From clever cocktail bars to fancy speakeasies in town, it’s always exciting to check out new bars in Singapore. Whether you’re after a change of scene or keen to try an inventive new cocktail, bookmark this page and check back regularly for bar news and bar reviews by the EL team!
Other bar articles you should check out:
New bar review: Another Bar
The Scene:
It took some time to locate Another Bar as both its location in the building annex of the Rendezvous Hotel Singapore and its entrance are nondescript. Perhaps this plays to its name, referencing the fact that it’s “just another bar” among the many drinking holes near to and along Prinsep Street.
Inside, though, it’s a different story where the design blends disco and retro elements. Colourful lights and neon signs – including one stating “Another Day, Another Drama”, a line from a Taylor Swift song, illuminate cosy nooks with comfortable seating.
The vibe is fun, playful and interactive. There’s an area for beer pong. A cluster of glittering disco balls hangs over a space that turns into a dance floor when a DJ spins live every night. There’s also a machine next to the bar that prints out free selfies.
All these call out for one more photo or video for Instagram, in line with the bar’s tagline, “Why not another friend or another drink?”
The Drinks:
The irreverent vibe is brought into the names of the drink and food menus, including cheeky monikers given to the cocktails. I Hate My Boss is made with bourbon, yuzu, lemon and foam; Too Pretty to Work combines vodka, lychee and lemon; and Solulu to Your Delulu mixes gin, shiso umeshu, lemon and bubbly.
If the reference to Tay-Tay wasn’t obvious in the neon sign, it pops up again in The Tortured Poet’s Drink that’s made with tequila, lemon and red wine, as well as Not So Cruel Summer that presents a strawberry popsicle swimming in bubbly.
If you’re looking for a more familiar tipple, there’s a selection of classic cocktails, wine, beer, sake and non-alcoholic beverages.
The Eats:
Whether you’re feeling peckish or ravenous, there are various options for your food fix, including Bar Bites, Small Plates and Mains, and Platters for sharing. Typical offerings such as chicken karaage, spicy drumlets and a wagyu beef burger are accompanied by less common flavours such as sour plum sweet potato fries, padron peppers, pork chicharon Indomie and an okonomiyaki quesadilla dressed with bonito, seaweed and okonomiyaki sauce. Finally, there are dessert options: a good tiramisu as well ice cream. If you’re feeling celebratory, grab a serve of That Ice Cream Thing, a combination of vanilla ice cream and brownie chunks topped with sea salt caramel, chocolate pearls and cinnamon crumble for a sweet ending to your night.
9 Bras Basah Road, #02-03
8857 5008 | hello@another-bar.com
another-bar.com
Thank You Come Again (TYCA)
For those who love cocktails and want a casual and affordable place to meet up for a bite and a drink near Novena: a new cocktail bar has opened its doors at sociable co-working space The Initial Residence. Whether you’re gravitating to the bar after a few hours at one of the hot desks, or looking for a new spot to catch up with friends or colleagues, the tipples and bar food at TYCA are guaranteed to get those creative juices flowing!
The vibe:
Retro-modern aesthetics make for a charming and inviting atmosphere (“a welcome retreat at the end of the day,” commented EL’s Melanie). The location in the Newton neighbourhood is a big perk as a central meeting point, too.
The cocktail menu:
Expect timeless favourites with a modern twist – Mojito, White Russian, Bloody Mary and coffee cocktails – along with more contemporary creations. The bartenders whipped up something original for Danielle on the spot, a personal touch that shows they’re keen for guests to have a good time. We liked that the herbs and spices used in the concoctions are freshly plucked from The Initial’s on-site edible garden terrace.
TYCA is open from 7.30am to 11.30pm daily except Sundays; the Cocktail Bar is open daily from 6pm to 11pm.
The Initial Residence, 355 Balestier Road
6797 9938 | tyca.com.sg
Cooling Tower Rooftop Bar
Twenty-nine storeys up in the air is Cooling Tower Rooftop Bar. With quaffable cocktails that’ll make you want to sample the whole list and a panoramic view of Singapore’s harbour, this Tanjong Pagar bar at the Carlton City Hotel is the ideal perch from which to soak up the sunset.
