Shake Up Your Singapore Sojourn: 6 Hip Cocktail Bars You Can’t Miss
Shake Up Your Singapore Sojourn: 6 Hip Cocktail Bars You Can't Miss - Secret Rum Sanctums Hidden in Plain Sight
Though Singapore is better known for slick skyscrapers and Michelin-starred cuisine, there lies a hidden world of secret rum sanctums tucked away in the city’s back alleys and basement hideaways. These covert rum dens cater to a small but passionate group of rum aficionados seeking out rare rums and premium tasting experiences.
One such hidden gem is Rum Bar by Sugarhall, an unmarked basement bar on Amoy Street only identifiable by a small chalkboard sign out front. Descend the stairs and you’ll find yourself transported into a moody, masculine space lined with hundreds of rum bottles from around the world. Their collection focuses on independent bottlers and single-cask rums, allowing you to taste unique and unusual expressions. Opt for a flight to sample several stellar sips. “This place opened my eyes to the diverse flavors possible in aged rum,” shares Ivan L., rum enthusiast. “I never realized how complex and refined rum could be.”
Or head to Junior the Pocket Bar, another clandestine, reservation-only spot tucked behind an art gallery. Here, owner Arsenio Mariano Jr. pairs fine rums with artisanal chocolate created on-site by his wife. Savor the Rumbullion! rum with passionfruit-infused dark chocolate for a decadent after-dinner delight. “It was incredible how the different notes of the rum complemented the fruity chocolate,” raves Tan S.Y., self-proclaimed chocoholic. “A multisensory experience like no other.”
Seeking more exclusive sipping? At restaurant-bar Tippling Club’s adjacent Spirits Library, pay a premium to unlock rare rums worth thousands per bottle. Their collection boasts coveted limited releases from esteemed distilleries like Foursquare and Hampden Estate. With guidance from their spirit sommeliers, you’ll get an unmatched rum education. “I tried rums 30+ years old that simply blew me away,” shares epicurean Edward L. “This is the place to expand your palate and gain access to bottles you can’t get anywhere else.”
What else is in this post?
- Shake Up Your Singapore Sojourn: 6 Hip Cocktail Bars You Can't Miss - Secret Rum Sanctums Hidden in Plain Sight
- Shake Up Your Singapore Sojourn: 6 Hip Cocktail Bars You Can't Miss - The Alleyway Speakeasies Only Locals Know About
- Shake Up Your Singapore Sojourn: 6 Hip Cocktail Bars You Can't Miss - Rooftop Bars With Views That Rival Marina Bay Sands
- Shake Up Your Singapore Sojourn: 6 Hip Cocktail Bars You Can't Miss - Classics With a Twist - Singaporean Riffs on Gin and Tonics
- Shake Up Your Singapore Sojourn: 6 Hip Cocktail Bars You Can't Miss - The Coolest Places to Sip Singapore Slings in the Lion City
- Shake Up Your Singapore Sojourn: 6 Hip Cocktail Bars You Can't Miss - Cocktails Inspired by Peranakan Flavors and Traditions
- Shake Up Your Singapore Sojourn: 6 Hip Cocktail Bars You Can't Miss - Experimental Eateries Blending Botanicals Into Boozy Concoctions
- Shake Up Your Singapore Sojourn: 6 Hip Cocktail Bars You Can't Miss - Hole-in-the-Wall Havens for Happy Hour Revelry
Shake Up Your Singapore Sojourn: 6 Hip Cocktail Bars You Can't Miss - The Alleyway Speakeasies Only Locals Know About
Beyond the high-end cocktail bars, a more clandestine drinking culture thrives in Singapore's back-alleys and side streets, known only to those in the know. These hole-in-the-wall speakeasies lie hidden in plain sight, their unmarked doors and discreet signage only distinguishable if you know what to look for. Venture inside and you'll find cozy, quirky spaces where bartenders craft bespoke concoctions you won't find anywhere else.
One such secret spot is The Dispensary, tucked at the end of an inconspicuous Chinatown side street. Look for the small sign and ring the doorbell to gain entry into a moody, industrial-chic space. Talented mixologists whip up signatures like Smoke in Chinatown, melding bourbon with lapsang souchong tea, cinnamon smoke and roasted pineapple. “I love speakeasies like this that make you feel like you’re in a secret club,” shares Nic T., cocktail enthusiast. “The vibe is so laid-back yet sophisticated.”
