Singapore shines as a global hub for creative drinks, with eight venues ranking in Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2023. From vegan mixology to rare spirits, the scene offers unforgettable experiences for every taste.
We curated this list based on awards, unique concepts, and critic reviews. Featured spots include Analogue, known for plant-based creations, and Atlas, home to a legendary gin tower. Newcomers like Sago House and eco-conscious pioneers like Native also made the cut.
Key Takeaways
- Singapore boasts eight ranked venues in Asia’s top 50 drinking destinations.
- Selection highlights vegan options, rare spirits, and hidden speakeasies.
- Featured spots combine awards with unique themes and atmospheres.
- Includes both iconic bars and fresh, sustainable newcomers.
- Local critic reviews helped shape the final picks.
Introduction: Discovering Singapore’s Vibrant Cocktail Scene
Once known for strict alcohol laws, the city now leads Asia’s cocktail culture with bold creativity. Over 150 craft venues dot the streets, from hidden speakeasies to rooftop gems. Time Out crowned it “Best Bar City” in 2022—a nod to its unstoppable energy.
What sets the scene apart? Pioneers like Analogue and Native redefine sustainability with zero-waste techniques. Others weave heritage into every sip, using spices like cardamom or tropical fruits. Local ingredients like pandan and kaya add a distinct twist to classic recipes.
Here’s how trends stack up:
| Trend | Example | Why It Stands Out |
|---|---|---|
| Zero-Waste Bars | Upcycled garnishes, house-made syrups | Reduces environmental impact |
| Heritage-Inspired | Tea-infused spirits, rempah blends | Celebrates local flavors |
By day, Singapore thrives as a business hub. By night, it transforms into a playground for adventurous drinkers. Whether you crave artisanal gin or experimental concoctions, the city delivers.
1. Analogue: A Vegan Cocktail Experience
Step into a world where sustainability meets mixology at Analogue. This eco-conscious bar turns heads with its recycled plastic countertop and plant-based cocktail creations. Founder Vijay Mudaliar, a 2022 Sustainable Bar Award winner, proves that luxury and ethics can blend seamlessly.
Zero-Waste Philosophy
Analogue operates on a closed-loop system, recycling 98% of its waste. Ingredients like prickly pear and spirulina replace traditional mixers, reducing environmental impact. Even the aloe vera-infused “Cactus” cocktail uses upcycled garnishes.
Exquisite Vegan Dishes
The menu pairs drinks with bold flavors, like jackfruit tacos spiced with rempah (S$25). Staff wellness programs ensure smooth service, reflecting the venue’s holistic ethos. Partnering with Native for local sourcing, Analogue sets a new standard for sustainable nightlife.
2. Atlas: Art Deco Luxury and Rare Spirits
Elevate your night out at Atlas, where art deco grandeur meets the world’s largest gin collection. This award-winning venue transports guests to the glamour of the 1920s, complete with a 15-meter bronze tower housing 1,300+ spirits. From Brazilian Amazonian varieties to pre-Prohibition rarities, every bottle tells a story.
The Iconic Gin Tower
The centerpiece is the towering Pouring Tales-featured gin display, a shimmering homage to craft distilling. Guests can join gin masterclasses (S$150/pax) to explore vintage recipes or customize a G&T with 40+ tonics and garnishes. The 2023 Best Bar Design Award winner also hides a playful secret—a lobby champagne vending machine.
Sophisticated Ambiance
Dress codes enforce smart casual elegance (no shorts after 7pm), matching the venue’s art deco mastery. High ceilings and velvet banquettes create a timeless vibe, while staff expertly guide patrons through the world-class collection. It’s a tribute to both history and innovation.
| Experience | Details | Why It’s Unique |
|---|---|---|
| Gin Tower | 1,300+ bottles, 15m tall | Largest display in Asia |
| Masterclasses | S$150 per person | Hands-on historic recipes |
3. Last Word: Classic Cocktails with Japanese Precision
Tucked above Nutmeg & Clove, Last Word brings Tokyo’s cocktail finesse to Singapore. This intimate hideaway, revealed by Pouring Tales, channels the discipline of a Japanese bartender into every glass. The 22-stool space feels like a secret shared only with connoisseurs.
