Singapore’s nightlife scene is bursting at the seams with high-voltage nightclubs, happy hour promos and numerous ladies night deals. Heck, even non-alcoholic spirits to ‘drink when you’re not drinking’. But if you’re borderline snobbish about your martini, G&T or negroni, then you’ve come to the right place. From whiskey watering holes to hidden speakeasies and award-winning names, you’ll find the perfect place for your drinking needs in our complete guide to the best cocktail bars in Singapore. Cheers to that!
Best cocktail bars in Singapore
1. Atlas
The Art Deco and almost Gotham City-esque exterior of Parkview Square makes it one of Singapore’s most spectacular buildings, and its gin-focused bar is an extension of that theme. Taking inspiration from the Roaring Twenties, Atlas aims to be a luxurious interpretation of the grand European lobby bars of the Art Deco age. The open atrium-style space offers masterfully crafted cocktails, as well as what is perhaps Singapore’s largest gin collection. Atlas features over 1,300 bottles of gin, and it’s set to grow… in its magnificent gin tower, no less! Psst: if you’ve not heard, it snagged the fourth position on the World’s 50 Best Bars 2020 list, making it the best bar in Asia.
Atlas, Parkview Square, 600 North Bridge Road, Singapore 188778
2. Alleybar
Having been open for over 20 years at Emerald Hill, Alleybar needs no introduction. At the helm of the bar is Milan native Matteo Arrigoni, who has zhushed up the drinks menu with his years of experience in the local and international drinks scene. The cocktail maestro puts a twist on a trio of classic tipples using the intricate process of milk clarification. The end result? Clear cocktails that boast mesmerising hues. The Invisible Sling is a brilliant take on the iconic national drink. It combines Widges gin, Dom Benedictine, cherry brandy and triple sec with kaffir lime leaf-infused pineapple juice for a romantic pink-hued drink.
Taking a cue from the heritage-rich locale, signature cocktails are steeped in local flavours and history. That includes the Rickshaw Redemption Sazerac, which is a nod to the rickshaw pulling taken up by Chinese immigrants in the 1900s. Let’s just say, this drink is as potent as they come, with its mixture of Remy Martin-infused caramel macchiato, Rebel Yell Rye Whisky, absinthe, black walnut bitters and sugar.
Alleybar, Peranakan Place, 2 Emerald Hill Road, Singapore 229287
3. Origin Bar
You think you know the Lion City inside out? Let Origin Bar school you on Singapore’s history with its stellar cocktails. The menu is embellished with drinks that pay homage to popular locales like Chinatown, Orchard Road and Boat Quay. For instance, the rum-spiked Urban Jungle, which is made with nutmeg, pineapple and fermented pepper, is an ode to Orchard Road’s plantation past. Then, let Jammu whisk you away to little India with its concoction of mango, saffron, citrus and bourbon.
Origin Bar, Shangri-La Hotel Singapore, Lobby Level, Tower Wing, 22 Orange Grove Road, Singapore 258350
4. The Old Man
The fact that the OG bar in Hong Kong holds second place on Asia’s 50 Best Bars list is good enough of a reason to make your way to the Keong Saik enclave. The Old Man takes you from crowd faves to timeless creations, including a clear old fashioned and the Death In The Afternoon, a pandan yoghurt drink that sees a splash of absinthe. Inspired by Ernest Hemingway’s work, the devilishly good cocktails include Winner Take Nothing (Campari, baby carrot sous vide suze, tarragon, blackened carrot bug, soda and dill). For something unique, try The Torrents of Spring, a concoction of glutinous rice cooked mezcal, grain wild turkey whiskey, pom-beet shrub and more.
The Old Man, #01-04, 55 Keong Saik Road, Singapore 089158
5. Anouska’s
Anouska’s is an upscale bar that’s an ode to Anouska Hempel, one of the top 100 interior designers in the world (named by Architectural Digest in 2002). She was a former Bond girl, too. Having established one of the world’s first luxury boutique hotels, Blakes Hotel, you can bet that her wealth of design experience translates to the space at Anouska’s. Once you’re done admiring the stunning black, gold and yellow interior, turn your attention to the menu of top-shelf spirits, premium wines, local craft beers and cocktails inspired by disco era tipples from around the world.
