Gibson unveils Chimera, a fresh cocktail menu that weaves Asia’s diverse and flavourful ingredients into classic cocktails to create new and exciting tipples. If you’re a cocktail fan, you’re probably no stranger to the Jigger & Pony Group’s charismatic cocktail bar in one of Chinatown’s heritage buildings.
Keeping to their philosophy of using Asian ingredients and modern mixology techniques, Gibson’s new line-up is a testament to the team’s creativity and attitude to craft cocktails.
Chimera was conceptualised by Gibson’s talented bar team led by Principal Bartender Gregory Camillo and refers to ‘an entity where different organisms or elements coexist in the same body’. Essentially, Chimera is the culmination of working with passionate producers, honouring food traditions from all over Asia and the innovativeness of introducing new ingredients.
Chimera: Must-try Cocktails
1. The Gibson
The Gibson ($25), the bar’s namesake cocktail, embodies simplicity and perfection. Made with Roku Gin, homemade Ginjo sake-vermouth, and served with a trio of condiments (seasonal pickle, pickled onion, smoked quail egg).
This spirit-forward tipple was our favourite of the night – with distinct layers of flavours and a bright, clean taste paired with the briny pickled condiments, it’s a genius pairing you need to try for yourself!
2. Urban Farmer No.4
Urban Farmer No.4 ($25) was developed with ingredients from local agriculture collective Edible Garden City. This fourth iteration uses locally grown Cranberry Hibiscus, which also gives it its lovely orange-red hues. Made with Stranger & Sons Gin, cranberry hibiscus, raspberry, cassis, Nardini Rabarbaro, Muyu Jasmin Verte, granny smith apple, and lime juice.
This gin-based tipple is tart, citrusy, subtly sweet with aromatic botanicals and oh-so refreshing.
3. Sugarcane Spritz
The Sugarcane Spritz ($25) was inspired by Sugarcane juice, a refreshing, common Southeast Asian drink. Made with Gibson’s exclusive sugarcane wine (created in collaboration with Singapore-based food biotechnology company Starter Culture), Yaguara Cachaça, Pineau des Charentes, Muyu Chinotto, verjus, lime cordial and olive brine.
This tribute is an equally refreshing take in the form of a cocktail and is slightly tart and effervescent. The brininess is distinct in the best way, and you’re recommended to have a sip of the cocktail before taking a bite into the olive it’s served with.
4. Amazake Bellini
Amazake Bellini ($25) is the product of another collaboration with Starter Culture. Think of a classic Bellini with a local twist. Basmati rice was fermented with koi, producing a creamy, rich, Amazake. It’s then mixed with prosecco and pandan essence.
You get a ricey tipple with a hint of bubbles, which also reminded us of makgeolli.
5. Back To The Roots
Back To The Roots ($25) is an Asian take on the classic Manhattan, instead made with Chinese liquorice infused Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Rye, Tempus Fugit Creme de Cacao, Del Professore vermouth blend, and Non 6.
Expect a spirit-forward tipple with pronounced notes of vermouth, distinct aromas of rye and cacao, with lots of depth and roundness. WDid we mention there’s tomato powder sprinkled along the side of the glass as well? Taste it as you sip the cocktail for the whole tasting experience!
Delicious Food at Gibson Bar
The Summer Stone & Disco Hama Oysters ($7++ each) are from none other than Humpback, also owned by the Higger & Pony Group, there’s no doubt these are some of the freshest and creamiest oysters around. These oysters are flown 36 hours by air freight from farm to restaurant and are both from Washington, USA.
The Octopus ($24) is a potato taco topped with charred octopus, burnt eggplant, and spiced honey glaze. Tons of umami and very flavourful. The Cauliflower ($19) is a seemingly simple dish packed with flavour and made with sesame miso, brown butter, and furikake. Trust us and give it a shot; you’ll be glad you ordered it! We also tried the Mussel Spaghetti ($34) and Clam Dip ($18).
Desserts at Gibson Bar
You’ll be pleased to know Gibson’s desserts don’t disappoint, and we highly recommend ordering the Strawberry & Rhubarb Crumble ($16) or the Swedish Chocolate Cake ($14) before you leave.
The former is served warm and made with a mix of fresh strawberries and rhubarb that is subtly sweet and not overly sour, plus the vanilla ice cream is there to balance the overall flavours. The latter is a pillowy soft, sweet and savoury chocolate cake topped with sea salt and chantilly cream.
It’s definitely worth paying a visit to Gibson to try the Chimera cocktails, whether you’ve been there before or it’s your first time. With the innovativeness, research and thought put into this new menu and all of their cocktails, each concoction is truly a treat for your tastebuds.
P.s. Happy hour is 6pm to 7.30pm daily. Perfect if you want to grab a couple of cocktails after a long day in the office.
Address: 20 Bukit Pasoh Road, Level 2, Singapore 089834
Opening Hours: Mon, Wed – Thu, Sun (6pm to 12am), Fri – Sat (6pm to 2am), Tues (Closed)
Nearest MRT Station: Outram MRT Exit H
Disclaimer: We were guests of Gibson, but all opinions remain our own.
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