Photo Credit: Tanglin Gin Singapore

Perhaps one of the first few cocktails you’d start with when you first hit a club would be the classic Gin and Tonic: a highball cocktail made with Gin and Tonic water poured over ice.

While we might have never actually given much thought to the origins of the spirits served— granted, alcohol is usually imported—you’d never actually expect to find a distillery on home ground.

Situated among dozens of other mini factories that churn out baked goods is where Tanglin Gin—a micro-distillery—produces what can be considered Singapore’s very own homemade gin. It’s rather surprising; really, how long it took for our first distillery to appear, considering how much of Singapore’s nightlife centres around drinking?

Photo Credit: TheDrinkSeeker

Named after “Twa Tang Leng”, meaning “Great East Hill Peaks”, Tanglin was once home to plantations growing pepper, nutmeg and ginger. Tanglin Gin can also be believed to be continuing this tradition of growing such flavours in their own unique way.

As Singapore’s only hand-crafted spirit that’s distilled in Singapore, it’s absolutely crucial to the team that it bottles the spirit of Singapore in it, and they have done so by articulating 11 different botanicals that define and represent the multitude of cultures and ethnicities in our city.

Photo Credit: Tanglin Gin Singapore

So what it is that makes up a bottle of Tanglin Gin? Of course, it’s impossible to have gin without juniper berries, with a twist in the form of Indian Amchoor—unripe green mango in a powdered form—which adds an extra citrus note to it, and of course, what really makes it Singaporean, Orchid flowers.

To be more specific, it’s the dried stems of the Dendrobium Orchid—more commonly known as the Chinese immortality herb, Shi Hu, and the vanilla beans extracted from the fruit of the Vanilla Orchid.

Photo Credit: Tanglin Gin Singapore

They also add organic oranges to give an added touch of sweetness from citrus. Taking inspiration from Australian gins, they make their own unique flavour profile by placing said oranges directly below the vanilla.

The resultant taste is unlike your regular varieties. It’s sweet from the vanilla and liquorice while giving a full-bodied creamy mouthful that goes even further with a dash of tonic and a squeeze of orange for a citrusy lift.

Photo Credit: Tanglin Gin Singapore

Tanglin Gin continues to aim to push for more recipes that would tie in with local flavours while proudly saying they are the definition of a good quality gin, and one that is made in Singapore.

While the distillery is not open to the public, you’re still able to purchase a bottle of the spirit online.

Presenting a diverse and interactive dining experience, Pan Pacific Singapore’s Edge remains, till this day, one of our all-time favourite weekend brunch spots in the city.

A multifaceted buffet restaurant that goes over the edge—in every sense of the word—with 7 interactive live food theatres, 16 food stations (at least) and one epic dessert spread, Edge constantly pushes the boundaries to what most people would envision as a ‘typical’ buffet and their revamped Theatrical Sunday Champagne Brunch is no exception.

Calling all brunch lovers, come 25 March 2018, gather your family and loved ones for a refreshed selection of gourmet items that are made better with unlimited Veuve Clicquot Champagne, an all-new botanical gin bar, a new food station and even live band performances that the whole family can enjoy.

Where do we begin? Whether its Peranakan, Chinese, Japanese, Northern Indian, Singaporean and/or delights from as far as the Pacific region, champagne brunch will be redefined at Edge. And just for our readers, we are giving you the opportunity to dine like royalty without breaking the bank that much.

From 25 March to 24 June 2018, simply quote ‘ladyironchef’ to enjoy a complimentary upgrade to unlimited Veuve Clicquot Rosé Champagne (usual price at S$208++ per diner) for diners who opt for the S$188++ unlimited Veuve Clicquot Brut Yellow Label Champagne price, as well as a 10% discount on the S$128++ brunch price that includes unlimited fresh juices, soft drinks, coffee and tea.

WHOLE BABY LAMB TACO STATION

One station at Edge’s Sunday Brunch buffet line-up that will surely leave avid meat eaters in total awe is the whole baby lamb taco—that’s right, we literally mean a whole baby lamb.