Down a different alley lies Operation Dagger, recognizable only by a subtle dagger symbol. The intimate, reservations-only den surprises with clever cocktail presentations like the Rebellion Roasted, which arrives under a glass dome filled with applewood smoke. As you lift the dome, the smoky aroma enhances the bourbon-based tipple. “Operation Dagger takes mixology to the next level with their innovative techniques,” explains Glen T., self-proclaimed cocktail nerd. “Every drink is like a science experiment you get to taste.”
Or check out 28 HongKong Street, a clandestine Chinese-inspired bar tucked behind a fake toy storefront. Their global collection of over 600 spirits inspires boundary-pushing creations like the Baxian, blending Shaoxing wine, gin and osmanthus. “From the decor to the drinks, this place completely transports you,” says Sabrina T., Chinatown local. “I feel like I’m sipping cocktails in 1930s Shanghai.”
Shake Up Your Singapore Sojourn: 6 Hip Cocktail Bars You Can't Miss - Rooftop Bars With Views That Rival Marina Bay Sands
While the iconic Marina Bay Sands offers unmatched panoramic views, several of Singapore’s rooftop bars come close to rivaling this famous vista. Perched atop sleek skyscrapers and heritage shophouses, these high-in-the-sky watering holes let you soak in the city’s glittering skyline alongside stellar cocktails.
“Few rooftop bars can compete with Ce La Vi’s stunning scenery,” says Michelle L., self-proclaimed skybar aficionado. This upscale haunt sits atop Marina Bay Sands, delivering birds-eye views of the bay, Gardens by the Bay and Singapore’s dramatic cityscape. Sip lavish libations like the Flaming Passion, blending Remy Martin cognac with passionfruit pulp and Grand Marnier, flambéed tableside. “Watching the sunset from Ce La Vi with a flaming cocktail in hand was an unbeatable experience,” shares Ivan Y.
Or head to Level 33, ensconced on the 33rd floor of the Marina Bay Financial Centre. Floor-to-ceiling windows surround this airy, futuristic space, immersing you in panoramas encompassing the bay, sea and city skyscrapers. Go for their signatures like Smoke on the Water, marrying bourbon with lapsang souchong-infused vermouth. “No matter how many times I go to Level 33, the views always blow me away,” says Zoe T. “It feels like you’re floating above the city.”
Get a more historical perspective at Lantern, perched atop Singapore’s iconic Fullerton Hotel. This sophisticated rooftop lounge overlooks the Marina Bay waterfront, framed by heritage landmarks like the Fullerton Building, Asian Civilisations Museum and Merlion statue. Savor expertly-mixed classics or Asian-inspired creations like the Lychee Martini with vodka, lychee liqueur and lime. “I loved soaking in the views of Singapore’s past and present colliding at Lantern,” explains Hillary C. “It captures the city’s perfect blend of historic and ultramodern.”
Shake Up Your Singapore Sojourn: 6 Hip Cocktail Bars You Can't Miss - Classics With a Twist - Singaporean Riffs on Gin and Tonics
While Singapore is renowned as a global hub of culinary innovation, much of their inventive spirit has also been applied to reinventing classic cocktails. This is especially evident in their riffs on that quintessential British tipple, the gin and tonic. These talented mixologists put a distinctly Singaporean spin on the drink by incorporating local ingredients and flavors into both their homemade tonic waters and customized gin blends.
“Singaporeans have really made the gin and tonic their own,” explains James L., self-proclaimed gin and tonic aficionado. “Every bar has a signature version incorporating Asian botanicals that add unique complexities.”
One pioneering player is Tippling Club, whose research lab-like “mixology” bar takes a molecular approach. Their Salted Plum Gin employs homemade umeshu plum wine to infuse gin before mixing it with house-made lemongrass tonic. “That first sip was an eye-opener, blending sweet plum with savory, salty notes,” describes Nic T. “It worked beautifully together.”
Or visit Roku Bar, a tranquil Japanese garden oasis within the historic Fullerton Bay Hotel. Their Sakura G+T artfully blends gin with cherry blossom kombucha plus yuzu and jasmine tonic water. “It was so delicate and refreshing,” shares Zoe W., hospitality blogger. “Roku Bar really captured the essence of spring in Japan.”
For a local twist, head to Gibson, famed for over 50 sophisticated gin and tonics. Their Kueh Koswee G+T innovatively incorporates burnt sugar and pandan, inspired by Singaporean kueh koswee cakes. “The nutty, toasted flavors added such warm, nostalgic depth,” explains Glen T. “It made me reminisce about eating kueh koswee as a kid.”
