The Best Cocktail Bars in Singapore

With a population of just over 5 million, Singapore stands out for its impressive array of upscale cocktail bars.

One of its bars ranked No. 7 in the prestigious list of the world’s 50 best bars, following iconic cocktail cities like London and New York, and even a classic American-style bar in Sydney.

Singapore's sleek, contemporary skyline offers the perfect backdrop to showcase the artistry of the city's finest bartenders.

We’ve asked the top bartenders in the city to share their favorite cocktail and mocktail recommendations for those who prefer a non-alcoholic option.

Manhattan Bar

At Regent’s Manhattan Bar, Ashish Sharma demonstrated how to craft the Singapura Nacional, the winning cocktail from the Singapore Hotel Association’s ‘Toast to the Nation’ competition.

The competition aimed to create a drink that best represented the city as Singapore marked its 50th anniversary.

The winning cocktail is a fusion of two legendary drinks – the Hotel Nacional Special and the iconic Singapore Sling.

28 HongKong Street

28 HongKong Street ranked seventh on this year’s top 50 list and was named the best bar in Asia.

‘We may not be the most extravagant or the most conceptual bar in town, but it’s that personal touch that makes an impact and resonates with visitors from all over the world,’ said Joe Alessandroni, the bar’s creative director.

When asked about his drink recommendation, he suggested the Bird Machine, calling it a ‘modern twist on the classic Whiskey Smash.’

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Operation Dagger

If you look carefully, you’ll discover the entrance to Operation Dagger, where creative director Luke Whearty is busy crafting inventive cocktails, including the Bee Pollen, all under a dazzling array of light bulbs.

It features dark chocolate. Need we say more?

Nutmeg & Clove

Not far from here is Nutmeg & Clove, a bar that takes inspiration from the past, with its dark wooden interiors and rows of drawers that resemble an old Chinese herbal medicine shop.

Head bartender Sam Wong recommends the Golden Elixir, a drink created to relieve the discomfort caused by Singapore's haze situation.

It’s unclear whether it’s the gin or the chrysanthemum syrup that provides the most comfort.

Gibson

This bar’s signature drink combines gin and vermouth in a captivating mix, and is highly recommended by bar program director Aki Eguchi.

The Gibson is “stirred, not shaken, and comes with a trio of garnishes, including smoked tsukemono, smoked quail’s egg, and a house-pickled pearl onion.”

For those preferring a non-alcoholic option, the bar’s Lazy Morning Fizz substitute features cereal milk and is served in a milk bottle.

Gibson, Level 2, 20 Bukit Pasoh Road, Singapore 089832

Tess Bar & Kitchen

At Tess Bar & Kitchen, head bartender Steve Leong recommends the Longan Cup, their signature rum-based cocktail that features homemade longan syrup.

Steve Leong, recently crowned Diageo World Class Champion 2015 for South East Asia and Singapore, is affectionately known by the locals as 'Uncle Leong.'