Carved fresh upon request, the slithers of succulent lamb are first bathed in a sauce made from its own drippings before being plated and served. Upon receiving it, you can either choose to have the aromatic lamb on its own or construct your very own lamb taco using the crispy tortilla shells and various sauces and salsas.

Roasted to a gorgeous pink hue, the meat was tender and succulent beyond belief and we loved how the bright, zesty qualities of the pico de gallo salsa complemented the natural gaminess of the lamb really well.

Other than the Whole Baby Lamb Taco station, there’s a new live station which offers Shaved Chuck Roast that comes served with potato churros and a garlic aioli dip.

PREMIUM SEAFOOD ON ICE

What would a champagne brunch be without a fresh seafood station filled with fresh crustaceans and oysters?

Over at Edge, their range of fresh seafood offerings may not be vast but for what they lack in variety, they sure make up for in quality. Expect to slurp up some of the freshest seasonal oysters. The snow crab legs are amazingly sweet as well.

Fresh fish tartare and ceviche are also available should you desire something that packs a mean flavour punch.

GIANT BEEF BURGER

Get your cameras ready because this is one titan of a burger that demands to be shared on the ‘gram’. Essentially a beef burger, this Big Mac on steroids boasts a thick beef patty cooked medium-rare, slices of cheese, sweet onion relish and a layer of lettuce for some crunch.

NORTHERN INDIAN STATION

Amongst all the many food stations that have impressed us over the years, the Northern Indian station has got to be our ultimate go-to. Comprising a plethora of curries, chutneys, and tandoori offerings, this is one spread not to be missed.

The tandoori red snapper is a relatively new addition to the spread that sees a whole snapper covered entirely in spices and baked. Mildy charred on the outside with a heady aroma of toasted tandoori spices, the flesh in the middle retains its moist and flaky integrity—delicious!

SEASONAL TROLLIES SERVED TABLE-SIDE

Something unique about Edge’s champagne brunch is the seasonal trollies. Serving up fresh catches of the week—be it fish, meat or seafood—these roving trollies stop table-side and depending on how much you want, the chefs will carve up portions accordingly.

A tad similar to the practice at many an old-school dim sum restaurants, we like the excitement derived from never knowing what to expect from these roving trollies each time we visit.

DESSERT THEATRE

If you have kids, you can bet that the first stop they will be making is the desserts corner. Massive, vibrant and chockful of sweet treats, make no mistake that this is one station where parents have zero jurisdiction over their kids.

Replete with a magnificent display of cakes, tarts, puddings, jellies, chocolates, kuehs and so much more, Edge’s dessert station is undoubtedly the best around. There is even a waffle station and exclusively for their Sunday brunch, a chocolate lava cake station and a cotton candy machine as well!

No, really. The adults will go crazy too!

BOTANICAL GIN STATION

Now, this is the best part about Edge’s revamped champagne brunch—Botanical Gin Station. Gin connoisseurs, it’s as if the G&T Gods have answered your prayers with the restaurant’s very first gin bar that houses 7 different gin labels—namely the greats such as Hendricks, Monkey 47 and our personal favourite, Tanqueray No. 10.

To up your gin and tonic game, you can also pick and choose from an array of fresh ripe fruits, citrus and botanicals such as thyme, grapefruit, raspberries, strawberries and more!

UNLIMITED BEER, CHAMPAGNE & GIN

What would a gathering of friends, family or loved ones be without a little booze to get you in the right mood? For all the adults (thank God that we are legal because alcohol > playgrounds), be sure to help yourselves to endless amounts of beer, champagne, and gin.

From 25 March to 24 June 2018, don’t forget to quote ‘ladyironchef’ to enjoy a complimentary upgrade to unlimited Veuve Clicquot Rosé Champagne (usual price at S$208++ per diner) for diners who opt for the S$188++ unlimited Veuve Clicquot Brut Yellow Label Champagne price, as well as a 10% discount on the S$128++ brunch price that includes unlimited fresh juices, soft drinks, coffee and tea.

