As they say, new year, new you, and if you’ve resolved for 2023 to be the year you try something new – drinks and all, keep scrolling.
2022 saw many newcomers to the local bar scene, and they have proven to be formidable players here to stay. With innovative concepts, cocktails that taste even better than they look and more, you’re in for a real treat! Here’s a guide to our recommended drinking spots, new and familiar ones alike.
1. Caffe Fernet – Italian concept with stunning city views
Jigger & Pony’s bayfront Italian resto-bar is an excellent spot for date nights. The picturesque city skyline and cosy ambience set a romantic mood, and the scrumptious Italian fare and meticulously created tipples are the cherries on top of a perfect date night. Of course, it’s also a great hangout spot for drinks after work too!
Our Pick: Hazelnut Manhattan | Maker’s Mark 46 Bourbon Whisky, hazelnut liqueur, 80% dark chocolate. Take a bit of the chocolate truffle from FOSSA, followed by a sip of the cocktail for the full experience. Punchy, with a lingering nutty sweetness and incredibly well-balanced.
Address: Customs House | 70 Collyer Quay, #01-05, Singapore 049323
Opening Hours: Mon – Thu (5pm – 11pm), Fri – Sun (12pm – 11pm)
Nearest MRT Station: Raffles Place MRT
Reservations: +(65) 9178 1105
Website | Instagram | Facebook
2. WILD Distillery @ Brozeit – Sip on German prized whisky
When you think of Brotzeit, you think of their biers, but did you know they introduced the Alpine Spirits Sampler premium spirits platter on their menu last year? You can now try a selection of spirits from the No. 1 selling whiskey brand in Germany SLYRS Bavarian Whisky Distillery, the most awarded distillery in the Black Forest since 1855, WILD Distillery and more.
Each platter comes with a selection of whiskies, rum, gin and fruit schnapps (choose four), and four nibbles – Pork Cracklings, Smoked Trout with Cucumber Salad, Bierbeisser & Gherkin and Sliced Nürnberger with Sauerkraut.
Locations: https://brotzeit.co/contact-us/
Reservations: https://brotzeit.co/reservation/
Website | Instagram | Facebook
3. Tapout Craft Beers – Craft beer paradise in the east
This is the watering hole for craft beers in the East, and if you haven’t been, this is your sign to. With over 20 taps of craft beers from Singapore and all over the world – think England, Australia, Vietnam, New Zealand and more, you’ll be spoilt for choice, especially so when the taps change every now and then.
This is also one craft beer bar that takes its grub seriously, and you won’t be disappointed with its hearty Asian-inspired dishes. They also make a mean Wagyu Burger that’s *chef’s kiss*
Address: 103 East Coast Rd, Singapore 428797 (Opposite Katong I12)
Opening Hours: Tues – Fri (3pm – 12am), Sat – Sun (12pm – 12am), Closed on Mon
Nearest MRT Station: Eunos MRT / Dakota MRT
Reservations: Click here
Website | Instagram | Facebook
4. Nemesis – Cocktail bar nestled in Duxton Hill
Take a walk up to the wild side of Duxton Hill, Nemesis. Brought to you by the team behind Junior the Pocket Bar, this cheeky spot serves up hearty and flavourful Italian pizzas and bites. You’ll also find a selection of natural wines, beers, seltzers, and well-crafted signature cocktails and twists on classic Martinis.
Address: 37 Duxton Hill, Singapore 089615
Opening Hours: Mon, Thurs – Sat (6pm – 12am), Sun (12pm – 3.30pm)
Nearest MRT Station: Outram Park MRT / Maxwell MRT
Reservations: Click here
Website | Instagram | Facebook
5. CHIVAS – Collaboration with Blackpink’s LISA
2022 saw the launch of Blackpink’s LISA as its first-ever female brand ambassador from Asia, as well as the launch of the Chivas XV and more. You can now get your hands on the uniquely rich and complex limited edition Chivas 18 x LISA, available at select retailers and supermarkets.
The 5th edition of Chivas Regal’s The Winning Seat has returned,
with the launch of the brand’s new club, Regal F.C. This campaign is inspired by football clubs, and from now until 20 Feb 2023, you can login to the virtual world to play interactive games with weekly prizes and grand prizes worth up to $45,000. This also includes 5 club jerseys signed by Manchester United First-Team players!
To participate, you just need to purchase a bottle of Chivas Regal 12, which comes with a code that can be entered on the campaign’s website for prizes. Find out more here.
6. Quaich Bar Wanderlust – Opens till 2AM on Fri & Sat
The perfect spot for imbibers and globe-trotters to escape to different corners of the world with each cocktail at Quaich Bar Wanderlust. The whimsical yet cosy space makes for a great spot to catch up with friends over a few drinks and is an inviting space for those new to whisky and cocktails too. Each cocktail is inspired by the elements and flavours of a country, so buckle up and take your tastebuds on an adventure!
Our Pick: Roses Are Red, Grapes Are Green | This is a gin lover’s dream – made with three different gins (Nordes, Hendricks and The Lakes Elderflower), Italian Bergamot Liqueur, Sauvignon Blanc, Citrus and a splash of Soda. It’s exactly as you imagine it would taste, sweet, refreshing, fruity and floral; an excellent drink to kick off the night with.