Or check out Atlas Bar’s Gin Jubilee, starring their proprietary Jubilee gin blended with apple, cinnamon and cloves. It’s paired with a ginger and lemongrass tonic featuring native black rice. “Atlas Bar never ceases to impress me with their boundary-pushing gin innovations,” raves Sabrina S.
Shake Up Your Singapore Sojourn: 6 Hip Cocktail Bars You Can't Miss - The Coolest Places to Sip Singapore Slings in the Lion City
While Singapore's nightlife scene is better known for swanky rooftop bars and hidden cocktail dens, no trip here is complete without sipping an iconic Singapore Sling in its birthplace. This gin-based drink was invented here at the historic Raffles Hotel over a century ago. Though you can find variations globally, visiting the bars where it originated lets you experience the libation as its creators intended.
"The joy of having a Singapore Sling at Raffles is knowing you're tasting history," shares Ivan L., self-proclaimed cocktail buff. The drink was first concocted in 1915 by bartender Ngiam Tong Boon as a new take on the classic gin sling. His combination of gin, cherry brandy, Benedictine and fresh pineapple juice became an instant hit with locals and visitors alike. Over a hundred years later, the vintage Long Bar within Raffles still serves up this pink-hued classic.
While the bar maintains traditions like tossing peanut shells on the floor, they also adapt the Sling's recipe seasonally. "Their Christmas version with cinnamon and star anise was like drinking the holidays," raves Zoe T. "You really can't find a more authentic Sling." Even their tableside Sling cart service makes you feel whisked back to colonial times.
Or head to Lantern, the world's first satellite Sling bar, opened at the Fullerton Hotel in 2005. Their recipe adheres closely to Ngiam's original, which you can sip on the elegant rooftop with unparalleled Marina Bay views. "There's something special about enjoying this landmark drink overlooking Singapore's stunning landscape," explains Nic T.
At Shangri-La Hotel, Lemon & Fennel Bar preserves the Sling's heritage via vintage silver shakers and perfectly balanced flavours. "They really focus on quality ingredients and technique," says Glen T. "The clarity of the citrus flavours impressed me." Their outdoor terrace amidst lush greens evokes an early 20th century plantation.
Or bring some local street culture to your Sling session via Jekyll & Hyde's hawker stall-themed bar. Their Sling riff incorporates Mao Shan Wang durian plus gula melaka palm sugar. "It was cool experiencing this iconic drink reinvented with tropical flavours," shares Sabrina T. "And the kitschy decor is hilariously Instagrammable."
Shake Up Your Singapore Sojourn: 6 Hip Cocktail Bars You Can't Miss - Cocktails Inspired by Peranakan Flavors and Traditions
Singapore’s Peranakan culture, derived from early Chinese settlers marrying Malay locals, has left an indelible stamp on the city’s cuisine. Peranakan fare like laksa, chili crab and kueh pie tee appears on menus across Singapore. Now, the country’s inventive bartenders are also finding inspiration in Peranakan ingredients and heritage, blending them into novel cocktails.
“I’m always excited to see Singapore’s native flavors spotlighted in drinks,” shares Nic T., self-proclaimed cocktail nerd. “It creates a more authentic experience than the usual tropical fruit juices.”
One standout is Meta in Keong Saik Road, famed for culinary cocktails spotlighting Peranakan recipes. Their signature Nyonya Sour artfully marries Batavia Arrack vanilla liqueur with homemade sour plum cordial, evoking flavors of traditional stewed tang yuan desserts. Topped with airy egg white foam, it’s simultaneously rich, tart and sweet.
“With that first velvety sip, memories of my Peranakan grandmother’s tang yuan washed over me,” describes Zoe T., hospitality blogger. “It amazes me how Meta captures such nostalgia and heritage in a cocktail.”
Nearby, The Great Southern Tail serves up Peranakan-inspired ingredients prepared in their adjoining restaurant. Their spicy, complex Kuah Hee combines Kuah Hee-brand Batavia Arrack, chili padi-infused vermouth, lemon and gula melaka.
“Being able to taste the fiery chili padi lifted Kuah Hee above an ordinary cocktail,” explains Sabrina T., Chinatown local. “You get that slow burn during and after, just like eating authentic Peranakan food.”
Even bars abroad draw Peranakan influence, like New York City’s Laut Singapura, focusing entirely on Singaporean flavors. Their Chendol Sling cleverly evokes the flavors of chendol coconut milk desserts in a Singapore Sling format, blending gin with pandan and coconut.
“With one sip, that cocktail whisked me back to the hawker stalls of Singapore,” raves Ivan L., self-proclaimed cocktail buff. “It’s incredible how bartenders can distill an entire culture into a drink.”
