Nestled in a charming shophouse on Circular Road, Anthology is a cozy gem that celebrates Singapore’s flavours and traditions. Its cocktail menu is a love letter to the country’s timeless desserts, evoking the nostalgia of childhood treats from hawker stalls and neighborhood shops. Each expertly crafted drink is a delightful trip down memory lane with every sip.
This August, as we honour Singapore’s birthday month, what better way to celebrate than by indulging in all things local? Raise a glass to the Lion City and toast to its vibrant culture and flavours!
Cocktails with Old-School Dessert Vibes
Each concoction is inspired by iconic local desserts and made using Singapore-made spirits from Compendium Spirits. It feels like every glass serves up a memory from childhood, but with a dash of grown-up creativity and flair.
Here are some of my personal favourites that you shouldn’t miss:
- Bandung ($22): This cocktail elegantly transforms the classic pink Bandung drink, blending Chendol gin with lychee and rose, topped with bandung soju and warm lychee foam. It’s delicate, floral, and whimsical—a beautiful twist on a nostalgic flavour.
- Soursop ($24): For something zesty and tropical, this cocktail brings together the crispness of Melaka arrack and apple, balanced with honey and the tartness of soursop, served with a gold-dusted nata de coco garnish.
- Chng Teng ($26): Reminiscent of cooling down with a bowl of chng teng, this cocktail uses Longan Distilled Honey Spirits and features subtle notes of winter melon, red dates, and white fungus. The result is an exotic yet comfortingly familiar sip. And if you like your drink strong, this is it.
- Kaya Toast ($24): Paying homage to everyone’s favourite breakfast, this drink delivers aromatic and subtly sweet notes that echo the iconic kaya toast.
- Ice Kachang ($38): Playful in both flavour and presentation, this cocktail is a textural and aromatic delight worthy of its legendary dessert inspiration.
Bar Bites that Reimagine Local Classics
Of course, no great cocktail session is complete without delicious bites to share. Anthology’s tapas menu is every bit as creative and heritage-inspired as its drinks. The chefs take local dishes and reimagine them with modern techniques.
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- Orh Luak with House-made Dressing ($20): This local favorite features a golden-brown, crispy egg and potato starch pancake loaded with fresh, plump oysters. Each bite is a textural delight, offering a satisfying crunch that gives way to the tender, briny oysters. Served with their zesty, house-made chili dressing, it’s a umami bomb you won’t soon forget.
- Dang Gui Chilled Chicken Breast ($14): For something lighter, this chilled chicken breast dish delivers subtle aromatics from Chinese angelica root, served with refreshing finesse. It’s an ideal choice if you want to give your tastebuds a brief pause from the bold dishes—but don’t skimp on pairing it with the Bandung cocktail’s floral notes for the ultimate balance.
- Laksa Tau Pok ($16): Who doesn’t love laksa? Anthology’s version breathes new life into this hawker centre staple by turning it into a beautifully plated small bite. Tofu puffs are stuffed with a succulent filling of prawns, pork, and turnip, then served atop a fragrant laksa sauce. The creamy, spicy kick makes it the perfect partner to the zesty Soursop cocktail.
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- Signature Rendang Ragu ($32): Inspired by the hearty flavours of beef rendang, this dish transforms slow-cooked short ribs into a rich, spiced ragu. Topping it off with premium ingredients and modern flair, this is comfort food elevated to perfection. Pair it with the Kaya Toast cocktail for a flavoursome combo that sets the stage for delightful dining.
So if you’re on the hunt for a memorable spot to unwind with friends, savour some truly unique Singapore-inspired cocktails, and dig into bar bites that celebrate our local culture, Anthology is the place.
