Iconic cocktails with a local twist, tipples with the craziest ingredients or creations by renowned bartenders – you’ll find ‘em at one of these cocktail bars in Singapore.
Singapore’s dynamic nightlife scene is bursting at the seams with high-voltage nightclubs, happy hour promos and numerous ladies night deals – hell, even mocktails 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 the most underrated speakeasies and award-winning bars, you’ll find the perfect place for your drinking needs within this thorough guide to the best cocktails in Singapore. Cheers to that!
[Psst: We’ve updated this guide to reflect the bars that are open during Phase 2 for bites and booze.]
Best cocktail bars in Singapore
Origin Bar
You think you know the Lion City inside out? Let Origin Bar of Shangri-La Hotel school you on Singapore’s history with its stellar cocktails. Using popular locales like Chinatown, Orchard Road and Little India as inspiration, the menu is awash with drinks like the titular drink, which is an ode to Orchard Road plantations; Yiban Yiban, a boozy Chinese herbal concoction and Flower and Spices, a reference to the heady floral aroma found along Serangoon Road.
Origin Bar, Shangri-La Hotel Singapore, Lobby Level, Tower Wing, 22 Orange Grove Road, Singapore 258350
The Old Man
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Now that the original bar in Hong Kong holds second place Asia’s 50 Best Bars list, there’s no excuse to delay your visit. The Old Man’s menu takes you from crowd faves to timeless creations, including a clear old fashioned and the Death In The Afternoon, a pandan yoghurt drink which sees a splash of absinthe. Inspired by Ernest Hemingway’s work, these devilishly good cocktails include Winner Take Nothing (Campari, baby carrot sous vide suze, tarragon, blackened carrot bug, soda and dill) and For Whom The Bell Toll (cocoa nibs, sous vide batavia arrack, sour strawberry, rotovap burnt butter Appleton rum and avocado burst). 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 Singapore, #01-04, 55 Keong Saik Road, Singapore 089158
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 lemongrass pork sliders and Sichuan-style popcorn chicken from Yellow Pot restaurant for the best experience.
Anouska’s, 83 Duxton Road, Singapore 089540
Live Twice
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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
Tippling Club
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We all need a fancy-schmancy night out every now and then – one of the firsts dinner spots that come to mind is 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
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
Native
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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 shop house, 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. So, if you’re brave enough, order the cocktail served with edible ants! 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
No Sleep Club
Another reason to hang at the Keong Saik enclave and 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
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 bartenders’ Tertius Wharton and Julyan Phillips’ 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
Flying Monkey
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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 which is 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
Ah Sam Cold Drink Stall
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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 fashion. 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
Bar Stories
Bar Stories is one of those blink-and-you’ll-miss-it cocktail bars located at the lively Haji Lane. It is 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 do not skim on presentation. Not sure what to get? Just ask the friendly bartenders and they’ll whip up the perfect tipple for you.
Bar Stories, 55/57A Haji Lane, Singapore, Singapore 189248
Cin Cin
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Oasia Hotel Downtown Singapore is already stunning as an architectural wonder, but just wait ’til 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 this headquarters’ specialty, so arm your appetites for DIY martinis, negronis, and other bespoke cocktails like the DR. Earl Potion. Check out our review, where we toasted “cin cin!” to this ritzy city bar.
Cin Cin, #01-02, Oasia Hotel Downtown Singapore, 100 Peck Seah Street, Singapore 079333
Atlas
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The Art Deco- and almost Gotham City-esque exterior of Parkview Square makes it one of Singapore’s most spectacular buildings, and its new gin-focused lobby bar is an extension of that theme. Taking inspiration from the Roaring Twenties, Atlas Bar aims to be a luxurious interpretation of the grand European lobby bars of the Art Deco age. The open atrium-style bar offers masterfully crafted cocktails (by its Head Bartender, Jesse Vida), as well as what is perhaps Singapore’s largest gin collection – Atlas already 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 of the World’s 50 Best Bars 2020 list, making it the best bar in Asia.
Atlas, Parkview Square, 600 North Bridge Road, Singapore 188778
The Other Room
Temporaily closed but available for delivery.
“Speakeasy” is a description thrown around a lot these days, but The Other Room is probably one of the few cocktail bars we’ve found that are 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
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 the 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 – made with arrack, a distillate from toddy, buttermilk for nuttiness and topped with amaranth leaf and pickled palm seed. Another noteworthy tipple is Indian A.F., which is concocted with Old Monk rum, nostalgic kulfi ice cream, and fragrant pistachios and saffron, with yoghurt sorbet for garnish.
The Elephant Room, 20A Teck Lim Road, Singapore 088391
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 create 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
Employees Only Singapore
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In a nutshell, expect a bespoke cocktail experience worthy 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 have been stoked for this a long time.
