Cover Cocktails by the bar
Cocktails by the bar
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Decoding your inaugural drink in a cocktail bar may be stressful for some, but these drinks experts are here to help sort that out
Navigating a well-stocked bar and choosing your first drink is truly an art form in itself. It can also be a gratifying challenge to all discerning tipplers from all around the world. Or it may well be dependent on what kind of night one intends to have. But if that sounds all too daunting to you, then fret not, as Tatler Dining goes behind the bar to speak with professional bartenders who have just about seen it all.
For many seasoned imbibers, the first drink may come with some reasoning and logic. It represents an arbitrary choice that is akin to a prologue—an enigmatic first sip that sets the tone for every type of evening you wish for. So what makes a good first drink to order in a cocktail bar?
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Above Easy Peasy by Bannie Kang
Easy Peasy by Bannie Kang
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If you’re one to keep your eyes on the prize, you’d most likely be seeking out the signatures in a cocktail bar. Bannie Kang, co-owner and head bartender of Sidedoor, often gets asked about her signature drink when she’s behind the bar. She alludes to the fact that “some guests may not be familiar with the bartender’s style or the bar menu”. Having said that, not everyone shares the same likes and dislikes. For Kang, she beckons with effervescent allure to start, “something sparkling as this type of drink tends to be lighter and more refreshing to the palate”.
The award-winning South Korean bartender’s creations are often based on classics but with plenty of flair from her heritage. Kang recommends starting with the aptly named Easy Peasy which mimics the classic Sour and Bronx. The crisp gin-based cocktail sees local calamansi in place for orange juice while Taiwanese mountain peppers help lend floral fragrance that remind of lemongrass and citrus. As for the refreshing Non-fruit beer cocktail, she combines blended whisky with Korean barley to bring forth a mixed expression between a soju bomb and Taiwanese fruit beer.
For those that prefer to keep it classy with unaltered classics, Jesse Vida, co-owner of Cat Bite Club and bar veteran, explains why he advocates for the timeless allure—something simple such as a highball, negroni, or daiquiri—whenever he orders his first drink: “This is a common way many bartenders test a new bar out and if you cannot execute the minutia of a seemingly simple drink, then I won’t likely be ordering other original cocktail creations. From simple ingredients such as fresh citrus and types of ice used to spirit selection, all of these matter a lot and good bars do care about these things.”
Blame it on the occupational hazard (or not), the Californian bartender is a stickler for quality. After all, he has spent many years behind the bar across different cities. Across the globe, he reckons that the most commonly ordered first drink would be a “Negroni, followed by an Old Fashioned” as these cocktails are widely considered to be higher in strength. For some, a stiff aperitif is best enjoyed before a meal as it helps to whet the appetite. In Martin Villareal’s case, that holds true as the bar operations manager of Gibson Singapore shares that his “favourite first drink, before a meal, is a very cold and crisp dry martini with an olive”.
Above The Gibson by Gibson Singapore
The Gibson by Gibson Singapore
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However, too strong a start may likely derail plans for the rest of the evening for some. Hence, Villareal strikes a balance between the strength spectrum. “Alternatively, light options such as highballs or low-abv cocktails such as bamboo and adonis are excellent choices too,” he suggests. “Opting for something lighter at the start of a long evening not only helps with pacing but also enhances the experience by preparing the palate for the array of cocktails to follow.” He also shares that at Gibson Singapore, the namesake cocktail—The Gibson—is usually the first drink for many as it drinks delightfully crisp and umami with subtle floral notes.
Ultimately, the canvas is vast, and the choices are as varied as the personalities that grace the bar. When you embark on your next cocktail adventure, may these insights guide you to the perfect inaugural tipple.
Credits
Images: M.S. Meeuwesen via Unsplash
Images: Sidedoor
Images: Gibson Singapore