ENTERTAINMENT FOR ADULTS AND KIDS

There is entertainment for both adults and kids. A live band will serenade you while you luxuriate in brunch; as for the kids, a balloon artist will be going around from table to table and have balloons sculpted for every little one.

It is really more than just food and alcohol, you all!

Sunday Champagne Brunch
Every Sunday (enhanced selection available from 18 March to 24 June 2018)
12pm – 3.30pm
Adult: S$208++ (includes unlimited Veuve Clicquot Rosé Champagne, wine, beer & cocktails)
Adult: S$188++ (includes unlimited Veuve Clicquot Brut Yellow Label Champagne, wine, beer & cocktails)
Adult: S$128 ++ (includes unlimited fresh juices, soft drinks, coffee and tea)
Child (aged 6 to 11 years old): S$64++ (includes unlimited fresh juices, soft drinks, coffee and tea)

For dining reservations and enquiries, please call +65 6826 8240 or email celebrate.sin@panpacific.com.

Edge
Pan Pacific Singapore, Level 3
7 Raffles Boulevard
Daily: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Sunday Brunch: 12pm – 3.30pm
Reservations: +65 6826 8240 / celebrate.sin@panpacific.com
Nearest Station: City Hall / Promenade

This post was brought to you by Pan Pacific Singapore.

Made using a variety of botanicals and spices, gin exudes herbaceous qualities that make it tricky to play around with.

Yet, simplicity is key when it comes to this underrated spirit and something as simple as a gin and tonic is one of those simple concoctions that bears timeless appeal. When it comes to gin—a drink that warrants no unnecessary flair or fancy ingredients—it is always the delicate treatments that work best.

To truly experience the very best that gin has to offer, we strongly suggest leaving it to the masters who have dedicated their lives to perfecting their craft. Here is our list of the best gin bars in Singapore.

#1 THE SPIFFY DAPPER

Housing an impressive array of esoteric gins that only true connoisseurs will recognise, The Spiffy Dapper is a place not to miss. Featuring a theme that is part rustic and part playful, it is the ideal spot to grab a tipple during happy hour at any time of the week or drown out all your worries on the weekends.

Just let the bartenders know what particular flavour profile you are going for and allow them to whip you up something delicious.

73 Amoy St, Second Floor
Singapore 069892
Tel: +65 8655 0829
Mon to Thu: 5pm – 1am
Fri: 5pm – 2am
Sat: 6pm – 2am
Sun: 6pm – 1am
Nearest Station: Chinatown

#2 OXWELL & CO

Oxwell & Co. is probably the only bar in Singapore that serves cocktails on tap. Their house speciality, the Gin & Chronic is a twist on the classic G&T. As much as we agree that nothing beats a properly hand-crafted drink, we admire Oxwell’s willingness to be different.

5 Ann Siang Rd
Singapore 069688
Tel: +65 6438 3984
Mon: 4pm – 12am
Tue to Sun: 12pm – 12am
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer / Chinatown

Photo Credit: Cin Cin

#3 CIN CIN

Located in the heart of the Tanjong Pagar district, Cin Cin is the perfect spot to raise a toast to the good life. Gin enthusiasts also have worth getting excited over, with the bar’s curation of over a hundred different varieties of gin, along with a fair amount of vermouths, bitters, and tonics.

100 Peck Seah St
Singapore 079333
Tel: +65 6385 2604
Sun to Thu: 5pm – 12am
Fri & Sat: 5pm – 1am
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

Photo Credit: El Tardeo

#4 EL TARDEO

Located just a stone’s throw from its sister restaurant Binomio, El Tardeo specialises in stellar Spanish tapas and some of the tastiest gin cocktails around. The Elder Collins—a concoction of Gordon’s cucumber gin, a splash of Elderflower liqueur, peach purée, lemon and soda—really stands up to the robust flavours of some of their more savoury dishes like their oxtail sandwich.

Fans of G&T can also opt to try their version, which comes garnished with a stalk of rosemary, juniper berries and a lemon peel.

