SINGAPORE: They say we shouldn't play with our food. It's a good thing the same doesn't apply to drinks because that's exactly what we did at a swishy hotel.

The Conradtini, introduced at all Conrad hotels around the world, has arrived at the Lobby Lounge of the Conrad Centennial Singapore. In keeping with their mission to give customers the "luxury of being yourself", Conradtinis allow you to create your own signature cocktails by choosing the ingredients from a mind-boggling array of spirits, mixers and garnishes.

In other words, you get to play a boozy version of masak-masak without getting your hands dirty — the bartender does all the hard work.

You're spoiled for choice with the "starter-kit" menu of gins such as Beefeater and Tanqueray, as well as vodkas such as Smirnoff and Absolut Kurrant. There's a list of juices ranging from the humble lime to the more exotic pink guava. Mixers include strawberry puree, chocolate syrup and even lemongrass tea. If you're into decorating your glass, pick from an array of garnish choices, from the usual olives and cherries to the more adventurous carrots and cinnamon.

It was like being in chemistry class all over again — only without the frigid science teacher.

Cocktails with house pour spirits go for S$18 with a choice of one juice or mixer and garnish. An additional S$10 is added if you go for premium spirits, except for Johnny Walker Blue Label and the Royal Salute 21-year-old whiskies.

My mate's Apple Martini made of vodka, apple juice and a cherry on top came out "beautiful", while my brew of 60ml of gin, lime and a menacing piece of pineapple with husk and all packed plenty of muscle and was the next best thing to sitting on a beach in Phuket.

As we would continue to notice later, no matter how bizarre our choice of ingredients were, the bar still presented a drink that oozed quality and class. They all looked good, never mind if they tasted otherwise.

I picked white rum, starfruit juice, and a piece of fruit for garnish. The drink served in martini glasses proved to be pleasantly tart and lime green in colour. I promptly called this "The Starship Enterprise". My friend's concoction of tequila, green apple juice and apple garnish was christened "Green to Go".

"Choose strong flavourful juices if you want more alcohol in the mix," said one of the helpful staff, who was around to guide us through the menu and offer advise on our erratic and eccentric choice of ingredients. But we weren't there for a leisurely stroll through the familiar — we wanted adventure.

Our experiments finally paid off when I picked tequila, white rum, and vodka to go with watermelon juice and a dash of lime. It was smooth, not too sweet and, surprisingly, had no taste of alcohol. It was so good that we started clapping.

"It's a kick without a kick," said my friend. We broke out laughing because that was the alcohol talking. We had a small complaint about the petite size of their martini glasses but were promptly informed a selection of glassware ranging from champagne flutes to high balls was available.

We decided, however, to pull the plug on the evening when we came up with a neon green monstrosity that we suspected was the original source of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. We vaguely recall it had vodka, lemon garnish and mint and tasted like mouthwash.

Next time, we'll listen to the grown ups.

The Lobby Lounge, Conrad Centennial Singapore, Two Temasek Boulevard, Tel: 6334 8888. - TODAY/fa