Sip on the “world’s first cocktail” served in large punch bowls over a unique afternoon tea in a cocktail bar

by Christabel Tan

As much as we’d love for afternoon tea to be a weekly affair, our wallets (and bodies) tell us otherwise.

That’s why you should always make that occasional treat a good one, and where better to have it than at Punch Room?

Photo: Punch Room Singapore

Housed in the stunning The Singapore EDITION along Cuscaden Road, the intimate 30-seater cocktail bar is swathed in a deep shade of blue, evoking the vibe of a classic London gentleman’s club.

Swanky interiors aside, it is also the first bar in Singapore that focuses exclusively on punch — the “first modern cocktail“. It is believed to have originated in the 17th century, being typically composed of five key ingredients: spirits, spices, citrus, teas, and sugar.

Photo: @punchroomedition/instagram

Much like the sailors and traders that created variations of punch infused with the native spices and teas discovered along their trade routes, Punch Room’s menus feature ingredients of the Straits Archipelago, like Ceylon tea, kedondong, and Sarawak pepper.

Photo: @punchroomedition/instagram

You can sip on punch in individual servings or communal antique punch bowls — complete with a matching ladle — to share with friends.

punch room afternoon tea
Photo: Punch Room Singapore

One way to really enjoy your experience at Punch Room is to visit for their Afternoon Tea experience, which presents an exquisite selection of savoury and sweet delights inspired by punch. Think of it as an alcoholic afternoon tea, if you will.

Photo: Punch Room Singapore

You’ll be warmly greeted with a signature Welcome Punch, before taking your pick from organic teas or free-flowing punch bowls and champagne (I’ll gladly take the latter, thank you very much).

Photo by Confirm Good

Despite this not being your usual traditional afternoon tea, Signature Finger Sandwiches are a must-have; I enjoyed the combination of smoked salmon, lemon cream cheese, and ocean trout roe a lot more than the roast beef with blueberries and caviar.

punch room afternoon tea
Photo by Confirm Good

Other savoury bites include the likes of the Crispy Tart, decadent bite-sized morsels of duck foie gras and sliced plums poached in spiced punch.

Photo by Confirm Good

Those who enjoy both sweets and alcohol will adore the Punch-inspired Desserts flavoured with teas and spices, such as the Piedmont Hazelnut Milk Chocolate Pleyel and Matcha Green Tea Namelaka, Black Tea Cone.

punch room afternoon tea
Photo by Confirm Good

As someone who loves lemons and anything lemon-flavoured, I definitely didn’t mind that the Scones were served with a zesty yuzu lemon curd (and strawberry jam), instead of the usual butter or clotted cream.

punch room afternoon tea
Photo by Confirm Good

The Afternoon Tea Menu at Punch Room is only available from 2pm–5pm on Fridays and Saturdays, and is priced at S$75++ per person.

In the mood for a boozy midday treat that’ll have you feeling all fine and dandy? Reservations can be made here.

Punch Room
Instagram | Website
📍The Singapore EDITION, 38 Cuscaden Road, Singapore 249731
🕐 5pm–12am (Tue to Thu), 5pm–2am (Fri & Sat), Closed on Sun & Mon

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Photos by Christabel Tan

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I'm always feelin' either boozy or boujee ✨

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