Wondering where to go for a drink in Singapore? From clever cocktail bars to fancy speakeasies in town, here are the hottest and newest watering holes to get your alcohol (and social) fix. Whether you’re craving a Martini, a gin, or just a glass of wine, here are five new or notable bars in Singapore for you to try. We’ll update this regularly, so remember to bookmark it!
IDLEWILD
First impressions:
As soon as we entered through a discreet entrance into an old-fashioned parlour, I was already in love with Idlewild. The interiors alone are worth checking out; inspired by the first commercial transatlantic flights from New York’s John F. Kennedy Airport (originally called “Idlewild”) in the 1940s, the décor is both eclectic and sophisticated-chic, creating a fun, nostalgic and globally inspired atmosphere that perfectly captures the “Golden Age” of air travel. It’s made even better by a live jazz band, which plays Wednesdays and Thursdays from 8.30pm, and Fridays and Saturdays from 9.30pm.
The Chosen One:
Inspired by 10 cities along the Transatlantic Route, each of the 20 tipples is created with spirits and ingredients sourced from or inspired by each respective location. From the Lisbon section of the menu, we loved The Last Crusade ($25), made with Never Never Triple Juniper gin and Portuguese spice infused lime cordial, with a side of fried curry leaves to eat in between sips – a taste that totally works!
Our hands-down favourites of the night, however, were both from the Casablanca page. The Berbere Smash ($22) – a mix of bourbon, classic Moroccan flavours like mint and cardamom, and a hint of salt and preserved lemon – was sweet and salty at the same time, and reminded me of a margarita, only with bourbon. Not a whisky fan at all, I still loved this drink because it didn’t taste overly strong; I’ll definitely order it again when I return. Topped with a giant honeycomb to snack on between sips, the Touria ($24) combines Ford’s Gin, cumin-laced honey syrup and fresh capsicum juice – a totally unexpected ingredient that we’ve decided is too underutilised in the cocktail scene.
Bite on this:
Each travel destination is also represented with a tapas-style bar snack influenced by its native cuisine. We enjoyed everything on the menu, from London’s classic fish and chips ($24) – cod, malt vinegar, sea salt and lemon – to the yellowfin tuna with sesame oil atop wonton crackers ($18 for four pieces) from Lima. I particularly enjoyed the scallop ceviche with chilli and citrus juice ($18) from Lisbon (and would have eaten the salsa-like juice with a spoon had I not controlled myself). Whatever you do, don’t leave without trying the Mexico City avocado fries ($15); they’re not the type of fries you’d expect but rather deep-fried, almond-coated avocado wedges with a side of lemon mayo for dipping – divine!
– Amy Greenburg
IDLEWILD
Lobby Level, InterContinental Singapore
80 Middle Road
6825 1045 | idlewild.sg
Chi Kinjo
First impressions:
The buzzy Telok Ayer locale has no lack of watering holes, so any new opening in the area is up against stiff competition. Founded by the same folks behind popular rooftop bar Sum Yi Tai, Chi Kinjo stands out with what it offers: easy-drinking highballs and modern sushi in a casual, yet sexy, setting. The space is split into two areas – an intimate dining area featuring a semi-open kitchen and a hidden bar down the stairs.
The Chosen One:
Chi Kinjo specialises in highballs, which are relatively lightweight in the cocktail world and thus the perfect drink for anyone at anytime. We recommend the Shiso Watermelon ($14), a fruity, almost healthy-ish concoction of watermelon juice, calamansi, lemon juice and shiso sake. Paloma ($14) was another winner for its simplicity; it features just three ingredients: Don Julio Bianco tequila, fresh grapefruit juice and tonic. If you’re a fan of ginger in your drinks, order the Gin & Ginger ($16), which packed a punch in the flavour department. The drinks here are absolutely refreshing but tend to lean towards the sweeter side, so you may want to ask them to go easy on the sugar.
The Cheapskate:
Highballs are affordably priced at $16 or less – not bad for a cocktail in this location; plus, you can snag them for $10 a pop from 5 to 8pm on weekdays, and from 6 to 9pm on Saturdays. Other happy hour deals include $10 house wines and draft beers.
Bite on this:
Headed by Chef Lamley Chua, who has worked in international and Michelin-starred restaurants, the restaurant portion of Chi Kinjo focuses on contemporary Japanese cuisine. The Ming Dynasty Egg Tofu ($12) – homemade tofu with crab and century egg – made for a light and appetising start to our meal. You also have the option of loading up on carbs with the selection of American-inspired maki; we devoured the Crouching Tiger Roll ($20), featuring prawn tempura with mentai (pollock roe) mayo. If you want something more indulgent, get the aburi nigiri ($12 for two pieces), available in premium flavours like salmon and foie gras.
