On the upper level of the shop house digs where Restaurant Jag resides, The Lounge Bar has now launched proper, a couple months after the fine dining spot opened its doors with Jeremy Gillon in the kitchen (his past experience includes a Michelin-starred restaurant in the French Alps).
A separate entrance leads you up into the intimate 23-seater space, which is kitted out with plush chesterfield sofas where you can cozy up to your date, lounge tables for that casual get-together, and high stools with front row views of the cocktail action going on behind the bar.
More than 40 herbs have been flown in from Savoie, and head barman Yong Siang takes great care to make them the star ingredient in his spirit-forward concoctions ($18). To start, the vibrantly effervescent Angelique eases you into the evening with its smooth, sparkly mix of Chita Japanese whisky, Suze Gentiane, umeshu kanjuku ume, jasmine green tea, lemon juice, and egg white froth.
If you’re into citrusy pours with a slight bitter tinge, Hyssop takes the minty herb and blends it with infused rum, St Germaine, Peychaud’s bitters, lime juice, and egg white. Meanwhile, Agastache takes a smokier route with Pierde Almas mezcal, aperol, lemon juice, grapefruit bitters, and sage syrup, resulting in a potent brew that’s gorgeously complex. (You might wanna order a few more rounds of this drink after you’ve tasted your first sip, is what we’re saying.)
For something on the darker, richer end, try Sariette, a glass of Smokehead whisky, montenegro, branca menta, campari, and angostura bitters. You’ll first get a fragrant whiff of rosemary and thyme before you drink the Old Fashioned-inspired cocktail.
Oh, and Christmas comes to the bar all year round, thanks to two festive-loving drinks that are just subtle enough as a tribute to the season without bordering on tacky. Surreau takes raspberry purée and swirls it around with Pierre Ferrand cognac, champagne, eau de vie, and lemon juice for a celebratory swig, while Sapinette exudes that divine pine scent associated with Yuletide days in its mix of pine-infused vodka, blueberry purée, lime juice, maraschino syrup, prune eau de vie, and egg white. A couple mouthfuls later, you’ll be wondering if it’s December yet.
Not to be left out, classics ($18) like whiskey sour, negroni, nespresso martini, and something awe-inspiring called the Corpse Reviver #2 (Le Gin, Lillet Blanc, Cointreau, lemon juice, and absinthe) can also be found on the menu. But first, line your stomach with fancy bar bites from the kitchen below. Highlights include croque monsieur ($26) with gruyere, emmental, and raclette; braised smoked parsnip ($15) with asperule odorante butter and toasted bread; and vegetarian risotto ($18) topped with drizzles of basil pesto, braised shallots, and shaved veggies.
FIND IT:
The Lounge Bar is at 76A Duxton Rd, L2.
9686-5440. Tues-Sat 6pm-11:30pm.
MRT: Tanjong Pagar/Telok Ayer
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