Address: InterContinental Hotel | 80 Middle Rd, Level 1, Singapore 188966
Opening Hours: Sun – Thurs (6pm – 1am), Fri & Sat (6pm – 2am)
Nearest MRT Station: Bugis MRT
Reservations: Click here
7. Wa-En Wagyu Yakiniku – Wagyu Fat-Washed Cocktail
Hong Kong Michelin-guide awardees Wa-En Wagyu Yakiniku recently opened their first outlet in Singapore and it’s a haven for beef lovers. They specialise in premium Miyazaki wagyu beef and high-quality meats at pocket-friendly prices and are also home to the first Wa-en Bar! The bar menu includes a range of old and new world wines and Scotch, Japanese and Singaporean whiskies, plus some signature cocktails you need to try.
Our Pick: Miyazaki Wagyu Fat-Washed Old Fashioned | Made with fat-washed Miyazaki oil, Suntory whisky old, Okinawan brown sugar syrup, Angostura bitter and then garnished with Aburi Miyazaki Wagyu. This decadent tipple was well-balanced with the right amount of bitters to cut through the richness of the wagyu. So good, you’ll have to try it for yourself!
P.s. Get the Wagyu Saikoro Steak with Cold Chawanmushi & Foie Gras ($38), Uni & Ikura on Truffle Inaniwa Cold Udon ($25) too!
Address: Jewel, Singapore Changi Airport | 78 Airport Boulevard, #01-224, Singapore 819666
Opening Hours: Mon – Sun (11am – 10pm)
Nearest MRT Station: Changi Airport MRT
Reservations: Click here
Website | Instagram | Facebook
8. Kiwami Ramen & Gyoza Bar – Situated in Jewel Changi
Check our Kiwami’s 4th outlet at a Jewel that boasts a brand-new menu with premium and locally-inspired dishes – think Lobster Laksa Ramen ($38), Chilli Crab Gyoza ($12) and more. In addition, the bar menu is focused on craft cocktails and craft beers from Japan and Singapore. You’ll also realise the cocktails have a Singaporean twist, with familiar flavours such as Pandan and Chendol.
Our Pick: Farewell 65 | Aptly named, as the outlet is in the airport. It’s made with Chita whisky, dry sake, maraschino, lemon juice and a splash of draft beer. Light and refreshing.
Address: Jewel, Singapore Changi Airport | 78 Airport Boulevard, #01-225, Singapore 819666
Opening Hours: Mon – Sun (11am – 10pm), Mon-Fri (closed between 4pm to 5pm)
Nearest MRT Station: Changi Airport MRT
Website | Instagram | Facebook
9. Origin Bar – Located in Shangri-La Singapore Hotel
The iconic Origin Bar located in Shangri-la Hotel just launched the fourth edition of their beverage menu in December, conceptualised around a journey of discovery through time. Each tipple was inspired by an invention in time or a dream of an era. Expect bold flavours, whimsical visuals and elements and unique experiences such as getting a prescription for a cocktail… You’ll find out soon enough 😉 Well, we expect nothing less from the brilliant minds at Origin Bar! A must-visit for those new to cocktails and imbibers alike.
Our Pick: Star was P*rn | Passionfruit & vanilla distilled T&T vodka, Blanc de blanc verjus cordial, white chocolate, champagne and a lipstick that we were tempted to bring home. Love Handles was exceptional too (never thought we’d ever say that about love handles). There’s something about putting torched meat on top of a cocktail… and we’re totally here for it. Made with The Botanist gin, rosé, white port, strawberry, pink himalayan salt, bacon and addiction (they’re not kidding).
Address: Shangri-La Singapore | Lobby Level, Tower Wing, 22 Orange Grove Rd, Singapore 258350
Opening Hours: Tues – Sun (5.30pm – 1am), Closed on Mon
Nearest MRT Station: Orchard MRT / Newton MRT
Reservations: Click here
10. Putien – Collaboration with Shang Yangtai Cultural Baijiu
Singapore-founded Chinese restaurant brand Putien has launched a premium Jiang-flavoured baijiu in collaboration with award-winning Chinese baiju expert Shang Yang Tai.
Also named “Shang Yang Tai“, this elegant expression is reminiscent of classic Moutai notes – savoury herbs and mushrooms with heady aromas. Yet as the taste lingers on your palate, you taste a mild sweetness and elegance, and it mellows out with a pleasant lingering aftertaste. Priced at $79 (100ml) and $379 (500ml), available at Putien outlets.
Locations: Click here
Website | Instagram | Facebook
11. Kabuke – Year of the Rabbit Sake with 24K Gold Flakes
Kabuke is a hidden sake sanctuary in the CBD, boasting an extensive selection of sakes from prefectures across Japan and especially from small breweries. They’re also known for their umami-packed menu featuring signature wagyu dishes, super fresh seafood and decadent bites that of course, go well with sake.
P.s. It’s not too late to get your hands on the “Year of the Rabbit sake” ($148++) by Katsuyama brewery, a smooth and elegant Junmai Daiginjo with notes of peach and melon, and 24K gold leaf flakes. Discounts of up to 25% off before 5th February.
Address: 200A Telok Ayer Street, Singapore 068638
Opening Hours: Mon – Fri (12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 11pm), Sat & PH (6pm – 11pm), Closed on Sun
Nearest MRT Station: Telok Ayer MRT
Reservations: Click here
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