Many of you will be familiar with the esteemed and award-winning Nutmeg & Clove cocktail bar on Purvis St – frequenter of both Asia’s Best Bar list 2020 and the World’s Best Bars 2019.
For fans of this Singapore history driven cocktail establishment, an exciting new concept has just launched high up on the 60th floor of the city’s UOB Plaza.
Named Chuan by Nutmeg & Clove it can claim to be Singapore’s highest craft cocktail bar and is a collaboration with the famed Si Chuan Dou Hua restaurant situated next door.
Image Credit: Goddess Highball with Crispy Pork Belly with Fermented Beans
In an intimate and modern space it is the view that holds court here – with large windows opening up behind the bar and along the wall providing an expansive panorama across The Padang, Clarke Quay and beyond (these would indeed be top seats for a birds eye view of the F1).
The bars first series is unique and true to its Singaporean history roots – the focus here is on craft cocktails blended with Si Chuan Dou Hua’s treasured collection of premium Chinese teas. As a renowned tea institution, Si Chuan Dou Hua offers over 30 varieties of fine tea and the team at Nutmeg & Clove have successfully combined the art of mixology with extensive guidance from the tea masters to create innovative, sophisticated and bold cocktails.
Image Credit: Chrissy Blanc
My preferred tipples were the Goddess Highball (Haku vodka, Tie Guan Yin cordial, grapefruit bitters, and London Essence soda water) where an intense red tea is extracted over high heat to ensure that its flavours are fully revealed and the Chrissy Blanc (Monkey 47 dry gin, Gentian liqueur, chrysanthemum vermouth) where the chrysanthemum flowers are first gently soaked in warm water to release their aromas, then steeped in vermouth.
Image Credit: Golden Mushroom with Wasabi
Husband having a bolder palate enjoyed the LS-D (Maker’s Mark bourbon whiskey, cascara, goji berry, amaro, lapsang souchong tincture) where smokiness from the lapsang souchong is balanced with the sweetness of the goji berry and Fancy Jasmine (Sailor Jerry spiced rum, black plum, kaffir lime, Jasmine tea, and clarified milk punch) notable for how its caramel characteristics of the bourbon enhances the fragrance of the jasmine tea.
All these speciality cocktails are well priced at $21++ for a locale of this prestige and of course the much loved Nutmeg & Clove classics are available for those who prefer.
A range of delectable Sichuan and Cantonese bar bites complement the cocktails. Designed for sharing, the classic Stir-fried Diced Beef with Garlic ($15++) and Crispy Pork Belly with Fermented Beans ($15++) paired beautifully with our cocktails. While our host Colin’s favourite, Oyster Egg with XO Sauce ($12++), is an elevated version of the humble oyster omelette bursting with umami goodness.
Chuan by Nutmeg is a classy and innovative addition to the Nutmeg & Clove portfolio – a special destination for premium tea-infused cocktails enhanced by a breathtaking cityscape below.
CHUAN by NUTMEG
a. 80 Raffles Place #60-01, 1 UOB Plaza 048624
