InterContinental Singapore launches new cocktail menu at The Lobby Lounge

Luxury hotel InterContinental Singapore has unveiled a new day and night cocktail menu for The Lobby Lounge, taking inspiration from “the cultural diversity” of the local area.

The Lobby Lounge has launched an all-new cocktail menu crafted in collaboration with consulting mixologist Jesse Vida of Singapore’s Cat Bite Club.

The menu comprises day and night cocktails that champion the use of local spices and herbs such as cloves, cumin and star anise.

Each chapter on the menu is inspired by the hotel’s neighbourhood, beginning with Sultan Gate Garden. This section takes inspiration from the Gelam Trees and spice garden of the former Malay palace in Kampong Glam. Guests can start with Royal Rosales (S$22) — a concoction of Kyrö Gin, Nardini Bitter, strawberry grapefruit, lemon, absinthe, pink pepper and sea salt.

Drinks in the Arab Street chapter pay homage to Singapore’s first-generation businesses — Flower Shop Sour (S$22), made with Chalong Bay Spiced Rum, kaffir leaf-infused Ceylon Arak, clove orange cordial, coconut cream, lemon, chamomile honey and orange bitters.

Famed street Haju Lane inspired Haji Paji (S$22), an agave-based drink made of Tequila Ocho Plata, Herrencia Mezcal, cumin, grapefruit, lime, absinthe and soda.

Albert Food Centre, one of Singapore’s best hawker centres, is also spotlighted on the menu, with cocktails such as Tjendol Milk Punch (S$22), reminiscent of the chendol, a coconut-based iced dessert found in the hawker. The clear pandan-infused drink uses a meticulous milk-washing technique, lending a delicate silky texture bolstered by the comforting notes of coconut, gula melaka and lemon.

The menu ends with a nod to 80 Middle Road, home of InterContinental Singapore, with the Legacy Eighty (S$22) — a blend of Bobby’s Gin, blue pea-infused Blanc Vermouth, Champagne, tamarind and orange bitters, as well as its smokier counterpart, Flaming Tightrope (S$22), featuring Nikka FTB, toasted rice, basil, chilli and soda.

assistant manager and mixologist Rhodora Amurao will serve and oversee the new menu. She said of the selection: “The new cocktail menu at The Lobby Lounge not only reflects the rich heritage of the Bugis and Bras Basah neighbourhoods, but is also an ode to the art of mixology. Aside from unique spice infusions, it is designed to engage the five senses of taste, smell, touch, sight, and sound — the last being the stories we get to tell through each drink.”

consulting mixologist Jesse Vida added: “We wanted to create a menu that is unique to InterContinental Singapore and reflects the cultural diversity of the area, by taking cues from the different landmarks and infusing an array of spices inspired by them. Guests can discover the vibrant neighbourhood by tasting the very bits that make it unique.”

The Lobby Lounge has also renewed its all-day dining menu, created by Chef De Cuisine Charles Nguyen.