The 50 best bars in Singapore

What it is Stories from yesteryear are brought to life in the form of cocktails at Republic, drawing inspiration from the art, cinema, fashion, and music of the 1960s.

Why we love it The bar evokes the soul of 60s pop culture, with vintage posters and vinyl records lining the walls, and oldies playing through the speakers. Sip on the Mondrian ($26) which pays tribute to the iconic Yves Saint Laurent dress inspired by Piet Mondrian’s paintings. The concoction features Stranger & Sons gin, Rinomato, cinnamon, apple, citrus and egg whites. History and film buffs will appreciate the Lion City ($26), a rum-forward cocktail named after the first local Chinese film that was produced after the Second World War. 

Time Out tip: Unwind afterward at the Library Reception, flanked by grand bookshelves and oak floors, or head to the adjacent Lounge – a majestic space that feels luxurious and lived in all at once.

What it is A visually astounding bar set within a majestic art-deco-inspired hall at Parkview Square.  

Why we love it Whether it’s our first or fifth visit, the bar never fails to impress. The latest menu, 'Preservation Of Fire', is divided into four chapters according to the four main techniques in bartending – carbonation, temperature, washing, and infusion. Try the Silver Bullet ($25) off the Temperature section, which is a lighter version of a Vesper Martini, marrying vodka and gin with floral notes from rose verjus, ylang-ylang, and a frozen grape.

Time Out tip Customise your G&T by picking your favourite gin from Atlas’ collection of over 1000 bottles of gin. The bar is said to stock the most diverse collection of the spirit in the world.

What it is A fun and casual speakeasy along Duxton Road shaking up agave and rice-spirit drinks. 

Why we love it The bar is helmed by Jesse Vida (former head bartender at Atlas) and Gabriel Lowe (ex-bar manager at Paradise Lost Bangkok). Apart from the signature Cat Bite Margarita ($26) which features a tequila blanco and smoky mezcal base, you’ve got to try the Soju Sprint ($24). The light spritz is nicely balanced, with hints of honey, peach, mint, and anise. Other classic cocktails include espresso martini, Queen's Park Swizzle, and Vieux Carre, and they each include a variation of agave and rice liquor. 

Time Out tip Follow the neon red grin of a Cheshire cat to enter the bar. You’ll first have to pass through the unassuming Monument Coffee and nondescript curtains.

What it is An unassuming Japanese cocktail bar along Purvis Street with an unpretentious curation of classic cocktails and simple Japanese fare.

Why we love it The bar is named after a cocktail invented way back in Japan during the 1920s Prohibition Era. The minimalist decor also allows the limelight to shine on the stellarly executed tipples. Try a Japanese-inspired Bloody Mary ($27) that uses Haku vodka, together with wasabi and togarashi – a Japanese spice mixture. Or, go for the classic martini ($25) which is a straightforward blend of gin and house-blended dry vermouth.

Time Out tip Don’t leave without ordering the bar’s namesake cocktail – the Last Word ($27). The drink is made with Hendrick’s gin, green Chartreuse, Maraschino, lime, and served with a homemade brandied cherry.

What it is A 22-seater hole-in-a-wall inspired by Edward Hopper’s painting ‘Nighthawks’ from the 20th century – a picture of urban alienation.

Why we love it The interiors echo the same 1940s retro metropolitan vibe, with sunken booths in the far back for those who prefer more privacy. By the bar, skilled bartenders shake up mean experimental cocktails ($25 each), like the Gamma-Ray Holiday, a re-imagination of the iconic Midori sour. The gin-based drink is laced with citrus and pineapple notes, followed by a pleasantly mild bitter finish from bittergourd. 

Time Out tip No visit to the bar will be complete without ordering the signature Nighthawks cocktail, infused with rum, vodka, amara, as well as coconut and gula melaka foam.

What it is A vegan-friendly drinking spot that hopes to shine the spotlight on sustainability through its space, food, and drinks.

Why we love it Despite the bar’s sustainable and plant-based ethos, it’s not all talk and no taste here. The cocktail menu features thoughtful creations ($26 each) like Cactus – an ode to succulents and their resilience to heat in the midst of global warming. The drink is a thirst-quenching mix of prickly pear, pink dragon fruit, and aloe vera. Spirulina is inspired by the role of algae in providing renewable energy, so you’ll expect to taste savoury notes of wakame in this gin-based tipple.

Time Out tip The plant-based menu extends to its food as well in plates like jackfruit tacos ($25) with a rempah-spiced filling, or nori fries ($14) paired with a unique smoked beetroot ketchup.

What it is One of the stalwarts of Singapore’s drinking scene, this bar located in the Amara Hotel at Tanjong Pagar requires no prologue. 

