IBHQ: Creative Cocktail Bar
For those familiar with the Indigenous Bartender, you will be familiar with IB HQ Singapore. This quirky little bar serves cocktails made with local ingredients, mainly from discoveries through years of research. Fair warning, the bar is not for the faint-hearted as the flavours can come pretty bold. All in all, quite fascinating really.
The Indigenous Bartender
Kamil Foltán is one of the brains behind IB HQ, and is actually quite well known in the industry as the Indigenous Bartender. His wife and partner Zurina Bryant is a co-owner and runs the bar together. The bar focuses on cocktails with interesting flavours, and is definitely one who knows how to use a rotavap quite correctly.
“IB HQ is a fully focused cocktail bar that is inspired by cultures from around the APAC region. We learn and explore about origins of ingredients used in daily routine across regional cuisines that we then pair with less expected flavour combinations. We love to bring nostalgia and exploration to our patrons. The Bartender’s Table is a cocktail tasting menu, where we showcase research for the Indigenous Bartender website.The Bartender’s Table menu is themed and developed based on culture, flavours, and traditions of selected region or one ingredient. Our current Bartender’s Table menu is focusing on Japanese Teas and will change in mid-February to Chinese teas culture. Once we relocate, the whole menu will be complemented with light bite snacks as well.” — Kemil Fontan, Co-Owner of IB HQ Singapore.
Maharaja
Curry Gin, Jackfruit Bitter and Sweet Vermouth
The gin cocktail was balanced well with the curry flavour not overtly dominating the drink. The jackfruit bitters added a nice layer of complexity, mellowed out by the sweet vermouth.
Pi Pa
Parsnip infused Vodka finished with Pineapple Caramel
This cocktail used parsip vodka, giving it a slightly mild peppery flavour. The pineapple caramel cut the finish quite a bit so it worked.
Dusty Pickle
Grain Whisky, Ume Reduction, Cocoa and Pickled Plum
The dusty pickle had a nice balance of sweet and salty from the ume reduction, with the cocoa adding a nice little twist.
Peach & Wasabi San
London Dry Gin, Peach & Wasabi, Citrus, Egg white, Perrier
The gin cocktail was interesting with the floral notes from the peach yet it was zesty enough.
Shiso & Umeshu
Shiso Gin, Umeshu, Sweet Vermouth and Peychaud’s Bitters
This is one for the Japanese fans, with the pungent shiso adding a nice little kick, always works well with umeshu.
“Snap That”
Snap-Cha Spirit, Pea Honey, Lemon, Egg White, and Peppermint
This cocktail is somewhat of an interesting one, especially if you love peas and peppermint, a flavour you’d be familiar with if you like fish and chips.
Diamond Musa
Banana Whisky, Cocoa, Maraschino, and Coconut
This cocktail was fragrant and almost reminiscent of a pina colada.
Lassi Collins
Green Mango Gin, Vanilla Yogurt, Citrus, Curry, and Perrier Water
One of the best drinks on the menu is an homage to a classic non-alcoholic drink, the lassi colins is beautiful to see as it is to drink. Highly recommended.
“Oops, I Forgot”
7 Year Cuban Rum, Honey, Earl Grey, Rose
The rum and honey balanced well with the spiciness from the earl grey, with the hints of rose quite interesting.
IB HQ
774A, North Bridge Road,
Singapore 198742
+65 9152 4550
Opening Hours:
Tuesdays to Saturdays, 5.00 pm till midnight
Closed on Sundays
| PHOTOGRAPHY BY: : IB HQ SINGAPORE| WEBSITE: IB HQ SINGAPORE |