Midnight Magic in the Astor Bar
At exactly six o’clock, an elegant bar cart slides into the spotlight at The St. Regis Singapore’s Astor Bar. Don’t worry – this isn’t the start of an alarm clock routine, it’s the beginning of a pre‑evening show‑stopper.
Meet Yvonne Tay, the Head Booze Whisperer
Yvonne, the head bartender, jumps straight into a theatrical cocktail routine. She measures, mixes, and finishes the act by tossing a perfectly flung martini, giving the crowd a “long pouring” that’s as dramatic as a stand‑up act. She comments that the motion is similar to “pulling” teh tarik – the traditional Malaysian milk tea – which instantly adds a touch of cultural flair.
Violet Elegance with a Velvet Touch
The drinks themselves are a majestic blend of violet hues with a silky smooth mouthfeel. As Yvonne hands them out, the guests feel the drinks as an invitation to share an intimate moment: a communion across centuries. And that, my friends, is the essence of the Violet Hour.
What’s a Violet Hour?
- It’s a nightly ritual that takes place at sunset in every St. Regis hotel worldwide.
- Guests gather to sip the violet cocktails and relish the sense of togetherness.
- In short, it’s a time to unwind, connect, and celebrate the late‑evening vibe.
Why the Vibe Works
With the right mix of humor, emotion, and a dash of worldly charm, the violet hour turns the Astor Bar into an experience beyond a mere drink. It turns the bar into a little shared celebration, a perfect moment to let your worries fade with the sunset.
Astor Bar’s New Twist: A Time‑Traveling Cocktail Party!
The Astor Bar is mixing up its classic vibe with a slick, drinks‑reboot that feels like a stroll through 1900s Manhattan. They’ve christened the nine‑cheese menu “New York New York,” a tribute to the city’s slick street corners and its very public grannies.
Who’s in the Barrel?
- Five iconic New‑York neighborhoods are now the backbone of every pour.
- Each cocktail is a chapter in the city’s colorful, and sometimes gritty, history.
- So whether you’re looking for a dive into the bustling Lower East Side or a swank of Upper‑East‑side sophistication, the menu’s got a drink for you.
What Emotion Does the Bar Evoke?
Picture a grand drawing room behind a pair of polished silver double doors: a mahogany‑led sanctuary with a touch of muted red. That’s the Astor Bar’s face‑on. It’s all polished, but there’s an undercurrent of old‑world grit—think speakeasy vibes, a speck of sidewalk dust, a dash of jazz.
Where History Meets Mixology
Each cocktail isn’t just a beverage; it’s a mini‑time capsule, a tangible sip of the early 1900s: a city built on diversity, a playground for swagger, a battleground for the bold, and a venue for that elite crowd that danced in gilded rooms beside the skyline.
So next time you’re craving a nibble of a city long gone, forget the tourist guide—come to Astor Bar and raise your glass to a Manhattan that’s as alive as ever.
St. Regis Bars: Mixologists Tinkering With Classic Recipes
Think of these bars as a squad of cocktail maestros roaming a giant, glamorous kitchen. While each one follows a shared blueprint—an almost‑secret playbook from the mixologist HQ—they sprinkle their own flavor into the mix.
Enter Tong Wars – the Sizzling Tribute
With a price tag of $24, Tong Wars roasts back to the early‑1900s gang clashes that lit up Lower Manhattan’s Chinatown. Picture a storm of heat, courtesy of habanero pepper and ginger beer, that turns your lips into a spirited dance floor. It’s a cocktail that literally “bars” the mystique with its fiery bite.
Von’s Special: A Teochew‑Inspired Nostalgia
Yvonne, the head bartender—affectionately nicknamed Von—adds a twist that’s close to her heart. She’s paying homage to Teochew‑style steamed fish, a classic that folks grow up with. Von swaps fish for vodka, but keeps the heart: salted plum vodka and a splash of dehydrated sour plum strips.
And, because every masterpiece needs that extra oomph, she tosses in a dash of chili bitters to finish the cocktail’s savory, tangy flame.
So, whether you’re chasing a historical homage or a sentimental taste of home, St. Regis bars are the place to find both the “classic” and the “personalized” in every glass.
Midtown Magic
Welcome to Midtown, the buzzing hub that cradles Times Square’s neon dreamscape, Broadway’s glittering footlights, and the venerable St. Regis—yes, the same house that once played host to dignitaries and dreamers alike.
