ONE OF THE most celebrated bars in the world will be featured in a one-night-only pop-up in Houston next month.
Following its super-cool pattern of hosting bartenders from the best bars around the globe, Four Seasons Hotel Houston’s Bandista speakeasy — you enter it through a book shelf in a back room — will present staff from Singapore’s Jigger & Pony and its sister bar Cosmo Pony from Jakarta on July 20.
“Jigger & Pony is currently ranked No. 5 in the World’s 50 Best Bars and No. 3 in Asia’s 50 Best Bars, with a rich history of praise for its classic technique and warm hospitality,” explains a rep for the posh Downtown hotel. “Cosmo Pony, opened just less than a year ago, is already ranked No. 21 in Asia’s 50 Best Bars and is described as a convivial cocktail bar with a cosmopolitan soul.”
The bars’ group creative director, Uno Jang, and Cosmo Pony GM will Silvio Daniele have already set the cocktail menu. It includes Jigger’s spicy margarita with Herradura Reposado Tequila, Ancho Reyes Chile, lime, Awayuki salt and an agave lollipop; an espresso martini with Jack Daniels and rain forest honey; and the Peanut Alexander with Fords Gin, peanut, fig, cacao liqueur and cream. Must-tries from Cosmo Pony include the Ugly Bananas — think bourbon, extra-ripe nanners, organe juice, jasmine and egg whites — and a unique Tequila Vesper with Herradura Silver Tequila, gin, fortified wine and a smoked olive.
What might be even more delicious is that proceeds from the special evening of tasty tippling benefits Camp H-Town and its efforts to provide normal-kid summer fun for children impacted by cancer. Reservations for 60-minute seatings are required. Cocktails are priced between $30 and $40. Seating are available from 7pm to midnight. Discounted room rates are available for those looking to make night of it.
“It is an honor to bring our friends from Jigger & Pony and Cosmo Pony to H-Town, where guests of Bandista can experience the award-winning cocktails of these two fantastic bars,” says Tom Segesta, general manager of Four Seasons Hotel Houston and devoted champion of Camp H-Town. “It’s going to be a very special evening for those who get a seat.”
The philanthropic pop-up idea is not new to Bandista. The speakeasy has previously hosted popular Employees Only of Manhattan’s West Village, also listed among the world’s best, among others.
Cosmo Pony's Ugly Bananas cocktail
Jigger & Pony and Cosmo Pony Group Director Uno Jang will be mixing his iconic cocktails in Houston.
Jigger & Pony's espresso martini
Cosmo Pony's Tequila Vesper
A peak inside Singapore's Jigger & Pony
Cosmo Pony GM Silvio Daniele will also be behind the Bandista bar.
Cosmo Pony's Nastar Punch