Anti:dote’s head mixologist Tom Hogan spills where to go for great cocktails, and how honoured he was to be a finalist in the Diageo Reserve World Class Singapore.
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 got to discover 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 house-made 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, Jigger & Pony, Sugarhall 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.