February 2012, Maison Ikkoku unveils its semi-alfresco cocktail bar, completing its unique three-in-one concept of café, boutique and bar.
Housed along the precinct shophouses in the Haji Lane enclave, MI’s rooftop bar overlooks the quaint streets with an exotic view of a mosque –a charming yet relaxed respite from the hectic lifestyle, ideal to unwind and chill out.
The 1,000 sq ft cocktail bar has a total seating capacity of 45 pax indoors and outdoors. The cosy interior can comfortably sit 20 persons and will have no problem holding up more for an intimate party.
Maison Ikkoku is the only three-storey shophouse in Singapore that offers a rooftop cocktail bar. The high ceiling enhances the spatial quality; despite the space constraint, you won’t feel confined.
A talented mixologist, Ethan Leslie Leong, who has over 18 years of experience in the industry, helms the cocktail bar. Not only is he skilful, he is observant and will be more than happy to concoct your very own personalised cocktail according to your preferences!
Customised cocktails
Blackforest virgin mocktail $20
After a brief conversation with mixologist Ethan, it is no secret that I have a sweet tooth, and a disinclination for strong spirits; a non-alcoholic mocktail was then fabricated specially for me. Composed of fresh and organic berries: blackberry, blueberry, raspberry topped with a scoop of lemon sorbet, it certainly surpassed my expectation and I was utterly impressed!
Recommended cocktails on the menu:
MI1 White French Maid $25
The MI1 is a personal favourite. Coffee liquor, French caramel liquor, vodka and fresh milk is interlaced and topped with coffee beans, and finally torched on the surface of the drink to bring out the aroma. The strong alcoholic taste from the vodka – which I have an aversion for – is masked by the richness of the other components. It was so pleasant tasting that I drank two glasses without realising it is actually pretty intoxicating; the tipsiness starts kicking in soon after.
MI2 Passionate Moment $22
This refreshing cocktail is composed of fresh passionfruit, lemon, rosemary, gin and vodka. The rosemary sprig is sprayed with high proof grain spirits and set ablaze to extract the flavour of the herb. For someone who tends to avoid strong spirits like vodka and gin, I actually had no qualms finishing this cocktail!
Spam Fries
How unique are these bar grubs? Spam fries make a great accompaniment to the cocktails!
Personality Bespoke Cocktails
To mark the launch of MI’s cocktail bar, Ethan has collaborated with three personalities, namely renowned Show Producer Daniel Boey, award-winning Art Director Justin Long, and home-grown singer-songwriter Aarika Lee, representing the fields of fashion, design and music respectively, to create three bespoke cocktails, inspired by each of their distinctive lifestyle and personality.
These three cocktails are available for a limited period from now till October 2012 and is priced at $25 each.
A Long Cocktale (Justin Long) $25
Banana liquor, light rum, orange juice, mint, banana, brown sugar
Those with fondness for banana will like this cocktail. The mint gives a refreshing lift and the brown sugar is torched for the final touch.
The Fabulous DianaV (Daniel Boey) $25
Red apple, mint, gin, pomegranate, lemon, apple liquor, menthe pastille
The Fabulous DianaV is a personal favourite amongst the three, mainly because it is sweet and fruity.
The Dream Catcher (Aarika Lee) $25
Pineapple, whiskey, basil, pomegranate
If you are a hardcore alcohol lover, The Dream Catcher is intoxicating. Non-fussy and straightforward, you get a hit of alcohol as soon as you take a sip. It is too strong for me though.
Do check out the men’s boutique on the second floor:
Maison Ikkoku brings in new collections every season, into its simplistic, rustic yet chic retail outlet.
Here are some of the nibbles we had at the cocktail bar launch, prepared by their café (on the first storey) in sampling portions:
Egg Mayonnaise Sandwich
Musubi $3 per roll
Spicy Chicken Sandwich
The café looks promising and the menu, enticing. I’d definitely love to head down for some real nomming one day!
Maison Ikkoku
Cocktail Bar, level 3
Opening hours
Monday to Thursday: 6pm-1am
Friday, Saturday and Eve of Public Holiday: 6pm-2am
Closed on Sundays