One Ninety Bar at the Four Seasons Singapore has launched its latest venture, the “Polaroids of Singapore” cocktail menu. With 16 cocktails, the comprehensive menu features four beverages inspired by Singapore’s main cultural groups—Chinese, Malay, India, and Other. The drinks are handcrafted in-house and give a nod not only to the cultural makeup of the country, but of the One Ninety Bar team, who each had a hand in the final recipes. I was lucky enough to taste all 16 cocktails—quite the feat itself, but well worth it if you have the time—and I’ll definitely be returning during the festive season. Each category is a love letter to the culture that inspired it, and the drinks are, in short, delightful.
Chinese
The first category of tastes embodies Singapore’s majority cultural group—the Chinese. With drinks inspired by the traditional lion dance and local Chinese drinks and dishes, there are a variety of enticing options. I’m personally not a Rojak person, but the Rojak Sour was surprisingly enjoyable and would be a great palate opener before dinner at One Ninety Restaurant. My favourite, Bei Shi’s Dance, featured the Balvenie 12 Year Doublewood, Kyoho grape liqueur, Mandarine Napoléon, raspberry, orange bitters, and whey, giving a unique and “not too sweet” flavour profile which I’ll definitely go back to experience again.
Malay
The Malay category was a feast for the eyes as much as the taste buds. On balance, the Serai Fizz was my favourite cocktail on the menu. Its light, bubbly nature paired well with the bar snacks, and I could drink a lot of it very easily. If you’re planning a lengthier visit to One Ninety Bar or dropping in for an aperitif, opt for this as an easy choice that won’t disappoint. However, if you’re looking for something more substantial after dinner, the Kelapa Old Fashioned is a great take on the classic with a decadent Malay twist. If your top priority is an Instagrammable drink, Echoes of Batik is finished with an edible rice paper design guaranteed to get you the likes—and the drink is delicious too.
Indian
I was most intrigued by the Indian selection and excited to see how Head Bartender, Sophia Kang, and team approached traditional Indian flavours in cocktail form. I was right to be excited. My favourite from this selection was the Yellow Dress, as I don’t remember experiencing elderflower paired with cinnamon before, but now I’m wondering why not. It’s a great combination, balanced perfectly by the team, and left me wanting more. The Masala Manhattan is for you if you enjoy punchy, herbal flavours and the interesting experience of mixing masala with cherry. One to remember.
Other
As someone classified as “Other” in Singapore, I was naturally interested to see how the team interpreted the country’s minority cultural group—especially the British-inspired options. Royalty Scone was a triumph. Bombay Sapphire Premier Cru Gin is scone fat-washed, leaving a rich, buttery mouthfeel and pastry-like taste, without adding any heavy dairy to the concoction. It made me think my new answer to the age-old question of “jam or cream first on your scone?” is now “gin”. I’d go back just for this. For a stronger, more robust drink, the Pioneer’s Elixir is a negroni-style cocktail, utilising the spirits Sir Stamford Raffles and co. would have brought to the island on their trades between East and West. A solid nightcap after a meal at any of the Four Seasons outlets, or even on your way home from Orchard Road.
Bar Snacks
While the bar snacks aren’t designed to be paired with the culturally inspired menu, they’re definitely worth trying—especially if you want to try all 16 cocktails. The Boston Lobster Roll was a decadent highlight which didn’t overpower any flavours. The Vietnamese Summer Rolls paired well with some lighter drinks, while the Sliders were a great accompaniment to the bold flavours of the Pioneer’s Elixir and Kelapa Old Fashioned. For chicken wing aficionados, the Otak-Otak Stuffed Wings were also an unexpected stand-out—they’re substantial and well-seasoned, giving a great local twist on the salty bar snack.
Final Thoughts on Polaroids of Singapore
It’s a no-brainer. The cocktails are great, the space is sophisticated yet relaxed, and the team warmly invite you in. Whether you’re after an aperitif, a full cocktail tasting experience, or a locally-inspired nightcap, there’s something for everyone. And with 8ish weeks to go before Christmas, why not try two per week so you can revisit your favourites in the New Year? That’s one date night in Orchard per week in the run up to the festive season, so either you, your partner, or your bestie can taste your way through Singapore to end out 2025. Guess where you’ll catch me…
Experience “Polaroids of Singapore” at the Four Seasons’ One Ninety Bar.
READ MORE
It’s Friday Everyday At Le Pristine
Say Cheers To Spirit-Forward Cocktails And Convivial Dining At Sushisamba Singapore
Editor’s Diary: Inside The Opening Of The World’s First Coach Restaurant In Jakarta