The adventure begins on Duxton Hill, up a staircase and through a verdant walkway on the third floor of Mondrian Singapore Duxton. At the end of the path is the Jungle Ballroom, described as “a celebration of the wild nature and ultra-vibrancy of Southeast Asia”. (You could also take the lift through the entrance of the hotel but you’ll miss the greenery.)
The bar is overseen by award-winning head bartender Adrian Besa where his former role saw him lead a team to achieve the prestigious ‘Art of Hospitality’ award at Asia’s 50 Best Bars in 202.
Together with his new team, they have created a colourful and highly creative menu where each cocktail lights up the senses (in certain cases, quite literally).
Sit at the counter and watch staff mix, shake and pour drinks well into the wee-hours – it boasts a 2am licence, which means you can enjoy a very late nightcap (or many more) after neighbouring bars and restaurants have closed. Alternatively, relax at the lounge area with a view of lush foliage outside.
Either way, it’s like stepping into a hidden sanctuary where nocturnal folks can kick-back and relax amid the eclectic decor. Guests are surrounded by Australian Emma Anna’s artworks, large-scale collages composed of photos of exotic blooms.
A rich bounty
The themed menu is your guide through the jungle where drinks are rooted in Southeast Asian flavours. It takes guests on a journey from the jungle Canopy down to the Forest Floor.
You’ll encounter interesting ingredients along the way such as longan, banana leaf, young mango, turmeric, black sesame, ginger and cacao.
According to Besa, Jungle Ballroom has the most extensive Southeast Asian spirits collection of any bar in Singapore.
Cocktails from the Canopy are floral, herbaceous and citrusy. Views From The Treetops, for example, is a refreshing elixir that features Singapore dry gin and bianco vermouth with elements of citrus, cacao, persimmon and black sesame. “Sheena” Queen of the Jungle makes her presence known with rye whisky, Barolo Chinato, walnut and New Orleans bitters.
The Understorey sits just below the treetops, a space where flora and fauna thrive, so drinks in this section teem with spices and fizz. Try the Shrub, a twist on the Negroni with pear and a touch of sour fragrant anise.
The Forest Floor may be the deepest, darkest part of the jungle but it’s where young herb roots take hold in the nutrient-rich soil and animals find nourishment to survive. This section features local fruit and native herbs, which makes The Root Of All one of the highlights of the menu. The sultry cocktail is made with agave spirit, banana, pineapple, lemon, longan and Jungle Ballroom’s unique indonesian spice blend.
The Ballroom is described as the “beating heart of the jungle”, a place where music plays and drinks flow liberally. The lively Neon Ballroom is essentially a disco in a glass where light grassy notes meld with tropical fruits such as mango, lime and rockmelon, while The Phantom Rickshaw is an absinthe, menthol and citrus-laced refresher with cucumber, yuzu and sour plum.
Then there is the Faux ABV section for those who want to remain sober throughout the journey. Order from a selection of non-alcoholic cocktails containing a representation of the region’s bountiful spices, fruits and produce.
Jungle Ballroom is at Level 3, 16A Duxton Hill, Mondrian Singapore Duxton, Singapore 089970.