Why we love it Their themed cocktail menus, or rather, ‘menuzines’ as they call them, show why they are a cut above the rest in terms of the thought that goes into every menu refresh. The latest menuzine titled ‘Smash’ is a hefty 72-pager complete with storied illustrations that take you through the cocktails ($28 each) before you try them for yourselves. Sip on the fruity Lycheetini which sees lychee vermouth and Japanese sweet potato shochu shaken with a citrus-forward gin and topped with lychee jelly.

Time Out tip The bar also does a classy rendition of a spicy margarita, crafted with barrel-aged tequila and Mexican chile liquor. We love that we can customise the spice level of the cocktail.

What it is A grand bar at Conrad Singapore well-known for its brand of old New York glamour from the 19th century.

Why we love it Its latest cocktail menu, Broadway Spirited, pays homage to legendary Broadway musicals while celebrating the theatre of bartending. The extensive list sees 34 cocktails (from $28) over four categories. Choose from The Play (10 cocktails with extravagant presentations); The Orchestra (four signature cocktails by former guest bartenders at Manhattan); The Backstage (seven barrel-aged cocktails from the bar’s in-house rickhouse); and The Curtain Call (eight classic Manhattan cocktails).

Time Out tip For the quintessential Manhattan experience, order the Manhattan ($32), which is aged for eight weeks in an American oak barrel before it’s finished off at your tableside.

What it is This is hands down every hipster oenophile’s most beloved shrine to natural wines.

Why we love it This is the place to be if you’re a diehard wine lover or casual wine junkie, and you know it’s legit because the gastrobar is always packed with industry folks. Wine-drinking is made a friendlier affair here, with the use of stemless glasses scrubbed of any pretentiousness, coupled with their laissez-faire approach to wine and food pairings. There’s no catalogue – the 150-or-so labels (from $58) are all on display and constantly changing. Try wine labels from all around the world – reds, whites, and occasionally a pét-nat or an orange.

Time Out tip Keep your eyes peeled for the ‘Vigneron of the Week’ announcements on RVLT’s socials for the bar’s weekly curation, ranging anywhere from single vineyard Adelaide Hills wine to those from cooperative cellars in France.

What it is A second-floor sanctuary along the bustling Amoy Street dedicated to incorporating regional produce in its cocktails.

Why we love it The knowledgeable bar team will educate you on spirits from Thailand, the Philippines, India and beyond. And occasionally, the bar also makes use of foraged ingredients from Southeast Asia to add some pep and zing to the cocktails. Choose your tipple of the night ($26 each) from the rice-based, classics, and fermented sections of the menu. The Black Rice cocktail sees rice whisky blended with toasted black rice, coconut, and wild berries. 

Time Out tip We recommend fans of amazake get the Kuro Koji, featuring awamori, amazake, black koji, and purple sweet potato. Or stay safe with elegant and drinkable tipples like the oolong highball, made with shochu, oolong kombucha, yuzu, and sake.

What it is A divey cocktail speakeasy along Duxton Hill set up by three industry veterans, including Spiffy Dapper owner George Abhishek. 

Why we love it The interiors here are almost entirely built by hand with upcycled materials, lending a genuine, organic feel to the shophouse space. The bar keeps guests on their feet, putting out weekly rotating menus using ingredients found in the vicinity. Expect six core drinks each week based on classic styles like the daiquiri, highball, martini or old fashioned. Their Instagram page highlights the week’s curation, where each drink is accompanied by curious descriptions such as “immortality” or “Frank Ocean x Anime”.

Time Out tip It can get rather warm once the crowd starts to pack the room, so make sure to dress down and stay hydrated.

What it is A posh destination cocktail bar in the Pan Pacific with tipples inspired by vibrant indigenous birds, as well as a new wine programme to boot.

Why we love it The team shakes up an impressive repertoire of avian-inspired cocktails, such as the Pink Necked Green Pigeon ($25). The invigorating concoction puts a spin on the classic Aperol Spritz and takes a page from the bird’s diet, combining sweet fig leaf infusion, citrus elements, and prosecco. The bar’s new wine programme – The Vine Migration – offers nine wine flights from $49 and features over 50 wines from notable wineries like Leroy, Gaja, and Ornellaia. 

Time Out tip Try the Albariño, Alvarinho & Alvarinha wine flight ($49). The curation plays on one of the most popular white grape varietals – the Albariño – and presents three wines from different regions, which might pose a challenge even for the most discerning of palates.

What it is One of Asia’s 50 Best Bars, Nutmeg and Clove charts Singapore’s history through cocktails that are undeniably local.

Why we love it The menu pays homage to Singapore’s history and culture, with cocktails named after various Singaporean phrases like Stay Calm Lah and Stylo Milo. The bar is also a tribute to its original location at Ann Siang Road (before moving to Purvis Street), which was home to a nutmeg and clove plantation in the 1800s. Its heritage shines through in its drinks, which incorporate spices like coriander, laksa leaves, and of course, nutmegs and cloves.

