We’ve spent the winter warming ourselves with whiskies and stouts. But with hotter weather on the horizon, the Plus Ones team is ready to mix up, shake up, and stir down our drinking options. Thanks to Tanglin gin’s launch party, we’re walking away with some new ideas for the summer season. The distillery claims the title of Singapore’s first craft gin and describes its product as ‘inspired by the colourful flavours of Southeast Asia.’ Their Orchid gin is made with whole Southern Indian vanilla beans (a spice costing more per gram than pure silver) and the Dendrobium Nobile Orchid (purported to be an immortality herb). And for balmy evenings, it’s easy to image the Mandarin Chilli gin’s hot citrus flavours cutting through a humid night. Simply add soda water, ice, and a generous helping of gin for a summer sipper. 
Bartender George (he only goes by his first name, like Prince or Madonna) joined the Tanglin team to whip up some eye catching drinks. He can usually be found in infamous Singaporean bars adding eyebrow raising ingredients to his cocktails (including octopus, goat cheese, and chicken tikka masala). For the launch party, he kept the flavours more familiar. Upon arrival, we passed through a perfume drenched hallway and were greeted by the sight of vibrant flowers adorning tall glasses filled with gin, tonic, and green mango. We toasted the good life with an Orchid Southside, topped with prosecco and kaffir lime. There was also an intense negroni made with Australian vermouth. But my favourite was the Mandarin Chilli Gin gimlet. Garnished with a slice of lime, it provided just the right amount of tingling heat to make my taste buds feel alive. 
With one year of (legal) distilling under their belt, Tanglin is playing in the boutique gin space, producing just 15,000 bottles of spirits. You can learn more about them at the gin lover’s paradise Junipalooza later this month. Or pick up a bottle and try your hand at creating drinks with Tanglin’s vibrant flavours at home. In our professional opinion, it’s never too early to start toasting the summer season.
– Jenny
Jenny S. is an event adventurer. When she’s not attending live shows, you can find her sampling the latest craft beer or sipping a creative cocktail.
Follow Tanglin’s adventures in Australia here.
