Advertisement

15 best cocktail bars in Singapore that will shake up your day

We all love a good tipple, so what better way to spend your money than to go to a cocktail bar that delivers?

So, I went on a little adventure to round up the top cocktail bars in Singapore that will definitely satisfy your alcoholic soul and ensure you have a great evening.

jiggerandpony
jiggerandpony

Pricey? Maybe a tad bit more expensive than your usual happy hour pours, but these are enticing cocktails that are made with love and liquor that’s out to impress. And by that I mean strictly no overly-coloured cocktails where you practically can’t taste the liquor and are convinced that you’re just drinking artificially flavoured syrup.

Here are 15 best cocktail bars in Singapore that will shake up your day!

1. Sugarhall

Sugarhall- interior

After an almost four-year hiatus, Jigger & Pony Group’s cult favourite, Sugarhall, makes a return as a rum-focused cocktail pub in Raffles Places (hidden on the second floor of a 1920s heritage building). If you’re a lover of rum and old-school decor, this one’s for you. 

Although labelled as an English-style pub neighbourhood, the interior surely reminded me of a Cuban-esque bar. I mean, it’s rum-focused anyway, right? A gin-focused English-style pub I’d understand but… *shrugs shoulders*. 

Sugarhall - dark & stormy

Rediscover classics, defined by rums and spirits like the returning crowd favourite Dark & Stormy (S$24), which is my personal favourite! The highball-style classic is based on Hampden 8-year-aged overproof Jamaican rum that poses an intense estery fruitiness, finished with fresh lime and Sugarhall’s brand new “I Shot the Ginger” ginger beer. It also comes in a Mega Stormy (S$50) size— fit for my fellow rum-lovin’ pirates out there. 

Do try other cocktails like the Daiquiri (S$22)— in dedication to the sugarcane spirit, it uses two types of rums: Bacardi Superior 1909 and Veritas, and produces an aromatic palate. Other highlights include the PornStar Martini (S$22)— where pandan adds depth of flavour to the vodka and passionfruit classic. 

Sugarhall - punch bowl

They also have punch bowls, served with all the bells and whistles! For instance, the One Punch Rum (S$280), presented with a whole bottle of Havana Club 7 years, drinkers can pour as they want into a mix of Mount Gay Ecplise, Gosling’s 151 proof rum, passionfruit, coconut water, cinnamon, and lime. 

Cecil Street, Level 2 19, Singapore 049704
+65 9815 0246
Tue to Thu: 5.30pm – 12am
Fri to Sat: 5.30pm – 2am
Closed on Sun & Mon
Facebook | Instagram | Website

2. 3 of Cups

Image of entrance
Image of entrance

A tarot-themed cocktail bar with tarot-inspired cocktails in Singapore? Yes, please. 3 of Cups is the place for a mystical night out! The whimsical double-storied, 40-seater bar, also helms a kitchen where the staff churns out magical food. 

Image of cocktail
Image of cocktail

Over here, there are two ways to get your tarot-inspired cocktails: by ordering off the menu (to play safe) or by picking a random (tarot) card (to let fate decide your desired alcoholic beverage). If you’re an adventurous imbiber, go for the latter. Trust me, it’s an experience you won’t want to miss. 

Image of tarot table
Image of tarot table

I got three theme-fitting Cocktails (from S$19). And get this, for every three cocktails per table, you also receive a free tarot reading! 

Image of chocolate cake in flames
Image of chocolate cake in flames

What’s a night out to a magical place without a flamin‘ dessert, right? Enter the Black Magic (S$16).

Not only do 3 Of Cups deliver in their cocktails, but they also excel in their theatrics. Their signature chocolate will be lit up in (blue) flames before you’re able to consume it.

53 Haji Lane, Singapore 189246
+65 9246 0138
Tue to Sun: 5pm – 12am
Closed on Mon
Instagram | Website

3. TEMPO Bar & Grill

TEMPO's interior
Credit – TEMPO Bar & Grill

Enjoy whimsical tipples with signature and bespoke cocktails at TEMPO Bar & Grill, located at Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel. Situated by the Singapore River, this cocktail bar is perfect for those who like to imbibe with a picturesque view. 

