And the change is bold – inspired mainly by the flamboyant Bollywood entertainment industry. The mixes include Connections to Sunny Leone, colourful lead actors, poets and legendary sports personalities.
With this inspiration in mind, traditional Indian spices and ingredients are used lavishly.
Flying Monkey: Tamarind is an intriguing ingredient for a cocktail, but when blended with a splash of fruity cognac, a dash of bitters and the fragrant Orgeat with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, this signature drink is impeccable. Price: $20
Mumbai to Milan: Instead of your coffee fix, the bar team have been inspired by India’s national drink, tea. The freshly brewed and aromatic Darjeeling tea is first chilled and then combined with campari, aperol and dry and sweet vermouth. It’s a perfect tipple before settling down for dinner. Price: $19
The Japanese Wife: This is a truly romantic drink, a homage to the Bollywood movie with the same title which was released in 2010 to rave reviews. The cocktail is a celebration of love across cultures and an ode to a young Bengali school teacher who marries his Japanese penfriend. India’s iconic Old Monk rum is sublime when mixed with sake, fresh guava and savoury maraschiono. Price: $18
Baby Doll: The award-winning Bollywood song featuring pornstar Sunny Leone is the backdrop for this cocktail recipe. Vodka, a touch of luxurious saffron, tropical pineapple juice, aromatic vanilla extract and a fresh squeeze of lemon is whipped up along with frothy egg white. Price: $18
Honey! Where’s My Chai: This cocktail is a wonderful fusion of home-brewed espresso chai (tea), drambuie, dark rum and kahlua. A beautiful, spicy aftertaste from the cardamom bitters brings the mix together beautifully. Price: $20
Indian 47: The year of India’s independence. The bar raises the glass to liberation. India’s famous Old Monk rum is blended with spicy-rum Sailor, a zest of lemon, heat from fresh ginger and a hint of sweetness from home-made caramel syrup. Price: $18
Holy Water: A complete head spinner. The Ganga Jal or the holy elixir, a symbol of purity, is the most potent concoction on the menu. The crystal-clear cocktail is a heady mix of Hendrick’s gin, Reyka vodka, dry vermouth and sweet-smelling jasmine. Price: $20
Master Blaster: It’s a tribute to the legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, a creation guaranteed to knock you out of the park. Glenfiddich 12 is stirred with coconut liqueur, a swirl of coconut cream, pistachio and fresh coconut water. A perfect cocktail for a hot Singapore day. Price: $20
Lassi Wassi: This is a mature version of the utterly delicious Indian yogurt drink. Served with a generous splash of Monkey Shoulder whiskey and a touch of turmeric, the drink has a tendency to become addictive. Price: $20
Quick Gun Murugun: the bizarrely popular 2009 South Indian Western movie is the inspiration for this cocktail. Vivid colours, far-fetched drama and unimaginable plot, the cocktail is a great reflection of this intriguing film. Milagro tequila, mezcal, agave, cointreau, lemon, fresh green chilli and spice from podi or gunpowder (a blend of red chillies, lentils, asafoetida, black pepper and rice). Price: $19
Bang Bang: Inspired by the Bollywood blockbuster and its extravagant music video, this drink is designed to set the mood for that perfect date. Ten-year-old Laphroaig, Hendrick’s gin, sweet vermouth, agave and lemon juice are mixed well. This is perfectly complemented by the strong aroma and distinct flavour of fresh curry leaves. Price: $19
Gulaboo: A harmless flirtatious slang, derived from the beauty of red rose, is the inspiration for this drink. A blend of vodka, aperol, Rooh Afza Rose and fresh lemon juice is mixed well to make this deliciously vivid cocktail. A must pre-dinner cocktail. Price: $18
Mocktails: A sober and delicious alternative
If you prefer a non-alcoholic drink, the new menu boasts a creative and refreshing selection. Made with a variety of spices, fruits and herbs, the mocktail menu is just as exciting as its boozy counterpart. Inspired by classics, each blend is a uniquely refreshing invention. Each artisanal blend is priced at just $8.
Aam Panna: The vibrant concoction of mango, basil and mint is the perfect thirst quencher. It is enjoyed best with a spicy curry.
Jaggery Daiquiri: A splash of tamarind chutney is blended to perfection with jaggery (Indian palm sugar) and the zing of fresh lime.
Wolverine’s Potion: Like the instant healing powers of the mutant, this mocktail will soothe the tastebuds. The natural anti-inflammatory property of the rose is enhanced by rose bitters, lemon and fresh mint. Coconut water, coconut cream and roasted pistachio make it sublime.
Panakam: The traditional South Indian summer drink is transformed with jaggery, ginger powder, black salt and a secret blend of spices.
Virgin White Wine: The toughest to create. To achieve the perfect white wine shade, a blend of elderflower, jasmine and white grape juice went through many rounds of trial and error.
Housed in the culturally rich district of Kampong Glam, Flying Monkey offers authentic Pan-Indian cuisine with a pinch of excitement. The restaurant brings the fun back into dining – serving casual, quirky dishes as well as a belly-rubbing good line up of classic cocktails with an Indian twist.
With two 500ºF charcoal tandoors in its kitchen, you can experience dishes that are charred from the hot coals and come out tandoor tender.
Restaurant and Bar opening hours: Tuesday – Sunday
Lunch: Noon to 2.30pm; Dinner: 5.30pm to 11pm
Closed on Monday
Address: 67/68 Bussorah Street, Singapore 199480
Contact: +65 62910695
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://flyingmonkey.sg
