The bar scene along Amoy Street is buzzing, thanks to popular watering hole Jigger & Pony and relatively new entrant Sugarhall, which serves up wholesome charcoal-grilled dishes and rum-infused cocktails.
We had the dashing Aki Eguchi, the Bar Programme Director at both joints, share his favourite cocktail creation, as well as his thoughts on the nightlife scene here:
Hi, Aki! What led you to pursue bartending?
In Japan, bartending was seen as a respectable and elegant art. The sheer dedication towards perfecting their craft appealed to me, and I like that it allows me to be creative.
What’s your favourite concoction at Sugarhall?
This is a tough question; it’s almost like asking me to choose my favourite child (although I am not married and don’t have kids, by the way). I’m proud of all of them, as all the cocktails on the menu went through a meticulous conceptualisation process and have their own individual stories and inspirations.
Your spirit of the moment then?
Rum. Since the opening of Sugarhall, I’ve had the opportunity to work with the great rums, some of them exclusive to the establishment. It’s so versatile – you can enjoy it neat or in a cocktail, which brings out different facets and characters of the spirit.
What do you think of the nightlife scene in Singapore?
The nightlife scene has become much more exciting over the years. Customers now have more options to choose from, and they are definitely more open to trying out a wider range of drinks and food.
Any bars here that have your attention?
Nutmeg & Clove at Ann Siang. Kae Yin, the bar manager there, is a good friend of mine and I like what he is doing with the cocktail programme there.
What keeps you going?
Apart from making cocktails, it is also the constant learning that keeps me going. I enjoy picking up new things every day and trying out new combinations with different ingredients. Also, the smiles on our customers’ faces when they enjoy our cocktails are priceless to me.
Tell us something that only bartenders would know.
Besides using them as garnishes, orange and lemon peels can also be stirred into your drink to change its texture, as their natural oils are released.
Thanks, Aki – we’ll be dropping by for more of your delectable rum-based drinks!
Sugarhall, 102 Amoy Street, Singapore 069922, p. 6222 9102 / 9732 5607, e. [email protected].