If it's been a minute since you visited this moody hideout in Bukit Pasoh, here's why you need to plan a trip back. Live Twice, the Japanese-inspired, mid-century-style bar by the Jigger & Pony Group, just unveiled a refreshed cocktail menu that feels both familiar and new. And it's full of subtle refinements that make it even better than before.
For the unfamiliar, the bar is loosely inspired by the 1964 novel by Ian Fleming titled You Only Live Twice, the only James Bond story set in Asia. This refreshed menu, created by Principal Bartender Luca Lulli, continues to draw from the Japanese concept of shokunin, which celebrates dedication to craft and the pursuit of perfection. As part of that, each cocktail features no more than four ingredients – a conscious limit that forces purity and focus, without any superfluous elements. It's also in line with what Live Twice does best: expressing the spirit itself.
Like before, the drinks on the menu are split into two acts. "One Life for Yourself" is a tribute to quiet, refined classics, while cocktails under "...And One for Your Dreams" are named after geishas and lean more innovative and contemporary.
The Mizuwari ($28) under "One Life for Yourself" gets an update, and is now a blend of three whiskies instead of two – Hibiki Harmony, Chita Single Grain, and the heady Bowmore 15 Year Single Malt, which lingers on the palate. These are combined with Hokkaido soft water and left in a ceramic tsubo urn to age for days. The result is nothing like the straightforward, punchy whisky highballs served in izakayas, but rather an elegant and rounded sip, with a pleasant, delayed burn.
Jack Rose ($28) is another standout – rosy, bright and dangerously drinkable. The bar swaps out traditional applejack brandy for Rémy Martin 1738 Cognac and Calvados, lifted with house-made grenadine, which gives the drink its fruity character and bright-red hue. Done poorly, this could easily slip into cough syrup territory; thankfully, this stays on the right side of sweet, with just enough sourness.
Also try Sunbeam 照 ($28), one of the rare banana-forward cocktails that doesn't involve rum. Don Julio Reposado tequila is the star here, followed by banana. And finally, umeshu and umeboshi are added to the mix for a sweet-salty balance and a flavour that's unmistakably Japanese.
It's not just the signatures that get a refresh, but the 6pm to 8pm Happy Hour menu too, with additions like the Mikan Margarita, Spumoni Gin Fizz and Pear Bellini ($16 each).
Peckish? The tight but thoughtful yōshoku menu offers everything from hearty sandos to izakaya-style bites. The potato and leek croquettes (S$16) are undeniably comforting, oozing with three types of cheeses, while the new, cloud-like tamago katsu sando ($24) is good enough for two or even three to share. Those feeling fancy can eye the assorted seafood platter ($48), which plates up the freshest catch from Humpback's kitchen next door. And for dessert, the dreamy pumpkin crème brûlée ($16) – served within a mini pumpkin and topped with vanilla ice cream – is worth every calorie.
Live Twice opens daily from 6pm and is located at 20 Bukit Pasoh Rd, Singapore 089834.
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