If your typical order at a bar is a martini, gin and tonic, or a negroni, then you’ve come to the right place. Singapore is (almost) bursting at the seams with cocktail bars that mix drinks, but here, we’ve narrowed it down to only the best — in our humble opinion, of course. From martini-focused drinking holes to speakeasy bars, you’ll find the perfect place for your drinking needs within this curated list. Cheers!
Sugarhall’s potent Mai Tai
Sugarhall
Opened by the owners of neighbouring bespoke cocktail bar Jigger & Pony, Sugarhall promises to be a more fun, laid-back dining and drinks space. A great place for a round of drinks; Sugarhall is the first-ever rum destination in Singapore to showcase over 50 types of cane spirits under one roof. Cheers over an unorthodox playlist of vintage Latin, old-school ska, and Jamaican reggae that revs up through the night.
Sugarhall, 102 Amoy Street, Singapore 069922, p. 9732 5607.
Jekyll & Hyde
Jekyll & Hyde’s a bespoke bar (and a nail salon, too), so yes, you can order whatever you want, but give the classic (slightly smoky) whisky sour a go here because it really is worth it. Prices range from $25 to $30, depending on your choice of whisky.
Jekyll & Hyde, 49 Tras Street, Singapore 078988, p. 6222 3349.
Operation Dagger
Situated in the basement of an unassuming shophouse (look out for the glass door stamped with a curious rectangle and upside-down crown motif to enter), this cubbyhole of a speakeasy is led by Oxwell & Co’s Luke Whearty and offers a tightly curated menu of experimental concoctions, like the ingenious Man vs. Pig, made with jamon de bellota, rock melon, red wine vinegar, hazelnut. Or if you can’t make up your mind, order the omakase, which comes with six different cocktails and some bar snacks.
Operation Dagger, B1-07, Ann Siang Hill, Singapore 069791, p. 9296 4704.
28 Hong Kong Street
Sans PR fanfare and signage out front, 28 Hong Kong Street is notorious for snubbing the system in the most radical way when it first opened its doors. The place screams privacy and quiet with the non-descript entrance, but once inside, it’s safe to be social with a group of friends! The best part for tippleholics is the larger standard shot served here (as compared to the usual 30ml). Cocktails are also priced reasonably at $15-22. Reservations are required; tables get snapped up faster than free ice cream – no kidding.
28 Hong Kong Street, 28 Hong Kong Street, Singapore 059667, p. 6533 2001.
The Library
Only folks who know the password of the week are allowed past the secret doors of this speakeasy, which are disguised as a large bookshelf. You’ll be greeted by dim lights and a sleek copper bar top when you enter. The drinks are fun (smooth, too), and served in unique glasses, like a little bathtub in the case of the Shrub-A-Dub-Dub cocktail. Psst… you can cheat and get the password from neighbouring British-style bistro, The Study.
The Library, 47 Keong Saik Road, Singapore 089151, p. 6221 8338.
Neon Pigeon is uber cool
Neon Pigeon
Everything about this modern Japanese hangout spells hip, from the graffiti mural walls to quirky ninja cocktail glasses. On the menu, you’ll find Asian-inspired sharing plates like tsukune sliders, miso roasted pumpkin rice, and even soup like the Hokkaido buttered corn broth with oxtail. Drink-wise, go ahead and challenge the bartenders to craft something to your liking, or order one of their cocktails, such as Harajuku Girl – a mix of Fords Gin, Fee Brothers plum bitters and shisho leaf.
Neon Pigeon, #01-03, 1 Keong Saik Street, Singapore 089109, p. 6222 3623.
House of Dandy
A bar after our own heart, House of Dandy encapsulates the opulence of the roaring twenties perfectly with its slick interior – think Oscar Wilde’s quotes scrawled on the walls, Tom Dixon designers lamps, and British Airforce Spitfres-inspired chairs – and an extensive whiskey list. Not big on single malts? There is a range of boutique spirits, classic cocktails, and cigars, which are just as delightful.
House of Dandy, 74 Tras Street, Singapore 079013, p. 8661 2340.
