Pina Coladas, Cosmopolitans, Bloody Marys, Margaritas, Martinis and Mojitos — cocktails we’ve all had a thousand times, served at every bar, pub and restaurant across the world. After a while, doesn’t it get stale? It sure does for me, and this is a common sentiment echoed by many alcohol lovers looking for a little spice and pizzazz when they take the time to go out for a drink.
For me, any little twist on conventional cocktail formulas is always welcome, so the Lobby Lounge’s new series of cocktails is right up my alley! Inspired by local flavours and stories, every cocktail in this series was carefully handcrafted by the Lobby Lounge’s Head Mixologist, Rhodora Amurao and award-winning mixologist Jesse Vida to stimulate all five of your senses and immerse you in the story of each cocktail fully.
Multisensory experiences in my cocktails and a local-inspired twist that promise a flavour experience like nothing else? Sign me up!
Sultan Gate Gardens
Starting us off at the Sultan’s Gate Gardens at the entrance of Kampong Glam, known for its iconic Gelam Trees and the spice garden of the former Malay Palace, our first steps on this culinary journey is one steeped in history!
Our first drink, Royal Rosales, is perfect for sipping on a warm weekend afternoon. With a base of Kyro Gin that creates a wholly botanical, floral flavour, it is intertwined with fruity notes of sweet strawberry and citrusy grapefruit and lemon. Finally, it is topped off with a hint of spicy pink pepper, Nardini Bitter and Absinthe, giving the drink a complete and complex flavour profile.
If that’s not your cup of tea, Reverie is another cocktail inspired by this part of town, particularly the tranquillity of the gardens, with the flavours evoking a reflective mood with every sip. Combining the decadent caramel smoothness from Nikka Coffey Grain Whisky with the sharp zestiness of Kumquat Liqueur and the tartness of Hibiscus Bitters, Reverie ends with a refreshing, yet delicate citrus note from Orange Bitters that provides a crisp finish.
CHIJMES
Moving onto the next neighbourhood — CHIJMES — these next two drinks were inspired by the building’s rich history as a former Catholic convent-turned-heritage building complex, noted for its Gothic-style architecture with distinctive spires and arched windows found in few other places in Singapore.
Abbey Gardens Punch is a mixological homage to the history and culture surrounding CHIJMES, with a tropical element provided by Veritas Rum infused with the aromatic citrus of kaffir lime, punched up by the brightness of pineapple and calamansi. Fino Sherry throws in a touch of dry nuttiness while Orange Bitters makes an encore appearance in this series to provide a deeper fruity flavour, all topped by a piece of Dried Ginger Candy for a light herbal kick.
Leaning more into the dark Gothic historical elements of CHIJMES, Gothic Arch is the next drink up, using some truly unique ingredients. Using Chalong Bay Spiced Rum as a fragrant, sweet base, Ube (purple yam) Cream Liqueur and Banana Liqueur are added to lend a creamy touch that blends tradition with modernity. The addition of Adriatico Amaretto adds a woody, almond-tinged depth, while a dash of Lime Juice keeps the flavour profile light on the palate, with a garnish of Coconut Flakes and Gingko Nut bringing it home with tropical flair.
National Library
Our journey takes us next to the National Library, a more modern addition to the massive stage play of Singapore’s skyline and a monument to knowledge amidst a neighbourhood rich in history and culture.
In tribute to the National Library’s representative role in Singapore’s story, Head Mixologist, Rhodora Amurao created the Kopi Colada, a uniquely Singaporean take on the classic Pina Colada.
Fusing a tropical cocktail with the quintessential cup of Kopi, Veritas Rum makes a return, supported by a cast of unconventional elements such as pleasantly biting Pineapple Juice alongside citrusy Lemon. And to emulate the distinct smoothness of a good cup of Kopi, Milk Wash, Coconut Cream and Nikka Coffey Vodka are used. Topped with Kopi Foam, Gula Melaka bits and Dried Pineapple, this remixes the coffee shop Kopi-drinking experience into something a little more adult and refined.
