Creative cocktails at Barkode

If like me you are partial to a good cocktail or three or four, the price tag that comes along with an evening of indulgence can sometimes make you gulp. However if your thing is creatively conceptualized, well mixed cocktails that won't leave you balking at the bill then you might soon be propping up the bar at BARKODE (well that is f you haven't been doing so already).

Before we get onto the cocktails, for those of you not familiar with it, BARKODE is already a bit leftfield for a cocktail bar that boasts some nice mixology moves because it's nestled away on Dunlop Street in Little India.

You may be wondering what on earth a cocktail bar is doing in Little India but this is not some fancy schmancy joint - it's all about keeping it raw, minimalist and a little bit industrial which makes for a great juxtaposition against the beautifully executed cocktails on offer.

Pull up a seat at the bar and watch how the folks there running the show bust out fresh cocktails bursting with fresh fruits, herbs and spices, and most importantly, a wide range of spirits challenging staid cocktail menus across Singapore.

First up on this mixology adventure was Earthy Temptation ($16), a creation which fuses soft Earl Grey flavours with tangy mandarin marmalade, Martin Millers gin (a modern twist on a true Brit gin) and a hint of lemongrass. If you're feeling frazzled after a hard days work, this is a fresh pick me up with the right balance of flavours and a nice zing that will get you in the mood for more....and more.

Quite honestly I could have just sat drinking Earthy Temptations all night but that wouldn't be much use to you. So on I pressed.

Next, the cheekily named Pru cha ça ($16) caught my eye, intrigued by whether it was going to live up to its Brazilian-inspired reputation. Made with premium Brazilian Sagatiba cachaça, Prucia Plum Liquor and lime juice, this one is for the super sweet-toothed.

You might be wondering what on earth cachaça is, well for Brazilians it's the equivalent of champagne for the French or Tequila for the Mexicans and is distilled straight from fresh pressed sugarcane juice. It's also the essence of Brazil’s most famed cocktail: the Caipirinha (also served up at BARKODE).

Thanks to this secret ingredient and the flavours which come through from the flamboyant Japanese recipe French plums of the Prucia Plum Liquor,  the result is a drink full of sweet, fruity and slightly floral flavours, perfect for the girly girls out there.

What's next? Champagne cocktail with a twist anyone? The Grape Royale ($20) offers just that right down to the glass it's served in. Actually it's a much more subtle spin on a champagne cocktail using only a trimming of champagne.

Uniquely it uses Goldschläger, a blast from the past as it's a liquor I was a wee bit fixated on in my formative alcohol-appreciating years. And for obvious reason. Yes this baby is a cinnamon schnapps liquor swirling with hundreds of 24k gold leaf flakes. I mean come on what's not to like about that!?

Anyway this drink, is a lovely subtle combination of the Goldschläger, champagne and sprinkling of cinnamon with a gentle bite to it and extremely quaffable.

So three cocktails and I'm done but hopefully you can now see the treats in store at BARKODE. But don't take my word for it. BARKODE has 12 cocktails on the menu of which 9 will change every month so your options are well....endless! Good news for cocktail lovers out there.

This is a cocktail bar to make you feel at home, so leave your pretentions at the door and embark on a mixology adventure with friends.

BARKODE, 66 Dunlop Street, 209394, Tel: +65 6396 5563. For more information see their Facebook page here.

Nomad Card holders get 15% off at Barkode from 1st May - 31st July 2013. For more information on the Nomad Card and to start enjoying these privileges see here now.

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Written by Ms Demeanour

Posted in: Bars Cocktails

Call 6396 5563 for reservations