After two months of competition, Bacardi Ltd. proudly presents the winners of the 2024 ANGEL’S ENVY© ‘Take On A Manhattan’ challenge — Anne Princena from Manhattan Bar won ‘Best Cocktail’ with her drink Henderson Waves; and Angelic Bliss, created by Wong Wee Siong at Smoke & Mirrors, won ‘Most ANGEL’S ENVY Manhattans Sold.’ Cocktail lovers can grab the opportunity to taste the ‘Best Cocktail’ – Henderson Waves – at Manhattan Bar, where it will be available until the end of July for S$28++.

Using the award-winning premium bourbon whiskey, 20 elite bartenders from the city-state participated to get creative and craft their own version of the classic Manhattan cocktail – twisting on the ratios and ingredients to create a cocktail that shares its DNA with the Manhattan, but delivers something new – before presenting it on their bar menus for two months over February and March. Vying for dual-champion positions, participants sought to clinch the titles of ‘Best Cocktail’ and ‘Most Manhattans Sold’ to win an all-inclusive three day trip to Australia.

In this inaugural edition, the competition saw the engagement of 20 bartenders and 2850 Manhattan cocktails were ordered by guests across the city. Participating bartenders hailed from the following Singapore establishments: Anti:Dote; Barbary Coast; Employees Only SG; Florette; Here Kitty Kitty; Manhattan Bar; MO Bar; NightHawk; Plume Bar, Pan Pacific Hotel Singapore; Sago house; Smoke & Mirrors; Stay Gold Flamingo; The Bar at 15 Stamford and Writer’s Bar.

“The response to the ANGEL’S ENVY ‘Take on a Manhattan’ challenge in Singapore has been nothing short of extraordinary; we are thrilled with the enthusiastic turnout. The judging panel, composed of industry tastemakers, was genuinely blown away by the calibre and creativity showcased in the submissions,” shares Munnyi Chan, Bacardi Incubations Activations Manager. “Singapore, with its discerning drinkers who appreciate both the classics and embrace innovative twists, has proven to be a fantastic market for this competition. The Manhattan is one of the simplest and most beloved cocktails in the world and it’s heartening to see the dynamic fusion of the classic with the new in each cocktail entry, reflecting the vibrant spirit of Singapore’s cocktail landscape.”

Winner of Best Cocktail

Anne Princena from Manhattan Bar emerged victorious in the ANGEL’S ENVY ‘Take on a Manhattan’ challenge this year with Henderson Waves, a balanced cocktail with ANGEL’S ENVY bourbon, a splash of vermouth infused with Singapore Sling, DOM Benedictine liqueur and port wine cherry bitters.

“This drink tipped the win because, not only was it absolutely delicious, but its ingredients brought something quintessentially Singaporean to the Manhattan flavour profile, without losing the DNA of this classic cocktail. Huge congratulations to Anne for nailing this twist on the very cocktail her bar is named after; we’re thrilled Manhattan will be serving her drink until the end of July so everyone can get down there and try it!” said Mike Cheong, Bacardi’s Advocacy Lead for Southeast Asia, and one of the judges of the competition.

Winner of Most Manhattans Sold

Angelic Bliss from Smoke & Mirrors outranked other cocktail entries by selling the most serves during the months of February and March. This cocktail presents an irresistible spin on the classic, featuring homemade red bean rice vermouth and home made ginger bitters, mixed with the award-winning premium bourbon whiskey.

Crafted by Assistant Head Bartender Wong Wee Siong, the cocktail was inspired by the traditional Chinese dessert that features glutinous rice balls, filled with a hearty red bean filling. “We’re really thrilled that the public took to Angelic Bliss, our version of the classic Manhattan,” shares Assistant Head Bartender Wong Wee Siong. “This drink was crafted with passion, and it’s truly gratifying to see our dedication to innovation and quality recognised by our patrons.”

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Images: ANGEL’S ENVY