Smoke & Mirrors revamps art into cocktails in The Real Art of Drinking Volume II – a Lifestyle News bar review

National Gallery Singapore: From Art to Aged Rum

Picture this: the world’s biggest public collection of Singapore and regional modern art tucked inside the National Gallery Singapore, and on the sixth floor, a bar called Smoke & Mirrors that’s practically a second gallery. The whole vibe? A culture‑dumping, cocktail‑drinking, skyline‑gazing jamboree.

Why the Gallery Is Your New Go‑To Spot

The biggest modern art trove you’ll ever see in Southeast Asia.
A venue that feels like the heartbeat of the region’s art scene.
The perfect backdrop for a “late‑afternoon artsy date” that turns into a cocktail soiree.

Level Six: Where Paintings Meet Pours

Right above the museum’s hushed halls is Smoke & Mirrors, a bar that knows how to keep things classy and cheeky. Think of it as a gallery wing that doesn’t mind a good glass of gin or a flaming martini.

What You’ll Get

Spotless panoramic views of Singapore’s sparkling skyline.
Art‑themed décor that feels like stepping into a wing of the museum (but with happy hour).
A cocktail menu that’s as inventive as the art on display.

Bottom Line

Drop in for the art, stay for the drinks, and leave with a swirl of memories and a beat in your chest. National Gallery Singapore + Smoke & Mirrors = The ultimate Southeast Asian date spot.

Meet Volume II of the Rooftop Bar’s Signature Cocktail Menu: The Real Art of Drinking

The rooftop bar’s latest creative push—dubbed Volume II—brings fresh, pint‑sized masterpieces straight to your glass. Spearheaded by Assistant Bar Manager Mel John Chavez and a squad of mischievously inventive bartenders, this menu is all about turning the gallery’s vibe into liquid fun.

What’s on Tap?

Sixteen cocktails, each a miniature painting in its own right.
Every sip is laced with a hint of the gallery’s iconic pieces.
Unexpected twists: think fermented fruit meets smoky citrus, or the next‑gen version of classic bitters.
Modern techniques—think molecular mixology and flash‑frozen infusions—give each drink a high‑five-worthy crunch.

Why It’s a Must‑Try

Just like the first edition, Volume II keeps the gallery’s spirit alive while giving the palate an adventurous edge. Picture yourself sipping a cocktail inspired by the skyline behind the contemporary art, or a throwback to a bold abstract canvas, all served with a side of espresso‑infused foam. It’s the kind of experience that makes you feel like you’re walking on a living, breathing art gallery… but with better hydration.

Ready to Paint Your Night?

Head up to the rooftop, request a second‑hand masterpiece, and let the bar’s creative crew turn your evening into a visual & sensory masterpiece. Trust us—this isn’t your grandma’s “sober” tastin’ session; it’s a swagger‑filled, cocktail‑handed celebration of art, innovation, and a few cheeky laughs.

Art Meets Drink: A Tasty Lesson in the Eight Principles

When the menu says it’s leaning into the fundamentals of art, you’d think it’d drop the booze and pick up paintbrushes. But this time, the menu keeps the cocktail shaker in hand, and brings along the eight Principles of Art – like Proportion, Contrast, Movement, and Balance – to keep things lively.

Starting with Rhythm

First up on the tropical stage: Moves like Jigger (priced at $27), a cocktail that’s as rhythmic as a dance-off in the jungle.
This drink draws inspiration from Rhythm of Dance (1959) by Ho Ho Ying, an abstract masterpiece that feels like a joyous, free‑flowing dance.

The Flavor Sermon

The mix is a sweet, nutty cocktail that rhymes with the brand name “Jigger” and the idea of a vacation in a coconut. It’s a tribute to the original painting’s sense of liberty, literally bottled up for sipping.

Ingredients: Bacardi Reserva Ocho rum, coconut rum, pineapple, and a touch of longan.
The result? A fruity symphony that practically dances on your palate.

Why the Artistic Touch Matters

It turns a simple drink into a story. The color, the balance of sweetness and citrus, the subtle contrast between rum and fruit – all of these reflect the very same principles that artists use to create a masterpiece. Next time you’ll raise a glass, just remember you’re sipping a little bit of art history, served with a splash of humour.

The Cha Cha Duet: Twice the Flavor, One Price

Ever wondered what a cocktail partnership looks like? Unity’s latest offer, The Cha Cha Duet, serves up two crafted drinks for just $26. It’s basically a “buy one, get one feel‑free” kind of deal—friends, you’re in for a treat.

Behind the Duet: A Brushstroke of Inspiration

Artistic Spark: The duo was inspired by Filipina painter Anita Magsaysay‑Ho’s 1957 masterpiece, Tea Drinkers. The painting’s serene scene of two tea lovers sparked the idea for a pair of matcha‑infused cocktails.
Matcha Magic: Both drinks lean on fresh matcha, giving them that vibrant green punch.

The Two Taste Stories

1⃣ The Crystal Clear Cocktail

Picture a bright, glassy sip that feels like sunshine in a glass. It’s sweet and zesty, with a twist of water chestnut nutty flavor—a smooth, subtle crunch that almost feels like you’re taking a bite of water, but in liquid form.

