Need a drink? Let’s raise a toast to the Singapore Cocktail Festival 2017, which races into town on March 16 with six days devoted to that fun and infinitely versatile beverage known as the cocktail. Things to look out for if you’re a budding mixologist: Guest appearances by some of the best international bartenders, cocktail bar tours, workshops and masterclasses (hurrah!).
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Of course (and perhaps most importantly), there are some pretty tempting promos on cocktails to enjoy from a number of cocktail bars dotted across the island. Plus, there’s also a food street consisting of pop-ups by some of our best restaurants so you can be sensible and line your tummy before indulging in any fancy drinks.
The tipple you’re seeing on this slide comes courtesy of herbal-infused Vietnamese spirit brand Ruou Son Tinh, an original Vietnamese spirit called “Ru’o’u”. And yes, we’re dying to know how it tastes!
Image: Singapore Cocktail Festival
Then there is the search for Singapore’s Next Top Cocktail, which is essentially a drink that truly reflects and celebrates the diversity and culture of our sunny island. What we’re most excited about, however, is sampling the Singapore-inspired cocktails, with intriguing names like The Singapore Girl ($14++ from Nutmeg & Clove), which boasts a sweet tropical lychee flavour that will soothe and satisfy your taste buds. Click through for the low-down on some Singapore-inflected cocktails you should definitely try, and cheers!
Don’t let its clear ambrosia fool you: this Black Cow Vodka is entirely distilled from pure whole milk (!), and is the brainchild of dairy farmer Jason Barber of England’s West Dorset. Talk about an udder-ly unique drink!
Image: Singapore Cocktail Festival
Key Ingredients: Remy Martin VSOP, Malaccan coffee beans infused ruby port, egg yolk, simple syrup
What Is It: This drink is a twist on the classic coffee cocktail. Infusing port with local Malaccan coffee beans, your senses will be pleased with the delectable coffee aroma, and the coconut syrup then wraps it up to create a full-flavoured yet balanced cocktail. One especially for coffee lovers.
Where: Nutmeg & Clove, 10 Ann Siang Hill
Price: $14++
Image: The Third Eye Photography
Key Ingredients: Bacardi carta blanca, toasted sesame syrup, rice water, fresh lemon juice, egg white
What Is It: If you used to snack on muah chee as a kid, this is the ‘adult’ version you need to try. The Bacardi carta blanca is shaken with toasted sesame syrup and rice water, creating a taste that’s reminiscent of fluffy muah chee. The drink is finished with egg white plus sweetened peanut powder on the glass rim.
Where: Red Tail, 3C River Valley Road, #01-04 The Cannery, Clarke Quay
Price: $15 nett
Image: The Third Eye Photography
Key Ingredients: Toasted cereal butter infused rum, curry leaves, chilli tincture, citrus
What Is It: Inspired by the popular local dish cereal prawns, this cocktail uses cereal and butter fat-washed Angostura rum, a chilli tincture and curry leaves. You won’t get the taste of seafood but you’ll certainly get a nice kick with the chilli tincture.
Where: Hopscotch, 28 Maxwell Road, #01-04 Red Dot Traffic Building
Price: $22++
Image: The Third Eye Photography
Key Ingredients: Gin with curry leaves and turmeric, mango syrup, fresh lemon, cardamom, egg white, tonic
What Is It: Spiffy Dapper created their own Farmer George gin with a strong kick of curry leaves and tamarind, paired with mango, fresh lemon, cardamom, coriander, egg white and tonic. This cocktail even comes with a charming background story – the bar’s owner, George, becomes a farmer and sets up an urban garden in Singapore. The drink uses classic flavours from George’s heritage, while emphasising the bar’s gin and tonic legacy.
Where: Spiffy Dapper 73A Amoy Street, Second Floor
Price: $20 nett
Image: The Third Eye Photography
Key Ingredients: Bacardi Gran Reserva 8 Anos, Cointreau, palm sugar, lemongrass, fresh basil, passionfruit
What Is It: Head bartender Joseph Theo Millar takes you through his impression of Singapore via a symphony of instantly recognisable local flavours. Palm sugar evokes the tropical nature of the country; a dash of passionfruit is added for its exotic and fragrant nature; and finally, lemongrass for a hint of spice.
Where: Monti, 82 Collyer Quay, Fullerton Pavilion
Price: $14++
The Singapore Cocktail Festival 2017 takes place from March 16 to 21, 2017. For more information, head to www.singaporecocktailfestival.com.
Image: The Third Eye Photography