In skyscraper-dense Singapore, rooftop bars are no rarity. But Smoke & Mirrors stands out with its storied location, perched atop an art gallery and former City Hall building. In fact, it was recently named the second-best rooftop bar in the world according to Time Out’s annual ranking of rooftop bars.
A buzzing hotspot for locals and tourists alike, Smoke & Mirrors is most known for its stunning panoramic vistas of the city’s skyline. Roll in during sunset or after dusk to enjoy the glimmering nighttime view of skyscrapers, the Padang, the historic Victoria Concert Hall, and of course, the iconic Marina Bay area in the distance. Pro tip: request seats along the balcony for an undeniably romantic night out.
But its cocktail menu doesn’t disappoint as well. The bar’s signature menu is called ‘The Real Art of Drinking’, presenting a roster of cocktails each representing a unique art form, a tribute to the building, or even a painting within the Gallery. Drinks like Dawn of Romance ($32) draw inspiration from San Minn’s Age of Full Bloom painting to create a spirit-forward negroni with butter and sunflower seeds; while Bridge of Glory ($32) pays homage to the iconic City Hall Wing of the Gallery in a unique gin and plum sake concoction.
And here’s an artsy tipple that everyone should be well acquainted with: the Round & Round ($30). It’s a nod to the polka dot motif dominant throughout contemporary artist Yayoi Kusama’s oeurve, and the polka dot phenomenon in pop-culture that resulted from her influence. The fruity, fresh, and spice-forward drink is spiked with Suntory Kakubin Whisky and Martell Noblige, as well as grapes, anise, cinnamon, fennel, pepper, and cloves.
If you have an interest in art, consider joining the Art X Cocktail Tour which takes you around the Gallery to learn about the artworks that inspired some of the cocktails on the menu.