Move over, G&T—tequila is the spirit of the year. Gone are the days of knocking back shots to party the night away. Tequila, like its drinkers, has matured into an elegant, refined form. From sipping on the finest labels to enjoying popular tequila-based cocktails, this spirit has taken the world by storm—and the trending cocktail of the year, the Paloma, is ‘proof’ enough.
A heady mix of tequila, grapefruit soda, and lime juice, the Paloma is perfect for those who love a citrussy, refreshing drink. Adding a spark in true Patrón style, the Cocktail Masters competition by Academia Patrón is underway, challenging Singapore’s top bartenders to craft their own bold take on the classic Paloma. Set to culminate on July 21, 2025, six of the city’s best bars will go head-to-head with their creations—each a boundary-pushing twist on the tequila and grapefruit highball the world can’t get enough of.
Bartenders from High House, Baia, Café Fernet, Plume, Burnt Ends, and Cygnet are all vying for the grand prize: a chance to travel to Mexico and visit the famed Hacienda Patrón, where every bottle of Patrón is made.
I managed to get myself a (rare) reservation at Burnt Ends Bar, one of my favourite spots in the city. Tucked into the green enclave of Dempsey Hill, Burnt Ends Bar is one of those secrets you have to discover for yourself. The nondescript colonial-style building is rather unassuming from outside, but if you have one of those elusive reservations, the usher will lead you into its cavernous interiors, reminiscent of New York’s Italian gangster days.
Designed like a cabinet of curiosities with the tall ceiling-height book cabinets and old-world museum-style wallpaper, the bar is intimate and stylish in equal measure. Like a secret whispered in hushed tones or a warm blanket in front of a crackling fireplace on a stormy night, the room embraces you the moment you step in.
If the interiors pull you in, the skill behind the counter will ensure you stay a while. The beverage program is strong and the (very) talented bartender comes over to your table to discuss your flavour preferences and suggest appropriate cocktails suited to your palate. For the Cocktail Masters by Academia Patrón, Burnt Ends has crafted a special Paloma that you can try, besides their regular offerings of the Classic Paloma as well as a Bell Pepper Paloma that features in their cocktail menu. But I suggest that you instead go off-menu and ask to try the Burnt Ends Signature Paloma created just for the Cocktail Masters by Academia Patrón competition.
A bubblegum liqueur conceptualised in-house elevates the smooth Patrón Reposado, an ultra-premium tequila aged for at least four months in American whiskey barrels. The oaky flavour of the tequila softens at the edges with grapefruit oleo and a dash of Himalayan salt gives it a savoury hint that made it a winner in my books. Served as a highball, the Paloma goes down easy as you sit back on the cushioned sofa and soak in the atmosphere around you.
Burnt Ends Bar pairs its (excellent) cocktails with an ingenious bar bites menu that gives a wide berth to regular bar fare. You will find elevated bites here, including my personal favourite—the Duck Liver Tartlets.
The revolving menu also features bites for vegetarian guests, such as Baked Brie Papillote with cherry tomatoes and pecan nuts wrapped and served in parchment paper that saves it from getting too dry as you nibble on it, and Tapenade Grissini with a crispy lavash-style base that can easily be split to share. But I suggest that you pair your Signature Paloma with the bite-sized Beef Tacos—the perfect mouthful to ensure your tastebuds and your appetite are both satiated.
As competition for Cocktail Masters by Academia Patrón heats up, I suggest you snag a front-row seat by making a reservation at Burnt Ends Bar soon and try their Signature Paloma. It’s a winner; I’m sure you’ll agree!
a. 7 Dempsey Rd, #01-02, Singapore 249671
fb. www.facebook.com/BurntEnds.SG
Did You Know?
Singapore’s vibrant cocktail culture finds a new chapter at Hopscotch, which marks its 10th anniversary with a limited-edition menu showcasing inventive mixology and local flair. From nostalgic flavours reimagined to bold new concoctions, Hopscotch celebrates its legacy with a curated line-up that’s winning hearts—and palates—across the city. Whether you're a cocktail aficionado or a curious sipper, this milestone menu offers an elevated experience worth toasting to. Discover how Hopscotch continues to shape Singapore’s cocktail identity with every pour.
