At The bar
We scour the bar scene to bring you the new and noteworthy. It’s a tough job but somebody’s got to do it!
Rum Returns!
Sugarhall
19 Cecil Street
9815 0246 | @sugarhallsg
The Scene:
For rum lovers in Singapore, Sugarhall was the go-to bar for rare rums and impeccably crafted rum-based cocktails. After shuttering its doors four years ago, Sugarhall has made a triumphant return – just in time to take advantage of looser restrictions!
The bar’s new digs are tucked away in an alley beside Rosemead. Enter through the unmarked door, ascend the stairs and you’ll be greeted by the bar’s charming, softly lit space. Fairy lights dot the ceilings, giving the impression of alfresco dining. The chipped walls and dark wood furniture bring to mind Cuban cantinas. There are also booths for more intimate seating arrangements (or perhaps for planning revolutions?).
The Drinks:
Rather than using a single house-pour rum for its cocktails, Sugarhall leans into its rum repository (over 100 labels!) for inspiration. Each cocktail features a rum base chosen to complement its flavours. We started off with the Dark & Stormy ($24), a light and refreshing highball. Taking the cocktail up a notch was the addition of the bar’s own specially brewed ginger beer made with young ginger, old ginger and galangal – delightfully spicy! Next, we moved on to the Daiquiri ($22). Featuring a mix of Bacardi Superior 1909 rum and Veritas rum, this is a crisp classic with just a touch of sugar.
While the earlier drinks might have been (deceptively) light, it’s instantly clear just how spirit-forward the IL-Presidente ($28) is. Here, the usual vermouth is replaced by sherry vermouth, Amaro Montenegro and Marsala. The rum content is provided by an oaky Appleton cask rum that’s been aged 15 years. You’ll need a couple of bar bites at hand by the time this drink is done!
The Eats:
Like most cocktail bars today, the food options at Sugarhall aren’t a mere afterthought. If you’ve got a hankering for something substantial, sink your teeth into the wagyu cheeseburger with bacon ($35). While not the most unique thing on the menu, it’s a brilliant example of a steakhouse-style burger done right – course ground beef served medium rare, with thick-cut bacon and a side of shoestring fries. Another noteworthy item is the chicken liver toast ($8) – thick slices of toasted rustic bread topped with chicken liver paste and caramelised onions. It’s a polarising dish for sure, but one of my favourite bar bites at Sugarhall.