Could there be a more vivid contrast to the hustle and bustle of Singapore than the laid-back nature of Mexico’s Baja Peninsular? That is exactly what you experience at Hombre Cantina down on the Singapore river. Established by Alex Liu and his partner Kevin Cheng, the bar offers the greatest selection of tequilas in the city and some signature cocktails that are truly world class.
Founder, Alex Liu spent his childhood holidays exploring the long, sandy and largely deserted beaches of the Baja Peninsula. Interspersed with traditional fishing villages it provided a vision of paradise and an idyllic way of life that had a lifelong impact. Now together with Head Barman, Pelagio Revilla Manalang, Alex and Kevin have set out to recreate those easy feelings with a glimpse of paradise and a food and cocktail menu that is built around you. Mexican cantinas offer simple, informal food in a very casual manner. Hombre Cantina has nailed that ‘mi casa es su casa’ style perfectly. Guests select their own seats and help themselves to cold drinks and hot foods as they wish.
The interior decor lends authenticity to the cantina concept. The walls are decked out with reclaimed timbre palates and corrugated sheet metal that delivers a beach vibe from thousands of miles away. Outside there is riverside seating that is perfect for watching the equator sun dip below the horizon, cocktail in hand. There are six signature cocktails on the menu, all of which are fantastic but if you do not have the time to explore as much as you would like, we suggest that you try the Asiatica and the Especial De Hombre.
Asiatica:
50 ML Tequila Corralejo Reposado
20 ML Giffard Ginger of the Indies liqueur
2 thin slices of fresh Ginger and a stick of lemongrass
Method: Muddle the slice of fresh Ginger and a stick of lemon grass into a Boston Glass. Fill a shaker with ice cubes. Add all the remaining ingredients. Shake and strain into a chilled martini glass.
Garnish : Dip the rim of the glass in salt and add a skin of lemon-grass.
Especial De Hombre:
45ml Mezcal Monte Alban
20ml Giffard Orange Curaçao liqueur
10ml Giffard Agave syrup
Method : Fill a shaker with ice cubes. Add all the ingredients. Shake and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with lime peel.
Garnish : Dip the rim of the glass in salt and add a slither of lime peel.