Mandarin Oriental Singapore’s premier lounge launches “Modern Localism, The City of Art,” a new cocktail menu celebrating homegrown brands and cultural icons.
Against the glimmering backdrop of the Marina Bay skyline, MO Bar at the Mandarin Oriental Singapore has long been a sanctuary for those seeking a polished yet comfortable evening. While its aesthetic remains undeniably sophisticated, the bar’s latest creative endeavor, Modern Localism, The City of Art, proves that high-end mixology can be deeply rooted in community. Spearheaded by Assistant Bar Manager Kim Jung Hoo, this seventh volume of the bar’s cocktail program features 11 inventive drinks, each crafted in partnership with local artisans ranging from perfumers and skincare specialists to galleries and coffee roasters.
The ambitious project took a year to manifest, with Kim vetting over 40 potential collaborators before narrowing the selection to 11 pivotal partners. The resulting menu functions like a liquid traveler’s journal, introducing guests to the boutique brands and cultural initiatives that define Singapore’s contemporary identity.
Floral Notes and Caffeine Kicks
For those who prefer a light introduction, the Velour Kiss ($26) offers a botanical journey inspired by the skincare experts at La Dermalogique. This refined twist on a gin and tonic blends Hendrick’s gin with bee pollen, chamomile, and a surprising touch of extra virgin olive oil. The result is a fragrant, structured cocktail where the lemon and oil provide a silky mouthfeel that evolves with every sip.
Caffeine enthusiasts can look toward the Kopi Pumptini ($26), a collaboration with the social enterprise Bettr Barista. This riff on the espresso martini adds a seasonal whisper of pumpkin. While the drink itself leans heavily on robust coffee and boozy notes, the accompanying pumpkin shortbread—modeled after the brand’s signature mustard-yellow logo—adds the necessary sweetness and crunch to round out the experience.
The Art of the Clarified Pour
A standout highlight is the Pine-dustry ($26), a personal favorite of the team and a tribute to the resilient Singaporean bar scene. This deceptively simple-looking drink is a masterclass in technique, featuring a clarified base of tequila, cold-distilled pineapple juice, and a white wine reduction. Alternating notes of coconut provide a creamy “fatty” layer, while a yuzu-peel-infused pineapple ball offers a bright, citrusy finish.
For a headier, more savory experience, the Jo-Hwa ($27) is a must-try. Developed with the Korean restaurant Anju, the cocktail is a sophisticated take on the Bamboo. It utilizes Fino sherry, verjuice, and Roku gin to highlight the earthy essence of matsutake mushrooms. True to its name—anju refers to food consumed with alcohol in Korean culture—the drink is served with a mushroom-forward snack that unlocks the cocktail’s hidden savory depths.
Sweet Finishes and Savory Bites
The menu’s diversity extends into the realm of fine arts and desserts:
- Forest Fire ($27): A bold concoction inspired by Raden Saleh’s masterpiece at the National Gallery Singapore.
- Dopa? Dopa! ($26): A liquid dessert created with Dopa Dopa Creamery, weaving salted butter Hennessy VSOP with pistachio kunafa and Darjeeling tea.
To complement the drinks, the food menu focuses on elevated Asian comfort snacks. While the classic laksa has retired, the Laksa Fries ($18) carry the torch with a potent hae bee hiam (spicy dried shrimp) punch. Other crowd-pleasers include the Kurobuta Pork Neck ($28) and Aloo Matar Samosas ($22), served with vibrant mint and tamarind chutneys.
Plan Your Visit:
MO Bar is located at 5 Raffles Avenue, Level 3, Singapore 039797.
- Hours: Sunday–Thursday: 5pm to 12am; Friday–Saturday: 5pm to 1am.
- Reservations: Mandarin Oriental Singapore