Time Out tip Dig into snacks inspired by iconic local dishes, like mala sweet potato fries ($14), rendang mac & cheese ($18), and lor bak sandwiches ($21).

What it is The first overseas outpost of the award-winning Mixology Salon of Ginza, Tokyo at the ritzy InterContinental Robertson Quay.

Why we love it The tea-infused cocktails here feature the masterful use of high-quality ingredients like matcha, gyokuro, hojicha, and oolong. To best experience the entire repertoire of Mixology Salon, we recommend going for the signature tea cocktail course that journeys you through the highlights (from $72 for three cocktails). The entire experience is highly tailored – you’ll get to nose the actual tea leaves and learn about Japanese tea philosophy before tasting the final product. 

Time Out tip If you can only have one drink and one drink only, master mixologist Shuzo Nagumo personally recommends the Gyokuro Martini ($28) featuring Gyokuro vodka and Lillet Blanc.

What it is A tasteful local take on a Japanese mid-century modern bar, shaking up a mix of classic Japanese craft cocktails and experimental tipples. 

Why we love it The space is engulfed in an alluring amber glow and fitted with luxurious furniture – think $3000 Falcon armchairs, a communal table near the bar counter, and booths near the back for those who prefer more privacy. The first half of the 14-drink menu spotlights classics like the Bamboo ($28), featuring a clever use of fino sherry and palo-santo-infused vodka to achieve a balance of woody and umami notes. The second half comprise creations named after geisha, like the Flourishing Youth ($28) which is refreshingly clear with a good balance of floral and fruity notes.

Time Out tip The bar’s highly-raved wagyu katsu sando ($44) also lives up to its hype, slathered in an addictive tonkatsu sauce and Japanese mayonnaise.

What it is Café in the front, cocktail bar at the back. Stay Gold Flamingo is a dual-concept space that serves up a different experience depending on where you choose to be seated.

Why we love it As dusk settles, venture to the back of the room, past velvet drapes, and you’ll reach Stay Gold – a sleek, neon-lit drinking lounge. The head bartender Amos Kew and his team present their most extensive cocktail menu to date – ‘That’s A Nice Jacket’. 20 thoughtful creations are split into six sections showcasing signatures, low-ABV options, unique concoctions and more. Try a spinoff of a classic espresso martini with the Hanamachi cocktail, featuring matcha, black sesame and whisky, or a thirst-quenching sugarcane tipple with rum, Haku vodka, lime, and clarified milk.  

Time Out tip Try the popular buko spring rolls with a side of ube ice cream. The dessert is an ode to the traditional Filipino coconut pie.

What it is One of the first speakeasies in Singapore and forerunners of the local cocktail scene, receiving multiple awards on international bar ranking lists. 

Why we love it 28 Hongkong Street has been around for more than a decade, and to date, it still retains its seamless brand of urban swag while slinging out American-style cocktails ($25). The bar is inspired by the early 21st century cocktail revival in New York, so expect only hip hop classics to be blasting from the speakers. Try the punchy and refreshing spicy guava margarita ($25), or the quintessential Old Fashioned ($25) made with Ferrand 1840 cognac and a champagne reduction with hazelnut and orange. 

Time Out tip To find the hidden bar, look for a nondescript door with a sign that reads ‘28’. Also make sure to order the New York-style bar bites – think hot dogs, steak and fries, oysters and more.

What it is A trailblazing sustainable cocktail bar along Amoy Street using ingredients with a low carbon footprint. 

Why we love it The bar is led by Christina Rasmussen and Sasha Wijidessa (formerly from Mallow), who attempt to introduce guests to a range of exciting planet-friendly alternatives such as insect proteins, cell-cultured milk and coffee made from burdock root and hemp seeds. There’s also an emphasis on showcasing either invasive species or those available in abundance like jellyfish, corn, and bananas. But don’t expect anything squirm-worthy –  these ingredients are cleverly weaved into the cocktails as if they weren’t there in the first place.

Time Out tip Check out the dedicated lifestyle wall in the indoor space stocked with take-home products, or take a peek at the alfresco rooftop bar which boasts an in-house herb garden.

What it is Clean, minimal bar helmed by powerhouse duo Bannie Kang (previously from Anti:Dote at Fairmont Singapore) and her award-winning chef husband Tryson Quek. 

Why we love it Side Door manages to rock the urban industrial look while still appearing friendly and welcoming. Cocktails here are interesting, clean, and highly drinkable pours that go at $26 each. Start with the Easy Peasy, a straightforward yet well-thought out tipple consisting of gin, mountain pepper, calamansi, vermouth, and lime leaf for a touch of added fragrance — refreshing, balanced, with just the slightest kick of spice and aroma.