If you’re feeling peckish, graze on classic bar snacks, such as crispy pork belly, super nachos, mini wagyu sliders and a crudités platter. There’s a daily Happy Hour from 4pm to 8pm, too! The EL team headed sky-high to share our favourite things about this hotspot.
What we liked:
“The mocktails were delicious, especially the virgin mojito. Stunning views and good service make it the perfect spot for sundowners.” – Rebecca
“Such a beautiful breezy spot with a lovely view. It was great fun trying a few of the cocktails on the menu, my favourite being the Moscow Mule. The staff were friendly and helpful. I can’t wait to go back.” – Jacqui
“The best time to visit is just before dusk descends – it’s quite magical to watch the changing colours of the sky over a drink. The cocktails at this Tanjong Pagar bar are reasonably priced, too. I particularly enjoyed the Santorini, a combination of Prosecco, peach puree and bitters.” – Patricea
“I really enjoyed the gin-based Summer Bloom cocktail. Sweet yet sour, with the delicious addition of flower blossom syrup, it was right up my alley. The view of Keppel Harbour is awesome and the rooftop breeze added to the charm.” – Karin
“Located on the edge of the CBD in Tanjong Pagar, it’s got a more laidback vibe than your usual downtown bar, which is a plus for those looking to unwind after work. Even on a week night, it was buzzy and almost full. The unblocked panoramic views of the water were beautiful and I loved both of the cocktails I had – a classic gin-based Gimlet and a Moscow Mule. Both were zesty, refreshing and very nicely prepared.” – Cherry
“Cooling Tower is a great place to impress visitors or chill out with friends. This Tanjong Pagar bar has a relaxed vibe and open-air design that I especially liked, alongside an enticing cocktail list. I tried Last Memory – a blend of vodka, fruity syrups and soda water – and the vodka-based Moscow Mule with lime juice, ginger ale, ginger beer and mint leaves served in an ice-cold tankard. Delish!” – Juliet
“This Tanjong Pagar bar is a good spot for a post-work bevvie with friends. It’s breezy and offers a different panorama to the usual Singapore skyline. I enjoyed a thirst quenching Moscow Mule served in a traditional copper mug, followed by a crisp, dry French sav blanc. I loved the oversized moss wall and flower chandelier in reception, too!” – Georgina
Rooftop Level 29, Carlton City Hotel, 1 Gopeng Street, Tanjong Pagar
6632 8929 | carltoncity.sg/dining/cooling-tower-rooftop-bar
The Bar at 15 Stamford
Tucked into a corner of The Capitol Kempinski Hotel, The Bar at 15 Stamford exudes “nonchalant elegance” – you’d feel just as comfortable having a business chat here as you would after-work drinks or an all-girls night out.
The unique appeal is its offering of over 200 rum varieties – one of the largest collections in Singapore. You can taste them in a curated rum flight, neat, on ice or in one of 16 cocktails.
The Expat Living team homed in on the latter on our recent visit, starting with the Plantation 1840, a sweet and refreshing combination of spiced rum, sweet vermouth, pineapple and sugar cane syrup. Next came the Hoto Matua 1000 and Kabang Koman 1501 (the drinks are said to be inspired by the islands of the Pacific and Indian oceans), as well as The Bar’s take on some classics, the Peranakan Old Fashion and Darker Than Stormy.
Matching the creativeness of the drinks are the bar bites, including halloumi cheese sticks with sambal aioli, and truffle fries with wasabi mayonnaise. There’s also a charcuterie plate and artisan cheese plate on offer.
Our faves:
The team shares their favourite aspect of the night, below.
