Singapore's cocktail industry is a reflection of the city-state's diverse and eclectic spirit, nestled amongst the complex tapestry of cultures and flavours that make up the Lion City. For expats like myself, Singapore is more than simply a place to call home—it's an exquisite trip through a diverse range of tastes and sensations. Cocktail bars are more than just places to get a drink—they're immersive portals into the centre of Singaporean indulgence in a city where tradition and innovation coexist.
Join me on an exciting exploration through the busy streets of the city to find the secret hotspots that have elevated cocktail-making to an art form. One cocktail at a time, we shall reveal the essence of Singapore's social fabric in this captivating quest. I'm here to lead you through the various chapters of Singapore's cocktail culture, which ranges from the classic elegance of heritage bars to the cutting-edge concoctions of mixology masters.
As an expat residing in Singapore, I have had the pleasure of immersing myself in the vibrant nightlife of the city, socialising with both locals and other expats, and enjoying the delectable flavour profiles that adorn this island nation. Each cocktail bar has a distinctive atmosphere, a hand-picked assortment of spirits, and a group of enthusiastic mixologists who create drinks that are nothing short of liquid poetry. Main Image Credit: Manhattan Facebook Page
ATLAS
The ATLAS cocktail bar, which is tucked away in the heart of Parkview Square, is a wonderful homage to the decadent gastronomic and cocktail standards of the 1920s.
The grandeur of a time when Europeans revelled in Deco splendour and Jazz Age grace, sipping the finest drinks in breathtaking settings while their American counterparts indulged in hidden speakeasies, is channelled in this legendary restaurant, offering a totally unique experience in Asia.
A haven for discerning guests, ATLAS is open to them all day and into the late hours of the night. The location offers a superb variety of classy European cocktails that perfectly capture the refinement of the Jazz Age.
It also has one of Asia's finest collections of champagne, gin, and spirits that have been carefully sourced from all around the world. ATLAS offers a magnificent trip through time where sophistication, opulence, and the greatest libations come together in perfect harmony. Image Credit: ATLAS Facebook Page
a. Ground floor, 600 North Bridge Rd, Parkview Square, Singapore 188778
w. atlasbar.sg
Jigger and Pony
Jigger & Pony draws its name from the double-coned measuring tool used by bartenders to diligently pour spirits, highlighting its commitment to the classics and drawing inspiration from the pages of old cocktail literature.
Since opening in 2012, the cocktail bar has carved out its own character, embraced the customs of welcoming visitors from all over the world, and distilled its essence into sociable hospitality.
This idea of convivial hospitality has its roots in the Latin phrase "con vivere," which means "with life." It captures the essence of a buzzing social setting with pleasant company.
This friendly environment serves as the backdrop where thoughts and inspirations fluidly merge together in the bolstered Jigger & Pony environment, where personal, social, and cultural identities converge. Image Credit: Jigger and Pony Facebook Page
a. 165 Tanjong Pagar Road, Singapore
Nutmeg & Clove
Singapore's rich heritage is brought to life at Colin Chia's culinary sanctuary, Nutmeg & Clove, through a captivating fusion of modern Singaporean cuisine and an innovative cocktail menu.
Incredibly proud of Singapore's transformation from a colonial outpost to a vibrant modern metropolis, Nutmeg & Clove reinvent classic foods and drinks with a distinctive Singaporean flavour using a creative yet traditional methodology.
Every dish and drink tell a tale, enticing guests to discover and rediscover many parts of Singapore's rich culture. The DNA of Singapore is intertwined into every food and beverage, resulting in an authentic and engaging experience.
Guests are invited to embark on a journey of flavours that echo the heart and soul of Singapore at Nutmeg & Clove, which stands as a dining beacon. Image Credit: Nutmeg & Clove Facebook Page 2nd Image Credit
a. 8 Purvis St, Singapore 188587
Live Twice
A mesmerising oasis for fans of cocktails, Live Twice invites guests to take a trip back in time to Tokyo's mid-century modern era. The bar's cosmopolitan charm is inspired by the romantic blending of Western and Japanese ideas of that time.
Live Twice celebrates an unapologetic devotion to the craft of bartending, a heritage distinguished by the precise shokunin craftsmanship of Japan and rooted in Singapore's open and exuberant hospitality.
This enchanting 40-seater bar has a reputation for serving complex cocktails in a cinematic atmosphere that perfectly embodies elegance and nostalgia.
Elegant furnishings and a warm amber glow welcome you as you enter, leading you down a little corridor into a setting where innovation and tradition coexist perfectly. Image Credit: Live Twice Facebook Page
a. 20 Bukit Pasoh Road, Singapore
w. livetwice.sg
The Elephant Room
The Elephant Room is an actual manifestation of the goal to honour and represent a particular minority group in Singapore—the Indian community.
The bar's signature drink, Tekka, pays sincere respect to the lively community. Only local products from the Tekka Market and its neighbourhood were used to make this beverage.
A colourful variety of cocktail ingredients, including distillates, ferments, jellies, and more, are created from these locally sourced items in homage to the local hawkers, flower sellers, and spice vendors.
Each expertly made cocktail by the team is created to capture the exact essence of Little India and convey the complexity of the neighbourhood in a single taste. Image Credit: The Elephant Room Facebook Page
a. 20A Teck Lim Rd, Singapore 088391
Origin Bar
Origin Bar invites guests on an exciting journey of discovery with its cutting-edge beverage concept and architectural decor that pays homage to the attraction of train travel.
The 18 specially curated cocktails that make up the core of this idea each capture the essence of different eras and innovations, reminiscent of dreams brought to life.
Guests can embark on a reminiscing journey through this lively menu, learning about the complexities of time through drinks like "Dark Matters" and "Play Well."
These concoctions have robust, intense, and complex flavours that have been expertly constructed to capture the essence of particular events in history. Join Origin Bar on this captivating voyage and raise a glass to the paths forged by life itself. Image Credit: Origin Bar Facebook Page 2nd Image Credit
a. Tower Wing, Lobby Level, 22 Orange Grove Road
Neon Pigeon
Welcome to Neon Pigeon, a renowned establishment listed among the World's 50 Best Discovery Venues where outstanding cuisine and a thriving nightlife converge.
This well-known Japanese izakaya restaurant and bar, located on Carpenter Street not far from Raffles Place and Boat Quay, promises a distinctive combination of contemporary cocktail culture and modern izakaya dining all under one roof.
Enjoy a wide variety of craft cocktails at the bar, including alcoholic and non-alcoholic treats. Each creation offers a unique sensory experience thanks to its distinctive flavours and aesthetic presentation.
Enter this realm of culinary delight and immersive ambience, where every detail has been thoughtfully and artistically created. Image Credit: Neon Pigeon Facebook Page
a. 36 Carpenter St, 01-01, Singapore 059915
Manhattan
Enter the luxurious Manhattan, a bar that captures the spirit of great drinking and the Golden Age of cocktails. This business pays homage to the elegance of hotel bars by skillfully fusing the attraction of contemporary design with the refinement and glamour of old New York.
When it comes to artisanal spirits and traditional cocktails, Manhattan consistently makes the list of the World's 50 Best Bars.
Each creation is a work of art, meticulously created with ingredients kept in Manhattan's very own in-hotel rickhouse. Here, Old World glitz and modern luxury blend together, as seen in the lavish velvet chairs, opulent draperies, and mahogany tables.
Manhattan's ageless elegance makes it the ideal location for savouring the skill of finely made cocktails. Image Credit: Manhattan Facebook Page
a. 1 Cuscaden Rd, Level 2, Singapore 249715
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