The best quiet bars in Singapore

Forget the thumping beats of other rooftop clubs, Mr Stork lets you soak in the radiant sunset over the bay from the 39th floor of Andaz Singapore. Throw a little soiree in one of its cosy teepee huts set amidst lush landscaping. The drinks list is simple, with fruity and floral flavours dominating the menu to help you combat the heat. Try the sprightly Ruby ($22) Ruby concoction, made from lemon, ginger, fresh mint, vermouth and Ceylon Arrack.

The unquestionable winner of small, intimate bars along the contradictorily bustling alley of Boat Quay is Ah Sam Cold Drink Stall. This itty bitty hangout is bare bones but make up for its modest furnishing with a solid range of classic tipples with a local twist. If you’re in the mood for something eclectic, just ask. The bartenders are capable of throwing curveballs such as a Laksa ($24) cocktail complete with dried shrimp, lemongrass, chilli padi and fresh laksa leaf. Settle into one of the window seats for a glorious view of the Singapore river. This hidden gem is perfect for those nights when you just need to hang out with a friend and exchange dating horror stories.

Sure, you could have a couple bottles of good booze at home for a quiet night. But let’s face it: nothing beats the selection of a dedicated whisky bar with everything from the extra peaty to the super smooth. Whisky enthusiast or not, say hello to La Maison du Whisky. You’ll find one of the city’s most comprehensive drinks list here, boasting some 500 whiskies and 300 spirits. Needless to say, it’s worth splashing out on some top quality plonk. The bartenders also sling out killer classics – we're still swooning over that margarita.

Push aside overwhelming angst built up from last-minute deadlines and seek solace in this hole-in-the-wall CBD bar. Small, cosy, and very dark, it’s the perfect venue for dates or if you just need time for quiet reflection. The bar focuses on American craft spirits and puts a colourful spin on cocktails with quirky concoctions such as the Devil in the Details ($20) fuelled by both white and pink dragonfruit. The Secret Mermaid also knows the way to our hearts (happy hour oysters) and offers a variety of snacks including the sinful Napolean dynamites or simply put, tater tots and retro-styled deviled eggs.

If you appreciate details such as vintage-style stained glass windows and marble table tops with brass accents, head down to Gibson at Bukit Pasoh Road. Nibble on bikini sandwiches or share larger plates of Sanchoku wagyu skirt steak. The current cocktail lineup focuses on old-school interwoven with Asian flavours to celebrate the region. Think a Gibson ($23) with smoked Japanese pickles, and homemade mead ($23) made with local stingless Trigona bee honey. We recommend rocking up early or for an off-peak visit, plus happy hour is from 5pm to 8pm.

Needing little introduction, the folks at Native pride themselves on creating innovative cocktails from foraged ingredients and regional produce from Southeast Asia and beyond. Goat milk? Pulau Ubin oyster distillates? The drinks list may be eccentric, but the bar itself is cool and collected. Set on the second floor of an old shophouse, the back bar has little clutter with a row of high chairs (be very careful on the dismount). This small bar is ideal for those who appreciate a peaceful ambience and good conversations during the weekday. A word of warning though, things get pretty crazy on a Friday night.

Another staple in the rooftop circuit, Smoke and Mirrors has a new head bartender Jorge Conde at its helm. Its new cocktail menu, Illusion of Flavour, is as progressive as it is creative. You’ll be up all night discussing the daring concoctions like the Dali’s Self Portrait ($28) – a take on the Manhattan with bacon fat and artichoke and the Peel and See ($28), a slightly savoury tipple with miso and olive oil. The panoramic view of the bay area alone conveys a sort of scale that encourages quietude. Reserve the tables on the alfresco deck for a little more privacy.

Not your usual dimly lit drinking den, Cin Cin is a light-filled venue with turquoise washed walls and sensible yet sophisticated furnishings. Everything from the grouped high chairs and tables to the banquette seating screams ‘eat, drink and be merry’ vibes. The drinks list is a real page-turner – we’re talking 100 gins from well-known labels to lesser-known distillers, which in itself is a great conversation piece. Guests can go crazy with G&T permutations all night long.