20 Craig Rd, #01-01 Craig Place,
Singapore 089692
Tel: +65 6221 6288
Sun: Closed
Mon to Thu: 4pm – 11pm
Fri & Sat: 4pm – 12am
Nearest Station: Outram Park

Photo Credit: ATLAS

#5 ATLAS

Noted as Singapore’s very own Gotham City with its magnificent exterior, Parkview Square is truly a sight to behold, but what really impressed us was ATLAS, the bar at the lobby that features a wide range of gin-focussed cocktails and a literal tower of gin.

ATLAS houses hundreds of gin brands and varieties, making it the ultimate place for gin enthusiasts and curious tipplers alike to hang out at. We highly recommend the ATLAS Martini that is as elegant as it is absolutely delicious.

600 North Bridge Road,
Parkview Square
Singapore 188778
Tel: +65 6396 4466
(Closed on Sundays)
Mon to Thu: 10am – 1am
Fri & Sat: 3pm – 2am
Nearest Station: Bugis

#6 THE RABBIT HOLE

With more than 15 brands of specially curated gin to choose from, on a menu that is conveniently categorised into five separate flavour profiles ranging from traditional and dry to floral and elegant, you don’t need to be an expert to have an excellent time at The Rabbit Hole.

The bar itself is situated at the former British army barracks, in a garden that doubles up as a herb garden in which many of the bar’s botanical delights come from. The good folks at The Rabbit Hole are not one to cut corners—even their tonic is made in-house. Expect your drinks to come beautifully garnished with a variety of vibrant herbs and fruits.

39C Harding Road
Singapore 249541
Tel: +65 6473 9965
Sun to Thu: 6pm – 11.30pm
Fri & Sat: 6pm – 12.30am
Nearest Station: Farrer Road

#7 THE SECRET MERMAID

The Secret Mermaid is a tasting room and cocktail bar focused on American craft spirits located in the heart of Raffles Place. The Secret Mermaid features a large selection of gin, whiskey, vodka, rum, and houses a large collection of craft spirits.

Some of their more notable gin-based masterpieces include the Rose Oolong Negroni which features Greenhook gin infused with rose oolong tea, Campari, an Italian vermouth and lavender bitters for that subtle floral note, as well as their twist on the classic G&T that features chilli and lime for an added kick.

10 Collyer Quay
B1-08, Ocean Financial Centre,
Singapore 049315
Sat & Sun: Closed
Mon to Fri: 5pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Farrer Park

For more recommendations, read our guide on 25 Best Rooftop Bars in Singapore with the best views of the city.

One of the best cocktail spirits around is gin; a clear alcoholic spirit distilled from grain or malt, flavoured thereafter by infusing a variety of botanicals (this process is known as compounding), including juniper. Its diverse flavour profile makes this un-aged spirit perfect for cocktails. We speak to some of the industry experts to give you a crash course on gin (and save you from the embarrassment of mistaking vodka for the former).

Home to one of Singapore’s largest collection of gin, The Spiffy Dapper boasts a stunning collection of 75 types of gin, including a number of house-infused gins and rare gins like The Duke (which has since ceased production) and Uncle Vals (only bottle available in Asia). Here, owner-bartender Abhishek Cherian George (known for crazy boundary-pushing concoctions) shares his knowledge on the topic.

First things first. What exactly is gin?

Gin is effectively vodka flavoured with botanicals. Vodka has no taste and no smell, while gin will smell and taste of the botanicals is used to flavour the gins.

Most gins are clear and look identical in nature. How do you tell one gin apart from another?

Most gins have different botanicals—even the traditional London drys. Once you start tasting different gins, you will be able to differentiate them based on the botanicals you smell and taste. Some differences are nuanced while others are more evident.

How do you judge the quality of gin?

We base it on the mouthfeel, quality of base spirit and the type of botanicals used. When it comes to picking personal favourites, adventure and imagination is key. An example would be New Deal Gin 33. Only juniper berries is used in this gin, but the complexity of its taste shows otherwise—the balance the distiller has gotten out of this gin is phenomenal.

Co-owner and founder of Liberty Spirits Asia (distributer of American craft spirits) and tasting room The Secret Mermaid Howard Lo, is a staunch believer of artisanal gin. We check in with him to find out the difference between British and American gin.