TEMPO's cocktail
Credit – TEMPO Bar & Grill

Expect to find a wide range of unique concoctions prepared by their mixologist, and enjoy cocktails that pay homage to the classics, coupled with hints of contemporary twists. One cocktail that blew my mind was the Adagio (S$24) – KI NO BI Kyoto dry gin with truffle washed dolin dry vermouth and shitake mushroom oil. Talk about an earthy, alcohol-infused explosion!

TEMPO's lobster
Credit – TEMPO Bar & Grill

Feeling hungry? Fret not. TEMPO Bar & Grill also features an alfresco dining area which serves an array of grilled selections, Asian and Western favourites with an extensive Tapas line-up, and a spread of Chef’s signatures such as the delectable Grilled Live Boston Lobster (S$88 for 450gm), Mixed Grilled Meat Platter (S$98), Seafood Pesto Pizza (S$26), and Char-Grilled Octopus (S$16).

Sign up for their à la carte rewards programme today and enjoy daily promotions like Cocktail Monday, Thirsty Thursday, Wine-down Sunday, and more.

I’m not sure about you, but TEMPO Bar & Grill sure sounds like the perfect place to me!

392 Havelock Road, Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel, GF A, Singapore 169663
+65 6233 1338 / +65 8168 1539
Bar
Mon to Sun: 12pm – 11pm (last order at 10pm)
Alfresco
Mon to Fri: 5pm – 11pm (last order at 10pm)
Sat, Sun & PH: 1pm – 11pm (last order at 10pm)
Facebook | Instagram | Website

4. PILCROW

Pilcrow - exterior
Credit – PILCROW

PILCROW is a progressive dessert bar that embodies bold and sophisticated plated desserts paired with matching cocktails. If you’ve a sweet tooth, this bar is certainly for you! 

Situated at the heart of the Singapore River, PILCROW promises an experience unlike any other. If you don’t have a sweet tooth, they also have savoury dishes on the menu, like their doughy sourdough pizza. 

Pilcrow - cocktail
Credit – PILCROW

Go for their Butterfly Tonic (S$22)— a reimagined version of the classic G&T with dry gin (of course), butterfly pea, lavender, and tonic. Then indulge in the Exotique (S$16), a refreshing dessert with yuzu curd, coconut mousse, fresh mangoes, and lime sorbet. And finally wash it down with the Pit of the Plum (S$22) cocktail to balance the tartness of the citrus flavours. 

60 Boat Quay, Singapore 049848
+65 9667 4849
Mon to Sat: 6pm – 12am
Closed on Sun
Facebook | Instagram | Website

5. The House Bar

The House Bar - interior
Credit – The House Bar

Sister bar of Taiga Dining is The House Bar. Nestled in a discreet corner on the ground floor of Regent Singapore, its entrance is subtly concealed. Once you enter the boutique lounge, you’ll be greeted with a contemporary space designed for intimate gatherings and quiet solitude alike. 

The House Bar - Cocktail

Indulge in their Passionfruit Martini (S$28)— a refreshing vodka-based cocktail with passionfruit, vanilla syrup, lime juice, and chocolate liqueur or if you’re looking for something stronger, get the Bronx (S$24)— a cocktail with Tanqueray Ten, Kumquats, Cocchi dry, and Cocchi Classico. 

Besides, they have a wide range of craft cocktails, ranging from the usuals to a premium selection. Trust me when I say there’s something for everyone. 

The House Bar - Food dish
The House Bar - Food dish

However, don’t leave without getting a bite! Prepared in the establishment’s very own kitchen, sink your teeth into a sophisticated assembly of shatteringly crisp Mentaiko Ebi Monaka (S$32) to get a taste of the ocean. If you’re hungrier than usual, get my personal favourite, the Snow Crab Claypot Rice (S$98)— a dish that comes with buttery melt-in-your-mouth snow crab mixed with subtly peppery rice. A dish to die for. 

1 Cuscaden Road, Regent Singapore, #01-02, Singapore 249715
+65 8031 2697
Daily: 12pm – 3pm & 6pm – 12am
Closed on Sun
Instagram | Website

6. Nemesis

Nemesis Entrance
Nemesis Entrance

Take a walk on the wild side with Nemesis. Located at Duxton Hill, this quaint gem is surrounded by commissioned artworks by Feral Sg and is definitely something to talk about. Especially if you’re a lover of all things quirky. 