Traditional Japanese Bar Style
Silent service respects the bartender’s craft—no idle chatter, just meticulous preparation. Ice spheres are hand-carved from filtered local water, melting at the perfect pace. The omakase pairing menu (S$120) lets guests surrender to the experts, with aged brandied cherries adding depth to each drink.
Focus on Classic Cocktails
Expect reinventions, like a Bloody Mary with Haku vodka and wasabi—a nod noted by Time Out. The classic recipes shine brightest, though, using house-infused spirits and precise measurements. Limited seating ensures every guest gets undivided attention, making it a sanctuary for purists.
4. Jigger & Pony: A Mixology Masterpiece
On Tanjong Pagar Road, a legendary name in mixology continues to redefine modern drinking culture. Jigger & Pony earned its Asia’s #1 Bar title in 2020 (Pouring Tales) with a 72-page “Smash” menu that surprises even seasoned connoisseurs. Their lycheetini—a Time Out favorite—showcases how tradition meets playful innovation.
Innovative Cocktail Menu
Heat-adjustable drinks let guests choose spice levels (1-5 chili rating) for personalized experiences. The signature barrel-aged negroni program ages batches in oak for 90 days, deepening flavors. Seasonal collaborations with Michelin chefs produce bar snacks like truffle popcorn that perfectly complement the craft creations.
Stylish and Warm Atmosphere
Brass fixtures and caramel leather stools create a cozy yet polished vibe. Weekday happy hours (5-7pm) offer classics for S$16, while the Chope app handles reservations 30 days ahead. Staff remember regulars’ preferences, making every visit feel like coming home.
- Must-try: Smoked pineapple margarita with chili salt rim
- Pro tip: Book the counter for front-row mixology action
- Hidden gem: Ask about off-menu vintage spirits
5. Sago House: The New Kid on the Block
Fresh energy pulses through Sago House, where exposed pipes frame a lively crowd sipping market-inspired creations. This industrial-chic hotspot, praised by Time Out for its no-reservations policy, thrives on spontaneity. Weekly menu changes reflect whatever ingredients chefs snatch from local markets—think turmeric-infused rum or jackfruit syrups.
Buzzing and Loud Atmosphere
Steel beams and Edison bulbs set the stage for monthly DJ battles that shake the walls. The rule here? No photos after 10pm—a nod to living in the moment. Regulars crowd around the central bar, shouting orders over bass-heavy tracks.
Daily Specials and Young Crowd
The Pouring Tales-featured “Luck Dip” (S$18) delivers a surprise new cocktail daily—bartenders might hand you a smoked pineapple sour or a chili-spiked martini. Weekends stretch until 2am, with themed nights like “Agave Sundays” drawing a hip, under-30 crowd.
| Day | Highlight | Vibe |
|---|---|---|
| Weekdays | Happy hour drafts (S$12) | Chatty, relaxed |
| Weekends | Guest DJs until 2am | High-energy, packed |
- Must-try: “Luck Dip” mystery drink—bartenders customize based on your preferences.
- Pro tip: Arrive before 8pm to snag a booth.
- Hidden gem: Ask about off-menu market experiments.
6. Native: Sustainable and Locally Sourced Mixology
On Amoy Street, a bar redefines eco-conscious drinking with ant larvae wax and foraged herbs. Native, a sustainable pioneer, turns Pulau Ubin’s wild plants into avant-garde creations. Time Out applauds its zero-waste ethos, from recycled fishing-net uniforms to carbon-negative operations.
Regional Ingredients
The “Farm to Shaker” program sources kaffir lime and butterfly pea flowers from Kranji growers. Foraged finds like wild pepper and jungle figs add bold flavors. Even garnishes use ant larvae wax—a technique featured in Pouring Tales.
