Singapore’s bartending maestros share their go-to spots for this iconic classic cocktail
What more can be said about the martini that isn’t anything about it being iconic? Regardless of its fiercely debated origin story, it stands firm as one of the most popular alcoholic tipples around the world since its inception. So much so that influential American literary critic H.L. Mencken referred to it as “the only American invention as perfect as the sonnet”. Even Ian Fleming’s fiction novel in the 60s was brought to life by James Bond in Casino Royale with the iconic “shaken, not stirred” catchphrase that skyrocketed the vesper martini into fashion.
But to find the best martini in Singapore today, Tatler Dining spoke to some of the best bartenders in the city to sift them out. Whether you’re searching for the time-tested dry martini or its varied but equally tasty renditions, this list is certified ice cold.
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1. Bai Jiawei, founder of White Shades
“A place that immediately came to my mind is The Bar at Morton’s. To define the word best, I am looking at a few aspects: quality of the product used, the volume, garnish, service of the staff, vibes of the place and the price point. I enjoy a dry martini with a lemon twist. When I have a martini, I want it strong and ice cold. Temperature is vital, for a drink that has such a high alcohol content, so the speed at which it is made and served is really important. Ingredients have to be frozen or well chilled. Morton’s Bar does it well.”
The Bar at Morton’s
Address: 5 Raffles Avenue, Fourth Storey, Mandarin Oriental, S(039797)