Singapore-based rooftop bar Smoke & Mirrors has unveiled the second edition of its signature cocktail menu, The Real Art of Drinking Volume II. Located on top of the National Gallery Singapore, the art-inspired drinks fit perfectly with the bar’s carefully crafted surroundings.
Smoke & Mirrors’ The Real Art of Drinking Volume II is made up of 16 new drinks that stem from artistic inspiration. Bar supervisor Eduardo Zamora led the menu’s creation, alongside senior bartender Wong Wee Siong. The menu displays an interactive multi-sensory cocktail series, while paying homage to the bar’s gallery home.
“With Volume I, conceptually, we deep-dived as we were in the best position to showcase art through the exhibits and paintings within the National Gallery,” commented Zamora. “But art is not just about paintings and exhibits, there is more to it than meets the eye, and we felt the same is true with craft cocktails, and took inspiration from the art.”
The menu features QR codes that allow guests to dive into the stories behind the paintings that inspired each drink. Artists whose pieces helped inspire the menu include Liu Kang, Anita Magsaysay-Ho, and Choo Keng Kwang.
The menu is divided into six sections: Contrast, Movement, Balance, Unity, Pattern, and Focus. Drinks include Magic Queen (Rémy Martin 1738, Campari, Martini Vermouth Rosso Pandan, Coconut Oil, Saline), which is inspired by Smiling Body (1997) by Pinaree Sanpitak; and Cha Cha Duet (1. Haku Vodka Matcha Distillate, Roku Gin 2. Chivas Mizunara Blended Scotch, Acid), which is inspired by Tea Drinkers (1957) by Anita Magsaysay-Ho.
“During Covid-19, the team was inspired by walking through the gallery and understanding the paintings,” explained Mel Chavez, assistant bar manager. “This time, we collaborated extensively with the gallery on their permanent collections. We researched, learnt of the principles of art that are applied to each work, and we translated that into the cocktails we created.”
For more information or to make a reservation, head over to Smoke & Mirrors’ official website.
