Gin Fizz ($25)—a frothy, floral drink of Citadelle Gin, fresh cream, citrus and orange flower water for a light, creamy, herbal finish. The Grasshopper ($25)—mixing Creme de Menthe, Creme de Cacao, Tempus Fugit, Mezcal, fresh cream and absinthe—is a tipple with its roots in the early 1900s; the result of a cocktail contest during the Prohibition area, to be exact. Then there’s the Truffled Sazerac ($25), a drink blending Pierre Ferrand Chestnut Barrel Brandy, Willet three-year Rye, black truffle, Orleans bitters and absinthe, that pays homage to the city’s official cocktail (a bill designating the Sazerac as the official state cocktail was passed in 2008). The Junior team have also come up with a selection of house originals inspired by icons of new Orleans culture—such as The Baron ($25), inspired by a god of the dead, Baron Samedi, of Haitian voodoo, who had a penchant for debauchery, tobacco and rum. The dark source material is perfectly matched with elements of rum, coffee and Averna amaro, in a rich, bittersweet concoction that’s surely sinful.
To go with the cocktails, a menu of Louisiana Creole cuisine will also be served, including bites like Dirty Rice Balls ($10), Old Bay Aioli ($8) and powdered sugar fried beignets ($12). Finishing off the full experience is an old-world elegant, Southern gothic decor, and musical selections paying homage to New Orleans’ rich musical heritage—everything from jazz to junk blues to Latin American Calypso. It’s one of many things we can appreciate about Junior: Good drinks with a spot of well-researched history—and not just for the sake of it.
Junior is located at 43 Tanjong Pagar Road.