“A fantastic selection of rums and unique cocktails, a lot featuring local and Southeast Asian ingredients. If nothing grabs your fancy, the bartenders will create something based on your favourite flavours.” – Danielle
“A stylish bar with old world charm; I loved the décor and ambience – and one of the best selections of rum-based cocktails I’ve seen. The Darker Than Stormy, with rum, amontillado sherry, amaro, roasted coconuts and ginger beer, was full of flavour.” – Karin
“I loved the décor and the setup. It’s fairly small, perfectly lit and intimate enough for a date night or with a small group of friends. Food was great, especially the grilled cheese sticks. The cocktails have a kick and come in cool containers, from copper mugs to shots in little pineapples. My favourite was the Hoto Matua 1000 served in a champagne glass. It was sweet but the flavours were varied and unusual; every mouthful felt like something new!” – Rebecca
“Loved the ambience, the history behind the bar and why they focus on rum as the main cocktail ingredient. My favourite drink was the Plantation 1840 – and yummy bar snacks too.” – Jacqui
“I loved the sophisticated, seductive vibe. The mixologist whips up classic and bespoke cocktails, and there’s delicious snacks like charcuterie boards, grilled halloumi and truffle fries. It’s perfect for a ladies’ night or a date night.” – Georgina
“I’ve started looking at rum with new eyes! The Peranakan Old Fashioned reminds me of gently spiced mulled wine and the Hoto Matua 1000 was bursting with refreshing bubbles. I couldn’t get enough of the fried cauliflower, drizzled in a sauce made of shichimi togarashi, almonds and white miso.” – Patricea
15 Stamford Road
6715 6871 | kempinski.com/the-capitol-singapore
1-Altitude Coast
Following 1-Altitude’s tradition of operating cool rooftop bars in Singapore, they’ve opened a new one on top of The Outpost Hotel in Sentosa: 1-Altitude Coast. It’s an adults-only hangout with a pool and seating pods to chill out in, and some sun loungers. And it looks directly on to the sea and the sunset!
The EL team set off for some team bonding and to test the new venue – and we had a lovely time. The cocktails were excellent, as were the bar snacks, including divine edamame, truffle fries and calamari. If you want something more substantial, there are also pizzas, burgers, BLTs, satay platters and salads on the menu. The staff were lovely too!
Our faves:
We all had our favourite aspects of the night, so I asked the team to share theirs.
Patricea loved … “the cocktails! And with names like The Siren’s Elixir and The Islander, it’s hard to have only one for the evening – especially when your table has stunning views of the sunset. The highlight of the night for me was being able to see the lights and pyrotechnics of the Wings of Time show right from our table!”
Susan loved … “the Miami vibes – wonderful views, beautiful sunset, tasty and refreshing drinks and a great selection of food. I recommend bringing your swimmers so you can use the pool; this would be a top spot for your next event too.”
Rebecca loved … “the Altitude Attitude cocktail, and the sauce that came with the truffle fries, which I couldn’t stop eating. Also, just having the sea view and the music felt like I was on holiday.”
Georgina loved … “the light-up box seats and the gentle sea breeze – quite a glam spot for an evening beverage with friends. I’ll be back!”
Jacqui loved … “The Islander cocktail, the salmon tartare and the sea view. The music is fab too.”
The verdict:
The view is fantastic; a new light-show platform is being built to one side, but unless you look down, it doesn’t spoil the outlook. And, after enjoying a beautiful sunset, you get to enjoy the existing light show on Sentosa – for free!
We think it’s a great spot to take visitors to Singapore. There aren’t many places that have this kind of view or vibe – plus, the snacks were awesome, and everyone loved the cocktails! We scour the bar scene to bring you the new and noteworthy. It’s a tough job but somebody’s got to do it!
Level 7, The Outpost Hotel Sentosa
WhatsApp 8879 8765 | reservation@1-altitudecoast.sg
1-altitudecoast.sg
Saketoshi
The Scene:
This is a new izakaya opened by a group of friends who happen to be crypto investors – hence its witty name-play incorporating the name of Bitcoin’s elusive founder, Satoshi Nakamoto. Of course, payments in Bitcoin and other popular cryptocurrencies are accepted here, too!
That aside, Saketoshi is a welcoming space – the small interiors are filled with sofas and low wooden tables bathed in soft amber light. On one wall is décor that looks like a full moon, a nod to the catchphrase “to the moon” used within crypto communities to describe their strong faith that a certain cryptocurrency is going to rise significantly in price. Prefer to surround yourself with the hustle and bustle of the neighbourhood? There’s an alfresco dining area too.
One of Saketoshi’s owners is Jeff Ong, a serial restaurateur who ran a chain of izakayas across Singapore, Malaysia and Australia and also co-owned Only Gyu, Chiru and Torii. Saketoshi retains elements from his previous outings and continues his long-standing love of izakaya, from the wide range of sake to an extensive food selection.