Signature concoctions include Escape to Kaifeng, a mix of Tanqueray London dry gin with a house-made chrysanthemum cordial for a floral aperitif. The East-meets-West theme continues with the likes of Chen Pi Collins, a spin on the Tom Collins with mandarin-infused gin and a refreshing citrus fizz. For a tribute to Anouska herself, try On her Majesty’s Secret Service, a dry gin martini with yuzu and green tea bitters. Pair with bar bites like Sichuan Thunder Fries and spicy popcorn chicken.
Anouska’s, 83 Duxton Road, Singapore 089540
6. Live Twice
The folks behind Jigger and Pony present a new-style Japanese cocktail bar – Live Twice. Taking over the now-defunct Flagship bar, the menu is divided into two categories: one life for yourself and one for your dreams (inspired by Nancy Sinatra’s “You Only Live Twice”). For the classicist, go for the mizuwari, a blend of Nikka Coffey Grain Whisky and Nikka Coffey Malt Whisky that is steeped in a pot with Hokkaido soft water for a minimum of three days. The Little Bell is for those who want a little zing in their lives. It’s a clean mix of VSOP calvados by Christian Drouin, bell pepper and honey – a spirit-forward cocktail for discerning drinkers.
Live Twice, 20 Bukit Pasoh Road, Singapore 089834
7. Tippling Club
We all need a fancy-schmancy night out every now and then. One of the first dinner spots that come to mind? Tippling Club. As for the drinks, the progressive cocktail menu is innovative and ambitious. Think of tipples that feature salted liquorice, brandywine tomato and green coffee.
Tippling Club, 38 Tanjong Pagar Road, Singapore 088461
8. IB HQ
This speakeasy-like situation adds a Southeast Asian twist to the menu, whipping out mind-blowing infusions made in-house. Don’t believe us? Try the Tikka Marshalla, a riff on the iconic Indian dish butter chicken. The Papeda is made with curry-infused gin – flavour explosion guaranteed!
IB HQ, Level 2, 76A Duxton Road, Singapore 089535
9. Native
Now, after a few twists and turns, no thanks to Google maps, we found this gem of a bar. Located on the second floor of an unassuming shophouse, Native has a succinct cocktail menu that changes from time to time. Vijay Mudaliar, the audacious fellow behind Native and its creations, focuses on foraging from his surroundings. Oh, did we mention? You can have a quick tour of the microdistillery located above the bar for some boozy education.
Native, 52A Amoy Street, Singapore 069878
10. No Sleep Club
Another reason to hang at the Keong Saik enclave? We ain’t complaining. From the creators that brought you Operation Dagger and 1880 comes No Sleep Club. This experimental cocktail bar has interesting drink blends, coffee, cafe grub and then some. One cocktail to try: Hay + Apples, a highball with scotch, sous vide with toasted hay and served with fermented apple chamomile honey. Simply delish.
No Sleep Club, 20 Keong Saik Road, Singapore 089127
11. Lulu’s Lounge
Temporarily closed until further notice.
Based on a fictional, salacious protagonist from 1960s New York, Lulu’s Lounge is the brainchild of Joshua and Sarissa Schwartz, the power couple behind Employees Only Singapore. The bar and live music venue boasts an aesthetic that’s part-suave, part-grimy. You’ll spot sleek couches oozing class and charm, as well as raw brick walls tainted by graffiti and ultraviolet scribbles. You’ll definitely be spoilt for choice with the cocktail selections too. Try the Cherry Red Lace, Loosen Mai Tai or the Slip of the Tipple that’s even garnished with nipple pasties.
Lulu’s Lounge, Pan Pacific Hotel Singapore, 7 Raffles Boulevard, Singapore 039595
12. Flying Monkey
There was a lot to take in when we first heard of this bar on Bussorah Street. Contemporary Indian? Tapas? Cocktails? There really aren’t many serious Indian restaurants in Singapore with focused bar programs. That’s where Flying Monkey distinguishes itself. The bar menu features Indian-inflected cocktails like the titular tipple. It’s made with whiskey, rum and jaggery, topped with burnt cinnamon for a multi-sensorial experience that engages all your senses. Other noteworthy drinks include the gin-based Mumbai2Milan and Gluaboo, a mixture of vodka and rose syrup.
