Sugarhall Launches Not Too Sweet - A New Cocktail Menu

Published - 10 August 2023, Thursday
  • Sugarhall Team Portrait

Jigger & Pony Group’s rum focused cocktail pub Sugarhall invites cocktail lovers to experience its brand new menu. Characterised by convivial hospitality and the feel-good energy of a neighbourhood social, Sugarhall affirms its mission — to be a place in the community where people find comfort, forge friendship and share happiness — with Not Too Sweet.

Principal Bartender Sam Loh and Assistant Principal Bartender Edward Koh introduce the cheeky cocktail programme in a fresh new format, available in hardcopy and as a digital flipbook.

“This is Sugarhall’s first menu refresh since we reopened on Cecil Street last year. We’re proud to present a new, creative cocktail experience that is well-crafted and channels the not-too-serious vibes of the bar,” says Sam, a veteran of Jigger & Pony Group (since 2014) who was also behind the bar at the original Sugarhall at Amoy Street. “We hope that guests will enjoy the fun and relatable approach we have taken with Not Too Sweet.”

Not Too Sweet: a Play on Childhood Favourites

Rose, Rose I Love You

Taking inspiration from the team’s favourite non-alcoholic beverages, the capsule collection of six cocktails reimagines familiar and nostalgic flavours with a boozy, adult twist. For instance, Bandung (a rose syrup and milk drink common in Singapore and Malaysia) gets a glow up with Rose Rosé I Love You (S$23). Crafted with Codigo 1530 Reposado Tequila, vetiver & cherry blossom, the elegantly floral tipple also sees influences from rosé wine.

“During the research and development phase, the team realised that we don’t often indulge in these drinks that we loved while growing up because they’re ‘too sweet’. So, we took on the challenge of creating cocktails featuring the flavours we love that are suitable for more refined and adult palates,” shares Edward

Boba tea fans can look forward to the Bobarazzi (S$24), which pairs quintessential bubble tea flavours like milk oolong tea and winter melon with Roku Gin and green apple. Served with Melati caviar, this smooth and creamy cocktail is a fun cocktail that anyone can enjoy. A more spirit-forward entry is Short & Stout (S$25), made from Bisquit & Dubouché Cognac, Appleton 12 YO Rum, and Sugarhall’s sarsaparilla stout created in collaboration with 1925 Brewing Co. Topped with dairy-free vanilla foam, the drink recalls the flavours and frothy texture of root beer floats

The new menu continues with three other conceptual sections that are close to Sugarhall’s heart.

Not Too Funky: a Gateway to High Ester Rums

Hotel Nacional

Funky is a label usually associated with high ester rums — their aromas and flavours can be intimidating to those unfamiliar to the category. Designed to share the bar’s passion for rum in an approachable manner, guests can discover these rums through cocktails like Jungle Sunbird (S$23). Malaysia’s national cocktail is expressed through the combination of creamy Takamaka Extra Noir rum, an aged agricole spirit from Seychelles, locally brewed Ondeh Ondeh Soju for tropical flavours of pandan and coconut, and a Campari sugar rim.

The Dark & Stormy (S$23) pairs oloroso sherry cask aged Barbados rum and London Essence Ginger Beer. Elevated with a touch of overproof, high ester Rum Fire, the cocktail is a refreshing thirst-quencher that does not compromise on complexity. For a savoury cocktail, look to the Olive Negroni (S$24), where Botanist Gin meets the best Castelvetrano olives, Campari, and sweet vermouth. South African agricole rum Mhoba lends aromas of truffles and olives.

Not Too Fancy: Whimsical Yet Bold in Personality

Fun and perfect for Instagram, the cocktails in this section deliver equally well in terms of flavour. Meet the classier cousin of the Pornstar Martini in Sugarhall’s Pornstar Martinez (S$25). Made with silky Japanese rice vodka Haku and passion fruit and vanilla vermouth, its full body is balanced with an entertaining popping candy lollipop garnish.

The Mango Colada (S$24) will delight any fans of fruit smoothies. With a base of Plantation Original Dark Rum, the cheerful slushie-style cocktail is concocted with housemade mango and coconut sorbet, while lime and basil evokes the greenery on a tropical getaway.