The Drinks:
Jeff says that Saketoshi only focuses on premium sake, available in 720ml or 1,800ml bottles (traditional Japanese measurement standards). The range is sourced from regions all over Japan including Nagano, Hyogo, Aichi, Fukuoka and Miyagi prefectures.
Jeff’s personal favourite – and a recommendation for newcomers to sake – is Imanshiki Junmai Daiginjo ($188, 720ml). Through its medium sweetness, we could still taste the flavour of the rice. If your preference is for a fruity and floral aroma, opt for the Dassai Junmai Daiginjo ($118, 720ml; $299, 1,800ml). This sake paired especially well with the raw dishes.
We ended the night with Kotsuzumi Rojoh Hanah Ari Tohka Junmai Daiginjo ($158, 720ml), which we learnt is an award-winning sake. It had a citrus fragrance with a sweet and refreshing taste on the palate.
The Eats:
There’s a huge selection of bites including tacos and bar snacks such as chicken karaage ($15) and scallop ikura ($24). From the sashimi menu, we started with a serving of six very milky and fresh raw Japanese oysters ($24). Next was the Saketoshi cocktail ($39); it’s not a drink but rather a combination of uni, tobiko, truffle caviar and a homemade sauce presented in a martini glass. The uni seaweed tempura ($24 for two pieces) was served on wooden spoons sitting on pebbles in a shallow wooden bowl; the smokiness of the seaweed tempura tempered the bold flavours of raw sea urchin, otoro and truffle caviar.
For big eaters or bigger groups, there are sharing platters. Or opt for a donburi – the seafood ($38) and signature beef ($28) are chef recommendations. The latter features premium Australian beef Photos: Krispy C that’s tender to the bite.
– Patricea Chow
#01-14 UE Square Shopping Mall, 81 Clemenceau Avenue
Sugarhall
The Scene:
For rum lovers in Singapore, Sugarhall was the go-to bar for rare rums and impeccably crafted rum-based cocktails. After shuttering its doors four years ago, Sugarhall has made a triumphant return – just in time to take advantage of looser restrictions!
The bar’s new digs are tucked away in an alley beside Rosemead. Enter through the unmarked door, ascend the stairs and you’ll be greeted by the bar’s charming, softly lit space. Fairy lights dot the ceilings, giving the impression of alfresco dining. The chipped walls and dark wood furniture bring to mind Cuban cantinas. There are also booths for more intimate seating arrangements (or perhaps for planning revolutions?).
The Drinks:
Rather than using a single house-pour rum for its cocktails, Sugarhall leans into its rum repository (over 100 labels!) for inspiration. Each cocktail features a rum base chosen to complement its flavours. We started off with the Dark & Stormy ($24), a light and refreshing highball. Taking the cocktail up a notch was the addition of the bar’s own specially brewed ginger beer made with young ginger, old ginger and galangal – delightfully spicy! Next, we moved on to the Daiquiri ($22). Featuring a mix of Bacardi Superior 1909 rum and Veritas rum, this is a crisp classic with just a touch of sugar.
While the earlier drinks might have been (deceptively) light, it’s instantly clear just how spirit-forward the IL-Presidente ($28) is. Here, the usual vermouth is replaced by sherry vermouth, Amaro Montenegro and Marsala. The rum content is provided by an oaky Appleton cask rum that’s been aged 15 years. You’ll need a couple of bar bites at hand by the time this drink is done!
The Eats:
Like most cocktail bars today, the food options at Sugarhall aren’t a mere afterthought. If you’ve got a hankering for something substantial, sink your teeth into the wagyu cheeseburger with bacon ($35). While not the most unique thing on the menu, it’s a brilliant example of a steakhouse-style burger done right – course ground beef served medium rare, with thick-cut bacon and a side of shoestring fries. Another noteworthy item is the chicken liver toast ($8) – thick slices of toasted rustic bread topped with chicken liver paste and caramelised onions. It’s a polarising dish for sure, but one of my favourite bar bites at Sugarhall.
– Dinesh Ajith
19 Cecil Street
Gone Rogue Brewing
The Scene:
Singapore’s craft beer scene is certainly a vibrant one, with award-winning local microbreweries and taphouses becoming commonplace in hip neighbourhoods. Gone Rogue Brewing, however, makes its home in a quiet corner of Bukit Batok – hardly a place that comes to mind if you’re looking for a craft beer!
