Singapore’s Bar Somma and Seoul’s NOLO! Unite for a Night of Cocktail Experience

Mel Chavez, drawing on two decades of experience behind the bar, has designed a tasting journey that respects classic cocktail traditions while simultaneously exploring new frontiers. This collaboration will unfold through four distinct flavor expressions—umami, tropical, smoky, and round—each progressively deepening in complexity and intensity. Rooted in Bar Somma’s inventive interpretation of Italian cocktail culture and NOLO! ‘s dedication to “Drinking Well,” Mel’s Journey of Flavour is a thoughtful exploration of how technique and creativity contribute to the nuanced development of flavor. The cocktails will be presented at varying alcohol levels, ranging from low to moderate, emphasizing a balanced and mindful approach to consumption.

• Miso Sidecar (Umami – 13% ABV): A reimagined Sidecar, featuring cognac, orange liqueur, and a house-made miso-infused orange caramel, where the miso adds a subtle depth that perfectly complements the cocktail’s citrus-forward profile.
• Margarita for Mel (Tropical – 20% ABV): A savory reinterpretation of the classic Margarita, blending coconut-infused tequila with cacao, lime cordial, and a touch of saline, garnished with a delicate chocolate tuile for an unexpected and indulgent twist.
• Last Word (Smoky – 24% ABV): A reinvention of the classic Last Word, substituting mezcal for gin and Shochu Ume for Green Chartreuse, resulting in a smoky and elegant cocktail that embraces complexity and intrigue.
• Left Hand (Round – 28% ABV): A smooth and full-bodied cocktail, combining bourbon, Campari, a red wine reduction with apple cider, honey syrup, and chocolate bitters, where the red wine reduction adds depth and richness, and the chocolate bitters provide a subtly bitter-sweet finish.

NOLO!, a pioneering force in Seoul’s evolving drinking scene, is the creation of Jinou Park, who is redefining the modern bar experience by balancing alcoholic and non-alcoholic expressions with botanical extractions, fermentation, and adaptogens. Each creation at NOLO! is designed to offer both pleasure and purpose, reflecting a contemporary, mindful approach to drinking.

Bar Somma, located in New Bahru, Singapore, is an Italian cocktail destination and one of the two distinct concepts within Somma, the Italian dining experience curated by Chef Mirko Febbrile. Situated on the lower floor of the two-story space, with the restaurant occupying the upper level, Bar Somma seamlessly blends Italian heritage with creative experimentation and a modern reinterpretation of classic cocktails.