Another year, another serendipitous menu launch by Origin Bar; it’s almost become an annual pilgrimage to Shangri-La Hotel to check out their new ideas and inspirations.

The latest, POV (Point of View), is a concept-driven collection of cocktails that offers guests a fresh perspective on flavour, creativity, and storytelling. It continues the bar’s curious journey of flavour discovery, presenting its unique take on craft drinks through three distinct time frames.
• Reimagined: a modern interpretation of classic cocktails, breathing new life into timeless inspirations.
• New Era reflects today’s world, addressing contemporary challenges through thoughtful and innovative creations.
• Boundless: an imaginative and unconventional approach to drinking.

Here’s what I loved:

Ants and Bees is inspired by the industry of bees and precision of ants, with caramelised honey, shochu, white verjusand Amazonian Ants Chocolate. Delish!

With 18 bespoke cocktails and 5 mocktails, ‘Point of View’ serves as both a legacy and a creative canvas and the menu, according to Bar & Beverage Manager Adam Bursik, the visionary behind its creation, “is a declaration. We view flavours, ingredients and concepts through a unique lens, and this menu invites guests to step into that world with us.”

White Negroni without the Campari.

This cocktail best encapsulates the bar program: they find clever ways to present classic drinks to elevate the drinking experience. The White Negroni is conjured with just two spirits, gin and white vermouth, and in place of Campari, bitterness comes from the bitter melon perched atop the ice. The cocktail is transformative with each sip, with sweetness and bitterness in different measures. This deserves an award. [If only there existed a credible panel that would recognise Origin as one of Singapore’s consistently best bars…/puts on thinking cap/.]

Silent Treatment speaks volumes.

This is a ‘cerebral’ cocktail with brain-support ingredients like ginko leaf, walnut and pomegranate. Together with amaro and whisky, it’s a deep drink meant to help you contemplate your life choices. Why are you getting the silent treatment? Perhaps you’re enjoying this smoky cocktail too much.

Jumper is the cream of the crop.

This global cocktail has ingredients from all over the world: pistachio, cocoa butter, cream, matcha and tequila. It’s the creamiest of the lot, not cloying, with the right balance of frothiness and flavours. Loving the nutty notes and edible paper garnish.

There are many more to recommend: Don’t Give A *uck, No Offense and Compost-Politan are delightful and delicious. The fun menu is itself a work of hologram art (hard to showcase it, you have to be there). And why not be there; this new collection is worth your time and trek.

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Origin Bar is open from Tuesdays to Sundays, 5:30 pm to 1 am. For reservations, call (65) 6213 4398 or email: dining.sls@shangri-la.com.

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