Iconic cocktails with a local twist, tipples with the craziest ingredients and creations by renowned bartenders – you’ll find ‘em at the best cocktail bars in Singapore.
Love a good drink? We’ve got everything from happy hour promos to non-alcoholic spirits so everyone can join the fun. But if you’re borderline snobbish about your martini, gin and tonic or negroni, you’ve come to the right place. From whiskey watering holes to sake hotspots and award-winning names, we’ve tried it all. That’s why you’ll find the perfect spot for your drinking needs in our complete guide to the best cocktail bars in Singapore. Cheers to that!
1. Writers Bar
Can’t resist a good read and a delicious tipple? Writers Bar will steal your heart with this unique tippling experience that blends mixology and literary heritage. Indulge in creative handcrafted cocktails that pay homage to illustrious authors who have entertained and inspired curious minds. Dripping in sophistication, the bar’s interior is equally alluring. Think gorgeous textured walls, bookshelves adorned with stylish mementos and books, a solid brass bar counter, and a show-stopping chandelier.
Try the bar’s latest selection of four cocktails inspired by Fragments of Time – a newly-published book by chef Andre Chiang, the first chef appointed as Writer-in-Residence under the Raffles Writer’s Residency programme. An ode to the hotel’s storied past, these cocktails draw on the rich history and culinary traditions of four cultural pillars: Chinese, European, Southeast Asian and Indian. Alternatively, choose from the Reserve Classics, a collection of timeless tipples crafted with premium spirits.
Must-try drinks: Fragments of Time selection
Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday, 5pm to 11pm; Friday and Saturday, 5pm to 11.30pm
Address: Writers Bar, Raffles Hotel Singapore, 1 Beach Road, Singapore 189673
2. Native
On our first visit, 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.
Must-try drinks: Oolong highball, pineapple arrack, Black Rice
Opening hours: Monday to Thursday, 6pm to 12am; Friday to Saturday, 6pm to 1am
Address: Native, 52A Amoy Street, Singapore 069878
3. Tamba
A taste of West Africa awaits at this hidden oasis of a restaurant. A tribute to the founder’s late adoptive brother Tamba, this concept, created by the same brains behind Kafe Utu, brings elevated African plates to our diverse food scene. When it comes to cocktail bars in Singapore, this is definitely a unique one.
Tamba’s bar is filled with African spirits, with lesser-known and strong flavours inspired by people and stages in Tamba’s life. The full experience of dinner and drinks is highly recommended. But if you just need a tipple, pop by after 10.30pm to squeeze yourself in for a drink after dinner service has wrapped up.
Must-try drinks: Vita, Grass Cutter, Dad’s Wallet
Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 6pm to 11.30pm
Address: Tamba, 101 Duxton Road, Singapore 089964
4. Parliament Bar
Get ready to rock and roll at this retro dive bar in the charming Keong Saik neighbourhood. Featuring leather booths and snazzy red lighting, alongside vintage signs and posters, it immediately transports you to the roaring ‘80s in the US. Enjoy a range of wallet-friendly drinks, from cocktails to beers and spirits, plus classic American fare. The fried chicken burger is a crowd favourite!
Must-try drinks: Negroni, Paloma, Old Fashioned
Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 5pm to 12am
Address: Parliament Bar, #02-01, 18 Teck Lim Road, Singapore 088390
5. Cat Bite Club
Pop by this little nook along Duxton Road for a quick tipple or two. Specialising in agave and rice spirits, Cat Bite Club offers delish concoctions like Cat Bite margarita and Soju Sprint, which are fan favourites. If you wanna level up your spirits knowledge, sign up for the masterclasses to dive deep into the world of agave and rice distillation. Psst: each 45-minute sesh entails a tasting experience with light bites, too!
Must-try drinks: Cat Bite Margarita, Soju Sprint
Opening hours: Daily, 5pm to 12am
Address: Cat Bite Club, 75 Duxton Road, Singapore 089534
6. Side Door
Casual, no-frills, and perfect vibes are what you get when you visit this cocktail bar in Singapore. Walking into Side Door, it feels like stepping into someone’s home for the first time, with warm welcomes and energetic service. The cocktails may seem deceptively simple, but trust us when we say the nuances and flavours will wow you. Plus, the team is always incredibly friendly!
