Take a trip to the district’s most beloved drinkeries, classic ones or new openings. Wrap up a night of fun with a glass or two, curated by talented hands of the city’s renowned mixologists.
The Daily Tot
Set on the lively junction of Hollywood Road and Peel Street, the Cuban-inspired rum bar distinguishes itself from nearby hotspots. Helmed by industry veteran Gerry Olino, who previously appeared at Foxglove and Dr. Fern’s Gin Parlour, The Daily Tot’s drinks menu is a nod to niche liquors sourced from Carribean distilleries. Enjoy a blend of coffee and rum with the Caffeinated Buttered Rum, infused with Cuban rum spiced with coffee and cacao. For a summer refresher, order yourself a glass of PB & G, using Plantation 3 Stars white rum, yuzu cordial, and topped with foamy egg white.
Twenty Fifth Hour
Reimagining the drinking experience, mixologist Kenzo Lee takes guests on a journey through different times of the day with his signature concoctions. From “yum cha” at 8am, to a bowl of alcohol-infused soup at 25:00, the local team mixed in elements of each meal to create a fine dining-like cocktail menu. On top of their adventurous line-up, a la carte items are just as intriguing. For tongues that prefer a citrusy and fragrant mix, try A Ticking Romance, with Cimarron Tequila, Strawberry Sous Vide Suze, and Grapefruit Bitters that will help you unwind in the extra hour.
The Aubrey
Savour an elegant and intimate night of drinks with your pals, against the sweeping views of Victroia Harbour. Nestled on the 25th floor of Mandarin Oriental, the Izakaya-inspired lounge houses dazzling emerald décor and offers distinctive bar experiences. Featuring seasonal fruits from Japan, the bar stirs up the finest variations of delectable concoctions. A nod to the beloved omakase culture, The Aubrey also offers a chef’s choice for cocktails. Cosy up in the top floor and indulge in quality bites and quenchers.
Stockton
Find the lightbulb on the wall and it will lead you to this hidden gem in Central. Down the stairs into a amber-tone space filled with antiques and leather banquettes, Stockton resembles a colonial country manor. Serving innovative cocktails and British-style bites, the secretive pub offers elevated bar snacks. Share a spread of duck Scotch eggs, Black Truffle Risotto Balls, Salmon Rillette, and dessert. For drinks, treat yourself to a sophisticated original creation such as Cousin Neolith, with roasted fig syrup, Panama rum, avocado liquer, and a dash of single grain teeling whisky.
Zzura
Central has discovered a new oasis in the Soho district. This almost mystical Saharan booze haven gathers well-known names in the industry. Including Gagan Gurung from Tell Camellia, and Princebir Singh from Zuma. Unlike hippie lounges and neon-lit bars, Zzura is reminiscent of Persian architecture, or a private nomad tent in the middle of a dessert. Designed by the same team behind Foxglove and PDT, the simple geometrics and muted tones piece together an inviting and refined surrounding. Infusing Middle Eastern flavours, the Big Fig cocktail blends fig jam whisky sour, while the Saffron Milk Punch spotlights saffron, cardamom, masala tea, and rum.
Argo
Along the hotel’s revamp came Argo, taking over its predecessor, Blue Bar. Enter a dazzling space filled with mirrors, decorated ceilings, shimmering lights, and velvet furniture. Offering a more relaxed affair than Caprice, Argo is led by a team of promising mixologists – Lorenzo Antinori, Summer Lo, and Yvonne Chan. While the bar is certainly on the more approachable and fun side, its not to be assumed that quality is compromised. Take a sip of the Single Origin Negroni, featuring robust Negroni with a hint of cacao, farmed in a Malaysia.