Capitan’s Cure – A Toast to the Ocean
$26 brings a maritime twist to your night out. Picture this: a sparkling vodka base that sings with vermouth, all underlined by a subtle saline whisper from fino sherry. That’s the main act. Then comes a homemade mint cordial—fresh, bubbly, and as refreshing as a salty sea breeze on a humid summer afternoon.
- Vodka – the sturdy anchor
- Vermouth – the bittersweet tide
- Fino sherry – the dash of brine
- Mint cordial – the breezy finish
Serve it with a twist of citrus, and you’ve got a cocktail that feels both adventurous and home‑coming. It’s a liquid celebration of the Christopher Columbus monument that stands proud in Times Square’s heart.
Upper Manhattan: The Artisanal Playground
Step up the hill into Upper Manhattan, where world‑class museums celebrate culture, and Harlem’s jazz clubs reverberate with soulful rhythms. Here, the vibe is as rich as the history it encapsulates.
A Sip of Gilded Age – A Toast to Astor Row
$26 invites you to sip the spirit of a grand estate—Astor Row’s 28 stately townhouses on 130th Street. Imagine the Astor clan’s legendary ballrooms and John Jacob Astor IV’s suave soirées.
- Cognac – the luxurious foundation
- Manzanilla – a whisper of Mediterranean warmth
- Ruby port – the deep, velvety heart
- Absinthe – a splash of intrigue
- Blackcurrant notes – surprising depth and familiarity
Take a single gulp and you’re swept up into the plush, high‑society ambience of an old‑world mansion. Try comparing it to a boozy “Ribena” (blackcurrant soda)—you’ll find a match in the intoxicating sweetness.
So whether you’re meandering the neon lanes of Midtown or roaming the cultural corridors of Upper Manhattan, these two split‑second cocktails promise a taste of history, a splash of elegance, and a dash of the local charm that makes New York feel like home.
Chased the Green Rush on the East Side
We sauntered over to the famed Union Square Greenmarket, that bustling farmer’s market where every shelf pops with fresh fruit and crisp veggies. The vibe is like a season‑ready garden—fresh, vibrant, and downright tempting.
The United Market (24 bucks) Cocktail‑Smoothie Mash‑up
- Base: a splash of London dry gin with a tangy pineapple slice.
- We threw in a handful of spinach and snap peas into a blender.
- After a whirl, what fizzed out feels closer to a green smoothie with a gin punch than a classic cocktail.
While the scent smells like a freshly trimmed spring garden, the raw, leafy texture—think salad‑slow‑motion—makes it a drink that’s not exactly our drink of choice.
Spanish Vibes in the West Side
The West Side, with its famed spots like Lincoln Center and the ever‑charming SoHo, is a whole different scene. The real star on this street? Calle Catorce (yes, that’s 14th Street in Spanish) – a block that once earned the nickname “Little Spain” because it’s packed with Spanish‑owned eateries and shops.
Astor Bar’s Tribute to the Old World
Astor Bar has rolled out a gin‑driven brew that pays homage to its heritage. Picture a blend of manzanilla, manchego, and mezcal, all jazzed up with a splash of black peppercorn. The first whiff? All fresh herbs and a hint of goat’s cheese salad. But don’t be fooled – the taste turns into a savory, smoky punch that knows exactly how to make you feel like you’ve just stepped into a Spanish tapas bar.
- Manzanilla hints of the Mediterranean
- Mezcal adds that earthy backbone
- Black peppercorn for a bite of spice
So if you’re hungry for something that feels both familiar and just a little extra, Calle Catorce and Astor Bar have got you covered.
Meet the Chili Padi Mary $24: A Warm & Spicy Homecoming
After your whirlwind tour of the Big Apple, the Chili Padi Mary offers a cozy splash that says, “We see you, darling.” At St. Regis Singapore, they’re not just telling the tale that the original Bloody Mary sprang to life in a New York barman’s shaker. They’re mixing the legend with genuine heat‑keeping chili padi, that sticky ginger buzz, and a bright tang of lemongrass that makes you want to stay just a little longer.
What makes it tick?
- Spice: True chili padi packs a punch, paired with a subtle yet persistent ginger kick.
- Flavor note: The bright, citrusy tail of lemongrass keeps the vibe alive.
- Price: Only $24, a steal for a legendary twist.
And there’s more!
Feeling the urge to stretch the night? The St. Regis Singapore will pour the Violet Hour Martini for an extra $26.
Location & Timing
Astor Bar – St. Regis Singapore, 29 Tanglin Road, Singapore 247911
Phone: +65 6506 6888
Open: Wed‑Sun 3 pm – 10.30 pm,
Closed Mon‑Tues.
Remember
This article first graced the pages of City Nomads.
