Cock-Tales

Located at Level 5 of Jewel Changi Airport, Herit8ge (opened by the same folks behind Fresh Fruits Lab and Platform 1094) aims to serve local-inspired fare with a modern twist.

Coming under the section of locally-inspired cocktails on the menu, the Gin Gao Chng Tng comes with all the usual essentials of the local dessert of Chng Tng such as dried longans, white fungus and red dates, though also spiked with gin. The dessert comes cooling and refreshing, while the other ingredients helped to create texture with a bite; the Gin comes at the finish, ending off the dessert with an alcoholic touch without causing the Chng Tng to feel heaty. Not the first to have come up with cocktails based off classic local desserts, but certainly an item worth commending their efforts and creativity for introducing a new taste to local cuisine via a less common application.

I usually don’t get quite particularly excited about cocktails but the rare encounter of a Nin Jiom cocktail got us so curious we decided to get one.

Said to be a concoction that is a recipe of the owners of Scissors Paper Stove, it was a well put together mix of Pi Pa Gao, Bourbon, Honey, Lemon and Mint — tastes exactly like the traditional Chinese cough remedy but with a wicked, boozy punch at the back. Must say that it was something I quite like, despite it being bit quite like the lighter drinks that I am usually more prepared to have.

This would probably suit those who prefer more lighter and refreshing flavour profiles for their cocktails — found this to be pretty manageable to finish even though I don't have cocktails very often. Said to be a blend of tropical flavours and Peranakan elements, its floral and aromatic yet well-balanced — rather calm and soothing while the accompanying sesame crisp gives that roasty crunch.

Flat White is my regular order at any cafe, thus the Flat White Stout available as a craft beer on tap definitely piqued my interest. Yes; it's a stout, not coffee — that's in case you are confused. Brewed by 8wired Stout, the Flat White Stout is a rather light drink at 5.5% — it comes pretty foamy and is recommended to be had when the drink settles down after a minute or two. The foam is really creamy and smooth, while the stout itself isn't particularly carbonated — it carries a smoothness that is reminiscent of Flat White with a lingering earthiness with a bit of malty sweetness in its finish. Pretty unique, I must say.

The presentation may be the least fancy of the lot for the cocktails listed in the Local Favourites section of the drinks menu but this concoction of pineapple rum, Basil and Kaya House Bitters was simple and rather straightforward. It starts off with a hint of basil before a hint of coconuty Kaya flavour lifts off before it ends with a tinge of sweet and zingy pineapple-infused rum that carries a nice hint of alcohol flavour trailing at the end.

Made my reservations for Loof through Chope via Burpple and entered "CHOPEBURPPLE" to earn 200 Chope Dollars, while reviewing the restaurant that you have reserved on Burpple using #BurppleXChope earns another 200 more — an amount good enough for one to purchase vouchers for selected restaurants on Chope. ✌🏻

Served just like how we locals drink our coffees from a bag in the office, the Kopi Cat is a cocktail made with a concoction of salted caramel vodka, Kopi, hazelnut, condensed milk, orgeat and a dash of black salt. This comes as a rather well-mixed drink that sees the alcohol and intended flavours all come together as one; sweet yet alcoholic at the start but turns into something similar to a sweetened, flavoured latte for its finish. One of the better drinks on the table that night.

Made my reservations for Loof through Chope via Burpple and entered "CHOPEBURPPLE" to earn 200 Chope Dollars, while reviewing the restaurant that you have reserved on Burpple using #BurppleXChope earns another 200 more — an amount good enough for one to purchase vouchers for selected restaurants on Chope. ✌🏻

Yet another spot to get your alcoholic Root Beer fix if Bukit Batok is simply too far from you — the various types of beer, ciders and other alcoholic drinks from The Rawr Kitchen are also available at On Tap in Chinatown Complex Market. No doubt I would prefer the fizzier and fresher Root Beer served straight out from the tap at the main brewery within The Rawr Kitchen which is also nearer to me, but if that is simply just too far for eastie friends this makes for a good alternative in a location that is more central for most.

PS: Check out Rudy's Snack Bar right beside On Tap for some grub such as fries, chewy fish crackers and chicken drumlets and more during evenings on Tues to Sat if you are in need of more "westernized grub" to go along with your beers; didn't have the stomach to try but definitely noticed a bunch of people who are having drinks ordering some food from them as well — the same particular stall seems to be operated under the main tenant (operating with the name reflected on the signboard) selling Chinese fare in the day.

Quite something that I quite liked even though I don't really fancy things with ginger. It's a rather easy drink for it carries of an easy sweet start, but gulp it in and that's when it carries a rather mild spiciness that seems to stay on both on the tongue and lips and builds on with subsequent sips. This works so well with fried food especially, and even better if you have chili dip for the fried food — every single sip just seems to help add a little bit more spiciness to the food which makes it a really interesting drink to try.

Apart from insanely spicy wings, The Rawr Kitchen prided themselves over house-brewed beers that had clinched them a silver award at Southeast Asia Beer Awards. Featured here are the various alcohol that they brew in house at the brewery within the establishment — not an avid beer drinker (lately I find myself enjoy white wine, Moscato, Champagne, Korean Rice Wine, Ciders and Sakes more) my choice was definitely the Root Beer (middle in photo). Don't be mistaken — the Root Beer is totally alcoholic though it tastes largely similar to the ones we are used to now (so you can come expecting to feed your cravings for A&W Root Beer), though it's been said that Root Beer was made alcoholic during its inception which is what inspired this version here. Definitely a recommendation to try the Root Beer for those who are intending to make a visit to The RawR Kitchen soon!

From 20F Specialty Coffee at 20 Foch Road. Apart from serving coffee they also do serve a range of cocktails. Requested for this to be done lighter (not too seasoned to alcohol) and this was done just the way I wanted it; this concoction is a mix of rum, Berry purée, Blueberries, Mint Leaves, Soda Water and Sugar Syrup. A good drink for the ladies; a little bit on the sweeter side with a light hint of berry flavour.

From Don't Tell Mum, a bar concept that shares the same premises as The Da Bang at night that serves a Korean-Mexican fusion menu. These Frozen Cocktails are on 50% off for the month, which means you can get them from $5 onwards. I had the Manzanrita cocktail (front in photo); an Apple and Tequila concoction that's like Slurpee and a cocktail shot combined together. Frankly speaking the alcohol ain't strong in this one, much of it being covered by the sweet Apple flavour but for $5, there really ain't much to complain about (and I don't really drink anyway). Those who are on a tight budget and looking for a spot to chill over some cheap cocktails; now you know which corner to look out for!

If you are less adventurous, skip the rest of the cocktails to have the Longan Cobbler, which despite being doused with various gins and angosutra, has its strong alcoholic flavours balanced off perfectly with the sweetness of Longans and syrup.