We can usually find an excuse for a cocktail at just about anytime of the day, but it’s Friday night, we’re at The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore, and have been promised a journey across the seas with signature Colony cocktails – no excuse needed.
Colony, the hotel’s beautiful celebration of Singapore’s rich culinary history, is inspired by the voyage the British took from home to the East Indies in the late 1700’s. As such décor, food and beverage summon sentiments of a former romanticised epoch. A handful of libations have been especially crafted to carry guests from departure to arrival ensuring they get a good taste of the curiosities along the way.
Setting sail from the UK, we embark with the Long Journey, complete with ‘departure card’ pegged to the side as garnish. This take on the whisky sour shakes Great King Street Scottish whisky, Irish Guinness reduction, English honey and fresh lemon juice over ice. Its lovely frothy top is finished with grated nutmeg. Proving a hit with us both tonight it gets repeat orders during the course of our weekend getaway at The Ritz.
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| The Long Journey |
France and Spain are connected in the Blaze of Biscay through Rémy Martin VSOP Cognac, sweet Pedro Ximinez sherry, and homemade vanilla and cinnamon syrup. Topped up with strawberry and green tea, all ingredients are flambéed and served warm alongside vanilla ice cream. Although we’re only at the beginning of our expedition, this one might be best saved to last as it makes a wonderful alternative (or companion) to dessert.
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| Blaze of Biscay |
In a nod to the Asian tea pulling style of teh tarik, the Bengal Brew features Earl Grey tea, condensed milk, vanilla and cinnamon syrup, and Mount Gay black barrel rum. The mix is poured between jugs in an entertaining show of skill, and topped with grated nutmeg and cinnamon. Served in a Gucci teacup, you could sneakily get away with this one at breakfast 😉
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| Bengal Brew |
Dutch Courage is a cool treat as we further breach the tropics. Dutch Genever gin, homemade orange and carrot syrup, mandarin tea, and fresh lemon juice, are topped up with Fever-Tree Indian Tonic Water. Star anise floats on the top and the remains of the tonic are too delivered allowing us to add (or not) as desired.
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| Dutch Courage |
Our final arrival to Singapore is marked with the Governor’s Invitation. A scroll with a formal request from the governor himself signals our trip’s conclusion. Making good use of local elements, this elegant tipple combines fresh coconut water, homemade pineapple and lemongrass syrup, Bacardi white rum and fresh lemon, and is bestowed a light effervescence with a generous splash of Champagne.
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| The Governor’s Invitation |
With tableside cocktail preparation, a graceful setting, and delicious cocktails, time pending, we might just purchase a return ticket.
Reasons to visit: gorgeous vintage setting; tableside cocktail service; we encourage taking the full journey, but if you must choose our favourites were the Long Journey and the Blaze of Biscay.
Colony
The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore
7 Raffles Avenue
Singapore 039799