Writers Bar at Raffles Singapore returns with a series of intriguing cocktails

The iconic Writers Bar reopens its doors and welcomes guests to an alluring space that pays tribute to many famous authors who have stayed at Raffles Hotel Singapore throughout the years. 

Helmed by the new Head Bartender, Nicholas Alexander, you can enjoy artisanal 1915 Raffles Gin cocktails and a special selection of delectable handcrafted cocktails alongside new curated Gourmet Collection bar snacks in the sophisticated lobby bar.

The 1915 Raffles Gin cocktails are served with the exclusive Raffles 1915 Gin, created in collaboration with Sipsmith. This collaboration is rooted in both history and serendipity, with Sipsmith’s co-founder Sam Galsworthy being the great, great, great nephew of Sir Stamford Raffles.

A sensational blend of botanicals found in Asia—jasmine flowers, fresh pomelo peel, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaf, nutmeg and cardamom—distilled alongside classic gin botanicals, the bespoke spirit can be enjoyed through various variations of the quintessential gin & tonic (S$28++).

It is also used in the heritage and classic cocktail, Million Dollar Cocktail (S$28++), concocted by Ngiam Tong Boon who also created the Singapore Sling, using pineapples, sweet Vermouth, grenadine, gum arabic, lemon, egg white and Angostura bitters.

The cocktail shot to fame when it was featured in The Letter, a short story by Somerset Maugham, one of the illustrious authors who has resided at the historic hotel.

Cocktails influenced by a crime novel

The Writers Bar will also introduce a series of new handcrafted cocktails inspired by “The Raffles Affair”, a murder mystery set in Raffles Hotel Singapore by the latest Writer-in-Residence, Vicki Virtue, a seasoned travel writer who has journeyed to over fifty countries and an aspiring New Zealander author.

Drawing upon her visits to Raffles Hotel Singapore over the past few years, she was inspired by her childhood memories of reading detective masterpieces and Golden Age mysteries. Vicki has penned her first novel, “The Raffles Affair”, which follows the adventures of heroine Victoria West, as she uncovers a murder mystery during her visit for a friend’s wedding at Raffles Hotel Singapore. 

“The Raffles Affair” is set to launch in April 2021 and will be available for purchase from the Raffles Boutique, in-store and online.

To celebrate the launch of the novel, Head Bartender Nicholas Alexander and his team of skilled mixologists have created a selection of unique craft cocktails (S$28++ each), based on the various mysterious and colorful characters featured in the novel.

Writers Bar’s mysterious, bespoke craft cocktails

Get to know the glamorous protagonist, Victoria West, with Agent Provocateur, a sophisticated and exquisitely blended cocktail made with Blandy’s 5 Year Bual Madeira, El Dorado 12, Concord Grenadine, lemon and mint.

Be charmed by the bright and beautiful Femme Fatale (featured photo), a cocktail personifying the glamorous bride, Peyton Latchmore, made with Raffles exclusive Champagne Billecart-Salmon Brut Reserve NV “An Iconic Return”, flowers, apple brandy and Cocchi Rosa.

As the night progresses, unravel the mystery with False Alibi, a refreshing blend of Beluga Gold Line vodka, Shaw + Smith Sauvignon Blanc, passionfruit, gum arabic, white balsamic, lemon, egg white and soda based on Zara Avery-Smythe, the girlfriend of the groom’s half-brother.

Sip on Saboteur, a fabulous and audacious twist on the classic martini recipe that represents Isabelle Sauveterre, Peyton’s godmother.

Cap off the night with Sweet Tipples, dessert-styled cocktails based on the motifs in the novel, Sloth, Wrath and Pride.

Writers Bar’s reserve cocktails

For discerning cocktail aficionados, Writers Bar also offers a list of reserve cocktails (S$58++ each), made with ultra-premium spirits.

Enjoy an upgraded variation of the classic Margarita, made with the triple distilled and oak-rested Patron Tequila Gran Platinum, Pierde Almas Wild Tepextate Mezcal, Cointreau and lime; Penicillin, made with the vintage Bruichladdich Berry Bros & Rudd 1991, ginger, honey and lemon; or Porto Flip, a special blend of Barao De Villar Colheita Port 1990 Cask #8, Pierre Ferrand Reserve 20 Year Cognac and whole egg.

Complement your cocktail experience with a curated selection of elevated bar snacks from the Gourmet Collection. Savor Beef Tartare Toast, Lobster Roll with curry mayonnaise, Parmesan Truffle Fries, and Kristal Caviar among other delightful bites.

All images: credit to Raffles Hotel Singapore

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