Must-try drinks: Daisy, Holy Moly Mary
Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 3pm to 12am; Sunday, 9am to 5pm
Address: Side Door, 3 Neil Road, Singapore 088805
7. Chandu Bar
It’s easy to miss the door to Chandu Bar because it sits in a quiet corner of Robertson Quay. You might even walk by because it’s that discreet. This speakeasy draws inspiration from Singapore’s past and has become a space for indulgent imbibing. Keep an eye out for the gold handles that mark the bar’s black door, and you’ll discover an oasis away from the bustling street. The space is small, so come early or book a spot ASAP. Our top drink recommendation is the Suppression, a tart but well-balanced drink featuring cranberry vinegar that whets the appetite.
Must-try drinks: Suppression, Celestial Elixir
Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday, 5pm to 12am; Friday to Saturday, 5pm to 1am
Address: Chandu Bar, 1 Unity Street, Singapore 237983
8. 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 nondescript 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, ‘cos tables get snapped up faster than free ice cream – no kidding.
Must-try drinks: River City Paloma, Petals Pincers and Parallels, Femme Fatality
Opening hours: Daily, 6pm till late
Address: 28 HongKong Street, 28 Hong Kong Street, Singapore 059667
9. Junior The Pocket Bar
Having moved to the Ann Siang Hill enclave, this pocket bar sports a bigger space while retaining its nondescript, speakeasy demeanour. It’s the ideal space for date nights or cosy get-togethers because of the small space. Its concept rotates frequently, so you’ll be treated to something new every time you visit. So far, we’ve seen the space inspired by cartoons, Korea, and Shanghai.
Must-try drinks: Seasonal menu
Opening hours: Tuesday to Friday, 5pm to 12am; Saturday, 6pm to 12am
Address: Junior The Pocket Bar, 6 Ann Siang Hill, Singapore 069787
10. Spectre
Cocktails, but make it mental wellness – that’s the name of the game at Spectre. This vintage apothecary-inspired space is all about mindfulness, with a cocktail menu inspired by traditional Chinese medicine. Even its zero-proof drinks are thoughtfully crafted, which we love. The funkiest thing you should try? The Bonseki cocktail, made with snake and chicken broth.
Must-try drinks: Bonseki, LSD #3, Watermelon Sugar High
Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 5.30pm to 11.30pm
Address: Spectre, #02-01, 120 Tanjong Pagar Road, Singapore 088532
11. Sago House
Previously located on Sago Street, the iconic bar has now set up home in the bustling enclave of Duxton Hill. But have no fear, the team continues to bring all its creativity without the fuss. Swing by its eclectic yet cosy nook for a quick escape from the daily grind of life. Not sure what to get? These folks will give you the full spiel. Trust us when we say the cocktails are anything but pedestrian.
Must-try drinks: Drinks change every week
Opening hours: Sunday to Friday, 6pm to 1am; Saturday, 6pm to 2am
Address: Sago House, 37 Duxton Hill, Singapore 089615
12. Atlas
The Art Deco and 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. And we’d say the team has achieved just that.
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!
Must-try drinks: Atlas Martini, Atlas French 75
Opening hours: Monday, 3pm to 12am; Tuesday to Thursday, 12pm to 12am; Friday to Saturday, 12pm to 2am
Address: Atlas, Parkview Square, 600 North Bridge Road, Singapore 188778
13. D.bespoke
If you’re looking to be spoiled, this is the place. At this Ginza-style speakeasy, your experience starts with refreshing hot towels and tea. While on the expensive side, the bespoke tipples are hand-crafted with care and attention, and customised to suit your personal taste. What a treat!
Must-try drinks: Bespoke drinks
Opening hours: Monday to Thursday, 6pm to 1am; Friday to Saturday, 6pm to 2am
Address: D.bespoke, 2 Bukit Pasoh Road, Singapore 089816
14. The Elephant Room
Tucked away in the bustling neighbourhood of Tanjong Pagar, The Elephant Room brings a slice of Little India to this charming district. Think vermillion-coloured walls, lattice and jaali-patterned surfaces, and traditional sarong or lungi-embroidered coasters as part of the decor. Each cocktail is inspired by Little India, and you’ll be amazed at the innovative way the team infuses spices in each sip.
Must-try drinks: Briyani, Jothi’s Flower Shop, Indian as F**k
Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday, 6pm to 1am; Friday to Saturday, 6pm to 2am
Address: The Elephant Room, #01-02, 33 Tanjong Pagar Road, Singapore 088456
15. Stay Gold Flamingo
Cafe by day, bar by night, Stay Gold Flamingo serves good food and even better cocktails. This day-to-night location promises a relaxing morning followed by feral nights. Lovers of rock and roll must stop by because the music program is thoughtfully and intentionally curated for the best vibes.
