Flows of the Indus is a small and cosy culture-driven bar tucked away in a mall basement that explores the spirits of India.
Flows of the Indus was a surprising find. As in, you’ll be amazed if you happen to chance across it. This is a nondescript hole-in-the-wall bar tucked in the basement of Adelphi, a shopping mall with little pedestrian traffic that’s pretty much only known as a haven for audiophiles.
But small as it may be, the tiny independent culture-driven bar offers a transportive getaway that brings you to some part of India. Not that I’ve ever been invited to one, but with its decor I can totally imagine Flows of the Indus taking inspiration from the personal man cave of some Rajasthani prince in his royal fort in the desert wastes.
Aside from an entire selection of India-made spirits – whiskies, rums, gins, and even some brandies and wines – there’s a range of cocktails made with those liquid libations as inspired by South Asia’s largesse.
There’s Gin & Tea, a refreshing concoction of well, gin, tea, as well as cucumber and mint for some Persian influence, as well as Highlands, a whisky highball made with Paul John Nirvana whisky with strawberry and spiced up with peppercorns and toasted curry leaves. Those who enjoy the classic Side Car cocktail will find Side Cart endearing with its Jin Jiji Gin base and sweet cinnamon notes. And you don’t have to feel under the weather to enjoy the Masala Hot Toddy, a dreamily spirit-forward hot tipple of Rampur Double Cask whisky, masala tea, and lemon that’s sweetened with some honey.
Those spirits are also available by the dram. Or bottle, if you’re so predisposed.
Come evening the space fills up. White collared Indian expatriates working in the area looking for a taste of home start filing in, lounging over some gin and tonics or drams of whisky before heading off for dinner elsewhere.
Maybe I do need to score an invite to visit some Indian prince’s private home bar.
Flows of the Indus
Address 1 Coleman Street B1-43 Adelphi, Singapore 179803 (Google Maps link)
Opening Hours 12pm to 12am Mondays to Saturdays; closed on Sundays
Tel (65) 8832 0810
Web www.flowsoftheindus.com
Facebook flowoftheindus
Instagram @flowsoftheindus