Tucked away in Le Quest Mall, the bar’s softly lit space is furnished with an indoor trellis and hardwood tables that bring to mind European taphouses. There’s also a screen that displays trivia about beer – did you know, for example, that cenosillicaphobia is the fear of an empty beer glass?
The Drinks:
With a whopping 18 unpasteurised beers on tap – an impressive number for an independent brewhouse – you might find yourself absolutely flummoxed by the options. To get a feel of what Gone Rogue is about, opt for a tasting flight instead. The $18 flight features four beers of your choosing, allowing you to explore the varied options.
Our first flight featured beers from the Canary and Loot selections – unconventional beers with contemporary flavours. The Lychee Lassie is an easy-drinking fruit beer that has a solid hit of lychee without being overwhelmingly sweet; and the Hazelnut Trove offers delightful toffee and hazelnut flavours. My favourite from this flight was the Vanilla Cream. This smooth, medium-bodied beer offers a creamy vanilla flavour that’s more often found in darker porters and stouts. The final beer was the Rauchbier Smoke. Brewed with beechwood-smoked malt, it’s got an intensely smoky flavour that’ll bring to mind barbecues by the beach.
Before any cenosillicaphobia could set in, we ordered from the Tavern Regulars section. Here you’ll find great examples of stalwarts like dunkels, wheat beers, porters and brown ales. The IPA here is a best seller, and while surprisingly light with an ABV of 4.9 percent, it’s full bodied and offers moderate hop flavours. My favourite of this selection was the English Bitter. Light bodied with a medium bitterness, it’s a classic example of the style.
The Eats:
With such a selection of heady brews, you’ll need a couple of bar bites to keep you steady on your feet. Since I love a little something fried and salty with my beer, I sprung for the fried chicken skin ($10), which is served with a chunky, spicy relish.
Another dish that came well-recommended was the fish fingers ($12) – lightly battered morsels of red snapper topped with a creamy miso mayo. There’s also a selection of (very) thin crust pizzas with classic toppings like pepperoni and parma ham. If you’re keen for a pizza, you’ll want to opt for specialties like the Japanese-inspired yakitori variety ($17).
– Dinesh Ajith
#01-09/10/11 Le Quest Mall, 4 Bukit Batok Street 41
Firangi Superstar
The Scene:
Despite being around for barely a year, Firangi Superstar has become one of Singapore’s buzziest new openings, with a waitlist that’s often longer than a month. In addition to being a stellar restaurant, Firangi’s bar programme features an exciting line-up of cocktails with spicy Indian inflections. I was eager to get a taste!
Upon entering the softly lit interior, I was presented with a “field guide” that detailed four thematic spaces. The first is the Officer’s Club. If you’re here for a tipple, you’ll want a seat right at the bar. Or plonk yourself on a plush armchair and take in the historical photographs and collection of mounted pistols and rifles. Here for a meal? Sit in the hunting inspired Jungle Lodge, the opulent Elephant Palace or the Old Railway Room – a semi-private dining space that’ll bring to mind Wes Anderson’s Darjeeling Limited.
The Drinks:
To start, I ordered a classic cocktail with a twist – the Curry Leaf Boulevardier. This unique take adds coconut bourbon and a garnish of dried curry leaves to the mix to create a spiritforward sipper that’s subtly sweet and spicy. If you’re bold enough, chewing on the curry leaves adds an intriguing vegetal taste.
I also tried the Chai Masala Milk Punch. The first thing you’ll notice about this milk-based cocktail is that it’s completely clear. Milk solids are extracted via a clarification process, leaving a clear base with a hint of creaminess. On a backbone of vodka and gin, masala chai, lemon, pineapple and coconut water are added, plus a sweet malty biscuit as a garnish.
For my final drink, I tried something out of the ordinary: the Fenugreek Manhattan. The drink features cognac that’s been infused with ghee using a sous vide machine. Fenugreek-infused vermouth is also added for a sweet, nutty flavour. The final product is a smooth, potent cocktail with a buttery sweetness that lingers.
The Eats:
Firangi’s cocktails will have you craving a bite, and the dining menu features creations by Chef Raj Kumar. These are small plates with big tastes!