Flying Monkey, 67 Bussorah Street, Singapore 199480
13. Ah Sam Cold Drink Stall
Boasting a new space at Haji Lane, the folks at Ah Sam Cold Drink Stall are sticking to their guns – boozy drinks with a local twist. Expect a pandan-flavoured Singapore Sling on tap alongside signature cocktails like Nonya chendol, Kaya Flip and Milo old fashioned. So, if you’re looking for a night of nostalgic debauchery, you know where to go.
Ah Sam Cold Drink Stall, 2 Haji Lane, Singapore 189205
14. Bar Stories
Bar Stories is one of those blink-and-you’ll-miss-it cocktail bars located at the lively Haji Lane. It’s one of the first bespoke cocktail bars to open in Singapore. There’s no menu here and every drink is specially made for your palette. Also, the bartenders don’t skim on presentation. Not sure what to get? Just ask the friendly team and they’ll whip up the perfect tipple for you.
Bar Stories, 55/57A Haji Lane, Singapore 189248
15. Cin Cin
Oasia Hotel Downtown Singapore is already stunning as an architectural wonder, but just wait till you hop into its gorgeous ground floor bar! Adorned throughout with debonair emerald hues and gold, metallic accents, Cin Cin evokes a nostalgic trip into the past with its Prohibition Era theme. Gin is its specialty, so arm your appetites for martinis, negronis, and other bespoke cocktails. Go ahead and toast “cin cin!” to this ritzy city bar.
Cin Cin, #01-02, Oasia Hotel Downtown Singapore, 100 Peck Seah Street, Singapore 079333
16. The Other Room
“Speakeasy” is a description thrown around a lot these days, but The Other Room is probably one of the few cocktail bars that’s really hidden away, with only the scantest online presence. This “drinking house for the discerning” offers expertly crafted cocktails that pay homage to classic drinks while adding contemporary twists.
The Other Room, #01-05, Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel, 320 Orchard Road, Singapore 238865
17. The Elephant Room
Tucked away on the second floor (right above one Michelin-starred Burnt Ends), The Elephant Room brings a slice of Little India to Keong Saik. The bar picks up subtle nuances of Indian culture. Think vermillion-coloured walls, lattice or jaali-patterned surfaces and traditional sarong or lungi-embroidered coasters for decor. To sip, try innovative cocktails like the umami-packed King of Toddy. It’s made with arrack, a distillate from toddy, buttermilk for nuttiness and topped with amaranth leaf and pickled palm seed. Another noteworthy tipple? Banana King, which is concocted with slow-roasted banana gin, banana skin oleo and aromatic sandalwood.
The Elephant Room, 20A Teck Lim Road, Singapore 088391
18. Mo Bar
Sometimes we have to pinch ourselves when we catch the breathtaking views of Marina Bay, but we recommend you to do it with a drink in hand at Mo Bar. Located on the fourth floor of Mandarin Oriental, this spiffy bar spotlights flavours from the Asia-Pacific region and creates unique drinks like the New Delhi-inspired Soma (gin, yoghurt, chutney and spices), the Gangnam-inspired White Rabbit (tequila, kimchi, tomato and black garlic) and Oragami (whiskey, miso and hojicha), which embodies Kyoto in a glass.
Mo Bar, Marina Square, 5 Raffles Avenue, Singapore 039797
19. Employees Only Singapore
In a nutshell, expect a bespoke cocktail experience with an ambience that’s neither stuffy nor exclusive. Split up into aperitifs, cocktails and long drinks, the menu uses regional ingredients like basil, mango, ginger and pineapple. And don’t even get us started on the bites! We’ve been stoked about this place for a long time.
Employees Only Singapore, 112 Amoy Street, Singapore 069932
20. Smoke & Mirrors
This bar atop the National Gallery oozes sophistication with its skyline view overlooking The Padang, The Esplanade and Marina Bay Sands. Just as impressive is its modern decor with warm wood and metal accents. Grab a seat by the balcony and drink in the view while sipping classic cocktails like mai tais, margaritas and martinis. Mesmerised by the lush landscape of Singapore? Take your pick from the Conscious Cocktails collection, which spotlights creative concoctions that are eco-friendly.
