The art of mixology has no limits, as proven by Mixology Salon from Tokyo, who are bringing their signature tea cocktails to their newly opened space in InterContinental Robertson Quay.
If we had to describe their cocktails in three words, it’d be elegance, finesse and minimal. Mixology Salon proves you don’t need a ton of garnish or flashy elements to make a great cocktail.
About Mixology Salon
Mixology Salon was founded by master mixologist Shuzo Nagumo, who gained international acclaim for his signature Tea Tails (tea cocktails). He combines modern mixology techniques with high-quality Japanese tea leaves such as gyokuro, oolong and hojicha, producing unique, nuanced flavour profiles.
Trust us when we say you’ll be blown away by the finesse and techniques used to create such elegant, aromatic, unique tipples.
The 17-seater Japanese tea house-inspired space features classics from the original menu from their Ginza outlet and a selection of cocktails made with local ingredients. Small bites are also available while stocks last.
Tea Tails, Cocktail Flights & More
Apart from the signature Tea Tails, you can also order the Signature Tea Cocktails Course: 3 Cocktails ($72), 4 Cocktails ($98) and 5 Cocktails ($122). Tea enthusiasts might consider the Gyokuro Cocktails Course ($65) with four cocktails made with the highest grade of green tea with strong umami notes.
Sencha Gin Tonic
The Sencha Gin Tonic ($22) was made with Mixology Salon’s in-house infusion of sencha tea in vodka for 24 hours at room temperature, which speeds up the infusion process.
Light, earthy and clean-tasting, with the sencha tea coming through nicely in aromas and on the palate. An elegant G&T that’s also not overly gassy and perfectly proportioned to allow the tea to be distinct and not overwhelmed by the gin.
Hoji Tea-tail No. 2
The Tea-tails are all served in Burgundy wine glasses, and while this may come across as a surprise, you’ll understand why as you sip on this cocktail.
Hoji Tea-tail No. 2 ($24) is made with Hojicha, vintage port wine, aged cognac and cassis liqueur. This is one of the boozier tipples on the menu, but indeed an interesting one we highly recommend trying. Shuzo’s protégé, Kaoru Takii recommends taking a whiff of the cocktail first – but do not swirl it just yet. You’ll get the robust hojicha aromatics on the nose and on the palate, with a hint of sweetness from the cassis. May be a tad strong, but just you wait.
Now, swirl the cocktail, take a whiff and a sip – both have completely changed from when you first tried it. It’s mind-boggling how the nose becomes slightly muted, with a bit of sweetness, and the cocktail becomes very well-balanced – a nice blend of the hojicha and cognac. The Hoji Tea-tail No. 2 may look unassuming, and is anything but.
Sencha Shiso Smash
The Sencha Shiso Smash ($24) is one you’ll love if you’re a fan of shiso – we are, so this hit the spot for us. Made with an exclusive Sencha-infused Bombay Sapphire, shiso leaves, salted plum and sencha cordial.
This cocktail was grassy, refreshing, and light with strong shiso notes (just how we like it) and a taste of savouriness and sourness from the umeboshi. It’s strange how most people steer clear of shiso in most food, yet Mixology Salon made it work so well in a cocktail – kudos to the team!
Betterment IPA
A notable mention is the Betterment IPA ($25) – while we didn’t try this cocktail made with Iri-Bancha Infused Japanese Whisky, Grand Marnier, apricot liqueur, vermouth Rosso and IPA, we did get to try the Iri-Bancha Infused Japanese Whisky itself.
Iribancha is one of the most well-known teas in Kyoto and is also known as a late-harvest tea leaf. The leaves are roasted at very high temperatures, giving it its unique, robust, smoky aroma reminiscent of cigars and bonfires. When infused with the whisky, you get a very spicy, smoky and intense blend that’s almost tobacco-like. We’ll definitely be back to try the Betterment IPA for ourselves.
Food at Mixology Salon Singapore
While the focus remains on the cocktails, Mixology Salon does offer light bites on the menu for the peckish imbibers. Dates & Butter ($12) is a pleasantly appealing sweet-savoury pairing, and the Matcha Terrine ($15) is a decadent, fudge-like treat that Matcha fans will love. We hear Wagyu sandos may be coming up on the menu soon too…
Overall Thoughts
If you asked us if we ever thought we’d be sipping on cocktails in a Japanese tea house at 3 pm, we’d probably say no. That being said, there’s something very zen about looking out the wooden-grilled windows to the plush green trees while enjoying a Sencha G&T.
Mixology Salon’s tipples are elegant and not too heavy-handed on the ABV to balance the natural tea flavours; hence, they’re perfect to enjoy any time of the day. It was also refreshing to be greeted with such clean, light, yet nuanced cocktails that you don’t often get in Singapore, although perhaps the next closest example would be Live Twice’s new menu. We’ll be going back for sure – how about you? Would you give Mixology Salon’s Tea Tails a try?
Mixology Salon Singapore
Address: InterContinental Robertson Quay| 1 Nanson Road, #02-07B, Singapore 238909 (Turn left after coming up from the escalator)
Opening Hours: 4pm – 11pm (Wed to Sat), 3pm – 10pm (Sun), Closed on Mon and Tues
Nearest MRT Station: Havelock MRT, Fort Canning MRT
Reservations: +65 8399 0679 or click here
Website: Click here
Disclaimer: We were guests of Mixology Salon Singapore, but all opinions remain our own.
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