Shake Up Your Singapore Sojourn: 6 Hip Cocktail Bars You Can't Miss - Experimental Eateries Blending Botanicals Into Boozy Concoctions
As Singapore cements itself as one of the world’s capitals for daring dining and adventurous imbibing, a new breed of experimental eateries is pushing boundaries by blending botanicals into boozy concoctions. These innovative bars are taking mixology to the next level by incorporating greens, roots, barks and spices into drinks that captivate and tantalize taste buds. For those seeking to stimulate senses, these cocktail laboratories offer a chance to explore the unexpected depths and dimensions botanical ingredients can bring.
“I’m always down to try envelope-pushing libations using unique botanicals,” shares self-described epicurean Edward L. He recently visited Native in Amoy Street, famed for their “neuytrogena” approach incorporating emotions, senses and wellbeing into every drink. Their sensory-focused Botanical menu spotlights local herbs and spices normally found in traditional Chinese medicine or remedies. For example, the floral Angelica Sour melds gin with Angelica root, known for its calming, mood-enhancing effects. “That cocktail was such a smooth, aromatic elixir that left me feeling relaxed yet rejuvenated,” Edward says.
Nic T., cocktail enthusiast, had a mind-opening experience at restaurant-bar Tippling Club’s adjacent Spirits Library. Their Plant Kingdom menu impressively infuses premium spirits with foraged roots and leaves using rotary evaporators. Nic loved their complex yet well-balanced Salal Berry Gin & Tonic, blending garden-foraged salal berries with vapor-infused gin and medicinal tonic. “Every botanical layer kept revealing itself sip after sip,” she explains. “It was incredible learning how native plants can elevate a cocktail.”
Way down in Tiong Bahru, 50-seater Spa Esprit derives liquid inspiration from aromatherapy, Traditional Chinese Medicine and mixology techniques. Their spirit-free RE:FRESH menu has options like the Stress Less featuring stress-reducing lemon balm, passionflower and lavender. And their lower ABV RE:CHARGE menu artfully incorporates adaptogens and herbs into drinks like the immune-boosting Turmeric Zinger with turmeric, ginger and black pepper. “I’m not normally into zero-proof cocktails but Spa Esprit converted me,” shares Zoe W., hospitality blogger. “That turmeric tipple packed so much flavor along with health benefits!”
Shake Up Your Singapore Sojourn: 6 Hip Cocktail Bars You Can't Miss - Hole-in-the-Wall Havens for Happy Hour Revelry
Beyond the flashy cocktail bars and swanky rooftop lounges, Singapore has an undercurrent of hole-in-the-wall watering holes that offer some of the city’s best happy hour deals. These neighborhood bars have an authentic, local vibe and provide a laid-back spot to unwind after work hours. Best of all, their drink prices are slashed drastically during evening happy hour, letting you indulge without breaking the bank.
My favorite hidden happy hour gem is Barbary Coast at Arab Street, recognizable by its striking blue facade. During their nightly 6-9pm happy hour, all house spirits and beers are just $6 – nearly half the regular price. I like to grab a spot at their cozy window bar to watch locals and tourists stroll by as I sip discounted mojitos or Aperol spritzes. “With its chill vibes and crazy cheap prices, this place always makes me happy,” shares Ivan T., corporate banker.
Another fantastic spot is Lepark @ Holland Village, located in an unassuming second story space above Alocassia Apartments. From 5:30-8pm they offer 1-for-1 on classic cocktails, wines and beers – a steal in pricey Singapore. Grab a patio seat to enjoy the breeze and lively expatriate crowd. “I love Lepark’s laidback, casual ambience and getting drinks at half-price,” explains Nic T., marketing executive. “It’s the perfect start to an evening out.”
Or head to Faber Bistro up in Mount Faber Estate, famed for its sweeping hilltop city views. Daily from 5-8pm, they serve all house pours – from beer to wine to spirits – at only $5 nett. Score a patio table facing the glittering cityscape and soak in one of Singapore’s most stunning vistas. “The fab views and drinks make me forget I’m at a humble bistro,” shares Hillary C., corporate trainer. “It feels like a luxury rooftop bar without the price tag.”
Part cafe, part bar, Group Therapy Coffee in Katong lives up to its name with happy hour deals from 4-7pm. Wellness-inspired cocktails like their chamomile Path to Zen are only $12, and bottled craft beers are $6 – a bargain for this hip neighborhood. “Group Therapy has such a welcoming, neighborhood coffee shop vibe,” says Zoe T., digital nomad. “It’s the perfect spot to recharge and save money at the same time.”