Sum Yi Tai
Housed in a multi-storey shophouse, this restaurant-bar follows an old-school 1980s Hong Kong theme. On the third floor, you’ll find a private rooftop bar – which can only be accessed if you have an invitation or a reservation. Love whiskey? There’s a great range of options to choose from, such as single malts, whiskey-based cocktails, and even “white dogs” (white whiskeys). Chinese tapas – like crispy roast pork and XO carrot cake – is served on the ground floor, whie a dining club (there’s a private dining room as well) is located on the second floor.
Sum Yi Tai, 25 Boon Tat Street, Singapore 069622, p. 6221 3665.
Bumbo Rum Club
Dimly lit, sleek and chic dive bars are all the rage now – but for that touch of whimsy and festivity, head to Bumbo Rum Club. Decked in bright, loud colours, the Carribean-inspired bar offers over 25 yummy rum-based cocktails. The must try? The berries-filled Bumbo Rum Club signature cocktail.
Bumbo Rum Club, 83 Club Street, Singapore 069451, p. 6690 7563.
La Terraza Rooftop Bar
Ann Siang Hill’s hiding one of the best bars in town. This award-winning bar (it’s on a world’s top 20 list) boasts great service, affordable prices, and hands down one of the best cocktails we’ve ever had. With charming Chinatown shophouses backlit by the CBD skyline from behind, this place is also cozy and much more intimate than some of the bigger bars downtown.
La Terraza Rooftop Bar, The Screening Room, 12 Ann Siang Road, Singapore 069692, p. 6533 3357.
Bitters & Love
You can throw out the menu because the boys at Bitters & Love will concoct something from the drink profile you provide. One drink they do really well is the kaya (coconut Jam) toast cocktail, presented with bread and a dollop of kaya on top. Plus, a whimsical food menu makes sure you’re never bored of this place, ever.
Bitters & Love, 118 Telok Ayer Street, Singapore 068587, p. 6438 1836.
The Cufflink Club
Drinks here are cheeky, witty, and are completely addictive. If you need a stiff drink, get the Walking Dead (a twist on the zombie) with 13 types of rum, pineapple, apricot, passion fruit and lime and garnished with a bubblegum eyeball. For something – ahem – milder, try the Coke-Cane with a mix of 5 rums, a homemade cola reduction, fresh lime juice, and a sugar cane swizzle stick. On top of the innovative cocktail menu, there’s a handpicked assortment of charcuterie: saucisson, chorizo, Iberico ham, imported cheese, Spanish anchovies, and marinated vegetables to whet.
The Cufflink Club, 6 Jiak Chuan Road, Singapore 089262.
Head honcho of Fairmont’s Anti:dote, Tom Hogan, was a finalist at the 2014 Diageo Reserve World Class Singapore
Anti:dote
Anti:dote’s selection of cleverly concocted cocktails would appeal to even the most discerning. Combining the artistry of classic cocktail making with modern mixology, head craftsman Tom Hogan uses only premium spirits, house made bitters and liqueurs, and herbs from the hotel’s very own herb garden.
Anti:dote, Level 1 Fairmont Singapore, 80 Bras Basah Road, Singapore 189560, p.6431 5315.
Copper
Martinis are made with predominately gin, so it’s no surprise that gin-focused Copper – the latest additions to Keong Saik’s hip little dining enclave – serves one of the best renditions in town. While it’s not stated on the menu, you can top up $4 to “martinise” your choice of gin.
Copper, 10 Jiak Chuan Road, Singapore 089264, p. 6222 5565.
Maison Ikkouku
Both a café and a cocktail bar, Maison Ikkouku is where you will find all the trendiest peeps. Owned by Ethan Leslie Leong – the creator of Asia’s most expensive cocktail “The Jewel of Pangaea” (it was $35k a glass!) – you can bet your bottom dollar any concoction’s gonna be uh-mazing. Go loco for coco with their impressive chocolate flambé-tini that’s served with toasted marshmallow and cookie roll.
Maison Ikkouku, 20 Kandahar Street, Singapore 198885, p. 6294 0078.