The Beirut Bhatura is an excellent choice to accompany a cocktail, with its hearty celeriac hummus topped with a richly spiced chickpea masala and some pomegranate for tartness. Fancy something lighter? Order the Tikka Takeaway, which highlights sous-vide octopus finished in a tandoori and served with lime aioli, onion petals and naan crumbs.
Those with bigger appetites should spring for the Indian Saddle. Like the octopus, the lamb saddle in this dish is slow-cooked sous-vide style then finished in a tandoor and served beneath a sweet, sticky garlic confit with curry leaf. While more substantial than a bar bite, this one’s a Firangi specialty and you’ll be kicking yourself if you miss it!
– Dinesh Ajith
20 Craig Road, #01-03
Roxy Bar
The Scene:
If there was any need for proof that rock and roll will never die, Roxy Bar would be one entry on a very long list. This New York-inspired dive bar leans fully into its 70s rock music theme. While there’s a divey kind of character to the bar, it comes across as more glitz than grime – furthering the bar’s mission to recreate the backstage rooms that greats like Bowie held afterparties in.
And it looks every bit the part. The entirety of the bar is drenched in red neon, which, paired with its tiny floor plan, adds to the intimacy of the scene. If your date is more Black Sabbath than BTS, this is definitely the spot to take them. Adding to its appeal is its hidden location behind a black velvet curtain at the back of Miss Fitz restaurant.
The Drinks:
Holding court behind the bar is Tash Nayar, who previously ran the drinks programme at Miss Fitz out in the front. Behind the velvet curtains of Roxy, however, his mixology takes cues from classic 70s rock. In fact, the entire cocktail menu reads more like a Spotify playlist than a drinks list.
To start the night, he introduces me to Love Is The Drug, his nuanced take on a Cosmopolitan that’s named after the Roxy Music hit. Like the classic it riffs off, Tash’s rendition uses vodka as a base, but instead of Cointreau, he adds Rinomato vermouth and cherry liqueur, along with fresh lemon and egg white for body. The result is a familiar cocktail with an intriguing new flavour profile.
My go-to has always been the Negroni. So I was eager to try out Tash’s take on the stalwart, You Don’t Have To Put On That Red Light – named after a song whose message was thoroughly ignored by the bar! Tash explains that the cocktail is built on a base of mezcal rather than the usual gin, which gives the drink a more complex, smoky flavour. His promise of smokiness was certainly fulfilled and I was treated to a sublimely smooth tipple.
Of course, what New York bar is complete without a Manhattan? So classic is this cocktail, it retains its original name and most of its ingredients here, apart from the playful addition of Tempus Crème De Cacoa for a bittersweet chocolate finish. A perfect option for the traditionalist.
The Eats:
If you’re a couple of stiff cocktails in and need a bit of a bite, Roxy offers a modest selection of bar snacks. My pick? The New York-style hotdog ($14). Piled high with grated cheese and a hearty bean and ground beef chilli, it’s just the booze soaking send-off you’ll need to get you home in one piece. Dinesh Ajith
– Dinesh Ajith
#01-17 The Sail at Marina Bay, 6 Marina Boulevard
Flow Bar
The Vibe:
Cocktail connoisseurs in Singapore will be familiar with Ricky Paiva, Head Bartender of the award-winning Manhattan Bar. Not one to rest on his laurels, Ricky now heads the drinks programme at the all-new Flow Bar. Set just above Michelin-starred Restaurant JAG, the bar is a cosy space with muted greens and wood tones. Sink into the plush Chesterfield sofas that offer intimate seating for dates or plonk yourself by the bar for front-row seats to Ricky’s marvellous mixology.
Once you’ve made yourself at home, dive into the cocktail menu that’s been thoughtfully sorted into three categories: Living Room, Garden and Playground.
The Chosen One:
To start things off, Ricky prepared his take on a classic, the Burnt Lemon Whisky Sour. His rendition features both fresh and burnt lemons to add complexity without losing the bright flavours. While egg whites are used in most Whisky Sours, Ricky instead uses a frothing agent that makes the drink vegan-friendly. It’s comfortable crowd-pleasers like this that you’ll find on the bar’s Living Room menu
When you need something a little more refreshing, try the Garden menu’s Citrus. This nature-inspired long drink is a zesty cooler made with Bobby’s Gin, lemongrass, kaffir and seltzer – perfect after a day spent in the sun.
