Cat Bite Club

Singapore

The cat that got the cream in the Lion City

Sink your teeth into Singapore’s friskiest bar, Cat Bite Club, a venue highlighting two well-loved categories deeply rooted in terroir: agave and rice spirits.

After launching their bartending careers in San Francisco in 2007, operating partners Gabriel Lowe (previous bar program curator of Paradise Lost) and Jesse Vida (former Atlas head bartender) opened Cat Bite Club’s doors in June 2023 in Singapore’s buzzing Duxton neighbourhood. Embracing the world of agave early on in their careers in the West, the duo recognised that same potential in Asian legacy liquors, like soju and shochu.

Aptly, the drinks menu covers two regions – Mexico and Asia – sharing ingredient origin stories while celebrating the character of the corresponding base spirit. Each section boasts a signature serve: the Cat Bite Margarita (tequila, Siete Misterios Espadín mezcal, orange liqueur, fresh citrus, agave nectar, sherry) for agave and the Soju Sprint (soju, peach, honey, mint, citrus, sherry, absinthe, soda) for rice. From there, each page sees one classic cocktail plus two separate playful renditions of said classic through the lens of agave and rice.

For instance, the Espresso Martini can be ordered with agave at the fore as the Meow Now Brown Cow (tequila, coffee liqueur, banana cordial, vanilla cream, sherry) or with the emoji-dubbed 💥🥔🥭, an Asian-inspired interpretation of this time-honoured sip with shochu, rum, mango lime leaf cordial, yoghurt and cold brew. There’s also a weekly milk punch for a Cause, with a portion of sales donated to local cat charities.

For the spirit enthusiasts, guests can choose from the library list of more than 200 rare-varietal agaves and unsung rice-based liquors, available in pours and sampling flights.

The food menu underscores the crossover between Mexican and Asian gastronomic traditions, with featured ingredients from coriander to chili and citrus to rice. Think Korean chicken al pastor quesadillas and chili chicken bao.

Agave La and Rice Academy is Cat Bite Club’s education initiative that invites imbibers to traverse a myriad of agave or rice distillates through taste exploration. Available to craft nerds and newbies alike, each session offers historical background, technical notes and recipe recommendations, plus access to future product launches and masterclasses.

For Cat Bite Club’s sophisticated drinking experience, thoughtful menu, curated bottle list and commitment to the craft, it is the recipient of the Campari One To Watch Award 2024.

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