Smoke & Mirrors, #06-01, National Gallery Singapore, 1 St. Andrew’s Road, Singapore 178957
21. Barbary Coast
Two vastly different experiences, one fab location. That’s exactly what you get at Barbary Coast, set up by Michael Callahan, the founding bartender of 28 HongKong Street. Looking for a casual, no-frills spot? Take a seat at Deadfall, a watering hole inspired by the 1800s San Franciscan district, and be prepared for cheeky cocktails. The second-floor Barbary Coast Ballroom is for discerning drinkers who have a keen eye for details. Each drink is concocted with finesse, from the spirits to the garnishes.
Barbary Coast, 16 North Canal Road, Singapore 048828
22. Lime House Caribbean
Living in Singapore, you’re probably well accustomed to island life by now. But how cushy are you with Caribbean culture? Broaden your horizons (and your repertoire of tipple conquests) at this vibrant rum lounge. Honouring the traditions of Tobago – hence its name – the place urges you to adopt the spirit of “liming”, the art of doing nothing but having a good time. Sign us up! Order light bites to go with drinks like rum-based old fashioned and Lime House Punch, a boozy twist on the popular Jamaican drink, Sorrelade.
Lime House Caribbean, 2 Jiak Chuan Road, Singapore 089260
23. Hopscotch
Prefer quirky to classic? Head to this delightfully kitschy little bar tucked away in Gillman Barracks. Pick from an incredible variety of absolutely zany Singaporean-inspired cocktail offerings, from bandung shots and a boozy take on orh nee (yam) to an alcoholic rendition of bubble tea. If Gillman Barracks is too much of a journey, just pop on over to its second branch at The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore.
Hopscotch, multiple locations including Gillman Barracks and Arcade @ The Capitol Kempinski
24. Gibson Bar
While the gold-accented interior may insinuate upmarket, a tipsy trip to Gibson is far from a formal, stuffy bar experience. The award-winning Gibson prides itself on its wide selection of potent tipples in its drinks menu, pleasing even the most discerning drinker. Cocktails aside, Gibson also lets you enjoy a modest selection of seafood dishes.
Gibson Bar, Level 2, 20 Bukit Pasoh Road, Singapore 089832
25. Jigger & Pony
Say hello to the #1 bar in Asia! (Yup, Jigger & Pony tops Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2020 list). Skilful, attentive, and extremely creative, the bartenders at Jigger & Pony concoct some of the best bespoke cocktails in town. With over 25 cocktails on the menu, no two (or three or four) visits are ever the same. Plus, you can get up to speed with the menu, which has arranged the cocktails from light to potent.
Jigger & Pony, Lobby Level, Amara Singapore, 165 Tanjong Pagar Road, Singapore 088539
26. Junior The Pocket Bar
Having moved to the Ann Siang Hill enclave, this pocket bar sports a bigger space while still retaining its nondescript, speakeasy demeanour. Aside from its rotating drinks menu, you can swig on exotic concoctions from the Homebrews & Highballs, Eat The Rich, Sour Grapes and Hopped Up wine and beer menus. Pair them with substantial bar bites like crab cake and mala chicken sando.
Junior The Pocket Bar, 6 Ann Siang Hill, Singapore 069787
27. Martini Bar at Mezza9
Temporarily closed.
Offering over 50 different signature martinis, this swanky cocktail bar never fails to give us a case of decidophobia whenever we’re here. We just end up telling them to surprise us! But if you prefer ordering straight from the menu, we recommend trying the refreshing lemon basil.
Martini Bar, Mezza9, Mezzanine Level, Grand Hyatt Singapore, 10 Scotts Road, Singapore 228211
28. Jekyll & Hyde
Jekyll & Hyde has found a home along Neil Road and we’re digging the space. Look forward to a food menu that spotlights mod-Sin flavours and a drinks menu created by head bartender Michael Foong (winner of Diageo World Class’s Rising Star Award in 2019). Toss back signature cocktails like the PB & J, which is more potent than nostalgic, or the easy-to-drink Pandan Valley. But if you’re in a big group, go for boozy punch bowls with names that will make Singaporeans easily guess the flavour profiles: Botanical Gardens and Stylo Milo.
Jekyll & Hyde, 74 Neil Road, Singapore 088839
29. Sago House
Located on the third floor of an unassuming shophouse on Sago Street, the bar is a cosy nook for those looking to escape the daily grind of life. Think graffiti interiors, dim lighting and a rotating drink menu that’s written by chalk on a wall. Not sure what to get? These folks will give you the full spiel. But trust us when we say the cocktails are anything but pedestrian.