Not Too Classic: A Twist on the Familiar

Rum Old Fashioned

Here, classic cocktails get a new lease of identity, Sugarhall-style. Featuring Jigger & Pony Group’s iconic citrus wheel garnish for Old Fashioneds, the Rum Old Fashioned (S$26) stirs down dark Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva Rum with Pedro Ximenez Sherry and Angostura bitters for a luscious and classy sipper. For a sweet-and-tangy profile, the Plum Daiquiri (S$23) shakes up the classic with Bacardi Cuatro Rum, cask-aged umeshu and lime for a fruity but no less elegant riff.

Smokey cocktails lovers will relish the Smokey Manhattan (S$25). Soft peaty hints of Smokey Monkey Whisky runs through the layers of banana, oak and vanilla notes accentuated by aged agricole rum. A moscato-based vermouth lends citrusy complexity to the spirit-forward number

A Dazzling Array of Rums and Spirits

Sugarhall’s passion for rum is most proudly displayed in its diverse spirits list, where the finest expressions of distillation and craft from around the globe can be found. From smooth and mellow Spanish-style rums (Ron) and full-bodied English-style rums to French-style rums (Rhum) with their unique grassy notes, guests new to rum and enthusiasts will find plenty to explore.

Within this treasure trove, rum connoisseurs can look to the Reserva list, the bar’s prized collection of rare and vintage rums meticulously crafted and patiently matured for extraordinary complexity and depth of flavour. The spirits list also features a remarkable variety of other well-loved spirits, beer, champagne, wine, and non-alcoholic libations.

Not Too Pricey: Delight in an Exquisite Happy Hour Selection

Available daily from 5.30pm to 8pm, Sugarhall presents pocket-friendly libations, beer, and wines from S$13. Happy Hour exclusives include the effervescent White Spritz (S$14), which pairs Amaro Montenegro and Prosecco with passionfruit and elderflower, as well as the refreshing Rum Sour (S$15) shaken with Ron Colón Dark Aged Rum, citrus, and egg white for a velvety texture.

All Too Yummy: Comforting Pub Fare, Done Right

Pair boozy nights at Sugarhall with a concise but mighty selection of well-executed gastro-pub fare. Influenced by the team’s experiences of wanting comfort food on nights out, Executive Chef David Tang’s new creations feature bold and familiar flavours. Fall in love with the vegetarian-friendly Vegetable Momos (S$16), crispy Nepalese-inspired fried dumplings served with lime yogurt, honey and a little kick from gunpowder spice.

The aromatic Pepper Fry Chicken Ribs (S$18) comes with gula melaka caramel and tamarind aioli for a sweet and tangy sharing plate. Spice things up a notch with the flavourful Indomie (S$18), accompanied by crackling pork belly and sambal matah, and blanketed with a perfect sunny side-up Japanese egg.

a. Cecil St, Level 2 19, Singapore 049704

e. [email protected]

w. www.sugarhall.sg

s. www.facebook.com/sugarhallSG

t. +65 9815 0246

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Douglas

  • 61 comments
  • CONTRIBUTOR
RATED 7.5 / 8

Sugarhall, now operated by the Jigger & Pony Group, boasts a hideaway on Level 2, accessible through a laneway off the main road. Finding it might be an adventure, but the warm ambience and buzzing atmosphere will make you feel right at home once you're inside. Step into a 1920s heritage building in Singapore's Central Business District, and you'll be transported to a realm of enticing flavours and boozy delights. I was instantly charmed by the vintage speakeasy vibe. But make no mistake, while Sugarhall embraces old-world aesthetics, the drinks menu is thoroughly modern and boundary-pushing.

Sugarhall, is a rum-focused cocktail pub that redefines the drinking experience in this bustling city. Thanks to a recent tasting event organised by Jigger & Pony and Expat Choice, I got a first-hand look at Sugarhall's inventive new cocktail menu, and indulged in some seriously tasty pub grub. It was mid-week, but the place was abuzz with happy chatter and laughter, with groups of friends sharing the joy of finely crafted drinks.

