With a name like a short-priced favourite in one of the world’s richest horse races, In The Mood is worth backing for a delightful bar experience.
ITM is another polished, world-class addition to Saigon’s maturing cocktail bar scene, with a small stable of bartenders that consistently mix up seriously good drinks with professionalism in a warm and welcoming space in the centre of town.
While their signature tipples push the envelope of what should and shouldn’t be acceptable in a drink (salmon nori, truffle?), sometimes you’ve just got to loosen off the reins a bit and see where the night takes you.
Examples are the ITM (VND250,000) made with sous vide truffle Tanqueray gin, banana, Tio Pepe sherry, elderflower and salmon nori, where sweet and sour cordial collides with the funk of truffle and finishes off with a touch of banana creaminess.
And there’s the After Dark (VND240,000) with sous vide cacao bourbon, Campari and shiitake Rosso Vermouth that sends you on a journey through the darkness, just like the Murakami novel it was named after, with its sweet, bitter and savoury tastes all rolled into one
But here’s a tip. If you’re into whisky, ITM beats most Saigon bars in a canter for their very impressive range.
In The Mood’s “Moody Hour” is from 5.30pm to 8.30pm with selected cocktails at VND85,000.
In The Mood is at 151/2 Dong Khoi St., District 1, HCMC
[Google_Maps_WD id=97 map=95]For more information about In The Mood, visit https://www.facebook.com/IntheMOOD.whiskybar/
Feature photo & video In The Mood