Bar Naked
95 Club Street has seen the likes of acid jazz bar, Club 95, lounge bar, Toca Me, and open karaoke bar, HQ. Venue owner, Irene Ang, who is also the Founder and CEO of FLY Entertainment, has reinvented the space to house cheeky cocktail bar, Bar Naked. Conceptualised by Social Influence Marketing agency GOODSTUPH, Bar Naked rides on the pop-up phenomenon and invites brands to rent their bar space to exercise innovative plans for outdoor advertising and event marketing.
Bar Naked, 95 Club Street, Singapore 069463, p. 9620 6719.
Tess Bar & Kitchen
Diageo World Class Singapore’s top 10 finalist Steve Leong – who used to be part of the Bitters & Love team – has found a new home in a quaint shop house along Seah Street: Tess Bar & Kitchen . Over here, you can savour Steve’s award-winning bak kut teh-inspired Tanqueray No. 10 cocktail along with other creative concoctions. The bar also aims to be a platform for its team of young Asian mixologists to experiment and hone their craft, so you can expect nothing short of a casual, welcoming, and highly interactive experience.
Tess Bar & Kitchen, 38 Seah Street, Singapore 188394, p. 6337 7335.
Nutmeg and Clove’s barrel-aged Singapore Sling
Nutmeg & Clove
You’ve probably strolled down Ann Siang Road and wondered about the significance of the old-school signage ‘Ching Yoon Wooi Kwoon’. What lies beyond the dark wooden doors isn’t an old Chinese medicinal clinic; it’s actually the quaint cocktail bar Nutmeg & Clove. Oozing old world oriental glamour, the bar works at revitalising the traditional use of Asian herbs and spices, and introducing fresh flavour pairings to the discerning drinker. One of their most popular drinks, the Golden Dawn, is a Tanqueray gin-based cocktail with Chinese hawthorn and red jujube shrub.
Nutmeg & Clove, 17 Ann Siang Road, Singapore 069697, p. 6423 9885.
Bar Stories
This hidden gem along Haji Lane rolls out amazing bespoke cocktails. One of the first bespoke cocktail bar to open in Singapore, there’s no menu here, and every drink is specially made for your palette. Bar Stories only uses fresh produce without any artificial flavours.
Bar Stories, 55/57A Haji Lane, Singapore, Singapore 189248, p. 6298 0838.
Mezza9 Martini Bar
Offering over 50 different signature martinis, this swanky bar never fails to give us a case of decidophobia whenever we’re there – we just end up telling them to surprise us! But if you prefer ordering straight from the menu, we recommend ordering the refreshing Botanical martini – a tantalising blend of Effen Vodka, Domaine de Canton Frence ginger liqueur, zesty lemon juice, fresh cucumber, and rosemary leaves.
Martini Bar, Mezza9, Mezzanine Level, Grand Hyatt Singapore, 10 Scotts Road, Singapore 228211, p. 6732 1234.
Shin Gi Tai
When we heard Jiggy and Pony’s ex-bartender was opening Shin Gi Tai, we knew we had to support. Known for his creative concoctions, Anthony Zhong will take tastebuds for a ride. The Japanese bar also has a list of unique drinks including a Hot Peanut Butter Rum with brown butter puree.
Shin Gi Tai, #01-04 51 Waterloo Street, Singapore, 187969, p. 9768 4132.
Manor Cocktail Room
Brought to you by the same folks behind Gem Bar, Manor Cocktail Room exudes a slightly more upscale vibe and very much resembles a swanky whiskey bar with its plush Chesterfield sofas and excessive use of dark wood. Owner and local nightlife veteran Din Hassan serves up a range of signature cocktails (try Sweet Dreams – a vanilla-infused Old Fashioned), premium spirits, as well as tasting flights featuring artisanal whiskeys so you get to try a little bit of everything.
Manor Cocktail Room, 8 Ann Siang Hill, Singapore 069788, p. 9646 6160.