Seasonal Cocktail Menu
Winter brings ant-infused gin (Nov-Feb), while monsoon months spotlight tamarind shrubs. Pairing dinners with Labyrinth restaurant elevate the experience. The table below highlights rotating specialties:
| Season | Signature Drink | Key Ingredient |
|---|---|---|
| Dry Season | Jungle Negroni | Wild cinnamon bark |
| Monsoon | Tamarind Sour | Palm sugar syrup |
Staff guide guests through each ingredient’s origin, blending education with indulgence. It’s more than a bar—it’s a tribute to Singapore’s ecosystems.
7. Republic Bar: A Tribute to the 1960s
The Ritz-Carlton hides a retro gem—Republic Bar celebrates the golden age of pop culture. Inside, a chandelier-lit space channels vintage glamour, with cocktails named after icons like Hendrix and Warhol. Time Out raves about the Mondrian drink, its colors mirroring a YSL mini-dress from 1965.
Vintage Pop-Culture Inspired Cocktails
Original 1965 Collins shakers craft drinks like the Warhol (S$24), a bourbon sour with silk-screened citrus garnish. The menu nods to art and music, even serving espresso martinis in vinyl-shaped coasters. For a splurge, the caviar trolley offers Siberian sturgeon roe (S$150 supplement).
Luxurious Hotel Setting
Located in the hotel’s lobby, Republic blends intimacy with Ritz-Carlton grandeur. A hidden door reveals a listening room with 500+ records—think Beatles and Motown. Saturdays enforce 60s attire; forget your bell-bottoms, and you’ll miss the live jazz.
- Must-try: “Hendrix Experience” with purple haze tea-infused gin.
- Pro tip: Book the vinyl room for private tastings.
- Hidden gem: Ask for the off-menu “Mad Men” old-fashioned.
8. Cat Bite Club: A Speakeasy with a Twist
Behind an unassuming coffee shop lies a secret worth discovering—Cat Bite Club. Enter through Monument Coffee (Time Out’s tip) to find a neon-lit den where agave and rice spirits take center stage. Helmed by Jesse Vida (ex-Atlas, per Pouring Tales), this speakeasy blends mischief with mixology mastery.
Agave and Rice Spirit-Based Drinks
Over 40 mezcal varieties from Oaxaca line the shelves, alongside Korean makgeolli in the “Soju Sprint” cocktail. The team ferments local rice into unique bases, like a clarified milk punch with jasmine tea. Taco Tuesdays pair S$10 margaritas with spicy pulled jackfruit—no reservation needed.
Fun and Casual Vibes
Weekly password drops on Instagram stories unlock entry, adding to the playful vibe. A neon photo booth with retro props keeps the energy high, while DJ sets (Fri–Sat) amp up the crowd. The table below captures the essentials:
| Feature | Details | Why It’s Unique |
|---|---|---|
| Mezcal Selection | 40+ bottles, small-batch | Largest in Singapore |
| Soju Sprint | Makgeolli, yuzu, soda | Korean-inspired twist |
- Must-try: “Smoke Signals” mezcal flight with chili salt rim.
- Pro tip: Arrive before 9pm to avoid the weekend rush.
- Hidden gem: Ask for the off-menu “Barrel-Aged Paloma.”
Conclusion: Raising a Glass to Singapore’s Cocktail Culture
With eight venues in Asia’s 50 Best rankings, the city proves its mastery of craft drinks. From plant-based mixology to rare gin collections, each spot offers a unique experience worth savoring.
Venture beyond tourist hubs to discover hidden gems. Emerging trends like AI-crafted drinks and edible garnishes push boundaries. Local ingredients continue to inspire bold new flavors.
For smooth visits, use apps like Booky for last-minute deals. Mark your calendar for May’s annual festival—a celebration of the vibrant cocktail culture. This curated list is just the beginning of your exploration.
