Manhattan – New York Style Cocktail Bar, Conrad Singapore Orchard
Words & Photos: Monica Tindall Header Photo: Roque Alfonso
Manhattan at Conrad Singapore Orchard has been on Asia’s 50 Best Bars list for nine years, is a two-time winner of Asia’s 50 Best Bars, and even made it to the highly esteemed World’s 50 Best Bars!
Taking cues from the 19th century’s Golden Age of cocktails, this luxurious hotel bar is a nod to old New York. Ace bartenders blend artisanal spirits to honour classic and forgotten cocktails, making history come alive with every drink.
This venue proudly hosts the world’s first in-hotel rickhouse with more than 100 American oak barrels from a specialised cooperage in Minnesota. These barrels finish whiskies and age unique single-cask cocktails from visiting bartenders from around the globe. One of our faves is the Boulevardier Code by current assistant bar manager Riccardo Lugano, who was here eight months ago on a guest shift with the Connaught Bar from London. At that time, he didn’t know Manhattan would be his future employer, but perhaps this cocktail got him the job.
Cocktail Menu
We also try a trio of aged cocktails, The Manhattan, Aged Bamboo, and, of course, I had to try their Solera Aged Negroni.
The bar’s namesake, The Manhattan, is held for eight weeks in American oak. With aging, Michter’s Rye, Mancino Rosso, house cherry brandy and Angostura bitters take on a more complex profile.
The Aged Bamboo, a sherry-based classic, combines Gonzalez Byass Fino Sherry with the herbal notes of Cochi Americano and Lillet Blanc, connected with a dash of orange bitters. Time in the barrel softens the edges and integrates the flavours.
Lastly, my go-to, the Solera Barrel-aged Negroni, marries the bold flavours of Botanist gin, St George Dry Rye, Mancino Rosso, and Campari. It’s matured using the Solera system, where 24 barrels are stacked on different tiers. This technique combines mature and fresh liquid batches, ensuring a uniform profile. The classic flavours come through but are dressed in a silky texture.
Manhattan Food Menu
Food had better be on your agenda if you plan to settle in for the night. Chef de Cuisine Carolyn Or ensures that tummies are satisfied and that alcohol is absorbed with a diverse menu of recipes that might be found in the Big Apple.
I appreciate the nod to a balanced night out with the Baby Carrots. The long, lean roots are tender yet retain a light crunch. We love the whipped ricotta with a gentle maple syrup sweetness, a light citrus flavour in the yuzu salt and crunch from a sprinkling of crispy quinoa.
The Lobster Mac ‘n’ Cheese certainly ups the game as far as the simple pasta dish is concerned. Blue cheese, oak-smoked cheddar, taleggio and nacho cheese wrap fat pieces of lobster, while truffle breadcrumbs add a light crunch and hint of earthiness to the crown.
Our flight from Kuala Lumpur delayed our arrival to Singapore, so we don’t spend nearly as much time in Manhattan as we would like. Next time we return, we hope to explore more of the craft cocktail and food menu, and we look forward to the exciting new opening of a bar-within-a-bar, East47.
Reasons to visit Manhattan—Conrad Orchard Singapore: sophisticated setting, amazing aged cocktail menu, exceptional service. I love the Solera Barrel-aged Negroni, and hubby’s fave is The Manhattan.
Manhattan
Level 2, Conrad Singapore Orchard
1 Cuscaden Road
Singapore 249715
+65 6725 3377
[email protected]
www.facebook.com/manhattansg
www.instagram.com/manhattan_sg
www.conradsingaporeorchard.com/manhattan
Manhattan Bar Opening Hours
Mondays to Thursdays, 5 pm to 12 am
Fridays and Saturdays, 5 pm to 1 am
Closed on Sundays
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