Manhattan Bar
Regent Hotel’s luxurious new bar offers up a slice of 19th-century New York. Check out the world’s first in-hotel rickhouse – a workshop space featuring over 100 American oak barrels of imported Whisky for experimentation. Manhattan also has a collection of unusual ingredients like wildcherry bark and shisandra berries.
Manhattan, Regent Hotel, 2nd Floor, 1 Cuscaden Rd, Singapore 249715, p. 6725 3242.
Feel right at home at TAPOW
TAPOW
While plenty of bespoke bars claim to be without pretenses or fuss, TAPOW actually is exactly that. Feel free to sprawl out on one of its low-lying couches as you sip on Asian-inspired cocktails (we’d say yes please to any drink with gula melaka in it) with cheeky names or stuff your face with munchies like the Damn Shiok Pizza or Rendang served in tiffin cans.
Tapow, 19 Ann Siang Road, Singapore 069699, p. 6423 1213.
Ah Sam Cold Drink Stall
This is not your regular kopitiam drink stall; it’s a cosy bespoke cocktail bar opened by former Jigger & Pony bartender, Sam Wong. The lack of a menu means you have free reign to order anything you want; although we recommend trying Ah Sam’s unique cocktails that incorporate local flavours like soya bean milk, Milo, and chin chow.
Ah Sam Cold Drink Stall, 60A Boat Quay, Singpaore 049848, p. 6535 0838.
Vasco
HongKong Street’s latest tenant, Vasco, is Singapore’s first ever Latin-America cocktail bar. Owned by the brains behind The Cufflink Club, the drinking saloon celebrates the Latinos’ vibrant and cheeky outlook on life. Sway to lively mix of Latin beats as you hit back a glass (or two) of killer cocktails like The Old Man & The Sea, and Girl From Ipanema; they also do bespoke cocktails if you prefer. Don’t expect a shot of Russian vodka or Japanese whiskey though; Vasco is true to its theme and only serves South America spirits.
Vasco, 42 HongKong Street, Singapore 059681, p. 8799 7085.
Nekkid
The sister joint of The Naked Fin, Nekkid is a neighbourhood bar that does impeccable sorbet-based cocktails (yay, boozy slushies!). Beat Singapore’s never-ending summer heat with Nekkid’s signature -12°C slushy cocktail that’s made with honey pineapple, lime juice, rum and sour plum powder.
Nekkid, Block 41 Malan Road, Gillman Barracks, Singapore 109454.
Kacang Putih
Swing by this dive bar for a night of boisterous mayhem. The founders (one of them is the man behind Spiffy Dapper) are a riot, and the only thing pretentious here are the magazines they use to hold their uniquely flavoured kacang putih – yes, that old-school Singaporean street snack. On the menu? “Bloody strong tiki cocktails with a Singapore feel,” it says.
Kacang Putih, 61 Boat Quay, Singapore 049849, p. 8722 4953.
The Secret Mermaid
Operating as Japanese salad bar Shinkansen by day, The Secret Mermaid unveils its tail upon nightfall. It’s easy to miss this speakeasy 16-seater bar, especially with its lack of signage, but keep your ears peeled for groovy beats, chatter, and distinctive clanking of glasses, and you’ll know you’re in the right place. Bar owner Howard Lo (who also owns Standing Sushi Bar and Tanuki Raw) prefers to describe The Secret Mermaid as a tasting room, where guests can savour over 45 spirits in its booze library, most of which comes from small-batch distillery with names almost unheard of. Opt for their tasting flight or signature cocktails like the Schizophrenic Apple and Moonshine My Lo.
The Secret Mermaid (Shinkansen by day), B1-08, Ocean Financial Centre, 10 Collyer Quay, Singapore 049315.
La Maison du Whisky
As its name suggests, La Maison du Whisky are whisky specialists and there’s no better place to pop by for your Manhattan cocktail fix ($25). Thinking of taking home some of that premium, top-notch stuff? Browse through over 100 different kinds of Scotch whiskies and purchase them by the bottle.
La Maison du Whisky, #01-10 The Pier @ Robertson Quay, 80 Mohamed Sultan Road, Singapore 239013, p. 6733 0059.