It’s not every day you’ll stumble upon a tried and true speakeasy concept with a mean cocktail programme like Taylor Adam. Bursting into the cocktail scene just about seven months ago, the enchanting yet suave speakeasy sewed up a new cocktail chapter that seeks to delight our taste buds and convey the rich and diverse heritage of Singapore.
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Taylor Adam's impeccably-dressed team of mixologists came up with ten new cocktails that take you on an explorative and highly immersive journey to the vast diversity of cultures in Asia.
Inspired by the sunsets on the Malaccan horizon is the Peranakan Sunset which also places an emphasis on featuring Nyonya heritage ingredients. This aromatic tipple showcases a beautiful nose of makrut lime leaves with an alluring mix of deep blue and purple hues from Brass Lion Distillery’s Butterfly Pea Gin. We love that each sip is refreshingly citrusy with a subtly sweet tang to finish.
HOT TIP Be sure to whip out your cameras as the tipple comes with a side of smoky theatrics that reminds us of a bubbling smoking hot cauldron of magic potion, definitely a must-order to flex on the gram.
Up next, the Mestizo conveys a loose translation of the “mixed heritage” bloodlines when Siamese locals married European traders who settled down in Ayutthaya back in the 16th century. A phenomenon that transpired when the British East Indian Company established trade in Siam. This vivacious mix of sherry wine, Thai basil, lemongrass-infused tea and a splash of absinthe is surprisingly approachable with a welcoming touch of herbaceousness.
Named after a town that’s dubbed as everlasting peace in tribute to Captain Tristan Speedy who discovered the town of Taiping in Perak, Malaysia, this ruby-like cocktail stars Malaysia’s very own, Timah Double Peated Whisky. Harmoniously blended with rum, gin, berries and ginger to serve up a boozy drink where piquant smoke dominates the palate while it gently fades into a subtle berry fruitiness.
FAIR WARNING Don't go judging a book by its cover and assume that Taiping Town is like any other light fruity cooler – we're here to tell you it is most definitely not. A complex tipple on its own, only order if you’re feeling extra adventurous.
But if you’re really looking for a perk-me-up after a tough day in the office, subscribe to the Nimbu Pani or the Masala Chai. The former is a nod to the popular lemon water sold across India but spiked and it drinks brightly zesty with hints of bold peppery spice from India’s very own, Terai Gin. While the latter is pretty literal but with the addition of cognac to treat chai lovers to a cardamom-forward creamy refresher.
Finally, a cocktail that isn’t afraid to spark a little controversy amongst avid tipplers. Named after “Ilha Formosa” aka beautiful island – how the Portuguese described Taiwan in the late 1800s – and also encapsulates the vibrant Taiwanese night market culture that many Singaporeans have come to love and reminisce about.
But here’s the kicker, it headlines with heaps of fresh cilantro, definitely forcing tipplers to take sides – either you love or hate it. Suffice to say, we ain’t jivin' with #teamcilantro but if you love the soapy herb then it’s really a no-brainer.
Of course, hard-hitting favourites from Taylor Adam’s first chapter cocktails such as the Lung and Dangerous, Over the Sea, LSD and the New York New York will still remain available to quaff.
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