Employees Only Singapore, 112 Amoy Street, Singapore 069932
Smoke & Mirrors
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This bar atop the National Gallery oozes sophistication with its skyline view overlooking The Padang, The Esplanade and the Marina Bay Sands. And just as impressive is its modern decor with warm wood and metal accents. Grab a seat by the balcony, and take in the view while sipping classic cocktails like mai tais, margaritas and martinis. Mesmerized 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
Barbary Coast
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Two vastly different experiences, one fab location. That’s exactly what you get at Barbary Coast, which is by the founding bartender of 28 HongKong Street, Michael Callahan. Looking for a casual, no-frills spot? Take a seat at Deadfall, a watering hole inspired by the 1800s San Franciscan district, so 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 garnish.
Barbary Coast, 16 North Canal Road, Singapore 048828
Lime House Caribbean
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Living here, 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 at Lime House Caribbean. 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 bites like jerk chicken, mac and cheese balls and Caribbean nachos 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
Hopscotch
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Prefer quirky to classic? Head down 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 muah chee to an alcoholic rendition of Pei Pa Kao.
Hopscotch, 45 Malan Road, Singapore 109455
Gibson
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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 like the scallop ceviche.
Gibson, Level 2, 20 Bukit Pasoh Road, Singapore 089832
Jigger & Pony
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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 quick menu table which has arranged the cocktails from light to potent.
Jigger & Pony, Lobby Level, Amara Singapore, 165 Tanjong Pagar Road, Singapore 088539
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. Enjoyed the Washi concept? You can still devour the origami cocktails alongside substantial bar bites like mala hot chicken burger and tako wasabi.
Junior The Pocket Bar, 6 Ann Siang Hill, Singapore 069787
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 there – we just end up telling them to surprise us! But if you prefer ordering straight from the menu, we recommend ordering the refreshing Lemon Basil.
Martini Bar, Mezza9, Mezzanine Level, Grand Hyatt Singapore, 10 Scotts Road, Singapore 228211
Jekyll & Hyde
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Jekyll & Hyde has found a new home along Neil Road and we’re digging the new space. Look forward to a new 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). Kick back a few of the 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 the boozy punch bowls with names that will make Singaporeans easily guess the flavour profiles such as the Botanical Gardens and Stylo Milo.
Jekyll & Hyde, 74 Neil Road, Singapore 088839
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 will whip up something that is as interesting as the whole ambience.
Oriental Elixir, 10 Haji Lane, Singapore 189203
Maison Ikkoku
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Both a café and a cocktail bar, Maison Ikkoku 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.
Maison Ikkoku, 20 Kandahar Street, Singapore 198885
28 HongKong Street
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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). Before you start your boozy night, fill up on hearty plates from the rotating Proper Dinner menu. Reservations are required; tables get snapped up faster than free ice cream – no kidding.
28 HongKong Street, 28 Hong Kong Street, Singapore 059667
Bitters & Love
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You can throw out the menu because 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. Plus, a whimsical food menu makes sure you’re never hungry at this place, ever.
Bitters & Love, 118 Telok Ayer Street, Singapore 068587
Anti:dote
Temporarily closed.
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, 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
Shin Gi Tai
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When we heard Jigger 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 your taste buds for a ride. The Japanese bar also has a list of unique drinks including Love Will Lead You Back, made with Hendricks Orbium Gin, sakura vermouth, Marendry Liqueur and orange bitters.
Shin Gi Tai, 179A Telok Ayer Street, Singapore 068627
Tess Bar & Kitchen
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Over here, you can savour an award-winning cocktail Clergyman Martini 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
Nutmeg & Clove
Temporarily closed but available for delivery and a pop-up at COA.
Oozing old-world Oriental glamour, this cocktail bar is adept at revitalising the traditional use of Asian herbs and spices, and introducing fresh flavour pairings to the discerning drinker.
Nutmeg & Clove, 10 Ann Siang Road, Singapore 069697
Manhattan
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Regent Hotel’s luxurious 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 – and an amazing boozy Sunday brunch. And, if you’re savvy with your bar buzz, you’ll also know that Manhattan is the 14th best bar in the world, according to The World’s 50 Best Bars that is.
Manhattan, 2nd Floor, Regent Hotel, 1 Cuscaden Road, Singapore 249715
The Secret Mermaid
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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. 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 looking to just have a good time, signature drinks like Mermaid Sour and Applewood Negroni fit the bill.
The Secret Mermaid (Shinkansen by day), B1-08, Ocean Financial Centre, 10 Collyer Quay, Singapore 049315
BeGin
Temporarily closed until further notice.
Let the drinks (and gin puns) BeGin. Hidden upstairs the English pub Penny Black on Boat Quay, it might be easy to miss BeGin at first glance – a testament to a good speakeasy amirite? Once you do spot it (follow the pink neon light sign that says ‘gin this way’) be transported to an industrial-esque space from Britain’s Industrial Revolution and the gin craze in the 1700s. Expect exposed brick walls, concrete floor, retro high stools and old-school tools used as decor. The drinks menu is filled with British-Indian-inspired tipples, theatrical cocktails and over 50 gins from around the globe. House creations like the spice-heavy Jagmohan to the fragrant Lavender will take you on a multi-sensory ride. If you’re feeling peckish, Samboo-sa pasties (tandoori chicken masala curry puffs) and the Nacho Del Goa (prawns and papadum bites) pack a punch.
BeGin, 27a Boat Quay, The Penny Black Upstairs, Singapore 049817