Time Out tip Complete the experience with bites like the angus beef tartare and dumplings. The former is a spin on the regular dish with added elements like yuzu sorbet, paprika rice puffs, seaweed and caviar, while the latter comes stuffed with pork belly, yoghurt, and homemade scallop XO sauce. 

What it is A microcosm of Singapore's Indian community, with cocktails that capture the essence of Little India — its sounds, scents, spices, and stories.

Why we love it The current menu pays homage to the hawkers, flower traders and spice traders in the Little India enclave, who for decades have kept its distinct culture alive. You'll find mainstays like the Buffalo Road cocktail ($25) still on the menu, because the herbaceous G&T combining pink guava gin and vetiver still hits home after all these years.

Time Out tip Don't shy away from the food-inspired tipples like Spiced Crab Rasam ($28), Biryani ($28), and Chicken Curry ($28). — they're packed with delicious spicy and savoury notes. 

What it is A cosy rum haven hidden behind a nondescript door with a menu of cocktails ingeniously inspired by local drinks.

Why we love it The bar’s latest menu is inspired by the bar team’s favourite non-alcoholic drinks. A good example would be Rose Rosé I Love You ($23) – Sugarhall’s reinvention of bandung, featuring Codigo 1530 Reposado Tequila, vetiver, and cherry blossom, subtly infused with rosé. There are other conceptual sections on the menu: Not Too Funky highlights the bar’s love for rum, Not Too Fancy features snapshot-worthy cocktails, and Not Too Classic presents classic cocktails with a Sugarhall twist.

Time Out tip To get to Sugarhall, take a turn into a back alley near Rosemead and you’ll find a small entrance with the bar’s iconic signboard. Then, head up the flight of stairs and you’ll arrive at Sugarhall.

What it is A legendary import from New York City right along Amoy Street, taking you back to the Prohibition days of the US. 

Why we love it The bar team demonstrates a showy free-pouring style that Employees Only is famed for. The menu is divided into EO Classics (time-tested tipples from EO New York, $25 each), EO Singapore Signatures (showing local twists and flavours), and Fancy Cocktails (using premium ingredients and more refined techniques). Regulars come back for classics like the Fraise Sauvage ($25), a gin-based tipple made with wild strawberries, vanilla, and prosecco.

Time Out tip If you stay on till late, you’ll hear hip-hop tracks blasting through the speakers to get you up and dancing. But stay on till later and you’ll hear the music mellowing down while the kitchen slings out an all-time favourite to bid you adieu – a bowl of warm, comforting chicken soup.

What it is A buzzing, laidback bar at Ann Siang Street dedicated to none other than the iconic precinct in New York City and all things hip hop. 

Why we love it Expect hip-hop music to be playing all night long in the grungy space decked out with murals and graffiti. Order up the bar’s classic New York-inspired tipples like The Brooklyn! ($26) and The Big Apple ($26). We especially love The Big Apple – a spirit-forward tipple accompanied by what you might think is a candied cherry, but is actually a miniature apple that lends just a touch of sweetness to the drink. We also hear that regulars come back to the bar just for their oven-roasted brussel sprouts ($16). 

Time Out tip You absolutely cannot leave without ordering a plate of the beefy birria tacos ($19). Packed with flavourful chunks of tender beef chuck, these pockets of goodness taste even better when dunked into the house-made consomme.

What it is No Sleep Club is a day-to-night concept along Keong Saik Road that sells coffee, tasty grub, and excellent cocktails.

Why we love it The casual, grungy neighbourhood drinking den is run by industry veterans who have worked at the likes of Operation Dagger and Proof and Company. The bar’s most popular drinks are the Hay and Apples ($22) – a combination of toasted hay scotch and fermented apples – as well as Tom Yum and Melon ($23) – a sweet and mildly spicy mix of carbonated honeydew with a Thai herb distillate. For bar snacks, go for the confit potato, topped with dill ranch, maitake, and truffle.

Time Out tip Drop by when the sun is up, and snack on a food menu that is split into small, medium as well as meat and fish main dishes.

What it is An inconspicuous speakeasy-style cocktail bar concealed behind the storefront of a bespoke tailor.

Why we love it “Are you scheduled for a fitting?” is the line that will greet you when you enter the store. Once you say yes, you’ll step through to the fitting room behind velvet curtains, where sliding doors will reveal an intimate speakeasy. The menu is divided into signatures ($25), all-time favourites ($26), low or no abv options ($20), and bespoke drinks ($27). Enjoy a twist on the popular Mexican paloma with the La Paloma ($25), a 1920s New York-inspired drink with the Gentlemen ($26), or ask the bartender for a customised drink. 

Time Out tip Actually in need of a suit? We hear the bar has ties with Meiko Tailor – a locally family-run suit atelier.

What it is Meaning “modern boys and modern gals”, MoboMoga is a 20-seater sake bar and izakaya at River Valley.

