SINGAPORE — A sophisticated drinking experience with thoughtful food in a fun and relaxed environment, the newly opened Cat Bite Club highlights two well-loved categories rooted in terroir: agave and rice spirits.
Operating Partners Gabriel Lowe and Jesse Vida have drawn from their combined 30+ years of hospitality experience to realise their lifelong dream of opening a bar together after starting their careers together in San Francisco in 2007.
Discovering the beauty of agave early in their careers, the founders saw similar potential in historical Asian spirits such as soju and shochu when they moved East in 2018 – and the idea for the bar was born.
Arriving in Singapore, Vida was surprised to find a gap in the market when it came to bars with a focus on agave and began developing the concept for Cat Bite Club with Lowe, then based in Bangkok.
The name and logo highlight personality traits of a cat – curious, excited, a little bit naughty – which evoke the feelings guests have while discovering these fascinating new categories for the first time.
Open in the vibrant Duxton neighbourhood, Cat Bite Club is tucked away behind a secret entrance -look for the glowing red sign with a mischievous Cheshire cat grin and you’ll know you’re in the right spot.
While agave and rice spirits come from vastly different parts of the world and can carry a wide range of flavours, they share many common threads as you begin to learn more about them.
From a culinary perspective when it comes to Mexico and Southeast Asia, there are a lot of flavour and ingredient crossovers – from coriander to rice, citrus to chilli.
Beyond the obvious when it comes to fermentation and distillation, agave and rice spirits each also have a strong cultural significance, with a deep history in Mexican and Asian culture respectively.
The production processes are rooted in craftsmanship and tradition, with distinct flavours influenced by the expertise of the producers.
Cat Bite Club celebrates the where, how, and why these products are made in the most influential cocktail city in Asia.
Blending cultures and flavour profiles, the cocktail menu tells the story of each spirit’s origin and amplifies its unique character. The drinks showcase a wide range of agave and rice spirits, with a mix of universally known to more unconventional offerings as a way to educate guests.
The journey begins with a signature serve for each category: the Cat Bite Margarita with Código 1530 Blanco Tequila, Siete Misterios Espadín Mezcal, Cointreau, Fresh Citrus Blend, Agave Nectar and Sherry for agave (S$26++), and the Soju Sprint with Tokki Soju, Peach, Honey, Mint, Fresh Citrus Blend, Sherry, Absinthe, Soda for rice (S$24++).
From there, guests can explore reinterpretations of classics through the lens of agave and rice. Each page features one classic – from the Espresso Martini to the Queens Park Swizzle- accompanied by one agave variation, and one rice variation.
An extensive spirits list is also available, with around 100 different agave spirits on offer as well as a lengthy list of rice spirits and a curated selection of vodka, gin, whisk(e)y, and more. Guests can opt for a neat pour of their spirit of choice to learn more about the unique liquids, or a sampling flight to showcase the range and nuances.
The food menu mirrors the flavours found in the drinks, with a mix of traditional Mexican and Asian ingredients.
The bites have been designed to be approachable and inclusive, with vegan and vegetarian options always available. With easily shareable bar bites such as Chili Chicken Bao (S$15 / 2 pieces), Tuna Tostada (S$12) and Chips & Guac (S$9), the food offers a perfect complement to the drinks.
The bright and whimsical menu was designed by Mark Reihill, an illustrator known for his work from world-renowned cocktail menus to comics and more. Reihill worked closely with the founders to ensure the menu feels approachable and educational – equally as easy to decipher for cocktail aficionados as first-time imbibers.
Each classic cocktail comes to life through a colourful illustration which showcases the style of glass, garnish and more to help demystify the drinks. Small icons are used to indicate the spirit base of agave or rice for each reinterpretation of the classic.
A miniature blue cat head indicates select drinks which can be made alcohol-free (S$18++) without compromising on flavour; alcohol by volume is also noted for each drink for complete transparency.
Get bitten by the infectious spirit of Cat Bite Club, offering a sophisticated drinking experience, with thoughtful food in a fun and relaxed environment. The venue highlights two well-loved categories deeply rooted in terroir: agave and rice spirits. Cat Bite Club endeavours to create excitement around these unique products, showcasing their flavours and flexibility through a cocktail programme centred around classics. Visit at 75 Duxton Hill, or visit http:/ catbiteclub.com/ for more information.
Photo — Benjamin Sim
