I don’t mean to sound like I’m turning into a chronic alcoholic, because I used to avoid alcoholic beverages like plague. The thing is, I’ve taken a huge fancy to cocktails in recent times, more or less in the influence of the growing numbers of new-fangled cocktail bars that slowly helped change my perception of libations. One of which that left a deep impression was L’Aiglon, a charming cocktail bar ensconced in a shophouse along the Tanjong Pagar dining district.
Elderflower Spritz ($14)
The owner is French native Pierre-Emmanuel Plassart, also a film director, photographer and avid traveller. Not unexpectedly the stylish bar exudes French masculinity accented with Asian touches, seating 80 guests in three distinct spaces –an outdoor terrace, a private room, and a lounge flaunting an attention-grasping 8.2 metre-long bar.
Cocchi Cooler
This season, L’Aiglon brings forth a refreshing Summer Aperitif Cocktails menu that’s available from 5pm to 8pm daily, priced at $14++ each. The menu is made up of 8 light and easy-to-drink aperitif cocktails, a mix of both classic and original concoctions, with the aim of tempting you out of the office before sunset.
Personal favourites are the Elderflower Spritz (a light and refreshing L’Aiglon Original creation, sweet, floral and nicely balanced with the slight acidity of the Rosé wine) and Cocchi Cooler (another L’Aiglon Original creation of grapefruit, tonic and Cocchi Americano).
These are the kind of drinks that help me get out of my comfort zone to actually give alcohol a chance –easy to drink and sweet without being overpowering.
Catering to diverse palates, classics such as Americano, Be-Ton and Fernet Con Cola emphasise the tastes of bitterness, herb-centric accents and spice-predominant notes.
Creeping Vines ($22)
On the regular menu, our tech writer, Timothy, found immense pleasure in Creeping Vines that’s tinted an alluring green. Made of gin, rare vineflower liqueur, fresh lemon juice and housemade wine syrup (a blend of rosé wine and sauvignon blanc) with a garnish of basil leaf, the fruity and floral flavours marry harmoniously.
Screaming Tomatoes ($24)
Screaming Tomatoes is L’Aiglon’s interpretation of the classic Bloody Mary. One of the best I’ve had. Vine tomatoes are torched and squeezed to form the base, invigorated with spiced pepper that’s made in-house.
At L’Aiglon, they go through tonnes of fresh tomatoes –the quality speaks for itself.
L’Aiglon’s Spiced Nuts ($6)
To go with libations, L’Aiglon’s Spiced Nuts are highly addictive –twice-baked cashew coated in 6 different types of spices (such as paprika, coriander, cayenne and chimichurri) and egg white (to allow the spices to adhere).
L’Aiglon’s Marinated Green Olives ($6)
Smoked Salmon Maki with Fresh Wasabi and Sesame ($14)
The food menu is not extensive, but thoughtfully curated and made using quality ingredients. The Smoked Salmon Maki is rolled with julienned cucumber and apple instead of rice so no guilt is involved in the eating process.
Pep’s Chicken Mini Burger Trio ($14)
The chicken mini burger is decent but nothing spectacular. Order the crispy Gent’s Chicken Samosa instead.
Gent’s Chicken Samosa ($12)
Crab Cakes with Curry Salsa and Granny Smith ($14)
The Crab Cakes is a must-try.
How can anyone resist this?
With such well executed cocktails and irresistibly sophisticated bar bites, I would highly recommend L’Aiglon.
L’Aiglon
69 Neil Road
Singapore 088899
Tel:
Facebook:
Hashtag on Instagram: #LAIGLON #69NEILROAD
Opening hours:
Monday to Saturday: 5pm – 2am (last order at 1.30am)