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.

Consecutively awarded the ‘World’s Best Airport’ for its sixth year in 2018—the first time in the history of the awards—, Changi Airport dubs itself as ‘an airport worthy of being a destination in itself’ for good reason. 

Jewel Changi Airport will be Singapore Changi Airport’s newest addition and unmistakably one of the most highly-anticipated openings in our city. Opening on 17 April 2019, this complex will house some of the world’s biggest f&b brands such as popular American burger franchise Shake Shack, A&W and London’s famous Burger & Lobster.

Before the official opening, a public preview will be held from 11 to 16 April 2019 for everyone to have a sneak peek. A total of about 500,000 free tickets will be available and it will run in four three-hour time blocks from 10am to 10pm daily.

The 14,000 sq m Canopy Park—located on the top floor of Jewel Changi Airport—is not available and it will be open to the public only in the middle of the year.

Here’s what you can expect to find in Jewel Changi Airport!

The 10-storey complex will cover a gross floor area of 134,000 meters square and will comprise a whole range of play attractions for both kids and adults alike, a variety of popular restaurants and retail brands.

To date, more than 90% of their retail space has already been occupied by big brands, including NYC’s famous Shake Shack and sportswear giant Nike. Whether you’re looking for international cuisines or local fare or even a place to sit down and sip on a pint of beer, this new mall has covered it all.

A&W

After having left our sunny shores 10 years ago, we thought that the popular American fast food chain A&W will be gone for good. Good news to fans of their famous root beer float, waffles and curly fries—A&W will be re-opening in Singapore as one of the tenants in Jewel Changi Airport!

BURGER & LOBSTER

Those who have travelled to London should be familiar with Burger & Lobster, London’s famous lobster roll restaurant. Known for its rustic yet luxurious concept, the brand’s Singapore outpost will include new dishes that are inspired by local flavours, alongside their signature lobster rolls and burgers.

Photo Credit: Collin’s

EL FUEGO BY COLLIN’S®

Good news to our Muslim friends—well-known Western chain, COLLIN’S, will be opening a branch that specialises in halal European cuisine at Jewel Changi Airport. Branded as El Fuego, diners can tuck into the edible likes of steak, oysters, seafood and more here!

Photo Credit: Laderach

LÄDERACH

Consistently ranked among the top chocolate brands in Switzerland, Läderach has been around since 1962 and now has 65 outlets across Switzerland, Germany, the Middle East and Asia. Promising the use of top-quality cocoa beans, their handmade chocolates will be air-flown and sold in their new outlet in Jewel Changi Airport come end-March.

Photo Credit: Pink Fish

PINK FISH

A Norwegian brand, Pink Fish is a salmon-centric restaurant that focuses heavily on sustainability. Using solely fresh Norwegian salmon, the restaurant aims to serve as a wholesome, healthy alternative to fast-food restaurants and their outlet at Jewel Changi Airport will its first ever outlet outside of Norway. Here you can expect a variety of salmon dishes in the form of burgers, wraps, hot pots and salads!

POKEMON CENTRE

The world’s only Pokémon Centre outside of Japan is set to open in Singapore at Jewel Changi Airport next year. As with every Pokémon Centre, you can expect to find seasonal and regional exclusive toys, stationery, trading cards, jewellery and even chopsticks! In addition, this outlet will be selling Pikachu plushies in pilot and cabin crew uniform, which are only available exclusively in Singapore!

SHAKE SHACK

Since its humble beginnings as a hot dog stand in Madison Square Park, Shake Shack is currently one of the most well-known fast food chains in the world, operating 136 locations internationally. The fast-food brand will be making its debut in Singapore’s Jewel Changi Airport and will be having the same menu as Shake Shack in the US and South Korea.

TIGER STREET LAB

Sip on some local beer whilst touring the new mall with homegrown beer brand, Tiger Beer. The local brand will be unveiling a first-in-the-world concept in Jewel, Tiger Street Lab which will feature both F&B and retail elements. Look forward to Tiger’s usual range of beers as well as exclusive-to-Jewel seasonal brews and pair them with some of Singapore’s street food which will also be available on Tiger Street Lab’s menu.

Photo Credit: Yelp

RETAIL STORES

Besides the myriad of dining destinations, Jewel Changi Airport will also host numerous retail brands where you can shop till you drop and get some retail therapy.

Of which, sportswear giant Nike will be opening a 1000 square meter store, its largest outlet in Southeast Asia. Local, homegrown brands such as Naiise and Supermama will also be introducing first-of-its-kind concepts for their stores in Jewel as part of Changi Airport’s efforts to introduce Singaporean brands to the rest of the world.

Read: Jewel Changi Airport Food Directory – 111 restaurants, eateries and cafes to dine at