In light of COVID-19, we encourage diners to take precautions when going out. You can also support your favourite restaurants by getting takeaway and delivery.
A refined haven for rum and sustainable libations, The Daily Tot, which opened last summer, has a prime location in SoHo on the corner of Peel Street and Hollywood Road. The bar’s washed-out pastel walls, stack of vintage suitcases in the back and lush floral accents make the eclectic spot vibrant.
With a strong sustainable focus, The Daily Tot locally sources all ingredients used for its juices and syrups from the nearby Graham Street wet market, which are then stored in recycled wine and spirit bottles. In addition, the bar has partnered with Proof & Company to end the use of single-use glass in the industry. The independent spirit company supplies Plantation rum in a reusable, eco-friendly rum tote, or ecoTOTE, that’s returned for refills after being cleaned and sanitised.
In the bar’s Rum Journey series of cocktails, the focus is on Caribbean ingredients found in Hong Kong, such as local herbs and fruits, alongside a niche collection of rums sourced from Caribbean distilleries.
Aged rum barrels can be found behind the bar, containing a unique in-house blend that’s showcased in Caffeinated Butter Rum ($130). Sous-vide roasted coffee beans are mixed with Black Tears rum that’s been fat-washed with frozen house-made butter. This is shaken with Pedro Ximénez sherry, hazelnut oil and walnut bitters, creating a smooth texture and lovely spiced caramel flavour. My fave of the bunch!
La Bamba ($120) reminds me of an old-fashioned, incorporating ecoSPIRIT Plantation dark rum that’s mixed with Rémy Martin VSOP, maple syrup, tobacco bitters and smoked applewood chips. This drink is strong from start to finish, filled with warm notes of cinnamon.
With the goal of reducing food waste, the bar makes sure that all ingredients are fully used. Edible fruit peels and more act as garnishes for most drinks. For instance, Papa Don’t Peach ($130) is garnished with a whole cherry apple. Utilising sous-vide peach, peach bitters, crème de pêche and orange blossom, this sweet and fruity cocktail is crafted with Wray & Nephew white overproof rum, Don Papa rum and verjuice.
Taking a break from the stronger cocktails, PB&G ($120) is another drink we strongly recommend. Refreshing and all-round citrusy, sous-vide Stiggins’ Fancy Pineapple (pineapple infused into Plantation 3 Stars white rum), basil, Petite Verveine, yuzu cordial and freshly pressed guava juice are combined and set with foamy egg white.
Verdict
The Daily Tot has proven that it’s far from just another Central watering hole. A lot of effort and care go into crafting each drink, aligning with the bar’s goals to be sustainable and zero waste. Some of the drinks, such as Bermuda Triangle and the negroni, were a little too sweet for my tastes, but otherwise, the staff will be seeing me very soon for their Caffeinated Butter Rum cocktail, which I adored.
Click here for The Daily Tot’s varied event offerings, from the four-course weekend brunch ($298/person; +$198 for 2-hour free-flow) to rum masterclasses.
G/F, Felicity Building, 58 Hollywood Road, Central, 2366 6836, 5226 9382 (WhatsApp), info@thedailytot.com
This write-up is based on a complimentary media tasting provided in exchange for an honest review and no monetary compensation. The opinions expressed here represent the author’s.
For more reviews like this, like Foodie on Facebook