Gin originated form Britain. Why the preference of American gin over British gin?

With American gins, the distilleries are open to deviating from the popular London Dry style of gin. This gives you more variety with different botanicals leading the taste. Currently, there are many distilleries making gin in what is called an “American Dry” style, although there is no true style or characteristic of American gin aside from innovativeness. One of my favourite American gins is Greenhook Ginsmith’s Greenhook American Dry Gin that uses a unique distillation process (mercury vacuum still)—a complex gin that includes botanicals such as orris root, Thai galangal and elderberries. It has a heavier mouthfeel and provides a sensation that you’re working your way through more botanicals.

What are the qualities you look out for when selecting a gin?

In general, looking for the balance of juniper with other botanicals, before focusing on which flavours said botanicals bring out.

What is the best way to “taste” a gin to fully savour its flavour profile?

To taste the gin, add a drop or two of water to help bring out the scent and nose the gin to take in the aromas. As you sip it, let the gin slowly roll around each part of your tongue.

A finalist in the G’Vine Gin Connoisseur Program Global Finals in 2012, head bartender at Manhattan Bar, Ricky Paiva, has a discerning palate for artisanal spirits. He backs up Lo’s take on American spirits.

What gin would you highly recommend?

St. George Terrior Gin. It’s very eccentric. Master distiller Lance Winters wanted to make a gin from his home, so he chopped down a tree and put it in his still. This gin has an evergreen nose that’s a bit dry from fennel, but is smooth and incredibly aromatic. The Rusty Gin is another custom-sourced bottle. Made in a local distillery outside San Francisco, Rusty Gin is aged in wine barrels for 4 months, resulting in an earthy, maple caramelised flavour the colour of rust—hence its name.

About the writer: 
Mandy Lynn is a former I-S Magazine writer and current columnist at Nookmag; her dining and nightlife features are published in Appetite Asia, Food & Travel, and Singapore Tatler Dining. For bite-sized food recommendations, follow her on Instagram and Facebook, or join her Gourmet Adventures to keep up with the latest openings in the dining scene.

Home to the largest crowd of PMEBs, Raffles Place is one the most populated vicinities where corporates are constantly in need of after-work drinks. We’ve sussed out the best bars for your every need. So go on, eliminate your work blues and quell your thirst at these top five bars in Raffles Place.

AH SAM COLD DRINK STALL – BEST FOR STIFF TIPPLES

Ah yes, the stiff one; that liquid concoction one craves for ever so once in a while when the toil of work bares down on you—hard. Located along Boat Quay, Ah Sam Cold Drink Stall welcomes all who seeks a good tipple (or two) to lounge on level two as you take in tranquil views of the Singapore River.

Formerly of Jigger & Pony, owner-bartender Samuel Wong (better known as ‘Ah Sam’) helms the bar with Diplomatico World Tournament 2013 Singapore winner, Eugene Chua, to deliver classic-driven bespoke cocktails that are intoxicatingly potent—it seems they don’t hold back on tipping the bottle over (but we ain’t complaining). A saving grace that liberates one from the stress of work is Old Pal (S$20)—bringing together subtle bitter and herbaceous notes of Campari and dry vermouth, and the toasty nuttiness of rye whiskey. Disclaimer: if you’re a lightweight (drinker), this probably isn’t the place for you.

60A Boat Quay
Tel: +65 6535 0838
Mon to Thu: 6pm – 12am
Fri to Sat 6pm – 3am
Nearest Station: Raffles Place

FIVE BAR IZAKAYA – BEST FOR CHEAP DRINKS & LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

A common misconception: working in a corporate-driven environment (and dressing well) does not necessarily mean one earns more than average. If you’re looking for a watering hole that understands your needs; having a drink without burning a hole in the wallet, this is it. The extensive menu may cease to overwhelm—there’s 13 beers; bottled and on tap, and over 30 spirits available—even sake, wine and bubbly are not spared from the list.