2⃣ The Tea‑Colored Old‑School Blend

Earthy Green Tea: This one is all about the rich, familiar aroma of true green tea.
Scotch’s Smooth Touch: Blended Scotch adds a smoky note that ties the matcha beautifully to a more mature profile.

In a nutshell, one cocktail whispers sweetness, the other rears its whiskers with earthy character, but both share that irresistible matcha backbone.

Why Grab It

It’s a clever pairing for your next hangout: two glasses, same price, double the fun. Bring a friend, or keep it all to yourself—it’s up to you.

Ready to taste the duet?

Stop strolling past the bar, come in and let these two couplings do the talking. Cheers to a double dose of flavor!

Get Lost in Kaleidoscope’s Blooming Brilliance

Why This Drink Feels Like a Floral Party

Kaleidoscope ($26) isn’t just another mixed drink—it’s a floral fireworks sprinkled with a twist that will keep your taste buds dancing.

It’s easy to gulp—one sip and you’re transported to the colorful landscapes of “Horizontals I” (1977) by Choy Weng Yang. Think of the lush tones and vibrant vibes of an alien jungle, but in a glass.

Don’t Let the Pretty Garden Fool You

Visual Charm: Eye‑catching botanicals that look like they’d belong in a Pinterest board.
Aroma: A flavorful perfume that screams “welcome to a tea‑time garden.”
The Punch: Sweet & fruity on the tongue, yet kicking like a heavyweight champ thanks to rum, tempranillo wine, blackberries, and lemon juice.

Bottom Line: It’s a Sweet & Strong Combo

If you’re craving a drink that’s both mellow and mighty, Kaleidoscope hits the sweet spot. It’s like a social butterfly that can also power jump‑starting your evening—make sure to savor the burst of flavor and the kick of cocktail charisma.
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Meet the Magic Queen – The Night’s Most Irresistible Sipper

Step into the Movement corner and you’ll find one drink that’s practically made for applause: the Magic Queen priced at $29. This cocktail isn’t just an alcoholic beverage; it’s a cheeky homage to Smiling Body (1997) by the talented Pinaree Sanpitak.

Why It’s a Mood Booster

Imagine a flavouring orchestra that plays with your palate, featuring subtle notes of home—taste, aromas, and that faint smell of nostalgia made lip‑smacking delicious.

A Sip That Speaks Volumes

Remy Martin 1738 Cognac – the smooth backbone that whispers sweet, nutty undertones.
Campari – for that bold, slightly bitter splash that balances the whole concoction.
Earthy hints of pandan, a whisper of coconut, and a dry, oaky finish.

When you turn the glass for the first time, the bottle’s scent—pandan meets coconut—swaying like a dance between two lovers. The kick of cognac and the tang of Campari add layers that give the drink its signature smooth yet bumpy ride.

The Magic Trick That Makes It Extra Special

And here’s the cherry on top. The bartender—yes, that bartender—spins a classic sleight‑of‑hand trick as soon as you ask for this cocktail. Not only do you get a drink that tastes like a dream, but you also get a little moment of wonder while you sip.

So next time you’re looking for something that sings in your mouth and turns a simple night into a memorable storyline, raise a glass of the Magic Queen – and watch the magic unfold. Cheers!

Wok’s That Smell: The Smoky Street‑Food Margarita You’ll Actually Want to Sip

At Smoke & Mirrors, the chef‑mixologist has turned a classic 1970s Singaporean riff—Temple Street by Choo Keng Kwang—into a liquid masterpiece called Wok’s That Smell (priced at $32). Think of it as a spicy margarita that’s been thrown into a wok‑heated kitchen, kissed by the legendary wok hei (the smoky essence that even your grandma would salute).

What Makes It So Smokey?

Sambal & Chinese Sausage Fat‑Washed Espolón Tequila: The base that brings the caramelized, salty note.
Mezcal: Adds that desert‑like burn.
Cointreau for a touch of orange sweet.
Lime to cut through the richness.

The first sip drops a smolder of smoky fire—your lungs might even start a small dance. Then, as you finish, a comforting charred aftertaste lingers, like a campfire story told over a glass.

Garnish & Crunch

Every pour comes with a crunchy bite: tiny, crispy nibbles that give you that “fresh yet crispy” crunch your tongue’s craving. Great on the palate and perfect for people who love to eat while they drink.

Hold On, There’s More!

Feeling a little hungry? Smoke & Mirrors has you covered with a menu that plays the “feed the soul then finish the cocktail” script. After a few shaky sips, dig into:

Starter plates that make your stomach chirp.
Share‑worthy platters for “I’m only the one friend.” parties.
Salads crisp enough to make chickens jealous.
Mexican bites that tap the salsa on everything.
Pizza that lifts you up—kind of like the pizza we love to put on life‑savers.

Where to Find All the Fun

Smoke & Mirrors is located inside the National Gallery Singapore:

1 St. Andrew’s Road,

06‑01 National Gallery Singapore

Singapore 178957
Phone: +65 9380 6313

Opening Hours

Mon‑Wed: 6 pm – 12 am
Thurs‑Sat: 6 pm – 1 am
Sun: 5 pm – 12 am

Next time you’re craving something spicy, smoky, and deliciously “espresso‑chicken,” drop by Smoke & Mirrors and try Wok’s That Smell—you’ll find your taste buds doing the tango.