Nemesis Manly Glass
Nemesis Manly Glass

Start off with cocktails from the Nolo Aperitivo portion of the menu, and you’ll also notice that the majority of stuff on the menu has a little bit of Spanish influence and is created in a versatile manner where one can have their vegetables and fruits the way nature intended— in cocktails. 

Go for the Sunset Drip (S$22), a cocktail best-suited for gin and sunset lovers. Alternatively, the Iaso (S$22) is a drink that hits the spot (for me, that is); named after the Greek goddess of recuperation from illness, the concoction of gentiane, fennel, apple, orange, and honey with gin totally encapsulates the earthy mustiness of root herbs and the sweetness of the fruits making it taste like a refreshing medicinal remedy. 

Nemesis Lasagna 2
Nemesis Lasagna 2

Not forgetting their food! You have to try their Lasagna Bites (S$10)— my go-to order with every visit. I mean, quite literally, if it could speak, it would’ve charmed the socks off the whole room. The dish consists of house-made bolognese sauce layered between sheets of lasagna which is then crumbed and fried. Fried lasagna? I’m sold! 

37 Duxton Hill, Singapore 089615
+65 8028 3697

Mon to Sat: 5.30pm – 10.30pm
Closed on Sun
Facebook | Instagram | Website  

7. Mallow Bar

Another bar that’s worthy to mention is Mallow Bar— a conscious, plant-forward pocket bar. Named after an edible plant that sprouts in abundance across Denmark, Mallow is touted as a fun re-imagination of Janice Wong’s pocket bar, 50Fifty. Brace yourself for a series of curious cocktails with fleshed out flavours and contemporary plant-focused small plates— best enjoyed together as a pairing degustation menu, housed in an intimate 35-seater horseshoe bar. 

Mallow - cocktail
Mallow - cocktail

I got “The Taste of Mallow” menu which consists of four snacks and two desserts, paired with four cocktails at S$135 per pax

Cocktails like the King Mushroom— yes, a king mushroom-infused cocktail— and Off to the Races— a feta rum and green grape flavoured cocktail— stole the show for me. Alternatively, all cocktails are priced at S$23 (à la carte)

Mallow - food
Mallow - food

A conscious effort was made to avoid all meat, seafood, and dairy in designing the menu. Hence, the food here is completely vegan. 

Mallow - ice cream
Mallow - ice cream

Special mention goes out to the innovative Kinda like a Magnum (S$12)— essentially an ice cream made of coconut cream that folds freshly juiced lemongrass and fennel before churning into the individual moulds— made with a whole thin coat of miso caramel and a snip of herbs grown in their own terrace garden. A refreshing dessert that can’t be missed! 

1 Nanson Road, InterContinental Singapore, Robertson Quay, #02-07B,
Singapore 238909
+65 8399 0679
Wed to Sat: 4pm – 12am
Sun: 4pm – 10.30pm
Closed on Mon & Tue
Instagram | Website

8. The Store

The Store - interior
Credit – The Store

The Store is touted as “your friendly neighbourhood hangout” which, granted, you may have passed several times considering its unassuming location. Tailored to give a Baader-Meinhof experience, enter the teal door and be greeted with a lounge that’s furnished almost like a living room, coupled with little tables and cushioned chairs. Step into the main dining area where high tables and stools surround the bar. 

The Store - cocktail
Credit – The Store

Have a go at the Coffee Kombucha Espresso Martini (S$24), the intense Notanegroni (S$24), Bloody Mary-style Timotini (S$22), and more! It’s safe to say that The Store’s rendition of the classic Negroni, Notanegroni, is high on the list of best Negronis in town. 

Special shoutout to the bartenders here who make every visit (I’ve been here twice) one to remember. They not only put on a show while creating your cocktails, but also take you through the ingredients that go into your drink. It’s all about interaction, if you ask me!