Having said that, quantity does not truncate quality. Premium spirits such as Hendrick’s Gin, Macallan 18 years, Martell Cordon Bleu, Nikka From The Barrel, and The Glenlivet 18 years are also stocked at the bar. While that’s great, what really draws the crowd in are their prices—one of the lowest around. A glass (300ml) of Asahi Super Dry will set one back S$5, while a tower (3l) is priced at S$50. If beer’s not your thing, house pour reds, whites, and spirits are all priced at S$5 per glass. There’s also live music performances Monday to Friday from 7pm. Heads up: it gets busy from 6:30pm, so make your way down early.

16 Collyer Quay
Tel: +65 6536 8955
Mon to Thu: 1pm – 12am
Fri: 12pm – 2am
Sat: 6pm – 1am
Nearest Station: Raffles Place

COOK AND BREW – WINES OF THE WORLD BY WESTIN

Cook & Brew at The Westin Singapore opens for the whole day, making it the perfect location for all occasions. Drop by during your lunch hour for a casual and relaxing meal, or pop by in the middle of afternoon to grab a beer and some light snacks. In the evening, it is a lovely place to have some pre-dinner drinks with your colleagues or friends before treating yourself to a well-deserved dinner.

It has a beverage list that promises a mind-boggling range, from your favourite cocktails and mocktails to the many kinds of beers to drink the night away. The third is the ever-popular Wines of The World by Westin, and who can say no to that?

The Westin Singapore
33/F Asia Square Tower 2
12 Marina View
Tel: +65 6922 6948
Mon to Thu: 11am – 12midnight
Fri: 11am – 1am
Sat: 6pm – 1am
Nearest Station: Downtown/Marina Bay

THE BANK BAR – BEST FOR AFTER-WORK DRINKS

Located in close proximity to numerous banks, themed bar The Bank Bar exudes a chic and premium vibe with its lofty bar area and high ceiling, private cigar lounge and quality cuisine. Happy hour runs from 11am to 8pm daily, saving you an average of 20% off your bill. Its wide selection of drinks—ranging from beer, wines, spirits, liqueurs and cocktails, make it a great spot for after-work drinks. Great with beer are the chicken and prawns Shanghai dumplings ($15) and the prawn and mango spring rolls ($16) with mango chili sauce.

In line with its moniker, signature cocktails are quirkily named after financial terms like ‘offshore account’; a twist on the mojito by adding raspberries and citrus to the concoction, and ‘liquidated damages’, consisting of Rémy Martin VSOP, lemon juice and simple syrup—thankfully priced affordably (both $18) so your wallet won’t experience either. We especially enjoyed the G&T ($19) with a touch of mint and grapefruit for a bittersweet yet refreshing profile, as well as the sweet and citrusy smash and grab ($18)—a rum-based cocktail of muddled pineapple, Italian basil and lime.

1 Shenton Way, #01-01
One Shenton
Tel: +65 6636 2188
Mon to Tue: 8am – 12am
Wed: 8am – 1am
Thu: 8am – 12am
Fri: 8am – 1am
Sat to Sun: 9am – 12am
Nearest Station: Raffles Place

THE SECRET MERMAID – BEST FOR QUALITY AMERICAN SPIRITS

There is work. There is play. And occasionally, (well, more than occasionally, actually,) you find yourself in need of a place that can effortlessly blend these two realms. A place that lets you take respite from the hustle and bustle of work. Located in the heart of the CBD; a mere five-minute stroll from Raffles Place station, is The Secret Mermaid. There’s no wheel reinventing here—just a muted list of American classics with a twist.

Heading the bar is bartender Kevin Petrie, who designs a straightforward cocktail list to enhance the flavors of the spirit. Read: no fancy garnishes here. Reigning high on our list is the Negroni ($15) of Alaska fireweed vodka, Campari and Aperol with a hint of grapefruit, and our swear-by after-work mood-lifter tequila Old Fashioned ($12)—Sparkle Donkey Reposado tequila and a touch of basement bitters. Also available are tasting flights (from $15) that come in a set of three spirits (15ml each)—choose from bourbon, gin, rum, vodka, infused vodka, and whiskey.

