Awaiting us at the iconic Capitol Theatre was about a dozen over sidecars attached to unmistakable Vespa Scooters as we gathered around for the thematic launch of the Rémy Martin 1738 Accord Royal in honour of the creation of the world’s first-ever luxury cocktail, the Sidecar. After pairing us with our designated Vespa rides courtesy of Singapore Sidecars, City Life Writer Izza and I were all strapped and ready for a celebratory evening of joyful inebriation.
But before all that jazz, the Sidecar is a tipple with a century-old recipe starring the iconic Remy Martin Cognac. While many great stories of its origins were fiercely debated – from it being a trendy choice of libation during the Roaring Twenties or the American soldier’s interpretation of a cognac cocktail during their operations in Europe – history class was well over once we’ve got to sip on cocktails from a handful of Singapore’s best bars – MO BAR, Smoke & Mirrors, Stay Gold Flamingo, Studio 1939 at Potato Head Singapore and Tippling Club – each with their ingenious take on the classic. Here’s what we had.
Race Off: Roaring 20s
Our first stop after a roundabout the Civic District and emerging from its concrete jungle is the newly opened Stay Gold Flamingo, an exciting multi-concept cocktail bar that is the talk of the town. Cheekily named as a homage to the 1920s, The Roaring 20s leans heavily towards the Bauhaus design principle with their elegant yet minimalist twist of a Sidecar. The usual suspects, Rémy Martin 1738 Accord Royal and Cointreau Orange Liqueur were involved in the build but what stood out for us, was the clever addition of fresh coconut water that turned it into a delightful cocktail that was both bright and refreshing with a tinge of salinity for balance. Indeed, holding true to their mission statement, this tipple is one that helps eat the blues, and spread love.
Halfway Line: Cracked Cardinal
Next, we cruised around the colourful heritage neighbourhood of Tanjong Pagar and found ourselves in the good company of the Tippling Club – most recently ranked 43rd on World’s 50 Best Bars 2021. Inspired by a painting of a Vatican cardinal by George Condo in 2001 during his travels through the Caribbean and South America, the bar team artfully infused the Cognac with Palo Santo – holy wood – to reveal the delicate aromatic qualities in the wood alongside white peach liqueur, Vetiver grass – an intense flavour aromatic native to Haiti & India used by top perfumers worldwide to create exquisite fragrances – and fresh lemon juice. Once shaken, it is topped with a spritz of white sage tincture and a palmier-like leaf garnish reflecting hues of red and yellow as to reference the predominant colours of the painting.
The entire build process of the Cracked Cardinal is a work of art in itself, we thoroughly enjoyed the contrast between the subtle sweet fruity notes that came from the white peach liqueur and the earthy undertones from the Palo Santo infused Cognac. Brownie points for the ballsy attempt of switching out one of the usual suspects – Cointreau for its iconic citrusy profile – to deliver a bold contemporary take on a classic which really paid off in our opinion. This is one tipple you can’t miss.
Final Turn: Tokyo Drift
As we rode away from the sunset backdropped by the marvel that is Pinnacle @ Duxton, we found ourselves in the heart of Chinatown where the CNY decorations bloomed into the occasion. Enter Studio 1939, a speakeasy hidden amongst the popular Potato Head Singapore at Keong Saik Road. Inspired by Japanese influence, the Tokyo Drift is a cocktail that doesn’t steer far from the banks, yuzu and honey are shaken with Cognac and Cointreau then garnished with a lemon peel. This citrusy expression drinks slightly velvety and sweet with a tangy finish. Perfect for yuzu lovers out there.
Raising the checkered flag at the end of the line
As nightfall bestowed upon us, it also signified the end of our night with the Sidecars. Izza and I will most definitely miss the breeze hitting our faces as we ride along in a sidecar, each carrying a three-drink buzz. While the fun might be over for us, it has only just begun for the rest of you so get out there and try these delicious cocktails for yourself.
Cognac lovers, here's one for the road
Fancy a taste of the new Rémy Martin 1738 Accord Royal? You’re in luck as one winner will walk away with a 700ml bottle of the fine Cognac. Simply participate in Stay Gold Flamingo’s social media contest when you purchase an iconic Sidecar cocktail during your visit until the end of January. For more details, check out their socials.
