Hidden at the back of modern Japanese-American izakaya Izy Dining + Bar is a cocktail bar called Caché, presumably named because of its hidden nature. And while the dark and cosy space demands a certain level of silence – literal, figuratively or otherwise – it thankfully doesn’t take itself or its speakeasy theme too seriously, unlike certain other Japanese-themed and -run cocktail bars around town.

Caché is actually not new – it has been there the whole time Izy has been around – but the addition of bar manager Shinya Koba has brought a bonafide Japanese panache to the space. Koba’s arrival also sparked a shift towards cocktails, and the veteran with over ten years worth of experience running bars in Japan now leads a wholly Japanese team putting out some of the most underrated cocktails this part of town.

Sure you can find various alcoholic tipples here – including wine, sake, and a slew of Japanese whiskies ranging from the familiar such as the Yamazaki 18YO ($45++ for 45ml) and Nikka From The Barrel ($18++), to the slightly more ostentatious Ichiro’s Malt Hanyu Final Vintage 15YO ($65++ for 45ml) – but what you really want here are the cocktails. The menu lists over 20 cocktails, many of which are classics, but also a number with Japanese-inspired drinks befitting of the theme.

The Flower Blue Moon ($20++) definitely impresses, from the rose that’s carved into the block of ice that chills your drink to the delicate floral balance that’s the result of combining gin with elderflower liqueur, hibiscus liqueur, blue Curaçao, dandelion bitters, and a touch of lemon. This twist on the classic Blue Moon, we daresay is better than the original.

cache cocktails

The signature Caché ($20++) is also an eye-opener; this take on the Charlie Chaplin eschews the usual apricot brandy liqueur for amaretto and an infusion of fresh pomegranate that melds with the sloe gin for a richer, nuttier flavour.

For a drink with a more Japanese flavour, the Yuzu Spark ($18++) leverages on the bitter citrus of the Japanese winter fruit to bring a refreshing quality to the classic French 75 – gin, lemon, yuzu liqueur is first mixed and then topped up with prosecco. A citrus bomb. Also on the yuzu bandwagon is the very tasty Shirobudou Sour ($18++), a Japanese take on the pisco sour with yuzu infused pisco and muscat liqueur that’s topped off with Sauvignon Blanc.

cache aged negroni old fashioned

But don’t forget the classics – the Old Fashioned (18++) here is sublime, as is the Aged Negroni ($$18++), which sees Beefeater 24YO gin blended with sweet vermouth and Campari and then aged for two weeks in a Japanese tsubo claypot for a mellower flavour.

If you’re looking for some bites to go along with your cocktails, it helps that Caché can easily tap into Izy’s kitchen to create a food menu specially for the bar. There’s the IZY Roll ($18++), their version of the California maki, and the odd Cheese Tofu ($9++), which tastes far better than it sounds; the latter a tofu cheese spread served on crackers that is strangely moreish. For those who came hungry, highly recommended is the Wagyu Truffle Don 9$38++), a rich rice donburi that comes smothered with Josper grilled wagyu beef slices, fresh truffle shavings and an onsen egg.

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What you should definitely order, if it is available, is the perfectly roasted Sweet Potato, Vanilla Ice Cream ($15++), the soft creamy centre of the sweet potato from Kagoshima a perfect accompaniment to smoky, peated whisky.

What’s most amazing about Caché though, is that it meets all the expectations of a Japanese cocktail bar without the sticker price shock. Unlike at certain Japanese bespoke cocktail bars – which we politely decline to name – prices at Caché are clearly labeled on the menu, at a level that’s wallet-friendly especially compared to many of its peers along the Duxton Hill stretch. Prices are even better when happy hour comes; there’s a separate cocktail menu between 5pm to 8pm daily with drinks listed at just $10++.

We’d list Caché as a must-visit, if you haven’t already figured that out for yourself.


Address 27 Club Street, Singapore 069413
Opening Hours 5pm to 1am, daily
Tel (65) 9678 0027
Web www.cache.com.sg
Facebook cachesingapore

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