If you’re hankering for something with a bit more kick in the alcohol department, The Archives is just the drink for you! With a base of Compass Box Glasgow Blend Whisky leading the charge with smoky, thick notes, it is accompanied by Merlet Apricot Liqueur to provide a fruity, fresh taste in the middle — the richness of the drink is a homage to the rich history and knowledge captured in the National Library. The bold, full-bodied flavours of Oloroso Sherry build out the depth of The Archives, with Lemon Juice and Honey sticking the landing for this drink with sour and sweet touches respectively; all garnished with dried apricot and mint leaf.
Haji Lane
Our penultimate destination is the famous Haji Lane, well-known for its packed streets full of vendors selling everything from souvenirs to good luck charms to food from a thousand cuisines. But tucked away within its various nooks and crannies are true hidden gems just waiting to be discovered!
Representative of this, Narrow Lane is a homage to the vibrancy of Haji Lane. Starting off strong through the Tequila Ocho Plata’s crisp and pure floral flavours, it blends beautifully with the sweet, just-barely-there spiciness of Silvermoon Tea. Koch Elemental Mezcal and Agave Nectar add a smoky, creamy layer to the drink, peppered with flashes of brilliant citrus from Yuzu, with Cardamom and Black Lemon Bitters providing a whole new dimension of exotic spice, finished off by a splash of bubbly soda and topped by Lemon Twist.
When night falls, Haji Lane doesn’t sleep, and nothing shows that better than our next cocktail, Nocturne Alley. Teeling Small Batch Whiskey delivers a double whammy of flavours of dried fruits and woody spice, and it’s balanced out by the honeyed, smoky notes from a mix of Longan and Pedro Ximenez Sherry. And just like the unexpected gems found in Haji Lane after nightfall, a duo of Mulassano Vermouth Rosso and Angostura Bitters a surprisingly herbal prickliness to the taste experience, all garnished by Dried Longan.
InterContinental Singapore
Bringing us full circle on our journey, we return to the InterContinental Singapore, right back to the Lobby Lounge where this all began. Our final two cocktails are an ode to the hotel’s sophistication, while not forgetting its Peranakan roots that make it a shining star amidst the rest of the hotel industry.
Lobby Lounge’s Legacy Eighty is Singaporean opulence manifest, a cocktail that is wholly Singaporean and luxurious in equal measures.
The engine of this drink is Colombo Gin, making Legacy Eighty boldly distinct with a marked botanical flavour profile. Mulassano Vermouth Bianco infused with Blue Pea gives the cocktail its striking indigo hues, harkening to the ornate designs and vivid colours associated with Peranakan culture. Tamarind Syrup provides a touch of sticky sweetness, while Orange Bitters adds a citrusy note to create a well-rounded cocktail, topped with Lemon Twist.
Ending with something endlessly memorable and daring, the Heritage Martini begins with the floral spiciness of Jaisalmer Gin, mixed with the distinctly un-cocktail-like flavours of Baba Nyonya spices, making what amounts to dynamite for the tongue. This flavour bomb is smoothed over by the suave creaminess of Nikka Coffey Vodka, while Mulassano Vermouth Bianco delivers a subtle sweetness. All this combined with Ginger and Umami Bitters and a garnishing of pickled onion and carrot makes for a truly novel taste experience.
The End of the Journey…Or Is It?
Phew! And there you have it, all ten cocktails fully accounted for on our culinary journey through the busy, history-rich neighbourhoods of Singapore! All of these sound like fascinating drinks, each one different from the rest, distinguished in their own unique ways, whether it be the presentation or pure taste.
I know I’ll be looking to try all of these cocktails the first chance I get…though probably not all at once. That’s probably too much alcohol for one night.
If these sound as delectable to you as they do to me, check out the Lobby Lounge’s website and their Instagram! The InterContinental Singapore and the Lobby Lounge are located at InterContinental Singapore, 80 Middle Rd, Singapore 188966, so be sure to remember the address if you want a taste of these cocktails yourself!
Visuals courtesy of InterContinental Singapore.