Why we love it The bar manager roves around the middle in his signature beret. Tell him what type of sake you’re in the mood for – be it sweet, smooth, rich, light or whether you prefer it served warm or cold – and he always returns with the perfect recommendation. You don’t have to splash out on a full bottle either – a 180ml carafe is priced from $24. Otherwise, a bottle of Suntory Kaku whisky ($145) for highballs should sort you out for the evening. The bar serves gussied up izakaya snacks ranging from seasonal specials like chicken liver sashimi, monkfish liver, and cod milt, or izakaya staples like stingray fin and crab croquettes.

Time Out tip To get into the bar, first look for a little red light shining down on a door. You’ll realise that there’s a door within a door – slide open a small arched panel and squeeze through to enter.

What it is: A 23-tap bar along gentrified Tyrwhitt Road that got its name from the Singapore Chinese Druggists Association which it shares the building with. 

Why we love it The interiors are mostly hand-built and put together by the owners, featuring a kitschy mix of marble-topped tables, kopitiam chairs, draft handle sink taps, and mosaic floor tiles. Beer geeks will freak out at the advanced selection of imperial stouts, IPAs, and sour beers but there’s also a more approachable range of easy-drinking pale ales and hopped lagers to ease into. The bar also has a concise but exciting cocktail menu with your staple negronis, G&Ts, and whisky sours, alongside specials like the rum-forward ube cocktail ($25).

Time Out tip For something to munch on, a small kitchen at the back dishes out snacks like wasabi wedges with sour plum powder ($11), Angus beef tacos ($19), and miso chicken burgers ($16).

What it is This café next to Raffles Hotel serves brunch by day and hearty plates by night, but it’s also an unpretentious cocktail den.

Why we love it The cocktail menu features classics like espresso martini ($24) and sangria ($24), as well as unique cocktails like Afternoon Tea in London ($24) – a mix of Hendrick’s gin and Smokey Monkey Shoulder paired with butter, Guinness syrup, and vanilla tincture to round it out. You can also take your tastebuds on a trip around Asia with Tess Bar’s Favourite Classic Cocktails menu, compiling signature cocktails by various guest bartenders across Asia.

Time Out tip The bar serves up well-executed bites like crispy pork belly ($15) and deep-fried calamari complete with cilantro chimichurri and furikake ($17).

What it is The world’s highest urban microbrewery, restaurant, and bar with prime views overlooking the scenic Marina Bay area.

Why we love it Fruity lagers and banana-scented wheat beer keep the on-site copper kettles busy. Some five brews (from $9.90) are available on the menu: an IPA, a stout, a wheat beer, a house porter, and a winning blonde lager that’s refreshingly fruity and easy to drink. Or, go for the beer-tasting paddle ($23.90) which brings you five 100ml tasters of the bar’s craft brews. Opt for a beer cocktail for something fancier, and for those avoiding malts altogether, you can also browse through their long list of wines.

Time Out tip Level33 also boasts a beer-focused food menu incorporating beer, beer ingredients, by-products from the brewery, and brewing processes into the menu.

What it is A gorgeously hip bar worth a visit just for its jungle of overhanging bottles over the bar counter. 

Why we love it Its latest menu – A Guide to Modern Drinking, Volume 4 – weaves in themes of adolescence and growth into the cheeky bildungsroman of a cocktail menu. According to the bar, your First Kiss ($26) tastes like raspberry, grapefruit, and aperol, your First Job ($28) like Oloroso, espresso, orange, and Takamaka rum. Or, try concoctions that evoke memories of your first pet, tattoo, phone, or even your First Bike ($26), a blend of gin, brown butter, cashew, lemon, and orange bitters.

Time Out tip Take a gander at the list of Prohibition gin cocktails, made exclusively for the bar. The exclusive gin is incorporated into five classic cocktails, including the quintessential G&T ($26), a martini ($26) and a negroni ($28).

What it is A Korean-inspired bar along Ann Siang Hill that lives up to its name with its snug and cosy vibe. It’s so compact, it’s practically pocket-sized.

Why we love it Once you get through the unassuming doors, you’ll be greeted with a vibrant, neon-lit sanctuary with ceilings plastered with contemporary Korean motifs. The cocktail menu is a breeze to navigate with cleverly named drinks ($26 each) that succinctly capture the essence of each beverage. Fruit lovers, opt for Pear – a concoction of Jura whisky, Gentian, and pear sherry. If you’re into Korean classics, then the makgeolli is your go-to. The bar’s version includes house-made seasonal tepache and your personal choice of spirit. 

Time Out tip For those arriving after dinner, grab a small snack such as the crispy cauliflower drizzled with cucumber yoghurt ($12), signature homemade meatballs served with sourdough and mashed potatoes ($20), and spiced chickpeas ($7).

