We believe that a good cocktail {drink} can make even the most average nights awesome. LBB set out on a trail to discover the best bars in Singapore, and we’re jotting them down in case you happen to find yourself in the area. Enjoy!
#LBBPicks: The Best Bars In Singapore For Your Cocktail Fix
Shortcut
28 HongKong Street
The façade gives nothing away, and had the address of one of Asia’s best bars not been in the name itself, we would have been lost. Enter through a thick veil of theatrical curtains and you are immediately transported to a 60’s set-up of seating and standing-room bars {think New York speakeasy}.
The cocktail menu is modern American and lists classics and bar specials, though their signature feature is the number ’28’ embossed on all of their ice cubes.
What To Order: Crimson and Clover {Citadelle gin, fresh berries, thyme, basil and lemon}, Fresh to Death {gin, bee pollen, fennel, lemon and green apple}
Where: 28, HongKong Street
Tippling Club
Head to Tippling Club for its experimental and progressive cocktails. Dimly lit with an impressive spirits library , Tippling sets the right mood for some night-long drinking and great conversations. We’d recommend chit-chatting with the bartender for a while so he can figure out your preferences and recommend a cocktail based on them.
What To Order: Buenos Dias, Lime and Tofu Daquiri {if you want a taste of something local}
Where: 38, Tanjong Pagar Road
Bitters & Love
Blink and you’ll miss it, though there’s a good chance of that happening even with your eyes wide open! There’s no doorman and no sign except for a ‘Peek Here’ sign on a regular door. On peeking in, you’ll be surprised to see a whole new world of a quaint, speakeasy bar and eatery with some really good acoustic music to go with. A cosy place with a stunning bar, Bitters & Love focuses on using local ingredients, spices and edible flowers in their cocktails.
The menu had us rather intrigued, and the procedure can be broken down into three phases; choose your base, pick your preferred taste and leave it to the bartender to do his magic.
You can also order off their tapas menu for something to nibble on with the drinks.
What To Order: Hendrick’s gin {base} + refreshing {taste} = Gin with raspberries and rosemary, Japanese whisky {Nikka coffee and grain as the base} + surprise me {taste} = whisky with kalamansi and curry leaves {we totally loved this one}, Shake Pop Chicken
Where: 118, Telok Ayer Street
Operation Dagger
An underground secret bar, Operation Dagger is definitely looking to make its mark in the cocktail scene in Singapore. It’s situated behind an unmarked door, and can be reached via a flight of stairs that give it a warehouse vibe. Striking interiors of raw concrete walls, sleek furniture and a massive light installation of thousands of hanging bulbs over the bar make for a dramatic setting. The menu is very innovative, with cocktails made only from house-infused spirits and home-made mead.
What To Order: The Egg—their signature cocktail, which is a mix of salted egg yolk liqueur, vanilla, star anise and hay, and comes covered with a bell shaped jar {Sylvia Plath fans, are you listening?}; The Salty Dog—a traditional classic cocktail made from sake, muscat {grape}, house-made vermouth and shaken with yuzu.
They also serve an amuse-bouche, which is mainly cucumber composed with toasted sesame topped with ginger air foam.
Where: 7 Ann Siang Hill
Oxwell & Co
Did someone say Gin & Chronic {read tonic} on tap? Yes, that’s Oxwell & Co. for you; a bar situated in the midst of the bustling Ann Siang road full of a lot of small bars and eateries. A heritage property spanning across three floors, this one happens to be a very popular hang-out to quench your thirst, with craft beers and some great food to complement the experience.
What To Order: Gin & Chronic, Pina Colada, Pimm’s Cup and Craft Beer on tap!
Where: 5 Ann Siang Road
1 Altitude
Located on the 63rd floor of One Raffles Place, the 360-degree views offered by this rooftop gallery and bar are beyond stunning. The bar boasts of an extensive cocktail menu and also hosts regular themed parties that visitors are allowed to attend.
1 Altitude is always packed and we recommend making reservations before you call a cab. Get yourself a table next to the glass railing, sit back and relax.
#LBBTip: Reach here before the sunset and watch the sun go down with your best bud or loved one, with the yummiest cocktails. Nothing beats the combination of gorgeous views of the city with a good cocktail {trust us!}.
What To Order: Altitude Affair, Pink Floyd
Where: 1 Raffles Place
Smoke & Mirrors
Located on the rooftop of the National Gallery, the setting of this bar and eatery is a work of art in itself, with gorgeous views of the Marina Bay Sands Hotel, Fullerton Bay Hotel, pristine lawns and playing fields forming the backdrop.
The beverage menu consists of curated wines, whiskeys, craft and draft beers, and signature cocktails.
What To Order: Singapore Blonde Ale—a handcrafted beer exclusive to the bar, it contains kalamanti and pandan leaves
Where: #06-01 National Art Gallery
Jigger & Pony
Named after the double-coned measuring device used by bartenders, Jigger & Pony keeps things old-school otherwise and serves classic cocktails. The menu has 24 cocktails listed under three categories: Classic, Vintage and Signatures.
A long corridor of space, its interiors are wooden and simple, making it a lively place for a fun night of conversations and drinks.
What To Order: Corpse Reviver #101 {choose the Signature category, with Babicka Vodka, St. Germain, jasmine sweet vermouth and lemon, all topped with Absinthe jelly and chilli chips}
Where: 101 Amoy Street
Warehouse
One of the places with the loudest, thumping music at Clarke Quay, Warehouse starts buzzing only post 9pm. The bar here is massive and there are usually three-four bartenders, so you don’t have to worry about personal attention. They’re very helpful with recommendation- we asked for a gin-based cocktail with not much sugar and that’s exactly what we got. The fresh fruit was a great touch.
#LBBTip: If you like live music, inquire in advance; they usually have a live band over the weekend.
What To Order: Singapore Sling, Gin Fruit Cocktail
Where: Clarke Quay, 3 River Valley Road