The love affair Hong Kongers have with Singapore is notable for a hunger and thirst for the Lion City’s bubbling food scene. As both cities reinvent and redefine their gastronomical identities on the Asian map, Singapore has seen high appraisal from its Hong Kong neighbours on the boundless limit to great food and drinks.
The matching of casual neighbourhood experiences and culinary destination dining has cemented Singapore dining identity: it is a leader in the region with an ideal synthesis of true taste and constant innovation. Singapore’s bar space, for instance, is emblematic of their trumping of competing scenes across the region; the city topped the Asia’s 50 Best 2024 list with 11 bars ranking in the top 50.
Where a weekend itinerary may comprise day-time trips to Newton Food Centre, Pek Kio Market & Food Centre, or Lau Pa Sat to savour Singapore’s melting pot of food, evening excursions to the city’s bars is a must. No better venue deserves a trip to than Smoke & Mirrors, the ritzy rooftop cocktail bar resting atop the National Gallery Singapore.
Smoke & Mirrors tells a story of modern Singapore, established above the former Supreme Court building and City Hall building, a marking of a contemporary and fast-paced era for the city. Directly facing the Marina Bay Sands, the cocktail bar is a symbol of Singapore’s avant-garde pioneering.
The Real Art of Drinking: Volume IV, fashioned by assistant head bartender Wong Wee Siong and Senior Bartender John Vincent “JV” Naive, is their latest cocktail programme, exploring “a painter’s palette” through colour in 12 distinct cocktails. Elegantly visual cocktails explore bold colours in Instagrammable, eye-catching form: red, brown, orange, yellow, chartreuse, green, teal, blue, purple, violet, magenta, and vermillion are designed to be drunk.
The cocktail we recommend on your maiden visit to Smoke & Mirrors is The Golden Ticket (SGD42), a chocolatey and nutty cocktail. A mix of honey dark chocolate liquor and peanut butter-washed Michter’s Sour Mash Whiskey whisks you off to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory to experience the flavours of brown!
In collaboration with famed Singapore chocolatier Janice Wong, each drink is garnished with a chocolate bar where 15 lucky guests may find the “Golden Ticket” to win a bottle of Michter’s Whiskey.
Wong says the storytelling element of each drink is paramount to deliver their signature immersive experience. “Each cocktail is meticulously designed to offer a unique combination of flavours, textures, and aromas, creating an immersive sensory experience.”
“We also invest a lot of time in researching and developing unique glassware that complements the inspiration behind each cocktail, offering a presentation you will not find at other bars. This dedication ensures that every drink not only tastes exceptional, but also provides a visually captivating experience, making each visit to Smoke & Mirrors truly memorable,” he adds.
A taste of Southeast Asia, and its savoury and spicy flavours, can be enjoyed with the sambAlemak (SGD34), a cocktail coloured in vermillion, a royal red hue. Patrón Reposado Tequila and a homemade sambal liqueur meet to create an alcoholic, bright version of a nasi lemak meal, Indonesia’s national dish. Ginger, garlic, lemon, and cucumbers join to introduce sour notes to the funky cocktail.
And because you are visiting Singapore, we recommend you to try their yellow Lion City Sling (SGD28) cocktail, a refreshing and fruity drink mixed with turmeric-infused Bombay Sapphire Gin and pineapple juice. Pineapple is an important part of Singapore’s history, once home to many plantations farming the vibrant fruit.
“Maintaining high standards of service and customer satisfaction in a high-profile establishment like Smoke & Mirrors requires a combination of continuous dedication and a relentless pursuit of excellence,” says Naive. The team mandates precision and respect towards cocktail ingredients to ensure that every cocktail delivers a perfect experience.
“Our team is well-trained and motivated, fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation. This allows us to create interactive, spirit-forward drinks that captivate our guests, blurring the line between the familiar and the experimental.”
Beyond the curated cocktail programme, Smoke & Mirrors is representative of a greater movement of fine, luxurious mixology in Singapore. The service, cocktails, and priceless view makes the bar a must to visit on your travels to Singapore.
Pointing to the cocktail bar’s new award, general manager Eileen Colzani says “for me personally, and for the team, this accolade is a reminder of the impact we can have when we work together towards a common goal. It inspires us to continue pushing boundaries and delivering exceptional experiences for our guests.” Head to National Gallery Singapore today to marvel at a truly outstanding cocktail experience.
Smoke & Mirrors, 1 St. Andrew’s Road, #06-01 National Gallery Singapore, Singapore 178957, +65 8380 6811