What it is The bar is split into two concepts: Deadfall, the no-frills drinking hole based on mid-19th century California, and Ballroom, the bar’s finer and more opulent counterpart.

Why we love it Deadfall on the first floor serves up five types of margaritas (from $16) including a punchy pineapple habanero margarita. Kick back with a no-nonsense negroni ($24), paloma ($22) or espresso martini ($23). Order up plates of ‘Mexiporean’ pub grub, customisable tacos, burritos, and quesadillas (from $12) which you can choose to load up with your favourite proteins like nan lu pork, salted yolk cauliflower or even Hainanese steamed chicken. 

Time Out tip Retreat to the Ballroom on the second floor for a completely different vibe with plush velvet seats and mismatched floral wallpaper. A folklore-focused cocktail menu awaits you, inspired by folktales from all over the world.

What it is A homey wine bar along Duxton Hill and your best bet if you’re looking for a crash course on wine. 

Why we love it Choose your bottle for the night – Praelum stocks about 1000 labels from all across the world in its walk-in cellar. Enjoy your wine with their carefully curated menu, including a charcuterie plate with two cuts of meat ($32), farmhouse cheeses, housemade picks, and mustard. Other sharing options include escargot baste in roasted garlic and basil butter ($20), salade de tomates ($24), and a bikini sandwich ($18) consisting of Jamón Ibérico, truffle mayonnaise, and a side of crispy sweet potatoes.

Time Out tip Spoilt for choice? Leave it to the experienced somm who can recommend wine flights starting from $58. You’ll learn more about the types of wine you’re drinking and their history.

What it is Hidden in plain sight, The Secret Mermaid is the alter ego of Shinkansen, a design-your-own salad bar in the CBD.

Why we love it The shared space, outfitted with black grilles and brass piping, morphs into a hole-in-the-wall cocktail bar after five in the evening. Bottles of gin, rum, tequila, vodka, and whisky occupy every nook and cranny in this miniscule hideout, and the bar also has one of the largest collections of American craft spirits. Besides creative cocktails, unique offerings can be found on The Secret Mermaid’s food menu, such as the sushi donut ($22) – yuzu-ume rice encased in a mix of salmon sashimi, tobiko, avocado, and ikura – and tom yum mentaiko skewers ($12).

Time Out tip Fans of oysters will be happy to know that you can get freshly shucked oysters starting from $5, topped with mentaiko, ikura, or tobiko.

What it is A cocktail bar at Bukit Pasoh by the Jigger & Pony group with a special focus on Asian ingredients.

Why we love it Climb up to the second floor of this 80-year-old heritage shophouse and enter Emerald City. The gorgeous green marble long bar is lit by the glow radiating through the stained glass, and behind it, bartenders dressed in bow ties and bermudas shake up cocktails crafted with Asian ingredients. The latest menu, ‘Cocktail Supermarket’ – brings you on a whirlwind grocery tour in the form of cocktails ($28 each), with inventive creations like Very Blue Bananas – a spinoff on the Blue Hawaii, and the Kinome Fizz, a twist on the 1940s Japanese drink.

Time Out tip The bar's namesake cocktail, The Gibson ($28), is always a safe bet. Made with Roku gin and Ginjo sake-vermouth, the boozy drink pays homage to Japan in its elegant simplicity.

What it is Japanese-inspired cocktail bar located above Park Bench Deli in Telok Ayer. 

Why we love it The joint is headed by Anthony Zhong (ex-Jigger & Pony), and has been around for almost a decade yet remains understated – they don’t have a website, Facebook or Instagram page to date and regulars still call in to make a reservation. There’s no menu here – simply tell the bartender your preferences, be it cocktail, spirit, or flavour profile and they’ll whip up something to your liking. Prices start at $25 and while you’re there, be sure to try their cult classic negroni. 

Time Out tip The Japanese influence extends to the top-notch izakaya-style bar bites, and heftier options like pasta with uni or a luxurious wagyu beef don.

What it is A picturesque rooftop bar that sits above the historic National Gallery, with stunning panoramic vistas of Singapore’s skyline.

Why we love it The bar recently made it on Time Out’s annual ranking of the best rooftop bars in the world, coming in second. Its signature menu, ‘The Real Art of Drinking’, presents 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.

Time Out tip Request for seats along the balcony for an undeniably romantic night out. And if you’re a fan of art, consider joining the Art X Cocktail Tour which takes you around the museum to learn about the artworks that inspired the cocktails on the menu.

What it is A handsome 28-seater Ginza-style joint that puts everything we love about Japanese precision and eye for detail into a bar.

