PUBLISHED January 7th, 2020 06:00 am | UPDATED May 18th, 2020 06:52 pm
Remember Bee Bee’s on Boat Quay? The folks behind the now-defunct Peranakan-inspired cocktail bar have created another concept, this time a Tiki-focused spot on the well-populated Telok Ayer Street. Bee’s Island Drinkery is an intimate 18-seater pop-up, and aims to be that new, affordable watering hole for a couple of drinks after work.
Stepping into the hole-in-the-wall space, we immediately appreciate the bar’s layout, designed to maximise social interaction and connection. The seating arrangement also helps to shine a spotlight on the creative behind the menu, Jonathan Emmanuel, who was previously the Bar Manager of Potato Head Singapore. He believes that the bar should be a playground for adults, and Bee’s Island Drinkery is just that.
What better way to unwind after a long day than with the Tropic Thunder (S$70)? Bee’s tropical rum blend, citrus, fresh yellow watermelon juice, firewater tincture, Angostura bitters, and rosemary come together in a huge pot topped with the crown of a pineapple. Light and crisp with hints of heat on the nose, this spiked punch is brimming with camaraderie and serves four. Going at it solo? Try the refreshing Tropicana (S$18). Made with Monkey 47 gin, yellow watermelon juice, melon liqueur, Bee’s tropical citrus mix, agave nectar, and a dash of lavender bitters, Tropicana is the perfect gateway to the stronger libations Bee’s Island Drinkery has to offer.
Amongst them is the Rosa Rosa (S$18), a spirit-forward, spicy cocktail that we just can’t get enough of. Tropical flavours of fresh mango juice, Bee’s citrus mix, and kaffir lime leaf, accentuate the nuances of the base spirit, Codigo 1530 Tequila Rosa, which spent a month in uncharred Napa Cabernet French White Oak barrels. If you’re looking for something more classically inspired, have the Pineapple Negroni (S$18). Pineapple notes in every sip brings a new way to enjoy the classic cocktail.
If you’ve built up an appetite over the easy drinking, dig into delicious bar grub. Tender and juicy, the Charred Wagyu Rib Fingers (S$15) served with ponzu is a plate of smoky, melt-in-your-mouth goodness. Don’t discount the Curry-spiced Chicken Skewers (S$10) either – the slight heat of the curry marinade means it washes down well with all the tropical concoctions at Bee’s Island Drinkery – while vegetarians have an option in the Grilled Mushroom (S$10), where in-season fungi is dressed with white sesame sauce. The star of the menu, though is the the Wagyu-fat Popcorn (S$2). Coated with the buttery saltiness of Wagyu fat, it’s light yet decadently savoury, and entirely addictive. You’ll probably get seconds (we did).
Bee’s Island Drinkery doesn’t just cater to the after-work crowd. During the day, you’ll find it transformed into a juice bar dishing up mixed and freshly pressed juices (S$3-S$5) alongside an array of chicken wraps (S$10) to keep your workday fulled.
Bee’s Island Drinkery is located at 72 Telok Ayer St, Singapore 048460. Open Mon-Fri 11.30am – 4pm, 6pm – 11pm, Sat 6pm – 12am. Closed Sun.