Give that big ol’ festive dinner a miss and go bar-hopping instead. Here are four of our favourites watering holes and why you should pay them a visit.

Even though festive cheer in Singapore is never in short supply, New Year revellers sometimes think twice about hitting the streets during this period—to go out or not to go out, that is the question. If it isn’t about the maddening crowds or the incessant noise, then its the potential drama that surely unfolds, or those dark circles from too many late nights. What is the best way to enjoy the festivities with a drink (or five)? Well fret not, because with a little advanced planning, no matter the choice of tipple, you could definitely have your cocktail and drink it too.

Tatler Asia
Above Photo: Smoke & Mirrors

7.00PM: Smoke & Mirrors
Sunset cocktails never get old. With a panoramic view of the city dominating this posh rooftop bar at the National Gallery, there is no chance at all that you would miss the moment when the sky turns from dusty pink to midnight blue. Apart from the staggering array of wines and whiskies, there are also signature cocktails as well as special festive editions, such as the Mulled Ole Merry made with port wine, spices, and spiced peach. Also, don't forget to dress to impress, if you want to stand a chance to enjoy a bottle of Perrier-Jouët champagne on the house.  

Call 9234 8122 or email to reserve@smokeandmirrors.com.sg

Tatler Asia
Above Photo: The Secret Mermaid

8.30PM: The Secret Mermaid
While your senses are still sharp, move on to this snazzy tasting room and bar. Located at the business district, it has a massive collection of American craft spirits, some of which can be found in a trio of festive cocktails. Our top pick: The refreshing Mad Mint Milo, for that mandatory year-end moment of nostalgia. It’s made with the chocolate and malt powder from our childhood and a cool Mad Mint Vodka from Washington. 

Closed on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. Email to drink@thesecretmermaid.com

Tatler Asia
Above Photo: Employees Only

10.00PM: Employees Only
It wouldn’t be right to not make a stop at this speakeasy-style bar. Since its opening in June this year, the long snaking line outside its doors has not stopped forming. And rightfully so, because gimmicky cocktails will never ever find their way to its drink menu. This time of the year, the closest you’ll get to those is Seventh Art, the new brainchild of the bar's principal bartender Steve Schneider that sees muddled popcorn shaken with Barcadi Carta Blanca Rum, yellow chartreuse and fresh lemon juice.

Call 6221 7357 or email to reservations@employeesonlysg.com

Tatler Asia
Above Photo: Regent Singapore

11.30PM: Manhattan
Strategically, your last stop for the night should be a bar in a hotel. If the point is to get fully liquored up by the end of the programme, book a room here ahead of time. Besides, Manhattan at Regent Singapore isn’t just any hotel bar. From its Rickhouse, you’ll find serious liquid gold—all aging bitters, cocktails and spirits—concealed inside more than 100 American oak barrels. More importantly, you and your friends can begin to wind down for the night inside one of the bar’s three retro-luxe private rooms (if you make a reservation). Park yourself on the plush velvety sofa and keep your glass filled with Ruinart Blanc de Blancs—or fill up on house-aged negroni.

Call 6725 3377 or email to manhattan.rsn@fourseasons.com

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