If your idea of a successful night out involves a spot that’ll make your palate sing and have you beaming ear to ear, then DIMPLE is about to become your new happy place. This cocktail bar crafts every drink with purpose, drawing inspiration from timeless Chinese principles of LOVE, ABUNDANCE, and HARMONY.
From the moment I stepped inside, the cosy atmosphere wrapped around me like the warm embrace of an old friend. I was charmed by their fruity creations too, of course, each one a golden ray of sunshine brought to the table. Every sip was a mini escape to a lush orchard, perfectly complemented by delectable small dishes (点心).
Whether you’re rekindling old relationships or letting new ones bloom, I can confidently attest that DIMPLE is a lovely space where connections thrive over drinks. Curious about what to try? Keep reading for a taste of my favs!
Menu Highlights: What I Tried
Led by Head Bartender Marcus Liow, DIMPLE’s menu features 14 signature cocktails, each brought to life with fresh, seasonal ingredients. The drinks are classified under three strength levels – Whisper is a light, subtle buzz; Embrace is a moderate, balanced kick, and Euphoria packs a full-bodied punch for those who like their cocktails strong.
During my visit, I stuck to Whisper and Embrace options – guess I’ll save the euphoric adventures for another time!
MANGO | SPICY MARGARITA
I kicked off my journey with the Mango Spicy Margarita (Embrace) – and what a way to set the tone for the evening! This drink immediately caught my eye on the menu, and I knew it had to be my first pick. But it was the promise of spice that reeled me in. Usually, “spicy” cocktails leave me wanting more heat, but this one delivered!
Made with Don Ramon Reposado, mango peel oleo saccharum, bird’s eye chilli, house-made salted caramel, and citrus – with a mango & lime sorbet on the side – it struck a fascinating balance. The spice brought a satisfying warmth that hit the back of my throat, yet still allowed the nuanced kiss of mango’s natural sweetness to shine. I was pleasantly surprised by how it didn’t dominate this drink! Every note unfolded distinctly, with the sour tang from the citrus bouncing off the salted caramel in the background.
The mini dish of mango & lime sorbet was a playful touch that rounded out the experience – a lovely addition for those who might crave a bit more sweetness. While this may not be everyone’s cup of tea (or cocktail), I’d say it’s worth the try if you want to shake up your order!
PASSIONFRUIT | MARTINI
Keeping the tropical streak going, the Passionfruit Martini (Embrace) was a burst of brightness. With its dainty appearance, this cocktail intrigued me – and having never tried passionfruit before, I couldn’t ask for a better introduction!
Made with Tanqueray No. 10, mint, passionfruit oolong-infused dry sake, citrus, and topped with a passionfruit and sea salt foam, this drink was luscious and creamy, with the passionfruit flavour unapologetically stealing the spotlight! What caught me off guard, though, was how deceptively light it felt. And the spirits didn’t taste particularly strong – great for anyone not fond of the alcohol bite. But don’t be fooled – this one could sneak up on you if you’re not careful!
If you’re after something vibrant and just a little indulgent, this one’s for you. It embodies zest and vitality, and might just leave you passionate for more!
LYCHEE | SOUR
The Lychee Sour (Whisper) was a delicate, silky delight that won me over from the first sip. I mean, lychee – often called the “fruit of romance” – can never go wrong, can it? In my humble opinion, this aromatic fruit is a flawless match in cocktails every time.
Made with Wolf Berry Infused Mermaid Salt Vodka, Genmaicha Infused Sake, lychee, Luxardo Maraschino, citrus, and egg white, this cocktail had a strong herbaceous flair and a slightly creamy texture – courtesy of the egg white, I reckon. I’d never really tried a cocktail with this level of herbal intensity, but I honestly wasn’t mad at it – it was a nice change of pace!
The spirits in this drink were more subtle, making this a safe choice for those who want to keep things light. Or, if you’ve been yearning for something fruity yet unexpected, this unique take on the increasingly popular lychee flavour delivers the lively twist you’re looking for as well. So don’t be shy; give this a go!
COFFEE | MARTINI
Time to switch things up! If there’s one thing about me, I love an espresso martini. So I was pretty gassed about the Coffee Martini (Embrace). Made with Belvedere vodka, Bacha “I Love Paris” coffee, Mr Black Cold Brew, and a touch of raspberry, it did not disappoint!
The first sip was delightfully berry-forward, with just enough tartness to keep things interesting. While it wasn’t as intense as the classic espresso martini, the coffee flavour still had a loud presence. It lingered with a comforting, slightly smoky aftertaste – the kind that teases you to come back for more.
This cocktail promised exactly what I was hoping for – that deep coffee flavour – and I loved how it took in the hint of fruitiness. It was a great balance between rich and refreshing – ideal for a night of both deep and playful conversations. This is one I’d definitely recommend to my friends!
WATERMELON | MILK PUNCH
Of course, I had to save the best for last. The Watermelon Milk Punch (Embrace) was, without a doubt, my winner for the night. This took me by total surprise, especially since I don’t typically enjoy watermelon in my cocktails. I find that they often taste “flat” and lack much depth. But this one had me eating – or rather, drinking – my words!
Made with Los Siete Misterios Doba Yej, coconut, Ancho Reyes Verde, watermelon, citrus, and a milk wash, it was a beautifully layered drink that hit all the right notes and knocked ‘em out of the park. It started off fresh and a tad sweet, and then that smoky undertone crept in, adding complexity.
The drink kept evolving, and each moment was a new experience – from when the flavours first reached my tongue to the smooth finish. The creamy, velvety mouthfeel cloaked all the flavours without being too heavy, and the boozy edge balanced out the sweetness. It was intriguing to say the least, and I could come back for this drink any day. I just couldn’t get enough of it!
So, what do you think? Ready to explore the rest of the menu? If you’ve been searching for drinks as exciting as your gossip sessions, DIMPLE will fill your heart. So why not lift your spirits by sending a love letter to your taste buds? Come down and toast to good times, great drinks, and even better company – and let DIMPLE leave its mark with a smile you’ll wear all night!
📍Location: DIMPLE, 13 Purvis St, Singapore 188592
⏰Opening Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 5pm to 12am
Thirsty for more? Good news – DIMPLE is walk-ins only, so swing by whenever the mood strikes! And be sure to follow DIMPLE on Instagram to stay up to date with all the latest deets. See you there!
Photos by Leo Chia of the DANAMIC Team.