11 Neil Road, Singapore 088809
+65 8731 1883
Tue to Sat: 4pm – 12am
Closed on Sun & Mon
Instagram | Website

8. Smoke & Mirrors

best cocktail bar singapore smokeandmirrors-interior
best cocktail bar singapore smokeandmirrors-interior

Located on the sixth floor of the National Art Gallery, the multi-award winner, Smoke & Mirrors, overlooks Marina Bay Sands. It is largely al fresco, with an indoor seating area that is perfect for lounging on their couches.

cocktails-smokeandmirrors-tigerdaisy
cocktails-smokeandmirrors-tigerdaisy

The Gold Rush (S$28) comes with Michter’s Bourbon, honey, and lemonis. A refreshing cocktail fit for our weather, if you ask me. Besides, with various ongoing promotions, Smoke & Mirrors are constantly updating their menu with specially curated cocktails.

Boasting a strikingly beautiful view, artisanal cocktails, what’s stopping you?

1 Saint Andrew’s Road, National Gallery, #06-01, Singapore 178957
Mon to Wed: 6pm – 12am
Thu to Sat: 6pm – 1am
Sun: 5pm – 12am
Closed on Sun & Mon
Instagram | Website

9. The Gibson

best cocktail bar singapore cocktails-gibson-interior
best cocktail bar singapore cocktails-gibson-interior

Another love child from the good people at Jigger and Pony is The Gibson. A vintage-style cocktail bar that is eclectic yet rustic all at once.

Located above The Flagship, a traditional American dive bar, The Gibson boasts a mixture of stained glass windows backing rows of magnificent fine spirits, including the likes of Yamazaki, and many more.

cocktails-gibson-ramos
cocktails-gibson-ramos

The Gibson continuously surprises with their cocktail pairing with fresh seafood, and their bartenders aren’t shy in concocting creative cocktails. 

The signature Gibson (S$25++) cocktail, reinvents the classic martini and elevates it to the next level by combining two gins and serving it with unconventional condiments. Intriguing and exciting, Gibson is a bar to hop to if your friends and you are in for something enthralling.

20 Bukit Pasoh Road, Second Level, Singapore 089834
+65 9114 8385
Mon, Wed & Thu: 6pm – 12am
Fri & Sat: 6pm – 2am
Sun: 6pm – 12am
Closed on Tue
Facebook | Instagram | Website

10. Sol Singapore

Sol - cocktail
Sol - cocktail

Located in the heart of Tanjong Pagar is Sol Singapore, a vibrant dining destination inspired by the tastes of Asia. Think good drinks and good vibes. 

Sol - cocktail
Sol - cocktail

Over here, expect to find specially curated cocktails infused with Asian herbs and fruits. Truly encapsulating the Western-Asian influence of the bar. One can see how much thought was put into their cocktails whether it’s served in an oriental teapot or metallic mug with the sheen of rainbows— the flavours are well-balanced and authentic. 

However, food-wise, they were sub-par at most. With too much going on with a couple of their dishes, I’d recommend you to head over with a full tummy and indulge in their quirky, IG-worthy cocktails. 

78 Neil Road, Singapore 088841
+65 8764 7765
Mon & Tue: 5pm – 11pm
Wed to Sat: 5pm – 12am
Closed on Sun
Facebook | Instagram

11. Jigger & Pony

Jigger & Pony - cocktail

Oh hello there, Jigger & Pony. With great names like Sugarhall, Humpback, The Gibson and The Flagship as family members, we know for sure that they will deliver.

What to expect? Classic 19th-century cocktails made with artisanal craftsmanship and precision will have you coming back for more. Try out its comprehensive list of unique cocktails like the Jungle Bird (S$28) or Godfather (S$28)

Dapper is what the bar is all about, complete with a stellar team!

165 Tanjong Pagar Road, Amara Hotel, Singapore 088539
+65 9621 1074
Tue to Thu & Sun: 6pm – 12am
Fri & Sat: 6pm – 2am
Closed on Mon
Facebook | Instagram | Website

12. Spiffy Dapper

cocktails-spiffy-dapper-interior2
cocktails-spiffy-dapper-interior2

Spiffy Dapper is definitely one inconspicuous bar, hiding amid shophouses and labelled as ‘Dapper Coffee’, which sounds more like a cafe. A neat looking and almost pharmaceutical-like bar with in-house infused liquor resting on wooden shelves in clear beakers.

cocktails-spiffy-dapper-beetroot-gin-sour
cocktails-spiffy-dapper-beetroot-gin-sour

The Beetroot Gin Sour is much earthier and offers more complexity in flavours. It looked just as aesthetically pleasing as it tasted. The warm red colour of the drink is contrasted by the foam from shaking, topped with beautiful rose petals that adds an extra aroma to the drink.

