Your Guide to Cocktails Inspired by Singapore’s Most Famous Landmarks

Published on September 19, 2024 | by DSGN arcHive

Ever wondered how iconic Singapore landmarks inspire cocktail masterpieces? Step into Bombay Sapphire’s ‘Saw This Made This’ campaign, where mixology meets elegance.

Have you ever wondered what happens when cocktail mixology meets iconic landmarks? Well, in June 2024, Bombay Sapphire’s global ‘Saw This Made This‘ campaign landed in Singapore. The island’s top mixologists were invited to showcase their creativity, resulting in a range of truly stunning drinks. Originally launched in October 2022 in collaboration with visionary filmmaker Baz Luhrmann, this campaign quickly gained attention. By the end of the Singapore edition, bartenders had crafted unique cocktails and shared their creations on social media with the hashtag #SawThisMadeThis.

As part of this exciting campaign, eight of Singapore’s top bars, renowned for their inventive cocktails, were invited to create unique drinks inspired by iconic Singapore landmarks. These bars included Analogue, ATLAS, Employees Only, Elephant Room, Nutmeg & Clove, Sago House, Stay Gold Flamingo, and Writer’s Bar at Raffles Hotel Singapore. Each bar drew inspiration from landmarks such as Gardens by the Bay, Marina Bay Sands, the Merlion, and the Singapore Flyer. Acclaimed street photographer Yik Keat captured these landmarks through his lens. Following this, local content creator Wei Ping (@Gluggony on Instagram) photographed the resulting cocktails, bringing these inspired creations to life. Scroll down for all the details!

8 Bars and Their Landmark-Inspired Cocktail Creations

1. Writer’s Bar

Konstantine Arzumanov crafted the Grande Dame cocktail to capture the spirit of Singapore’s Raffles Hotel, paying homage to this century-old National Monument. Drawing inspiration from the hotel’s vibrant red-tiled roof, white walls, and lush surroundings, he infused a Southeast Asian twist into the classic Piña Colada. Blending Bombay Sapphire Premier Cru gin with lime, calamansi, and pineapple, the Grande Dame was designed to embody the tropical essence of the iconic Raffles Hotel perfectly.

2. Elephant Room

The Flowing Still cocktail, created by Jimmy Kok, masterfully captures the essence of the ArtScience Museum’s iconic lotus flower-inspired architecture. Drawing on the museum’s harmonious blend of light and water, Kok crafted this vibrant blue cocktail using spirulina cordial, a nod to the museum’s rainwater collection system. Finished with chocolate art that mirrors the lotus-like structure, the Flowing Still stands as a beautiful tribute to this renowned landmark.

3. Analogue Initiative

Nicholas Leong’s Supertree cocktail is a vibrant homage to the futuristic super trees at Gardens by the Bay. This refreshing, floral drink is entirely plant-based, with its striking magenta hue coming from local blue pea flower. Leong added a touch of carbonation for a lively twist and finished it with an edible glass garnish that mirrors the iconic canopy’s shape, beautifully blending nature with technology in every sip.

4. Clove & Nutmeg

Michelle Loh’s Impressions & Expressions cocktail takes inspiration from the Esplanade’s dazzling lights and the durian, the ‘King of Fruits.’ Infused with the landmark’s vibrant atmosphere, Loh crafted a drink that embodies both the visual and sensory essence of the Esplanade. This innovative creation is designed to ignite creativity and leave a lasting impression.

5. Stay Gold Flamingo

Amos Kew’s Starry Skyline cocktail draws inspiration from the Singapore Flyer and its breathtaking panoramic views of the city. Reflecting Singapore’s vibrant history as a bustling port, this cocktail features Bombay Sapphire Gin infused with peach Oolong, purple glutinous rice liqueur, and a touch of luster dust. Garnished with an orange wheel, it elegantly captures the essence of the city’s sparkling skyline.

6. ATLAS Singapore

Christopher Foo and Shadrach Shan’s Flight of Nostalgia showcases Bombay Sapphire Gin mixed with mint, elderflower, citrus, and peach. This exclusive creation pays tribute to the majestic Golden Crane at Parkview Square, evoking a deep sense of home with its inspired ingredients and flavour profile.

7. Employees Only

Bryan Bonifacio’s The SG Explorer is a dry, floral cocktail served over crushed ice, inspired by the Merlion. This refreshing drink captures the essence of Singapore’s iconic landmark, delivering a unique and delightful twist on classic flavours.

8. Sago House

Nazri Zurimi’s The 1979 cocktail evokes a sense of nostalgia, drawing inspiration from the Dragon Playground in Toa Payoh. This drink reminisces about simpler times and vividly captures the essence of cherished childhood memories. It beautifully reflects the charm and joy of the past, offering a delightful taste of fond, bygone days.

Each cocktail in the ‘Saw This Made This’ campaign perfectly captures the essence of Singapore’s landmarks, celebrating the city’s rich history, culture, and innovation. Which of these eight Bombay Sapphire creations is your favourite? And if you have any other Bombay Sapphire cocktails that you particularly enjoy, we’d love to hear about them.

About DSGN arcHive

DSGN arcHive is your exclusive key to unveiling the enigmatic essence of a city, all filtered through the prism of design. Far from the ordinary tourist paths. We reveal the city’s architectural marvels, urban intricacies, cultural tapestry, and eco-conscious revolutions that mold its distinctive soul. With us, you’re invited to savor the metropolis in an entirely chic and sophisticated light, a city that’s far more than what meets the eye.