Cover Mogā refreshes its cocktail menu under the new direction of bar manager Ralph Allen Santos (Photo: Mogā)
Mogā refreshes its cocktail menu under the new direction of bar manager Ralph Allen Santos (Photo: Mogā)
1 / 1
Tatler+
Pullman Singapore Hill Street’s modern izakaya bar, Mogā, enters a new chapter as bar manager Santos refreshes the menu with eight cocktails rooted in the concept of Hanko and shaped by Japanese traditions, seasonal flavours and techniques
Pullman Singapore Hill Street’s modern izakaya bar, Mogā, has entered a new chapter with the appointment of Ralph Allen Santos as bar manager. Formerly of The Spirits Library, an award-winning speakeasy in the Philippines, Santos brings decades of experience in the drinks industry, earning him the moniker ‘Dean of Spiritual Arts’.
A prominent figure in the sector, he honed his craft under industry veteran Lee Watson, helping propel the venue onto the Asia 50 Best Bars extended list and Tatler Best 20 Bars in the Philippines. Beyond the bar, he serves as a regional consultant and mentor committed to nurturing the next generation of hospitality talent.
Bringing his expertise to Mogā, Santos has refreshed the cocktail menu, which remains firmly rooted in Japanese flavours, rituals and techniques, but reinterpreted through his contemporary lens. At its heart lies Hanko, the traditional Japanese personal seal that signifies identity, authorship and heritage. The concept gives each of the eight new cocktails with its own visual identity and offers a fresh perspective on Japan through familiar traditions, unexpected combinations and contemporary techniques.
Reflecting on the creative process, Santos said: “Mogā challenged me to approach drinks from a very different perspective. I wanted to create cocktails that still have character, yet feel lighter, more approachable and suited to how people drink in Singapore.”
Read more: What you need to know about Pullman Singapore Hill Street’s three new dining concepts
Santos’ refreshed cocktail menu, featuring eight new concoctions
1 / 7
There’s no better way to begin than with Threshold, inspired by the torii gates that mark the passage between the familiar and the unknown. Light and refreshing, it eases guests into the evening with Roku Gin, hojicha, umeshu cordial and hinoki bitters.
Next is Hanami, which captures the fleeting beauty of cherry blossom season with Hendrick’s Another Gin, rosé wine cordial, white peppercorns, watermelon and sakura tea soda. Juicy and delicately floral, the concoction features playful hints of watermelon bubblegum and a sugary finish courtesy of a delicate meringue topping.
Inspired by mochi, one of Japan’s quintessential sweets, Serenity is a silky clarified milk punch combining Monkey Shoulder, yuzu, genmaicha tea and Giffard strawberry syrup. Served in a teacup, Nagomi reimagines the dirty matcha latte as a cocktail: Belvedere Vodka, matcha, vanilla liqueur, white cacao liqueur and cream create an earthy, indulgent serve, completed by a dusting of matcha powder.
Don’t miss: Sweet Surrender: The most creative dessert cocktails in Singapore
Above Japanese-inspired sharing plates complement the new cocktail menu at Mogā
Japanese-inspired sharing plates complement the new cocktail menu at Mogā
1 / 1
Head chef Leon Quek’s Japanese-inspired sharing plates complement the menu, ranging from ankimo and sunchoke chips, a rich monkfish liver spread served with crisp crisps, to charred cauliflower and fungus, where smoky vegetables meet whipped tofu, red miso and toasted pine nuts. For something more substantial, the aburi salmon nigiri is topped with yuzu mayonnaise, pickled jalapeño, ikura and tangerine, balancing richness with bright citrus and a gentle kick.
That said, the refined food and cocktail programmes mark a confident stride forward for Mogā under Santos’s direction. By pairing inventive drinks with thoughtful culinary craft, the izakaya bar firmly establishes a new chapter where heritage and modern conviviality meet seamlessly in every sip and bite.
Credits
Images: Mogā
Topics
Dudi Aureus is the senior dining and travel editor at Tatler Singapore, covering the city’s most exciting restaurants, global travel trends, and the personalities shaping the culinary and lifestyle scenes. She also serves as co-jury chair for the Tatler Best awards in Singapore, celebrating the very best in hospitality. When she’s off duty, she can often be found at a favourite hole-in-the-wall Thai spot, savouring a perfectly balanced pad thai.
Curated for you
The stories, profiles, and cultural moments featured on our Instagram feed