If you think that this drink is too lady-like, there are stronger drinks like the Negroni that is made with Mezcal, and many more choices that will make it such a hard process to choose.

cocktails-spiffy-dapper-interior
cocktails-spiffy-dapper-interior

Spiffy Dapper is open all year round, so grab your team and head on over for a smashing good time. Cocktails range from S$22 and I’m pretty sure the folks there will take good care of you like how they have with me, godspeed.

73A Amoy Street, Second Floor, Singapore 069892
+65 8742 8908
Mon to Fri: 5pm – 12am
Sat: 6pm – 12am
Sun: 7pm – 12am
Facebook | Instagram | Website

13. Tippling Club

One of the first few restaurants that offer up molecular gastronomy in Singapore is the immaculate Tippling Club. Once situated at Dempsey, it is now located at Duxton, a hip and chic belt that showcases a myriad of crazy good restaurants.

The thing is, don’t just brush Tippling Club off as just a restaurant. Sure their food is amazing, but there’s certainly something for everyone! Choose from a wide range of cocktails that have different taste profiles such as the Composition VII (S$25++)— a gin-based cocktail with Palo Cortado, chives, pearls, and mandarin.

38 Tanjong Pagar Road, Singapore 088461
+65 6475 2217
Mon & Tue, Thu to Sat: 12pm – 12am
Closed on Wed & Sun
Facebook | Instagram | Website

14. Revival

Revival - interior
Credit – Revival

Elevated artsy cocktails in the heart of Robertson Quay? Yes, please! Founded by The Compound Collective, Revival is a cocktail bar that pays homage to different art movements through art-inspired cocktails. Think Neoclassicism, Romanticism, and Frescoes.

Revival - cocktail
Credit – Revival

Their artistic cocktails menu also features 16 house drinks with each concoction centred around an iconic artwork of its time.

Keep a lookout for cocktails like the Pathway in Monet’s Garden (S$23)— a harmonious medley of Beefeater and Hendricks gin, St Germain elderflower liqueur, honeysuckle, jasmine, lemon, and egg white. Or the Portrait of Pablo Picasso (S$23)—a blend of Beefeater Gin, Campari, fernet, Suze liqueur, sweet vermouth, neroli & cassia.

205 River Valley Road, #01-76, Singapore 238274
+65 9488 3726
Tue to Sat: 5pm – 12am
Sun: 4pm – 10.30pm
Closed on Mon
Facebook | Instagram | Website

15. Anti:Dote

Antidote interior
Antidote interior

Oh Anti:Dote, do we even need to further explain how amazing this bar is? Anti:Dote continuously inspires and concocts cocktails that are so detailed in flavour. 

The interior of Anti:dote is modern, chic and comfortable. There are several different seating areas to choose from depending on your mood — you can sink into a plush velvet sofa after a hard day at work, or prop up a high table if you’re feeling slightly more energetic.

best cocktail bars singapore antidote
best cocktail bars singapore antidote

Definitely not your run of the mill hotel bar, Anti:Dote serves up old classics and reinventions that will definitely blow you away. I still am not sure why I am elaborating on Anti:Dote when it’s clearly evident that this bar is phenomenal and will continue to excite your palates. So head on down, spend some money and get transported to another world.

80 Bras Basah Rd, Fairmont, Level 1, Singapore 189560
+65 6431 5315
Daily: 12pm – 2.30pm, 3pm – 5pm, 6pm – 12am
Instagram | Website

Other articles you might like:

China Whampoa Home Made Noodles: Homemade ban mian & awesome broth with 14 varieties, open 24 hours

New in town: Well Collective — Pet-friendly cafe with Japanese-inspired dining concept in Punggol

The post 15 best cocktail bars in Singapore that will shake up your day appeared first on SETHLUI.com.