At the heart of Sugarhall's new menu, aptly named "Not Too Sweet," are the brilliant minds of Principal Bartender Sam Loh and Assistant Principal Bartender Edward Koh. Inspired by their favourite childhood non-alcoholic beverages, the cocktail program is a nostalgic journey, artfully combining familiar flavours with a delightful adult twist. Each drink transforms sweet, nostalgic childhood flavours into sophisticated cocktails for grown-up palates. Sipping the Rose, Rosé I Love You, I was transported back to childhood Bandung drinks made with rose syrup, but the floral tea, cherry blossoms, and smooth tequila made it decidedly adult. Boba Razzi mimicked bubble tea with winter melon syrup and coconut milk mixed with grenadine pearls (the “boba”). And the showstopper Champion Highball combined aged rum with malt syrup for hints of chocolatey Milo. Every cocktail was masterfully conceived and gorgeously presented.

The cocktail journey continued with the Jungle Sunbird, a vibrant creation featuring Takamaka Extra Noir Rum and Ondeh Ondeh Soju. This tropical delight captures the essence of Seychellois aged agricole rum with nutty and smoky undertones, perfectly complemented by Compendium Spirits' Ondeh Ondeh Soju. If you're a fan of classic cocktails with a twist, the Smokey Manhattan will captivate your taste buds. Using Smokey Monkey Scotch as the base, this elegant reimagining of the classic Manhattan introduces aged agricole rum and banana flavours, creating a unique and alluring concoction. This uses a heavily-smoked scotch, if you were Smokey the Bear, you’d think a fire was nearby. I ended the night with an old favourite of mine, the Negroni. Sugarhall’s version is called the Olive Negroni and contains Botanist Gin, Sicilian olives, Campari, sweet vermouth, Mhoba Rhum…and an olive! Negronis don’t usually contain rum, but adding the Mhoba Rhum a South African white rum celebrated for its distinct notes of olive and truffle, was a welcome taste experience.

In between drinks, hearty pub grub emerged from the kitchen. My hands-down favourite was the Indomie. Yes the familiar instant noodles but upgraded with melt-in-your-mouth pork belly, a fried egg, and spicy sambal matah, a traditional Balinese raw sambal made with shallot, garlic, shrimp paste, lemongrass, kaffir lime, and lime for a refreshing yet spicy kick. Go ahead and ask for an extra serving of the sambal. It’s truly delicious. Peppery Chicken Ribs glazed in sweet gula melaka caramel proved impossible to stop eatingYou need to use your hands to eat this, just like pork ribs, and the finger-licking experience is a bonus. The chicken ribs are deep-fried for a minute to achieve a crispy texture and then coated with the gula melaka caramel. The dish is served with tangy tamarind aioli, fried curry leaves, and fried chilli padi to enhance the flavours. Vegetable Momos, are crispy Nepalese-inspired fried dumplings served with lime yogurt. The yogurt complements the savoury flavours of the. Honey is drizzled over the momos for that touch of sweetness.

As the night wound down, I sipped an Olive Negroni, savouring the creative blend of gin, vermouth, Campari, and African rum infused with Sicilian olives. Negronis don’t usually contain rum, but adding the Mhoba Rhum, a South African white rum, was a welcome taste experience. I couldn't have dreamed up a more satisfying night of top-notch mixed drinks and comfort food right in the heart of Singapore’s business district. Everything from the laidback atmosphere to the flavourful plates exceeded my expectations.

Sugarhall is very much worth seeking out for cocktail enthusiasts, rum aficionados, and anyone craving refinement with a splash of nostalgia. I'll certainly be back Thanks to the passion of the bartenders and chefs,

Sugarhall was a revelation for me, and I’ll be back with friends to work my way through their extensive drink list and hearty menu. Whether you're seeking inventive cocktails or delectable pub grub, Sugarhall has something to please every palate. The menu features 50/50 vegetarian and meat dishes, catering to most taste preferences. Sugarhall has become a revelatory new destination in Singapore's dining and nightlife scene. Cheers to an extraordinary evening of sipping, savouring, and celebrating life!

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