The winners of Asia’s 50 Best Bars have just been announced last Thursday, and Singapore’s nabbed 12 out of the 50 spots from the list. Want to know how to order like a pro at these top drinking spots? Read on!
It comes as no surprise that this lush establishment has kept its top spot as Asia’s best for the second year running. Reminiscent of a grand hotel bar, it’s easy to see how people are immediately enamoured by Manhattan’s old New York glamour and sophistication. But of course, what won the hearts of many is their phenomenal creations, meticulously crafted from the world’s first in-hotel rickhouse and the bar’s mindblowing treasure trove of house-made ingredients.
While the name of the place is a dead giveaway for the signature cocktail that reigns supreme, we find ourselves smitten by the classic Negroni and whisky-based Mad Dog.
Find it at 1 Cuscaden Road, Level 2, The Regent Singapore, A Four Seasons Hotel, Singapore 249715
Earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG
Asia’s #4: ATLAS
Atlas is probably one of the most gorgeous bars you’ll ever visit in Singapore, aptly located at the Gotham-esque Parkview Square. Decorated with ornate, neo-gothic interiors, vast lounge sofas, and a massive glass tower holding one of the largest collection of gin in Singapore, you won’t want to leave this space once you’ve set foot in it.
A visit to this speakeasy-inspired bar is a must and when you do, have yourself the signature Atlas Martini with orange bitters and Champagne vinegar. If you’re feeling a little fancy, try the Cecil Beaton, a herbaceous little gem comprising of rare Australian spiced dry gin, hibiscus water, Earl Grey tea and milk.
Find it at 600 North Bridge Road, Parkview Square, Singapore 188778
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Great drinks are made even better with amazing food, and Tippling Club does this to a tee. The edgy restaurant and bar in Tanjong Pagar exudes elegance and flair that extends from its interiors down to its creations. As a cult favourite among epicureans, the bar is also known for its innovative and ‘out-of-the-box’ take on gastronomy.
In the bar’s latest endeavour to create ‘the world’s first edible menu’, diners get to experience specially scented gummy bears that represent 12 avant-garde cocktails that come with intriguing names like Baby, Happiness, and Lust. If that doesn’t pique your interests, we don’t know what will!
Find it at 38 Tanjong Pagar Rd, Singapore 088461
Earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG
“Open your eyes, beauty and inspiration are all around us. This is where we’re from, this is where we are. We don’t have to travel far. NATIVE is our home.”
With an introduction like that, how can one not sit up and take notice? Drawing inspiration from its surroundings, Native uses locally and regionally foraged ingredients in its cocktails which inevitably helps them stand out from the slew of bars that ride on the American speakeasy bandwagon.
Some of the more exotic ingredients you’ll find on the menu include jasmine blossom, turmeric leaves, tapioca, soursop, and – get ready for this one – weaver ants (you read that right). If you’re popping by to give their creations a try, we’d recommend the Ceylon Arrak that’s derived from coconut flower sap aged in Sri Lankan wood. If you’re feeling antsy to try something unique, leave your fears at the door and order Antz, a Thai rum-based drink that’s topped with ants on a frozen basil leaf.
Find it at 600 North Bridge Road, Parkview Square, Singapore 188778
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Those well-versed in the cocktail scene in Singapore wouldn’t need an introduction to this local speakeasy; 28 HongKong Street has long been a landmark destination for locals and visitors alike for its chill vibes and outstanding cocktails. While this establishment keeps everything on the down low – from the lack of online presence to its discreet entrance – many have gone through the trouble of hunting it down for a taste of what the team behind 28 has to offer – and boy, are you in for a ride.
One of the popular drinks here is the 6 Foot 7 Foot, a whirlwind of a drink filled with rum, cognac, rye, and absinthe with torched bananas. Prefer to keep it simple? You can’t go wrong with an Old Fashioned or Zaya Rum.
Find it at 28 Hongkong Street, Singapore 059667
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Joining the ranks of “prominent” hidden bars in Singapore comes Operation Dagger, a secretly successful drinkery that oozes minimalistic chic with its striking interior of raw concrete and rugged furniture, complete with bottles upon bottles of alcohol that line its shelves. Forget about the theatrics here – owner and head mixologist Luke Whearty helms the bar, whipping up some of the most innovative cocktails from house-made meads and house-infused spirits.
A creation that you must not miss include the Cabbage, a drink comprising of sous vide natural wine from fermented red cabbage with apple and rose. Better yet, go ‘omakase’ and try a flight of cocktails chosen especially for you by the bartender!
