The bar itself is tucked behind dark curtains at the back of Monument Café which operates in the day. I stepped into the cafe first and then made my way behind those curtains, and I was transported.

The interior is stylish and intimately configured, a cosy space where a low hum of conversation set the soundtrack. Undershelf lighting illuminates an extensive array of mezcal, tequila, an abundance of rice spirits with colourful labels – you’ll be hard pressed to find the same eclectic collection of spirits in another bar in Singapore today.

This bar is founded by two bar industry veterans with a passion for these slightly esoteric spirits that are starting to take over the cocktail world. California natives Jesse Vida and Gabriel Lowe started with a love for tequila and mezcals, and after moving to Asia discovered the rich history of spirits like soju and shochu. Jesse – whom we’ve interviewed recently – is also a familiar face in the local scene, having represented the iconic Atlas Bar as head bartender.

There’re over 150 different agave spirit expressions alone, many of which Jesse excitedly told me were hand-carried back directly from palenques in Mexico – these are small-scale, family-run distilleries where the production of mezcal remains an artisanal craft steeped in tradition. Production is so small scale for some of these craft mezcals that we’re probably looking at the only bottles in Singapore or even across Asia.

Pictures from Jesse's recent trip to Oaxaca.

Drinks Selection

Cat Bite Club's cocktail menu is designed to pique your curiosity. Avoiding the overly-technical side of agave and rice spirits they present you familiar classics – think Negroni, Espresso Martini, or a Flora Adora – and invite you to consider either the standard version, or an enticing agave and rice spirit-inspired twist. It's a fantastic way to try something new without feeling totally out of your comfort zone.

My companion and I decided to go all-in, sampling five cocktails over the course of the evening (with a break in the middle for some quesadillas – seriously, those are worth trying too!).

We kicked things off with the "Pineapple, Coffee, Fire". Now, I’ll confess, I ordered this one purely because it arrives in the most elaborate presentation – a large tiki mug shaped like an elephant. It's made with Ceylon Arrack (a Sri Lankan spirit distilled from the sap of coconut flowers, giving it a subtle tropical funk), rum, Mr Black Coffee Liqueur, jackfruit and pineapple juice, with coconut cream. I took a sip from the straw – it's heavy, creamy, and very complex. Imagine a White Russian and a Piña Colada got together and had a delicious, boozy baby. This one is definitely for those who love creamy cocktails, but be warned: it's also pretty substantial. I had trouble finishing this.

Next up was the Cat Bite Margarita, and this one delivered for both of us. It felt like a juicier, more agave-forward version of the classic Margarita (which is usually tequila-based, but ours gets a smoky twist thanks to the mezcal). It was refreshing, with vibrant citrus, juicy grapefruit sweetness, and a subtle layered ashy herbaceousness.

Ready for a change of pace, we tried the Soju Sprint. Think of this as a distinctly Korean, soju-forward cocktail built with premium white Tokki Soju, peach syrup, honey, mint, and topped with a splash of soda. It's bright, floral, and has a beautifully heady aroma with definite rice-like notes.

After a savoury break for some quesadillas, we sipped on a simple and satisfying Agave Juice Highball at happy hour pricing – just the thing to refresh the palate.

For the final cocktail of the night, my companion asked one of the handsome Korean bartenders for a recommendation. She wanted something strong, but not overly sweet, to which he suggested an Agave Old Fashioned. This was the surprise hit of the night – which I begrudgingly admitted was my favourite. A riff on the classic recipe, it blends mezcal (adding a gentle herbaceousness) with agave syrup for just the right amount of sweetness. Not fizzy at all, not cloyingly sugary...it basically hit all my "perfect cocktail" marks. And bonus points – it's not even listed on the menu, so consider this your inside scoop!

Why come to Cat Bite Club?

The cocktail scene in Singapore is already incredibly vibrant, so it takes something special for a new spot to truly stand out. Cat Bite Club manages to do just that. Their focus on agave and rice spirits offers something genuinely unique, making it a fantastic option for adventurous cocktail lovers. It's not every day you see a menu like this in Singapore, and I love that it has a bit of an educational element weaved in. If you're looking to impress your date with some newfound knowledge, this is definitely the place to do it!

While their signature cocktails are absolutely worth exploring, my advice is this: don't be shy about chatting with the charming bartenders and asking for their recommendations. They clearly love what they do, and they're happy to guide you towards something that you personally would love.

And, if you're a neat spirits drinker like myself (e.g. whisky, rums, cognac, the whole shebang), consider asking for a mezcal, tequila, or soju flight. They've got some truly sought-after bottles, and it's a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the fascinating world of these rising spirit categories.

@CharsiuCharlie