Must-try drinks: Biscoff Sour, Trinity Martini
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, 9am to 4.30pm & 5pm to 12am
Address: Stay Gold Flamingo, 69 Amoy Street, Singapore 069888
16. Neon Pigeon
Located along Carpenter Street, Neon Pigeon is a modern izakaya with artsy, gritty interiors. Kick off the evening with tipples served in bird-shaped glassware, along with small plates from the raw bar that feature seasonal catches. Its menu puts a modern spin on Japanese dishes, with intriguing creations such as the Tokyo hummus – a creamy blend of edamame and curry chips that’s become a crowd favourite.
Must-try drinks: Espresso martini, Ha Margarita, Momo Bellini
Opening hours: Daily, 5.30pm to 12am
Address: Neon Pigeon, #01-01, 36 Carpenter Street, Singapore 059915
17. Jigger & Pony
Say hello to the #3 bar in Asia! (Yup, Jigger & Pony is second on the Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024 list and has been a fixture on the list since its inception in 2016). Skilful, attentive, and extremely creative, the bartenders at Jigger & Pony concoct some of the best bespoke cocktails in town. With more than 20 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 provides detailed descriptions of the cocktails and their flavour profiles.
Must-try drinks: Espresso martini, whiskey sour, ramos gin fizz
Opening hours: Sunday to Tuesday, 6pm to 12am; Wednesday to Thursday, 6pm to 1am; Friday to Saturday, 6pm to 12am
Address: Jigger & Pony, Lobby Level, Amara Singapore, 165 Tanjong Pagar Road, Singapore 088539
18. Mo Bar
Sometimes we have to pinch ourselves when we catch the breathtaking views of Marina Bay, but we recommend you do it with a drink in hand at Mo Bar. Located on the third floor of Mandarin Oriental, this spiffy bar spotlights progressive techniques through bespoke cocktails. From refreshing flavours to spirit-forward mixes, each one is artfully created by its team of talented mixologists, and pairs perfectly with eclectic bites.
Must-try drinks: Winter in Mid-summer, Tropical Christmas, Noel Orange
Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday, 5pm to 12am; Friday to Saturday, 5pm to 1am
Address: Mo Bar, Mandarin Oriental, Singapore, Marina Square, 5 Raffles Avenue, Singapore 039797
19. Nutmeg & Clove
Trust this cocktail bar to be constantly at the forefront, serving up new, innovative menus. Founded by industry powerhouse Colin Chia, this restaurant and cocktail bar in Singapore draws inspiration from Singapore’s rich history. From the food menu to the drinks, Nutmeg & Clove weaves Singaporean inflexions into its menu, interpreting several elements of Singapore in each taste and flavour profile.
Must-try drinks: Dirty Kopi, Nutmeg & Clove
Opening hours: Daily, 5pm to 12am
Address: Nutmeg & Clove, 8 Purvis Street, Singapore 188587
20. 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. Plus, finding it is half the fun!
Must-try drinks: Espresso martini, the G&T, Bloody Sunday
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, 6.30pm to 2.30am
Address: The Other Room, #01-05, Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel, 320 Orchard Road, Singapore 238865
21. Live Twice
The folks behind Jigger and Pony present a new-style Japanese cocktail bar – Live Twice. 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’s steeped in a pot with Hokkaido soft water for a minimum of three days.
Must-try drinks: Mizuwari, vesper
Opening hours: Sunday to Tuesday, 6pm to 12am; Wednesday to Thursday, 6pm to 1am; Friday to Saturday, 6pm to 2am
Address: Live Twice, 18-20 Bukit Pasoh Road, Singapore 089834
22. Fish Pool at The NCO Club
The highlight of this unique bar? Underwater performances by Syrena, Singapore’s first mermaid. Expect an unforgettable experience as Syrena interacts with diners while holding her breath and swimming in 3.85m-deep water. Pair that with tropical cocktails and bites from the raw bar to make it a relaxing night.
Must-try drinks: Ocean Inspiration, Pisco Ananas, umeshu spritz
Opening hours: Wednesday to Saturday, 6pm to 9pm
Address: Fish Pool at The NCO Club, 32 Beach Road, Singapore 189764
23. 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 palate. Also, the bartenders don’t skim on the presentation. Not sure what to get? Just ask the friendly team and they’ll whip up the perfect tipple for you.
