History of Cocktails

Dating back to the 18th century, cocktail mixes originally included spirits, bitters, water and sugar as a morning pick-me-up for guests in pubs and taverns.

Far from their simple origins, cocktails have transformed into a modern art form. The explosion of cocktail bars and innovative mixology techniques showcase the ever-evolving cocktail scene that caters to increasingly refined palates.

Cocktail from one of the best cocktail bars in Singapore

Cocktail Bars in Marina Bay Sands

Aside from award-winning restaurants, Marina Bay Sands also boasts an impressive repertoire of top cocktail bars in Singapore. From playful creations to classic cocktails like the Singapore Sling, these cocktail bars are sure to please the most discerning palate.

Wakuda Restaurant & Bar

Experience the bustling alleyways of Golden Gai in Shinjuku, with Wakuda’s light and refreshing highballs and specialty cocktails that blend traditional Japanese spirits with contemporary flair for a drinking experience like no other.

Featuring a series of invigorating and crisp flavours – Apple, Shiso and Ginger, their range of highballs are a creative rendition that perfectly complements the cuisine served at this Japanese restaurant and bar. For the discerning palate, the Stone, Water, Plants cocktail offers a complex and nuanced flavours. Combining Sui Gin, Shiso, green tea and cucumber tonic this refreshing libation is perfect for the modern palate.

 

Cocktails from Wakuda, one of the best cocktail bars in Singapore

LAVO Italian Restaurant & Rooftop Bar

Step into one of the finest cocktail bars in Singapore and discover a curated collection of handcrafted cocktails.

Indulge in the cocktail bar’s signature creation, Voila’ Viola, a floral and fruity cocktail that captures the elegance of a garden in bloom. This exquisite blend of blueberry-infused Grey Goose Vodka, Violet Liqueur and Benedictine DOM creates a layered experience that is both smooth and aromatic. Infused with a zesty burst of lemon and lime, the cocktail awakens the senses through delicate floral notes and ripe berries, complemented by the subtle undertones of honeyed sweetness and a hint of citrus.

 

Cocktails from Lavo, a top cocktail bar in Singapore

Maison Boulud by Daniel Boulud

Featuring a wonderful spread of artisanal French cuisine, Maison Boulud by Daniel Boulud complements its menu with cocktail mixes that capture the essence of culinary savoir-faire.

Patrons who appreciate cocktail classics with a playful twist can opt for the Clarifie Negroni, one of the best negronis in Singapore. Featuring Bombay Gin and Campari, for a silky-smooth mouthfeel, and Antica Formula for a rich flavour profile, this sophisticated and refined cocktail offers a new perspective on the classic negroni. Discover Alfresco Hour, a delightful experience every Monday to Thursday, and savour a collection of cocktails, beers and wines as you soak in breathtaking waterfront views.

 

Cocktail from a top cocktail bar in Singapore, Maison Boulud

Waku Ghin by Testuya Wakuda

Experience an evening of zen in Waku Ghin’s haven of opulent tranquillity with a handcrafted cocktail by their expert mixologists.

Top off your meal at this Michelin-starred restaurant with Alexander, a digestive cocktail made with Brandy, Cream and Cacao Liqueur. The drink boasts a velvety, smooth mouthfeel and a rich, bitter cocoa finish, a delightful contrast to the hearty flavours of the menu that perfectly refresh your palate. Those seeking a more adventurous cocktail experience can opt for the Negroni Spumare., With a sharper acidity kick and a bubbly mouthfeel unlike a classic negroni , it is a refreshing and exhilarating cocktail that will leave you wanting more.

 

Bartender pouring cocktail at Waku Ghin, one of the best cocktail bars in Singapore

Bread Street Kitchen by Gordon Ramsay

Classic English fare gets no better than Bread Street Kitchen’s hearty menu of English favourites, like the classic Sunday Roast, and delightful cocktails that are sure to deliver an extraordinary gastronomic experience.

Admire the breathtaking waterfront view as you indulge in the iconic Ramsay’s Sling, a refreshing cocktail that echoes the classic Singapore Sling. The cocktail infuses pineapple and lime for a vibrant fruity profile reminiscent of the classic, while retaining the cherry top note with Maraschino for a sweet, boozy kick that delivers a welcome respite in Singapore’s tropical heat.

 

Cocktail from Bread Street Kitchen, a top cocktail bar in Singapore

Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beers

Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer pulses with the lively, eclectic energy of NYC, where one can feast on an endless supply of burgers, cocktails, and craft beers to keep the good times rolling.

Discover a refreshing twist on the classic sugar cane juice with Uncle Mike’s Sugar Cane Juice, a signature cocktail that is a tropical paradise in every sip. Crafted with dark rum, sugar cane juice, ginger and lemon, this invigorating cocktail offers a harmonious blend of sweet, tart and spicy flavours. Alternatively, elevate your Ladies Night with Wednesday We Wear Pink, a vibrant cocktail with a touch of bubbly lightness. Featuring limoncello, raspberry and Chambord, this effervescent concoction offers a zesty citrus flavour with a hint of berry sweetness.

 

Black Tap, a restaurant with one of the best cocktails in Singapore

CUT by Wolfgang Puck

Headed by celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck, the culinary virtuoso is not just a master of the culinary arts, but also an excellent cocktail alchemist.

A signature at this cocktail bar in Singapore is Rough Love, a crisp and refreshing blend with light, floral notes and a citrusy punch. At its heart lies a delicate balance of Japanese Shiso Umeshu which brings a subtle sweetness and a hint of plum. Topped off with a dash of champagne and Tanqueray, this captivating libation offers a harmonious meld of fruity and floral notes perfect for an evening of drinks.

