Republic Bar at The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore, ranked 57 on 2024 Asia’s 50 Best Bars, launched its Volume Three cocktail menu in July. This new “Breakthrough” collection of 16 inventive drinks embodies the vibrant energy and social spirit of the 1960s, drawing inspiration from the era’s icons, media, aesthetics, and innovations. Each cocktail pays tribute to the pivotal moments, trailblazers, and cultural shifts that shaped this iconic decade.
“We are delighted to introduce our Volume Three menu, which reflects Republic’s commitment to combining classic cocktail craftsmanship with creative innovation. Each drink embodies the groundbreaking spirit of the 1960s, reimagined through bold flavours, cutting-edge techniques, and visually stunning presentations. Just as the 60s shattered conventions and sparked new ideas, this specially curated selection truly showcases our passion for mixology and our dedication to honouring the decade’s most iconic breakthroughs,” says Kelvin Saquilayan, Head Bartender.
We stopped by Republic Bar to sample their new drinks and updated bar food menu and it was a fantastic evening!
Republic Bar hosts a cocktail-making masterclass on the first Saturday of each month from 3pm to 4:30pm. Guests will learn how to recreate a themed cocktail from the Volume Three menu, exploring techniques such as sous-vide infusion, fat-washing, and clarified milk punch. Participants will also have the opportunity to craft their own cocktail creations to enjoy on-site, and receive a special Republic gift to take home.
Icons
The influence of iconic figures in the 1960s continues to resonate today. Sip on cocktails that channel the iconic spirits of legends like Singapore’s founding father Lee Kuan Yew, the King of Rock Elvis, boxing champ Muhammad Ali, and the ever-stylish Twiggy. Cheers to history with a twist!
It felt perfectly fitting to enjoy the Founding Father cocktail on the eve of Singapore’s 59th National Day. This drink pays tribute to Lee Kuan Yew’s visionary leadership and lasting legacy, with a refreshing blend that features Singapore’s national flower, the Orchid, symbolising the country’s rich heritage. Rum and sparkling wine add a touch of sophistication and elegance, echoing his remarkable leadership.
A cocktail that I am interested yn trying on my next visit will be The Fool’s Gold, a fun twist on the old-fashioned cocktail that pays tribute to the King of Pop’s electrifying stage presence and loyal fans. Crafted with American whiskey, Jamaican rum, peanut butter, and banana, this cocktail is a nod to Elvis’s love for the decadent Fool’s Gold Loaf, a sandwich loaded with peanut butter, banana, and crispy bacon.
The Greatest celebrates Muhammad Ali’s commanding boxing prowess and charismatic showman persona, through a rendition of a Boulevardier. Twiggy pays tribute to the British fashion icon that defined the Mod era with an Espresso Martini variation.
Media
The evolution of media in the 1960 saw influential publications and productions shaping lifestyle coverage, news and cinematography. The transformative decade saw a surge in media’s impact, with sensationalist headlines to the emergence of nightly sitcoms.
Agent 86 is based on the satire sitcom Get Smart, a classic American comedy television series that parodies the secret agent genre, popularised by the James Bond films of the 1960s. A cherry apple that closely resembles an olive is used as a garnish for the crisp vodka-based cocktail. One of the standout cocktails on the new menu, this drink delivers a powerful punch without being overly sweet. It exemplifies a masterful balance of flavours, making it a must-try for those who appreciate a bold, well-crafted cocktail.
Replacing the previous Irish Coffee cocktail, the Kim Sisters, crafted by Republic Bar’s Korean bartender Olivia Lee for Volume Two, the Headliner is the latest addition to the menu, catering to patrons who love the Irish Coffees that Republic Bar is renowned for. The Headliner offers a sweet, savoury spin on the classic Irish Coffee, with milk chocolate liqueur topped with cream cheese foam. It is a nod to the incisive editorial perspective of the era.
Woman of the Year commemorates the pioneering spirit of Her World Magazine, Singapore’s first women’s magazine, published in 1960. It signifies the grace and vigour of women’s collective voices. The gin and sparkling wine-based cocktail is elevated by ginger chilli honey and edible golden stars.
Aesthetics
From the Aesthetics section, Psychedelia and Egg Chair are both visually stunning and utterly tempting cocktails, though Egg Chair’s smoky taste notes holds a special place in my heart, thanks to the peaty Laphroaig.
Psychedelia is a masterpiece in a glass, taking reference from the vibrancy of the psychedlic movement. Passito di Pantelleria Dessert Wine mingles with Giffard Lichi-Li Liqueur, Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur, Bols Genever Gin, Clarified Lemon Juice, and Lemon Bitters, all crowned with droplets of coloured olive oil that invite you to create your own cocktail art.
Egg Chair, inspired by nature’s embrace and a sleek design of the era by Arne Jacobson, offers a cosy cocoon of flavour. Enveloped in the visual allure of dry ice smoke, this smoky-sweet concoction blends Macallan Sherry Oak 12-year-old, Laphroaig 10-year-old, Campari, Raspberry Purée, Nusantara Cold Brew Liqueur, and Lemon Juice, with a touch of Cream, served alongside rich Dark and Raspberry Chocolate truffles —a sensory escape from the outside world.
This section also features Visions of Stella, a fruit punch-inspired cocktail with subtle coffee notes influenced by artists like Frank Stella, and Layer by Layer, named after the famous Nanyang artist Cheong Soo Pieng. This unique cocktail incorporates unconventional ingredients like pickle juice, celery, wasabi foam, and radish.
Innovation
The 1960s was a time that catapulted humanity into a new era, marked by daring achievements like the Gemini programme and the groovy Astro Lamp craze. It was an age of bold dreams, endless possibilities, and a rebellious spirit that welcomed new freedoms while flipping the script on the status quo.
The Lava Lamp mesmerises with vibrant fruit caviar, reminiscent of the buoyant blobs in the decorative lamp, set in sparkling wine. The colours can vary depending on the fruit caviar offered. It’s pretty and sweet take of the La Paloma.
Other libations in this section include Gemini, a whimsical twist on the classic gin & tonic infused with orange and a wedge of orange jelly. Bullet Train was crafted to recognise the Shinkansen featuring Matcha-infused sake and a garnish of seaweed rice cracker. Speed of Sound is a toast to the legendary Concorde, mixing gin, butter, marmalade syrup, St. Germain Elderflower, and a touch of citrus, embodying the luxury and exclusivity of elite jet service.
Republic Bar
Address Level 3, 7 Raffles Avenue, Singapore 039799
Opening Hours Daily Sunday to Thursday 8am to 12am; Fridays and Saturdays 8am to 1am
Tel +65 6434 5289
Web www.republicbar.com.sg
Facebook republicbarsg
Instagram republicbarsg
Reservations rc.sinrz.republic@ritzcarlton.com
