This month, some of Singapore’s hottest bars are revamping their drinks menu by introducing tipples from across the globe. Here’s where to go for a cocktail or two.
Astor Bar
Astor Bar’s new cocktail menu is a leisurely meander through New York City. Inspired by NYC’s five neighbourhoods—from Lower Manhattan to West Side—each cocktail served in bespoke glassware pays homage to the Big Apple’s diverse history.
Start your journey with Tong Wars, which tells the story of rival gang disputes in Chinatown in the 1800s, with spices seared through Chinese plum vodka, apple, ginger and chilli bitters. Captain’s Cure innovates on the gimlet with vodka and Tio Pepe fino sherry while Calle Catorce, a twist on gin and tonic, takes a stroll down West Side’s “Little Spain” with manzanilla sherry, and mezcal and manchego-infused gin.
Mixologist Yvonne Tay adds a dose of her infectious personality to her creations. She keeps you captivated with her mixology skills, especially during the famed Violet Hour, an evening ritual at St. Regis Hotel, which involves a barman’s trolley and complimentary Martinis.
Maybe Sammy at Publico Ristorante
Publico Ristorante brings us cocktail creations from Sydney’s renowned, Maybe Sammy. Rated 11 on the World’s 50 Best Bars 2020, the quirky Aussie hotspot pays homage to Sammy Davis Junior (along with the rat pack and all the glamour of the 1950s) and finds inspiration in his famous songs.
Publico features three cocktails, including the refreshingly sweet All of You, crafted with Bombay Sapphire Gin, chardonnay, house-made kombucha and peach liqueur.
We were tickled pink with the Insta-worthy Candy Man—comprising Grey Goose Vodka, Aperol, raspberry sour ale and topped with a Janice Wong Strawberry & Grape Chocolate Lollipop. Then there’s the Eee-O-Eleven which celebrates Sammy Davis Junior’s breezy style with Bacardi Ocho 8-Year-Old Rum, coconut water, banana liqueur and a dollop of artisan mango sorbet.
Roxy
Yet another bar to relive New York City’s indomitable spirit is the new speakeasy, Roxy. Tucked away in Miss Fitz Kitchen & Bar at The Sail at Marina Bay, this intimate gem is inspired by the back rooms and rock ‘n’ roll nightclubs of 1970’s Lower East Side Manhattan.
The standout, The Jean Genie, is a pear-infused twist on the classic daiquiri dusted with icing sugar, a tip to the creative genius of David Bowie. Another highlight, You Don’t Have to Put on the Red Light, is an amaro twist on the classic negroni and named after The Police’s 1978 hit, Roxanne.
Bar nosh includes the addictive Triple Cheese Grilled Cheese or an option to step out to Miss Fitz’s refreshing contemporary Mediterranean plates. Try the crowd-pleaser Charred octopus served with Balinese sambal matah: a salad of chilli, shallots, lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves. Our favourite was a tie between the Spiced Cauliflower, Pomegranate and Chickpea Salad and Miss Fitz’s signature, 15-hour Braised Glazed Short Ribs.
At Roxy, look forward to themed nights such as Backstage Spirits, which showcases cocktails inspired by iconic artists as well as their greatest hits.
A version of this story first appeared on Epicure.
