There’s a utopic sense of mystery, romance, and theatre at Anouska's. Hidden inside the Duxton Reserve Hotel, the seductive bar is an ode to former Bond girl Anouska Hempel, an acclaimed British interior designer who designed the hotel. Top-shelf spirits, premium wines, local craft beers and artisanal Chinese teas are aplenty as there’s much to be imbibed. But it is the headlining cocktails that remain the crowd-pleaser.
Heavily influenced by the disco era of the 70s and 80s, the cocktails are a fusion of contemporary recipes with nostalgic Eastern influences. The trademark drink is none other than Escape to Kaifeng ($26) – you’ve not really been to Anouska’s if you haven’t had a swig of this delicious tipple – where London dry gin is infused with a homemade chrysanthemum cordial to deliver elegant floral profiles.
Those who prefer a stiffer tipple should have the On Her Majesty’s Secret Service ($26)– the namesake’s a playful ode to the former bond girl. A take on a classic dry gin martini, it is spiked with yuzu and green tea bitters for an added touch of zest. But if you’re all for the revered classics, have a go at the Martini Triad ($26). It is a tasting flight of three signature Bond-approved martinis, including a briny dirty martini that is clouded with house-made pickled green chillies.
Another worthy mention is the Hong Long Choc ($26). Dedicated to chocolate lovers, this smoky combination is concocted with whisky, chocolate liqueur, aromatic bitters and Lapsang Souchong. Feeling peckish? There’s also a mouth-watering selection of modern Chinese cuisine from Yellow Pot to complement your tipples.