 

Cocktails and Sliders from CUT, one of the best places for cocktail in Singapore

KOMA Singapore

Experience the bustling alleyways of Golden Gai in Shinjuku at Wakuda, an omakase restaurant in Singapore. Pair your dining experience with refreshing highballs and specialty cocktails that blend traditional Japanese spirits with contemporary flair for a drinking experience like no other.

 

Cocktail from KOMA, the best bar for cocktails in Singapore

Mott 32 Singapore

Blending traditional Chinese flavours with New York’s eclectic energy, Mott 32 embodies a daring culinary synthesis where East meets West.

Offering a diverse selection of cocktails to complement your meal at this Peking duck restaurant in Singapore, relish in Nashi, one of the cocktail bar’s signature blend. A light and refreshing drink with a unique blend of sweet, tart and herbaceous flavours, Nashi is concocted with pear sake, vodka, Thai basil and lemon to deliver an aromatic and zesty kick.

 

Cocktail from Mott 32, a restaurant with one of the best cocktails in Singapore

Spago Bar & Lounge

Chase the sunsets 57 storeys above the Singapore Strait with Spago Bar & Lounge’s handcrafted cocktails, expertly paired with gourmet bites.

Sip on the signature cocktail, Love You Long Time, a citrusy and refreshing drink reminiscent of summers that is perfect for warm evenings on the terrace. The Ketel One Vodka provides a neutral base for other flavours to shine through, while the sparkling sake, Thai basil and tangerine adds layers of addictive citrus notes that keeps patrons reaching for more.

 

Cocktail from Spago, the best cocktail bar in Singapore

Yardbird Southern Table & Bar

Founded by chef John Kunkel, Yardbird Southern Table & Bar brings the Southern charm to Singapore with authentic recipes and stunning cocktails inspired by Southern flavours.

Delight in the signature Blackberry Bourbon Lemonade, an ice-cold and refreshing alcoholic spin on the classic lemonade. Bursting with blackberry and citrusy notes, the drink packs a beautifully complex meld of fruity flavours infused with the Wild Turkey Bourbon’s warm caramel notes and manuka honey for a subtly sweet and tangy delight. With depth and complexity, the cocktail is a refreshing and invigorating cocktail that is a great choice for those who enjoy classic flavours but are looking for something a little more sophisticated.

 

Three different cocktails from Yardbird, one of the best places for cocktails in Singapore

CÉ LA VI Club Lounge & Rooftop Bar

Perched 57 floors atop Singapore’s luxurious integrated resort, CÉ LA VI Club Lounge & Rooftop Bar is one of the best cocktail bars in Singapore for an irresistible glass of libation.

Clink your glasses to sundown merrymaking with their Summer Love signature cocktail, a gin and prosecco-based drink for an ice-cold, thirst-quenching treat. The drink is infused with fresh thyme for an aromatic note, and Fresh Peach for a deliciously juicy peach note that captures the essence of summer nights in the city. Discover more rooftop bars and restaurants in Singapore.

 

Cocktail Bar at Ce La Vi

Dallas Cafe & Bar

Located along the Marina Bay promenade with an unobstructed view of Singapore’s iconic skyline, this is the perfect spot for a nighttime afterwork get-together with a wide array of exciting cocktails.

Patrons who prefer a refreshing cocktail can opt for the Yuzu Mojito, a zesty twist on the classic mojito. The addition of yuzu, a citrus fruit native to East Asia, offers a bright, tangy flavour which gives the cocktail a unique flavour profile. For a classic option, try the Mimosa, an intriguing mix of champagne and orange juice, while those who prefer a bold flavour can opt for Dark N Stormy, a full-bodied drink with complex caramel and flavours.

 

Two Cocktails in Dallas Cafe & Bar

Le Noir

Sip on cocktails by the bay at Le Noir, a live music bar overlooking the Singapore River with a laidback atmosphere perfect for after-work gatherings.

Beat the heat with a fizzy Cuba Libre, a satisfying concoction of White Rum, Coca Cola and Fresh Lime Juice for a refreshing pick-me-up. Patrons who prefer a cocktail classic can opt for their Mimosa, a light and citrusy option that reinvigorates the senses for the warm evening ahead.

 

Cocktail in Le Noir

Tips for Ordering a Cocktail

Though navigating a cocktail menu at the bar counter can be daunting, a well-informed approach to ordering cocktails can make your bar experience more enjoyable. Enhance your cocktail experience with these basic ordering terminology to communicate your preferences to the bartender.

Cocktails from the best cocktail bar in Singapore

Basic Cocktail Ordering Terminology

Familiarising yourself with common phrases used in cocktail making can make your bar experience more rewarding.

 

Common bartending terminologies:

  • On the rocks: Served iced
  • Neat: Served straight from the bottle without ice
  • Up: Shaken or stirred and strained without ice
  • Dry: Refers to a martini prepared with less vermouth
  • Dirty: Usually refers to a Martini with added olive brine, for a saltier character compared to a classic dry Martini
  • With a twist: A lemon or orange peel expressed over the drink and dropped in
Bartender preparing cocktail from Spago Bar & Lounge, a top cocktail bar in Singapore

Communicate Your Preferences

For those who are not familiar with cocktail menus and their customisations options simply communicate your preferences and dislikes to the bartender.

 

Whether you prefer a lighter or stronger drink, or have a desired level of sweetness or bitterness, the bartenders at the cocktail bars can craft a cocktail tailored to your taste.

Updated as of 13 Nov 2024