Another must-try for meat lovers is the smoked striploin steak ($28), which was incredibly tender and flavourful. Our handsdown favourite order of the day, however, was the kombu truffled sweet potato fries ($12), doused in sherry vinegar and truffle oil, then served with a super addictive garlic chilli dip.
– Anthia Chng
Chi Kinjo
29 Stanley Street
6260 5284 | chi-kinjo.com
BeGin
First impressions:
Who doesn’t love a secret speakeasy? This industrial-themed cocktail bar, hidden above iconic British pub The Penny Black, is not easy to find, but when you do, you’re in for a treat.
The Chosen One:
Even if you don’t love gin, you’ll still love coming here. I’m gin-obsessed, so I was delighted when they offered us a Gin Flight ($28). What makes the experience special at BeGin is the personalised service. I watched Samson, the bar manager, explain to several tables, including ours, the history of each of the four gins in the flight – from how each was made to how the flavours changed over the years. Totally fascinating – and totally potent!
We were also big fans of the Jagmohan ($25). When you order this drink, you get food with it: fried naan bread and pineapple relish, plus a clove-spiced tequila-based cocktail that changes flavour if you drink from the straw or the copper cup!
If you love drama, go for the butterfly pea flower-infused gin cocktail, Lavender ($25); it’s served under a smoking glass dome!
Bite on this:
For nibbles, try the Crab Bomb-a ($13): little crispy bites of crab, with 14 different spices; they crunch, then pop, in your mouth – so delicious! If you like something with a bit of spice, try the Cheeky Nigiri ($15) – beef cheek with vindaloo sauce; it’s unusually amazing!
Last but not least:
If you’re looking for somewhere cool for date night or a private party, BeGin is perfect for both.
– Kel Flanders
BeGin
27A Boat Quay (Enter through The Penny Black)
6538 0584 | begin.com.sg
The Lounge Bar
First impressions:
Discreetly hidden on the second floor of a heritage shophouse (right above Restaurant JAG), this cosy 23-seater looks and feels exclusive, yet it’s neither over-imposing nor stiff. The bar is dressed in dark wood with sexy leather lounge sofas, exuding a warm and welcoming vibe – as if you’re enjoying a nightcap over quality conversation in a friend’s stylish abode.
The Chosen One:
Touted as Singapore’s only French craft cocktail bar, The Lounge Bar offers an impressive cocktail list featuring over 40 herbs that are flown in directly from stunning Savoie in the French Alps. Head bartender Yong Siang (YS) is the main man behind the drinks, which include a small selection of herb-forward cocktails and mocktails, alongside usual suspects like Nespresso Martini ($18; we each had a shot of this and it was utterly delicious) and Old Fashioned ($18).
While some like to dive in headfirst with something strong, I prefer starting light, then moving my way up to punchier concoctions. If you’re like me, you won’t go wrong with Thilleuil ($18): Suze Gentiane (a French liqueur made of gentian root), umeshu kanjuku ume (a Japanese plum liqueur), jasmine green tea, lemon juice and soda. This refreshing drink was the perfect way to end my busy week! Another must-try is Surreau ($18), which features cognac, champagne, an elderberry spirit, lemon juice and raspberry. This one’s a little sweeter on the palate, but nonetheless delicious, especially if you’re into fruity brews. For those who prefer something rum-based, go for Hyssop ($18), a well-balanced mix of elderflower liqueur, Peychaud’s Bitters, and lime juice-infused rum, rounded out with creamy egg white.
The Cheapskate:
The signatures and classics are affordably priced at $18 each, while mocktails go at $14 a pop.
Bite on this:
Expect nothing regular about the bar food menu here. The kitchen is helmed by Restaurant JAG’s Michelin-starred Chef Jérémy Gillon, who gives you a sneak peek at what’s offered downstairs at the restaurant. A must-try is the Hokkaido scallop tempura ($28): plump scallops coated with a squid-ink batter and served with a sweet chervil root similar to parsnip. If you’re visiting with friends, get the three-cheese Croque Monsieur ($32) to share. Then, for yourself, add on the gorgeous looking vegetarian risotto ($18) – basil pesto, braised shallots, roasted almond, shaved vegetables – making sure you don’t share it (trust me on this one!). And, whatever you do, don’t leave without trying the dark chocolate and truffle ($20), an unusual combination that left us mindblown (and wanting more).
– Anthia Chng
The Lounge Bar
Level 2, 76A Duxton Road
9686 5440 | theloungebar.sg
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This article first appeared in a 2019 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase a copy or subscribe so you never miss an issue!
