Traipse through a psychedelic jungle and you’ll find the libation temple of Jungle Ballroom within the verdant grounds of the Mondrian Duxton. And they intend to make staying out late great again as they now boast the license to operate till 2am in the wee morning.
At the bar, you’ll find award-winning head bartender Adrian Besa, who is one of the most celebrated bartenders in the region. Best known for his cerebral mixology skills and charismatic hospitality, the cocktail maverick and his team have set out to light up all senses with a series of vibrant and creative drinks.
The drinks, created in tandem with folks from Proof & Co, all carry modern Asian influences in the hopes of showcasing not only Southeast Asian spirits but also some of the world’s rarest and most interesting finds – all thanks to an in-house spirit importing license. And depending on your order, you might find yourself swinging about in the Jungle Canopy or hanging out in the Understorey and perhaps even stumbling upon lost ruins on the Forest Floor.
Some of our highlights include the fizzy ginger mule-like High Water ($26) with elegant floral notes, the negroni-inspired Shrub ($26) showcasing the use of fermented nashi shrub, and the cheeky Queen of the Jungle ($26) which drinks like a velvety smooth rye whiskey old fashioned. Equally remarkable to the vibrant thematic menu is the juxtaposition of the dark and dreamy space anchored by a stunning sunken bar – perfect for either intimate dates or grand parties.
“To give the feeling of stepping into a hidden sanctuary, we incorporated two clandestine entrances, where guests can come up from street level through a ‘secret tunnel’ enveloped in greenery, or through the curtained entrance within the hotel,” explains Robbyn Carter, founder and principal of California-based Studio Carter, who conjured the interiors of the alcove.
While it may be a tropical jungle, there’s no horsing around with the attire so avoid showing up in shorts and slippers. Otherwise, reservations are now open.