Why we love it D.Bespoke is run by Daiki Kanetaka who's trained under Bar High Five's legendary Hidetsugu Ueno. The shophouse speakeasy hides behind a lifestyle retail front selling the bar’s glassware and leather products. Don’t expect a buzzing atmosphere here – things are definitely on the quieter and more refined end, which makes it great for conservations over well-weathered leather couches. Customised cocktails start at $27, as do neat spirits, and tasting flights of the wide range of sherry and armagnac go at $25 for three to five tasters.

Time Out tip Prices are on the high end, and D.Bespoke has a minimum order policy of $60 per person, so do budget accordingly.

What it is A libation temple with a psychedelic entrance within the verdant grounds of the Mondrian Duxton. 

Why we love it The drinks, created in tandem with folks from Proof & Co, all carry modern Asian influences in the hopes of showcasing Southeast Asian spirits and some of the world’s rarest and most interesting finds. Try the fizzy ginger mule-like High Water ($26) with elegant floral notes, the negroni-inspired Shrub ($26) showcasing the use of fermented nashi shrub, and the cheeky Queen of the Jungle ($26) which drinks like a velvety smooth rye whiskey old fashioned. Best part? It opens till two in the morning. 

Time Out tip Take the hidden entrance from street level through a ‘secret tunnel’ to arrive in style.

What it is A friendly bar along Neil Road with a homey atmosphere, perfect for catch-ups with friends or a first date. 

Why we love it It’s hard to feel intimidated by The Store, especially when its interior is decorated like a mid-century modern living room complete with plush rugs and comfy sofas. Try the Tito’s Twisties Sour ($25), a vodka infused with our favourite childhood snack, Twisties, and mixed with fresh lemon, simple syrup, and saline. Or opt for the all-time favourite kimchi paloma, featuring sous vide mezcal, Korean kimchi, and snow pears, then mixed in with grapefruit, soju, fresh lime juice, and grapefruit soda.

Time Out tip Don’t skimp on the food menu either. The Store serves an absolutely delicious Gambas ($30) with fresh tiger prawns swimming in a delightful herb oil and paprika butter sauce.

What it is The third-floor cocktail bar above Potato Head Singapore at Keong Saik, located halfway up a winding chequered staircase.

Why we love it The bar’s latest menu ‘STFU’, meaning ‘Spice, Tea, Fruit, Umami’, takes inspiration from familiar local flavours that the Studio 1939 bar team grew up with. The Sugar Plum Fairy is a vodka-based concoction featuring guava, pistachio, plum, suppose, lemon and aer, and is heavily reminiscent of the popular local snack of guava slices dusted with sweet and salty sour plum powder. And fans of savoury cocktails, get the Som Tum Mamuang, a punchy mix of gin, peanut butter, mango salad mix, and lime that hits all the flavour spots of quintessential Thai cuisine.

Time Out tip For the daring ones seeking more robust flavours, try the Chai Fashion out for size. The mix features whisky, assam black tea, a special spice mix, cardamom, and orange.

What it is A progressive four-storey cocktail playground along Boon Tat Street, serving exclusively highballs on the first floor. 

Why we love it White Shades is a cocktail wonderland – you’ll find highballs on the first floor, a cocktail bar on the second, an event space on the third, and a rooftop serving draft beers on tap. At the bar, guests can choose to lounge in privacy at the plush booth seats or hang out at the man-made stone bar countertop. Sip on 22 cocktails ($25) inspired by colours, like the White III, a vodka, chardonnay and umeshu mix with a refreshing, sweet and sour profile. Or go for the polar opposite with the Black IIII, featuring vodka, espresso, Guinness reduction, coffee liqueur, and coconut oat foam.

Time Out tip Hosting a private event? Level three boasts a customisable event space that can hold up to 35 guests, ideal for any intimate gatherings.

What it is A cushy art and vinyl bar fitted with an exhibition space, a vinyl collection, and classy cocktails to boot. 

Why we love it This space is definitely one for the cultured. The living room area is a cosy art lounge with plush sofas, and there’s also a listening room with one of Singapore’s largest private vinyl collections. Look forward to classic cocktails made with a twist. Rum punch is given a spicy kick with an infusion of nutmeg ($26), margaritas given a whiff of anise and fennel ($21), and classic Bloody Marys turned into Not a Bloody Mary ($32), made with gin, sweet and tangy tamarillo, the spicy Japanese condiment yuzu kosho, and of course, Worcestershire. 

Time Out tip Order up plates of foie gras and chicken parfait ($25) or a spiced Brittany pigeon with chestnut hummus and cranberry gastrique ($56).

What it is A groovy watering hole serving up a tight selection of classic cocktails and Pan-Asian plates, with a side of carefully curated tunes.

Why we love it This is one bar that doesn't treat music as an afterthought. Conceptualised by founders of local music collectives Ice Cream Sundays and Darker Than Wax, the bar prides itself on its state-of-the-art sound system and acoustically designed space. On the menu are delicious blends ($25) like the spunky spicy paloma spiked with tequila, agave, lime, chilli and grapefruit soda, to the heady King Cole, featuring bourbon, Fernet Branca and Demerara.

