Cat Bite Club is a recent addition to Singapore's cocktail bar scene, located in the vibrant Duxton Hill area. Founded by hospitality veterans, Gabriel Lowe and Jesse Vida, the spot is turning heads for its distinct focus on agave and rice-based cocktails. The bartending pair grew up as agave enthusiasts but fell in love with historical Asian spirits like soju and shochu upon moving to Asia.

The cocktail menu is designed to be simple and accessible, intentionally avoiding the dense technicalities of how mezcals or rice spirits are produced. For each featured classic cocktail (like a Negroni, Espresso Martini, Flora Adora), guests receive a simple choice: They could either select the classic cocktail or explore one of two intriguing alternatives: an agave riff on the classic cocktail, or a rice spirit-inspired variant. The idea is to provide a comfortable starting place for guests who are less familiar realms of mezcals, shochus, sojus or the like.

They've recently revamped their menu once again.

The agave-themed Cat Bite Margarita remains on the menu, and with ingredients like Código 1530 Blanco Tequila, Siete Misterios Espadin Mezcal, and a hint of Cointreau. And if rice spirits are your thing, the Soju Sprint, with its delightful blend of our favourite Tokki Soju, peach, honey, and mint, among other ingredients, remains a staple.

The recently-refreshed menu boasts three new drink additions, revolving around the classic Chrysanthemum cocktail. 

Chrysanthemum (S$26): Cat Bite’s version features Avallen Calvados, Absinthe, Dry Vermouth and Benedictine.

Desert Island (S$27): An agave spirit riff on the classic Chrysanthemum cocktail, this is made with Patron Blanco Tequila and Sotol Texano and elevated with St. Germain Elderflower, pine, Peychaud’s bitters and grapefruit bitters.

Martini Peas (S$28): A rice spirit riff on the classic Chrysanthemum cocktail, this is made with Hachi Rice Shochu, snap pea, aquavit and blanc vermouth.

Apart from the above three newcomers, fan-favourites are still up for grabs:

Brandy Crusta (S$26): A classic made with Remy Martin VSOP Cognac, Cointreau, Maraschino, and a blend of fresh citrus and Aromatic Bitters.

Ghost’een (S$24): If you fancy a highball-style drink, this mezcal-infused version of the Crusta is right up your alley with ingredients like Koch Elemental Espadin Mezcal, Mangosteen and Chili Tincture.

Rice Rice Daisy (S$24): Another nod to the rice spirit lovers, this drink blends Iichiko Mugi Shochu, Agricole Rum, and a unique mix of Miso, Coconut, and Coriander.

Glock & Stalk (S$24): An inventive twist on the classic Floradora, this drink combines Maya Pistola Joven Agave Spirit, Código Ancestral Espadin Mezcal, with Blanc Vermouth and celery cordial.

The next time you're in the Duxton Hill area, maybe swing by Cat Bite Club to explore these fresh additions! Or better yet, sign up for their agave or rice spirits tasting masterclass for an insightful experiential session!

Geonbae!

Images courtesy of Cat Bite Club and Benjamin Sim.

88 Bamboo Editorial Team