Like it or not, the bar you go to tells a lot about you. In the name of research, we’ve done all the legwork, and yes, thrown back a few in the process, to compile this list of the hottest bars for you to be spotted at.
Bin 38
There are certain times that require restraint – like during the on-going EPL season – and others that call for a decadent (alcoholic) blowout at a joint like Bin 38, the newly relocated Tippling Club created in collaboration with Australian winery Penfolds. Traipse into the intimate 34-seater cocktail lounge and bar framed by glossy black art mirrors and crimson Venetian plaster panels, and be greeted by a voluptuous C-shaped banquette where you can gather with your mates. Greeting you upon arriving are chandeliers of assorted sake, wine and beer bottles that are appointed to mimic the signature Tippling Club bottle feature bar.
Helming this watering hole is bar manager, Kamil Foltan who has a well-respected ability to cure one’s woes with a cocktail (or two). Popular favourites include the bourbon-based cocktail Transatlanticism (made with Bulleit) and gin-based Purple Drank that is wittily inspired by an overdose of prescription-strength cough syrup. Off-the-menu libations are also available on request. A jaunt to Bin 38 is like reading a Choose Your Own Adventure book, but with a better payoff.
38 Tanjong Pagar Road
Tel: 6475 2217
Breeze
Style meets elegance with Breeze, a welcomed addition to the alfresco bar scene. After an extensive facelift, this swanky bar is now set to seduce with and an extended drinks menu. It serves up signature cocktails, beer, and a range of spirits that deserve special mention like the Nikka Taketsuru 17 years whisky. But let’s not get carry away just yet. Amid the cool evening breeze and lush greenery is an elegant gazebo where one can watch the chefs perform their magic. If all that under an alluring night sky isn’t enough, proceed to be tempted by their list of cheekily named cocktails like Entice Me, Fore Play, and Provocative.
Take things slow with Graciously Scarlet, a gin-based cocktail with London’s extra dry Barton gin, fresh lime, raspberry, and ginger beer that is refreshingly fruity with a fizzy kick. Alternatively, dip straight into the (sweet and sour) Foam Party. For those who prefer living precariously, we reckon Bold will set you straight. An American pour of Nikka From The Barrel with a half jig of Domaine De Canton, finished with a brown sugar cube, cloves, an orange peel, and a dash of soda, Breeze’s version of an Old Fashioned is a smooth amalgamation of vanilla toffee flavours and oaky spiciness that evolves with each sip.
33 Erskine Road, The Scarlet Hotel
Tel: 6511 3333
www.thescarlethotels.com
One-Ninety Bar by Javier de las Muelas
When a bar attaches a name as established as this to its moniker, it had better live up to it. Partnering with the master mixologist of the award-winning Dry Martini bar in Barcelona, Javier de las Muelas, the bar at Four Seasons Hotel underwent a month-long revamp before launching One-Ninety Bar, determined to bring his signature dry martini to Singapore. Exuding a sophisticated ambience – warm lighting layered against plush seating, a long marble bar and full-length wall features – One-Ninety sure lives up to its name with its classy interior and, of course, the destination martini that cocktail lovers will travel miles to enjoy.
Muelas’s famed dry martini features Bombay Sapphire gin with one to two drops of vermouth complemented by a briny, nutty Manzanilla olive. Extra dry, cool, yet slightly spicy, this potent tipple might floor you if you do not proceed with caution. It’s amazing how they’ve managed to craft something so delicious from just three ingredients. Variations of this ménage à trois are also available with sake and vodka, so pick your poison.
Four Seasons Hotel Singapore
Tel: 6831 7671
Southbridge
Elegant and chic without being overbearingly pretentious, Southbridge is slated to open this month. An alfresco rooftop bar that seemingly transports one to a cool summer night in Saint Tropez with a panoramic view to boot, it provides the best vantage point for one to chill with a cocktail in one hand, and an oyster in the other.
Bubbly’s the name of the game here with champagne and prosecco paving the way. For true indulgence, savour a glass of Salon Blanc de Blanc 1999. Polished and creamy, this bubbly boasts youthful notes of vibrant, sunny flowers, and tones of almonds and grains. There are two ways of going about this – with or without oysters. Flown in daily from all over the world, these freshly shucked delicacies are the perfect complement to a glass of bubbly with their bursts of briny flavours on the palate lifted by sparkling notes. Choose from chilled ones such as New Zealand oysters with homemade Thai-inspired sauce, or have them baked with a blanket of cheese and sea urchin sabayon. We’re sure you’ll make the right decision.
80 Boat Quay
Rooftop, Level 5
Tel: 6536 5818
Sugarhall
When the people behind one of Singapore’s top bars Jigger & Pony open another establishment, it can only mean one thing – it’s time to get your drink on. With the birth of Sugarhall comes a newfound appreciation for rum. You will never, ever go thirsty here. It’s dimly lit, cosy, and full of half-bottles of rum and, more rum. We’re talking over 70 types of rums, the largest collection in Singapore thus far. Bring along a mate and grab a seat by the bar where two-time Diageo Reserve World Class Singapore winner, Aki Eguchi will show you what his cocktail credentials mean.
A range of 20 cocktails graces the list, with an option for shakers and bottle serves for enthusiast. Classics hits Bodega Penicillin and Last Outpost are great choices to start with – we enjoyed the gingery sweetness juxtaposed against the smokiness of the former, while the latter displayed a sharp and sweet roundness. Serious drinkers will appreciate the incredibly smooth and incredibly exclusive Diplomatico 2000 (there are only six bottles in Singapore). Its sweet aromas and subtle coffee notes result in a mellow, mildly sweet and sharp aftertaste. There’s also the Ron de Jeremy spiced rum that opens with vanilla and plum before entering bitter-spice territory. Either way, you’ll want to have some of both. One can never have too much rum.
102 Amoy Street
Tel: 6222 9102
The Royal Mail Bar
Set in the heart of the Central Business District (CBD) is an all-new liberating extension to The Royal Mail that comes in the form of The Royal Mail Bar, launched to satiate your thirst with 15 intriguing tipples. Much like the neighbourhood watering hole – assuming your ‘hood’s in the CBD – this spot’s kind of a no-brainer for post-work drinks. On its menu are beer, cocktails, wines and whiskey flights – things you say yes to. It’s where you’ll come to conduct serious business, or get seriously distracted from it.
Unique flavours blossom in Moulin Rouge, a pairing of smashed star anise and cherries, torched with angostura bitters to bring out its spicy bittersweet notes, before shaken and strained with Gordon’s gin. Other coveted concoctions such as Apple Of My Eye boasts a (slightly) healthier element – a whole apple is used in this – providing a good excuse for another round. They say your coordination gets a lot better after a few drinks. Well, maybe not. But that’s a white lie you’ll tell yourself during the daily happy hour (from 5pm to 8pm) where all specialty cocktails are priced at $10 each. This means post-work cocktails here won’t burn a hole in your wallet.
2 Finlayson Green
Ascott Raffles Place
Tel: 6509 3589
Story Credits
Text by Mandy Lynn
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