High above the nonstop buzz of Manhattan, we had the chance to experience a truly unforgettable evening at Overstory, one of NYC’s most celebrated cocktail bars. Sitting 64 stories above the city with breathtaking wraparound views of the skyline, the atmosphere alone already felt magical. But for one special night only, the cocktails took center stage as Singapore’s acclaimed Nutmeg & Clove brought its playful, flavorful creations to NYC courtesy of talented mixologists Sim Sze Wei and Colin Chia. The day felt like stepping into a postcard from Singapore, where every sip came with a story, a joke, and a little cultural lesson tucked into the glass.
Nutmeg & Clove is known for reimagining classic cocktails and dishes through a Singaporean lens. Their menu is deeply inspired by Singlish, the uniquely Singaporean blend of English mixed with local languages and slang. The menu reads like a humorous dictionary of inside jokes shared by an entire nation, complete with quirky comics and witty phrases. It is fun, colorful, and wonderfully unserious, yet the cocktails themselves are crafted with great skill and creativity.
One standout was HENG ONG HUAT, a Singlish phrase used to wish someone prosperity, luck, and wealth. Made with Iichiko Shinwa Shochu, Fords Gin, Amontillado, pineapple, kumquat, oolong tea, clarified milk, and lemon, the cocktail balanced sweet and sour flavors beautifully. The pineapple and citrus notes gave it a tropical brightness, while the oolong tea and clarified milk created a silky smooth finish. Topped with feng shui coins made from dark chocolate, it drank like an elevated milk punch with layers of refreshing flavor unfolding sip after sip.
Then came CAN LAH, a phrase commonly used to say “yes” or show agreement. This cocktail leaned bold and spirit-forward, combining Iichiko Saiten Shochu, Angel’s Envy Bourbon Whiskey, red wine reduction, chocolate bitters, and peach. The flavors were rich, warming, and slightly chaotic in the best possible way, with spice, fruit, and deep whiskey notes all colliding into something unexpectedly balanced. It is definitely a drink meant to be savored slowly while taking in the glittering city lights below.
Our personal favorite of the evening was ALAMAK, which loosely translates to “Oh no!” in Singlish, often exclaimed in surprise or disbelief. This lively cocktail was Nutmeg & Clove’s playful interpretation of the classic Singapore Sling. Featuring Iichiko Shinwa Shochu, soursop, passionfruit, elderflower, kirsch, clarified milk, pomegranate, and carbonation, it was tropical, bright, and incredibly refreshing. The fruit flavors burst forward immediately, while the carbonation gave it an effervescent lift that made each sip feel crisp and vibrant.
The PANDAN CHU HIGH also impressed with its simple yet flavor-packed profile of Iichiko Saiten Shochu, pandan, coconut, and sparkling water. Light, fragrant, and refreshing, the pandan added a sweet, nutty aroma that paired beautifully with the tropical coconut notes.
We have to give a huge round of thanks to Overstory and Bar Director Harrison Ginsberg for hosting such a memorable evening, as well as Nutmeg & Clove’s Sim Sze Wei and Colin Chia for bringing the flavors, humor, and spirit of Singapore to the skies above Manhattan.
