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Cat Bite Club

Singapore

After launching their bartending careers in San Francisco in 2007, operating partners Gabriel Lowe (previous bar programme curator of Paradise Lost) and Jesse Vida (former Atlas head bartender) opened Cat Bite Club's doors in June 2023 in Singapore's buzzing Duxton neighbourhood. Embracing the world of agave early on in their careers in the West, the duo recognised that same potential in Asian legacy liquors, like soju and shochu.

Aptly, the drinks menu covers two regions – Mexico and Asia – sharing ingredient origin stories while celebrating the character of the corresponding base spirit. Each section boasts a signature serve: the Cat Bite Margarita (tequila, Siete Misterios Espadín mezcal, orange liqueur, citrus blend, agave nectar, sherry) for agave and the Soju Sprint (soju, peach, honey, mint, citrus blend, sherry, absinthe, soda) for rice. From there, each page sees one classic cocktail plus two separate playful renditions of said classic through the lens of agave and rice.

For instance, the Old Cuban can be ordered with agave at the fore as the Corsair (Cointreau, mezcal, vermouth, malic acid, amaro, bitters, carbonation) or you could opt for the Grape Escape, a rice-forward interpretation of the classic, (shochu, gin, grape shrub, elderflower liqueur, gentian, amaro, citrus blend and sparkling sake). There's also a weekly milk punch for a Cause, with a portion of sales donated to local cat charities.

The food menu also underscores the crossover between Mexican and Asian gastronomic traditions, with clever cultural collabs like Korean chicken al pastor quesadillas.

Cat Bite Club's sophisticated drinking experience, thoughtful menu, curated bottle list and commitment to the craft made it the deserving winner of the Campari One To Watch Award 2024.

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