New bars to check out

The Backdrop

The Backdrop invites guests to immerse themselves in a blend of history, artistry, and mixology. Tucked away on the ground floor of voco Singapore Hotel, behind a wooden door, is this whimsical and theatrical bar. There’s no signage but when you book a table, you’ll be sent a digital key/QR code to enter. 

The unique bar is master-bartender Dario Knox’s labour of love. He pays tribute to the art of making liqueurs or alcoholic products that have been crafted since the 1800s. Knox, who hails from Tuscany but has lived in Singapore for more than a decade, returns to Italy on holiday breaks to learn more about liquoristica, or the traditional Italian art of making liqueurs such as campari, vermouth, amaro and fernet. 

“About 4.5 years ago, I started studying botanical extractions, percolation, and infusion (techniques). I also collected manuals and manuscripts from the 1800s,” says Knox. He believes in learning about history first and how to treat the botanicals in order to evolve. After learning the basics, he added his own innovative touch to create his own concoctions at The Backdrop.