Must-try drinks: Bespoke cocktails
Opening hours: Tuesday to Thursday, 5.30pm to 11.30pm; Friday to Saturday, 5.30pm to 12am; Sunday, 5.30pm to 11.30pm
Address: Bar Stories, 55-57A Haji Lane, Singapore 189248
24. Tess Bar & Kitchen
No plans 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.
Must-try drinks: Oregano sour, Godfather, Devil’s Mule
Opening hours: Monday to Thursday, 4pm to 1am; Friday, 4pm to 3am; Saturday, 12pm to 3am; Sunday, 12pm to 1am
Address: Tess Bar & Kitchen, 36 Seah Street, Singapore 188392
25. Origin Bar
Forget run-of-the-mill tipples. Origin Bar is all about pushing the boundaries of cocktail creation while ensuring its drinks connect with people from diverse cultures and walks of life. Its intriguing cocktail menu features future-forward creations, drawn from different ideas and inventions and recreating them with infinite possibilities.
Must-try drinks: Zero to Hero, Don’t Give a *uck
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 5.30pm to 1am
Address: Origin Bar, Lobby Level, Shangri-La Hotel Singapore, Tower Wing, 22 Orange Grove Road, Singapore 258350
26. Manhattan
Conrad Singapore Orchard’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 signature drinks like the barrel-aged Manhattan and solera-aged Negroni.
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. We can never resist a good drink here!
Must-try drinks: New York sour, Manhattan
Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday, 5pm to 12am; Friday to Saturday, 5pm to 1am; Sunday, 12pm to 3pm & 6pm to 12am
Address: Manhattan, Level 2, Conrad Singapore Orchard, 1 Cuscaden Road, Singapore 249715
27. The Lobby Lounge
The Lobby Lounge at InterContinental Singapore wows with its refreshed cocktail menu created by head mixologist Rhodora Amurao and collaborating mixologist Jesse Vida. Pulling inspiration from the gorgeous Bras Basah and Bugis neighbourhoods, each libation is a distillation of the district’s rich history. From Chijmes to Haji Lane, you’ll be treated to a lineup of cocktails that go from day to night, following the bar’s dawn-to-dusk evolution.
Your journey begins at Sultan Gate Gardens with Royal Rosales, a fruity gin-based concoction topped with pink pepper and sea salt. On the sweet side, try the unique twist on a pina colada inspired by the National Library. Featuring our beloved local kopi, the aptly named Kopi Colada is a delectable drink topped with kopi foam gula melaka and dried pineapple. For those who need something strong to end the night, our pick has to be the Heritage Martini. This elegant sipper leans on the savoury side with the depth of Baba Nyonya spices and refreshing pickled onion and carrot.
Must-try drinks: Kopi Colada, Royal Rosales, Heritage Martini
Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday, 9am to 11.30pm; Friday to Saturday, 9am to 12am
Address: The Lobby Lounge, InterContinental Singapore, 80 Middle Road, Singapore 188966
28. Cin Cin
Oasia Hotel Downtown 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.
Must-try drinks: Gin flights, Cin Fizz, Mr. & Mrs. T
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 4pm to 11am; Saturday, 3pm to 11pm
Address: Cin Cin, #01-02, Oasia Hotel Downtown Singapore, 100 Peck Seah Street, Singapore 079333
29. 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.
Must-try drinks: Limone, dirty martini, rum brulee
Opening hours: Monday, 5pm to 12am; Tuesday to Thursday, 4pm to 12am, Friday to Saturday, 4pm to 1am
Address: BeGin, 27A Boat Quay, Above The Penny Black, Singapore 049817
30. 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 offers a modest selection of seafood dishes.
Must-try drinks: Highball, Old Fashioned
Opening hours: Sunday to Tuesday, 6pm to 12am; Wednesday to Thursday, 6pm to 1am; Friday to Saturday, 6pm to 2am
Address: Gibson Bar, Level 2, 20 Bukit Pasoh Road, Singapore 089834
31. Aniba
Up for an imbibing experience like no other? Make your way to this swanky cocktail bar tucked away in an eclectic restaurant. Step inside and you’ll be greeted by a gorgeous circle bar adorned with unique lamps and reminiscent of an enchanting cosmic forest. Coupled with mirrors above the lamps, it makes a playful and imaginative setting to knock back a tipple or two. Inspired by flavours and ingredients of the Middle East, Mediterranean and Asia, the multi-continental cocktails and spirits are equally alluring, too.
Must-try drinks: Cucumber, coffee, sesame
Opening hours: Varies by day
Address: Aniba, #05-03, 6 Battery Road, Singapore 049909
Time to paint the town red with our massive list of the best cocktail bars in Singapore!