We then worked our way down to the Playground portion of the menu – a space where Ricky showcases his more esoteric creations like the Cinnamon Girl. Made with apple bourbon, Pommeau (a French apple liqueur), fresh lemon and caramel, it’s essentially apple pie in a glass. But, like all of the bar’s drinks, even this dessert-inspired pick doesn’t overwhelm with sweetness. Also on the Playground menu is the Jesse James, a spirit-forward cocktail that hits all the right notes. It combines smooth Balvenie 12-year-old scotch and rye whiskies for bite, with sweet vermouth and essence of ester to take the edge off.
To make sure I didn’t roll down the stairs when leaving, Ricky prepared another classic, an Espresso Martini. This robust pick-me-up keeps it simple with Nikka vodka and house-brewed espresso. Dulce de leche is then layered atop the drink and torched. Creamy, rich and subtly sweet, this was undoubtedly my favourite.
Bite on This:
Feeling peckish? You’re in luck. In partnership with Restaurant JAG’s Chef Jeremy, Flow Bar offers a menu inspired by Ricky’s home state, California. I enjoyed the vegan-friendly artichoke hummus – a classic grazing dish with intriguing additions like Taggiasca olives, roasted hazelnuts and French sage. My favourite, though, was the blue crab dip. This cold sharing plate offers bold, fresh flavours from laksa leaf and lemon thyme, and comes served with buttered toast.
More substantial items include a signature croque monsieur and a 200-gram Angus striploin.
– Dinesh Ajith
76A Duxton Road, Level 2
Writers Bar
The Vibe:
Writers Bar at Raffles Hotel Singapore has expanded to include a newly furnished alfresco bar, Palm Terrace by Writers Bar. Against a backdrop of palm trees and greenery, the menu showcases creative cocktail blends that pay homage to celebrated novelists who have passed through the hotel’s doors, including Rudyard Kipling, Somerset Maugham and Joseph Conrad. There are also five handcrafted cocktails inspired by Raffles’ first ever Singaporean writer-in-residence, Madeleine Lee, and her book of poems called How to Build a Lux Hotel.
The Chosen One:
There were too many good cocktails to choose from and we had a lot of fun getting to taste them all; Nicholas really spoiled us! Our unanimous winner was Cold Case ($28), which I couldn’t get enough of. It’s made up of Chalong Bay Thai Sweet Basil Rum, peach orgeat, coconut and lime. It’s not something that I thought I’d like but I highly recommend it.
Another must try is the Million Dollar Cocktail ($28), which was simply delicious. It’s much less sweet than the classic Singapore Sling, but was created in the early 19th century by the same bartender: the legendary Ngiam Tong Boon. This is a drink worthy of a few photos, especially with its dollar sign imprinted on the foam. The Million Dollar cocktail uses Raffles 1915 Gin by London distiller Sipsmith; it’s created with jasmine, fresh pomelo, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaf, nutmeg and cardamom. And here’s an extra little fun fact for you: the co-founder of Sipsmith, Sam Glasworthy, is a descendant of Sir Stamford Raffles himself! How’s that for a historical experience!
Other great drinks to try include Agent Provocateur ($28), Red Herring ($28) and Cloak and Dagger ($28). This bar takes its cocktails to the next level of artistry – they all taste great and have complex flavours. Combined with the beautiful colonial interiors, it makes for an all-around classy experience. The Writers Bar would be a perfect spot for a sophisticated date night, a business meeting or a fancy girls’ night out.
Bite on This:
There’s a great array of bar bites that you fill up on here. Vegetarian options include samosas, cheese spreads and truffle fries. For the carnivores, there’s beef tartare, lobster rolls with curry mayonnaise, and salmon blinis.
– Michaela Bisset
Grand Lobby, Raffles Singapore 1 Beach Road
6412 1816 | rafflessingapore.com/restaurant/writers-bar
Want to hear about more new bars in Singapore? See our Bar section (of course!)
This article first appeared in Expat Living magazine. You can purchase a copy or subscribe so you never miss an issue.
