Anti:dote's head craftsman Tom Hogan spills where to go for great cocktails (he was a finalist in the Diageo Reserve World Class Singapore, after all!)
Who better to recommend some must-visit cocktail bars in Singapore than the man behind one of the city’s finest drinking dens? We chat with American bartender Tom Hogan, the head honcho of Fairmont’s Anti:dote and a finalist at the 2014 Diageo Reserve World Class Singapore, on his job, his favourite watering holes for amazing tipples, as well as the local bar scene.
The Diageo Reserve World Class…
was actually my first-ever competition and it was definitely an exciting experience. It started out a little daunting for me as I realised the breadth of experience and creativity within the bar community here in Singapore. Seeing what the other bartenders came up with had really encouraged me to push myself even further to stretch my creativity.
Bartenders are…
storytellers, keepers, and performers. We are required to create a cocktail that will satiate our experimental whims while balancing the desires and expectations of the drinker, which we have only a matter of minutes to assess.
The new cocktails at Anti:dote…
are made with market fresh ingredients, premium spirits and housemade bitters and liqueurs. They are inspired by the people I meet – every cocktail has a story of its own.
When I do get out from behind the stick…
I like to go to 28 HongKong Street, The Library Bar, Jigger & Pony, Sugarhall, L’Aiglon, and places where I can try a new spirit.
It’s amazing…
how you can access so many different cultures in Singapore within such a short distance from home. It’s truly incredible and an unparalleled experience in today’s world.
If I’m in the mood…
to get pampered, I go to the guys at Jermyn Street.
Singapore’s bar scene is…
comparable to notable vibrant cocktail scenes abroad, with the varieties of spirits that are made progressively available, coupled with more people being exposed to a wider range of creative cocktails.
Anti:dote, Level 1 Fairmont Singapore, 80 Bras Basah Road, p. 6431 5315
This article was first published in Singapore Insider. Want more? Pick up a copy of the print guide at Singapore Visitor Centres island-wide, including Orchard (junction of Cairnhill Road and Orchard Road), orchardgateway, ION Orchard (Level 1 Concierge), and Chinatown Visitor Centre (2 Banda Street), or download the latest version in PDF format or or visit YourSingapore.com.
