Polished new bar offers 100 + gin labels with self-construct Martinis and G&T’s – plus gin-based cocktails
September 10th, 2016
Newcomer Singapore bar Cin Cin, with its retro-glamour design, full-height glass street facade and relaxed unpretentious vibe, impresses as an inviting destination for after-work or late evening drinks. Located at the design-forward Oasia Hotel Downtown within the rapidly transforming Tanjong Pagar district adjacent to the Singapore CBD, Cin Cin is a new bar concept from acclaimed local F&B group Refinery Concepts – behind popular local restaurants such as Fat Cow, Kinki, and Oriole Coffee + Bar. And by embracing the flourishing global revival of gin-forward drinks, Cin Cin stands out as the city’s first true gin bar. Behind the sleek marble-topped bar, an encyclopedic compilation of around 100 global gin labels ranges from the familiar premium brands to the latest exotic botanical gins from craft distilleries. In addition to signature gin-based cocktails and reworked classics, guests can construct their own G&T’s, or martinis, matching their preferred gin flavour profile with a choice of premium tonic waters, or vermouths respectively, to create their consummate G&T or martini.
Design Discreetly accessed off the hotel entrance, the voluminous space features a towering slatted ceiling and a full-width glass frontage onto the street that suffuses the bar with natural daylight, and in the cooler evenings, glass panels slide back to open up the interior to the bustle of the urban street life. The polished design references Art Deco-era glamour with elements such as curved seats and brass trimmings, while bold teal colored tables match elegantly with the predominantly pastel palette of the bar decor. Beyond the main bar space, a separate lounge area offers comfortable banquette and low-chair seating.
Gins & cocktails The Cin Cin drinks list is headlined by the “Create Your Own” Martini and Gin & Tonic program. Select from the extensive range of gins – with prices for martinis from S$18 to S$24, and G&T’s from S$16. Among the signature gin-based cocktails be sure to try the CIN CIN – with Bulldog gin, togarashi infused Lillet Blanc, and Bittermens Hopped Grapefruit Bitters; and the OPERATION SIAM – a combination of Bulldog infused with kaffir, fresh lime juice, and East Imperial Superior Thai Ginger Ale.
Bar cuisine A concise menu of elevated bar bites make ideal accompaniments to the gin-forward taste profile of the drinks. Served in sharing portions, standouts include Seared Ahi Tuna; and Char Broiled SlicedShortrib.
Cin Cin is open daily from 5pm to midnight (1am closing on Friday & Saturday). A daily Happy Hour promotion runs between 5 pm and 8pm, while a DJ spins until late on Friday nights.