Find it at 7 Ann Siang Hill, #B1-01, Singapore 069791
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Much like its namesake, Gibson is just the type of place for non-conformists and those who aren’t afraid to venture into flavours of the unknown. The bar is also located in an old Singaporean shophouse, which adds to the charm of the place that most diners find themselves inevitably drawn to.
Besides the usual classics such as Old Fashioned and Whiskey Sour, we urge you to take a walk on the bold side and try more enticing concoctions such as the charcoal-based Sling it Back with jasmine-infused vodka, or even the famous Gibson which they’ve tweaked with a dash of sake vermouth and pickled ginger.
Find it at 18/20 Bukit Pasoh Road, Singapore 089832
Earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG
Since its addition to the local drinking scene in June 2016, Employees Only’s American appeal quickly won the hearts of many, earning its stripes as one of the most coveted names in the cocktail community. Visiting this speakeasy is similar to its New York counterpart: find the neon pink sign that flashes ‘psychic’, go beyond the fortune-teller’s lair, and enter a world of flavourful possibilities.
Complementing the mouth-watering array of light bites and hearty eats are the stellar tipples that guests come back for. Churning out classic cocktails and new signatures made from a hefty selection of boutique spirits, house-made syrups, tinctures, and other goodies, the drinks here are one of a kind. You’d want to try the EO Gimlet, where Perry’s Tot Navy Strength Gin is shaken with Employees Only Lime Cordial and served over ice. Simple, yet oh-so-satisfying.
Find it at 112 Amoy Street, Singapore 069932
Earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG
As their name suggests, ‘bespoke’ is the name of the game at this Ginza-style bar, and owner Daiki Kanetaka sees this through. From the interior space to its cocktails, everything here is carefully and meticulously crafted to ensure an experience that’s tailored to everyone and anyone that comes through D.Bespoke’s doors.
The bar houses an excellent selection of sherries, vintage rums, Armagnacs, and Calvados, so you know that you’re getting the real deal. Whether you prefer to stick to the conventional (and there’s nothing wrong with that) or if you’d like to leave it in the hands of those Kanetaka-san’s trusty team of bartenders, we guarantee you won’t be disappointed.
Find it at 2 Bukit Pasoh Road, 089816 Singapore
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Everything from its location in Ann Siang Hill to the drinks inspired by William Farquhar’s drawings of Singapore’s natural history exudes heritage at Nutmeg & Clove. Sip on exciting and innovative cocktails made with fresh local ingredients while taking in the luxe, old-world Chinese interior.
Classic cocktails become refreshingly familiar, infused with local flavours so that there’s a bit of Singapore in every drink. The menu has a cocktail for everyone, with drinks like the dark and intense Bayside, made with bay leaf-infused gin and spiced apples, to the sweet Call Me Old Fashion, which is light and coconutty and laced with fragrant pandan sugar.
Find it at 10A Ann Siang Hill, 069878 Singapore
Earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG
In this age of fancy, creative inventions jazzing up our drinks, the charming Jigger & Pony pays homage to the old-school simple pleasures of life: classic, timeless drinks that never go out of style. The bar’s jovial atmosphere is great for large parties and practically guarantees you’ll have a good time, so gather ’round the sleek bar and watch the bartender dole out your cocktails with 20th-century style and finesse.
You’ll only find vintage cocktails here, but the staff execute them to perfection. The Moscow Mule with ginger-infused vodka and ginger ale is a heartwarming and comforting favourite, while the Ramos Gin Fizz is a fragrant New Orleans treat that’s been widely loved since the 1880s.
Find it at 101 Amoy Street, 069921 Singapore
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Think big wooden barrels are only for wines? Think again! The Other Room is a spectacular hidden gem tucked away in the Marriott Hotel, and a leading bar in the use of cask-aged spirits. With more than 150 spirits aged in various wooden casks, each drink has layers and layers of flavours to create a truly unique experience. Have them on their own in a tasting flight, or try them in a carefully-crafted cocktail like the Old Fashioned Way, which featured sherry cask-finished rum.
The drinks are served with impeccable style as well, arriving in front of you in beautiful cups and decorations that are nothing short of works of art, all while you’re seated comfortably in the classy gold and black-themed interior.
Find it at 320 Orchard Road, Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel, Singapore 238865
Earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG
It’s the final week to score your promo codes with our Egg Hunt! Whip out your updated Chope app and try your luck by digging through our Most Instagrammable Guide. Plus, we’re going big this week with one giant golden egg worth 600 Chope-Dollars for the first 50 diners who manage to find and apply their promo codes. Good luck!