Sago House, 40B Sago Street, Singapore 059029
30. Oriental Elixir
Walk on the wild side with Oriental Elixir. This Haji Lane bar is a collab between Tanglin Gin and The Spiffy Dapper, and it has all the makings of a speakeasy. Dim lights, shelves of non-descript liquor bottles and jars, and a hodgepodge of antiques and experimental cocktails. Just tell the bartender your choice of poison, and he’ll whip up something that’s as interesting as the ambience.
Oriental Elixir, 10 Haji Lane, Singapore 189203
31. Maison Ikkoku
Both a cafe and a cocktail bar, Maison Ikkoku is where you’ll find all the trendiest peeps. Owned by Ethan Leslie Leong – the creator of Asia’s most expensive cocktail “The Jewel of Pangaea” (it cost $35k per glass!) – you can bet your bottom dollar any concoction here is gonna be ah-mazing.
Maison Ikkoku, 20 Kandahar Street, Singapore 198885
32. 28 HongKong Street
Sans PR fanfare and signage out front, 28 HongKong 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). Reservations are required; tables get snapped up faster than free ice cream – no kidding.
28 HongKong Street, 28 Hong Kong Street, Singapore 059667
33. Bitters & Love
The folks 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. And as the name suggests, you can get a quick schooling session on bitters, which are made in-house here.
Bitters & Love, 118 Telok Ayer Street, Singapore 068587
34. Anti:dote
Anti:dote’s selection of cleverly concocted cocktails will appeal to even the most discerning. Combining the artistry of classic cocktail-making with modern mixology, it 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
35. Shin Gi Tai
When we heard Jigger and Pony’s ex-bartender was opening Shin Gi Tai, we knew we had to show up for support. Known for his creative concoctions, Anthony Zhong will take your taste buds for a ride. The Japanese bar also has a list of unique drinks including Yakuza Bad Boy, made with cognac, cognac orange liqueur and calvados.
Shin Gi Tai, 179A Telok Ayer Street, Singapore 068627
36. Tess Bar & Kitchen
Not sure where to hit up on a Friday night? Savour creative concoctions at this bar! It 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
37. Nutmeg & Clove
Known for its drinks that are inspired by the nation’s past, Nutmeg & Clove has found a new home along Purvis Street. Loyal patrons can look forward to old faves like the namesake cocktail on the menu, alongside a slew of new concoctions that pay homage to the 12 Chinese zodiac signs.
Nutmeg & Clove, 8 Purvis Street, Singapore 188587
38. Manhattan
Regent Hotel’s luxurious bar offers 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 – and an amazing boozy Sunday brunch. If you’re savvy with your bar buzz, you’ll also know that Manhattan is one of the best bars in the world, according to The World’s 50 Best Bars list.
Manhattan, Level 2, Regent Hotel, 1 Cuscaden Road, Singapore 249715
39. The Secret Mermaid
It’s easy to miss this 16-seater bar, especially with its lack of signage, but keep your ears peeled for groovy beats, chatter and the distinct clanking of glasses. That’s how you’ll know you’re in the right place. A Japanese eatery by day turned bar and liquor store by night, The Secret Mermaid counts over 45 spirits in its booze library, and most of them come from small-batch distilleries. It’s all about the thrill of discovery, so go for the tasting flights and up your booze knowledge. But if you’re just looking to have a good time, signature drinks like applewood negroni fit the bill.
The Secret Mermaid (Shinkansen by day), #B1-08, Ocean Financial Centre, 10 Collyer Quay, Singapore 049315
40. BeGin
Tucked away on the second floor of English pub Penny Black, this speakeasy (thanks to its dim lighting and hidden location) is a haven for gin lovers. Don’t know where to begin? (Sorry, we couldn’t help ourselves.) Don’t worry; the bartenders are more than willing to guide you through the dizzying world of gin. Before your drinking session, fill up on typical British grub food like scotch eggs and bacon sammies.
BeGin, 27a Boat Quay, Above The Penny Black, Singapore 049817
Time to paint the town red with our massive list of cocktail bars in Singapore!
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