Drinks by the class in Singapore
Singapore has earned its nightlife stripes year after year. While it may not be as debaucherous as Miami or Ibiza, what it may lack in craziness it makes up for in class.
There are the big clubs like Zouk and Avalon for those who want to party into the early hours; but the growing array of microbreweries, rooftop and bespoke cocktail bars makes the nightlife unique.
Of course, as Asia’s business hub, these venues are also perfect for sealing that very important deal. One place to hit is N√©ktar, a cocktail bar with “bar chefs” ready to custom-craft a drink to your specifications, no matter how complex they are. Try their signatures like the N√©ktar Club amid a plush and chic setting that will certainly impress. Another great watering hole to visit is the ultra-modern Tippling Club located at Dempsey Hill. While you’re there, be sure to try its cocktail classics like the Rhum Diaries and Juniper Sling by award-winning mixologist Matthew Bax.
In the Central Business District (CBD), there are two gems to visit for that carefully concocted tipple. Martini lovers should drop in at Orgo, situated atop the Esplanade, for its impeccable specialities by renowned Japanese mixologist Tomoyuki Kitazoe. Then, there’s 28 Hong Kong Street, a reservation-required hotspot with a cult following of arty types, scenesters and chefs. While it might take an effort to find, thanks to the lack of signage, you’ll soon find that it’s well worth the search once you’re within its refined yet cosy space.
Innovative cocktails can also be found in the culturally rich Chinatown district, home to watering holes Drink Culture and Jigger & Pony. The former is a glamorous spot with an equally dazzling drinks list to match, while the latter is a charming and lively 70-seater which focuses on old school concoctions but also some updated classics.
If you are looking for a great sky dining experience, a good bet would be one of the many swanky rooftop bars, which offer picturesque views of the city. Rising above the rest is alfresco spot 1-Altitude, one of the highest in the world at 282 metres (63 storeys) above ground with unobstructed 360-degree views. Here, you can indulge in a drink as you take in a panoramic sweep of the CBD.
Ditto KU DÉ TA, located at Sands SkyPark at the Marina Bay Sands, for its private booths, spacious drinking patio and impressive view across the water. Its luxurious space, sophisticated vibe and first-class service is set to make you feel like a VIP.
Want to enjoy great scenery but not at such dizzying heights? Try Lantern, located on the seventh floor of The Fullerton Bay Hotel. Its elegant, Mediterranean-inspired space with panoramic views of the Marina Bay waterfront is inspiring, coupled with the occasional balmy sea breeze. Just next to the hotel you’ll find the conservation building of Customs House, home to modern Japanese bar Kinki on the second floor. Expect a groovy vibe here with its graffitied walls, cool drinks with an Asian twist and a beautiful crowd for people watching.
Nearby, Prelude atop the Fullerton Boathouse is also highly recommended for its wide variety of cool summer cocktails. Away from the bustling CBD district are Ying Yang and Loof. Styled like a modern resort and roosted atop boutique hotel The Club, Ying Yang offers a lively and upbeat vibe. It is a great place to unwind, especially on Fridays and Saturdays when it has resident DJs spinning.
Loof, on the other hand, is a quirky, timber-decked space surrounded by tropical vegetation, with a small pop-up store near the entrance selling old school knick-knacks and souvenirs. The localised food and drink menus are a refreshing alternative to the standard bar grub and tipples.
For those who relish ice-cold pints at the end of the day, the city is also replete with microbreweries and a myriad of craft beer options that provide drinking experiences as inspiring as any other. There’s LeVel33, officially the world’s highest urban craft-brewery in the penthouse of Marina Bay Financial Centre. Its small but excellent range of beers stays true to European brewing traditions. German beer fans should not miss Paulaner Br√§uhaus, a high-ceilinged, three-storey microbrewery that delights with its warm country-styled d√©cor and delectable Munich lagers. Or try some artisanal Japanese brews at JiBiru Japanese Craft Beer Bar, which has Hitachino Nest ales and Sapporo premium lagers on tap alongside guest beers from Shiga Kogen.
For riverside views and more great brews, head over to the Singapore River. Here, craft beer stalwart Brewerkz offers excellent standards like the golden ale and oatmeal stout, alongside interesting, experimental seasonals. Also check out RedDot BrewHouse, whose steel-structured glass roof lets you knock back unique brews like the spirulina-infused Monster Green Lager under the stars. At sQue Rotisserie & Alehouse, you’ll find a remarkable beer list of over 200 international beers from Belgium, Germany, the UK, the US, Australia, New Zealand, India and more.
Game for the unexpected? Then be sure to check out The Good Beer Company, a hawker stall in Chinatown Complex that stocks over 50 different beers and ciders from countries like Taiwan and the US. Its impressive range of brews—some exclusive to the place—makes up for the not-so-posh location. And hey, it’s certainly a memorable experience pairing your beer with local hawker fare for a change. With such diverse drinking experiences available all over Singapore, you’ll be hard-pressed to find reasons to call it a day early.
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