The secret is out. We’ve found the best spot in the CBD for quality American spirits.

10 Collyer Quay, #B1-08
Ocean Financial Centre
Mon to Fri: 5pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Raffles Place

For more recommendations on the best bars in Singapore, read the following guides: Top 5 Bars at Tanjong Pagar || Top 5 Bars at Club Street || Top 5 Bars at Ann Siang Hill.

About the writer:
Mandy Lynn is a former I-S Magazine writer and current columnist at Nookmag; her dining and nightlife features are published in Appetite Asia, Food & Travel, and Singapore Tatler Dining. For bite-sized food recommendations, follow her on Instagram and Facebook, or join her Gourmet Adventures to keep up with the latest openings in the dining scene.

A classic cocktail is defined as a cocktail that originated before the end of Prohibition in the United States in 1934. As with most cocktails, the origins are hazy, and many (recipes) have since evolved over the years with each bartenders’ rendition. One thing remains: the most important factor of a classic cocktail is quality.

Have you ever thought about what goes into that drink in your hand? What defines a classic cocktail? How do you differentiate a classic cocktail from cocktails?

This beginners guide to classic cocktails explains some of the most classic cocktails from six main spirits—brandy, gin, rum, tequila, vodka and whiskey.

Brandy

One of the most classic brandy cocktails is the Sidecar. Making its way into some of the most posh watering holes of London and Paris in the 1920s, this enticing mix of brandy, orange liqueur and a dabble of lemon juice is simply structured but complex enough to liberate jaded palates. Other variations include adding aged rum or green Chartreuse to the recipe.

Gin

“Shaken, not stirred.” James Bond has made martinis famous with his catchphrase when ordering a Vesper martini. The most classic gin cocktail is a martini—made with gin and vermouth, garnished with an olive or a twist of lemon. First concocted back in the early 1910s, the ease of manufacturing gin led to the rise of the martini as a predominant cocktail in the mid 20th century.

Rum

A common classic rum cocktail, the mojito requires five ingredients: white rum, sugar (or simple syrup), lime juice, soda water and mint. The combination results in a refreshing, citrusy sweetness that complements the sharp acidity of rum. Countless variations of the mojito make it difficult to accurately trace back its roots, but the early 19th century sees similarities in one of the world’s oldest cocktails El Draque—using wine in place of rum.

Tequila

One of world’s most popular cocktails, a margarita (tequila, triple sec and lime juice) is so simple to make, it’s practically impossible to screw up. All ingredients are added into a shaker and filled with ice before being shaken and strained into a cocktail glass rimmed with salt. While the moniker was first made known in the late 1940s by socialite Margarita Sames, its concoction has been dated prior.

Feverishly sprouting up around the island are cocktails bars dotting the nightlife scene. But what’s hot and what’s not? Here’s our pick of 5 hot new bars in Singapore that up the ante.

Vodka

Having been consumed for over 600 years in Eastern and Northern Europe, the history of classic vodka cocktails (or rather, the lack of one) stretches back a century or more to the early 20th century. An unstoppable classic vodka cocktail, Balalaika has a relatively strong taste of alcohol that may seem harsh at first, but gradually blossoms into a refreshing and tart drink. All it takes is vodka, triple sec and lemon juice—three simple ingredients for this lethal concoction.

Whisky

The early 1800s called upon the (very first) cocktail as “hair of the dog”—consisting of water, sugar and bitters. The term “old fashioned” was used loosely in the late 19th century to describe the old fashioned way of making a cocktail—choice of spirit, sugar and a dash of bitters. One of the early common spirits, bourbon (a type of American whiskey) was widely used in cocktails. Put two and two together, and the Old Fashioned was born. There’s a reason it’s called an ‘Old Fashioned’.

About the writer
Mandy Lynn is a former I-S Magazine nightlife writer and current editor of Nookmag; her dining and nightlife features have been published in Appetite Asia and Catalog Magazine. For on-the-go food recommendations, follow her on Instagram and Facebook, or join her on a Gourmet Adventure.