Time Out tip Don't sleep on the grub menu, which is stacked with fan-favourites like the signature housemade sourdough roti ($8) and the spice-rubbed Iberico pork collar ($40).

What it is Spectre takes shape as a vintage apothecary cocktail bar, but they are also big on mental well-being.

Why we love it A core experience at Spectre involves writing down your concerns on a piece of paper before burning it away. While the kitchen seeks to fill the stomach with unique twists on Southeast Asian comfort food, the bar attempts to nourish the soul with cocktails designed with talk therapy techniques in mind. On the menu, you'll find craft beverages split into herbal, umami, citrus and spice categories. 

Time Out tip Get involved in the bar's curated mindful workshops which can include anything from art jamming to whisky masterclasses.

What it is The birthplace of the iconic Singapore Sling – ‘nuff said.

Why we love it Raise a toast to history in one of the oldest bars in Singapore. As iconic as the hotel it’s located in, Long Bar at Raffles Hotel is the birthplace of our national cocktail, the Singapore Sling. Once a favourite spot of celebrities like Somerset Maugham in its heyday, the bar has now been given a new life, inspired by Malayan plantation life in the 1920s with deep, rich colours and lush greenery. Try the Singapore Sling ($39), of course. Created in 1915, the concoction is shaken with gin, pineapple juice, lime juice, curaçao, Bénédictine, grenadine, and cherry liquor. Be warned – it packs quite a punch.

Time Out tip Long Bar also does variations on the sling including the 1915 Gin Sling ($33), which has Seltzer water and angostura bitters while the Sakura Sling ($33) has sake, calvados, and St. Germain elderflower liqueur instead.

What it is As its name suggests, the modern wine bar is a decidedly unserious drinking space, and it encourages its patrons to have a laugh at themselves too. 

Why we love it The wine menu – or rather, magazine – offers over 300 different types of wine, ranging from affordable classics to rarer and unique wines. Of course, part of the drinking experience is all about pairing the wines with food, and the menu reflects that with handy wine recommendations beside each menu item. If you’re unsure, you can opt for the snack tasting ($33) or Feed Me ($98), and let the staff choose the best dishes to go with the wines you’re having that day.

Time Out tip Fool also serves up a two- and three-course set lunch ($48 and $58 respectively), with offerings like chicken liver eclairs ($16), buttermilk fried chicken sandwiches with sriracha mayo and dill pickles ($36), and soft shell crab po boys ($36).

What it is A local taproom with roots in 19th century London as a brewery along the River Thames.

Why we love it The gastropub has an in-house brewery with 25 beer taps including some old English cask hand pumps. The two signature craft beers you’ll want to try here are the Island Lager ($16.50 per pint) – a smooth and crisp beer with a light elderflower aroma; and the Straits Pale Ale ($16.50 per pint) – a straightforward brew with clear notes of passionfruit and lychee. There’s also a six-course beer pairing menu ($70 per person) that takes you through their best brews in 180ml portions, alongside a curated selection of sides.

Time Out tip Come on Thursdays from 6pm to 7pm, or Satrudays from 5pm to 6pm for Pressure Hour. You’ll get free, unlimited pours of craft beer for as long as no one leaves the bar or heads to the toilet within the hour.

What it is Hidden behind an unassuming wooden door above the tropical bar Low Tide lies Ssal, a Korean bar decorated like a tavern from feudal Korea.

Why we love it Ssal specialises in rice-based spirits, offering cocktails that incorporate different types of sake and soju. You can find interesting concoctions like Kimchi ($24), a tequila infused with – you guessed it, white kimchi cucumber. There is also Ganmul ($24), where vodka and aged sake are mixed with rice vinegar and pickled daikon, as well as Ttankong ($24), a mix of Kujira Inari whisky, peanut coffee, sweet sherry, and a whole egg.

Time Out tip Try a range of Korean bar snacks like kimchi pancakes (from $18) and tteokbokki ($8).

What it is Award-winning Taiwanese cocktail bar, best known as a pioneer in serving crafted cocktails on tap in Asia. 

Why we love it In every Draft Land, there are draft tenders instead of bartenders. From introducing the tap cocktail concept and offering tasting samples to helping the curious identify a new favourite cocktail, these fun-loving folks – essentially brand ambassadors – deliver an industry-pioneering service named the Sample Service. The Singapore outpost has 20 draft cocktails on tap (from $18), including six special tipples crafted by renowned mixologists from around the world.

Time Out tip There’s also a nifty menu of Taiwanese delights to go with your drinks. Think braised pork rice with quail eggs, A4 Wagyu cold noodles, fried oysters with crispy egg, and the must-have gelato dessert of Alishan Bubble Tea laced with pecorino cheese.