Cover Photo: Butcher Boy

Quench your thirst with our bi-weekly recommendations of alcoholic tipples

Sitting inside a bar isn’t something that many of us have done in quite some time, but that’s precisely what you should do this week. With stay-home mandates slowly being lifted, many establishments are confidently opening up their doors to welcome the crowd back for happy hour. From seasoned oenophiles to prospective wine connoisseurs, there’s always a drink for everyone. Here’s our pick of creative cocktails, superb spirits and winning wines to chase those pandemic blues away.

Related: Rediscovering the Future of Singapore’s Dynamic Cocktail Scene 

1. Butcher Boy

Head down to Butcher Boy for classic cocktails, reimagined with a subtle touch of playful humour. Try Haw Yeah!, a unique conceptualisation of the classic Ramos Gin Fizz with basil-infused gin, spiced up with the fruity notes of mango and cucumber. Or perhaps take a chance with Holy Smokes, which is essentially a trendy pivot on the classic Old Fashioned with coffee-infused blended malt whisky,  redolent with the smokiness of applewood chips. Those looking for a touch of sweetness after dinner will adore Lucky No.7, made with a concoction of brandy, Kahlua & chocolate liqueur. The combination is subtle, with just the right amount of saccharinity. Not a fan of cocktails? The extensive beverage menu also offers a diverse selection of wines, sakes, beers, and not forgetting mocktails, for those into sobriety. Book here

Butcher Boy | 31 Keong Saik Rd, S(089138) | 6221 0668

2. Skai Bar

Set in an elegant and ultra-modern space overlooking the Singapore skyline, Skai Bar showcases a meticulously curated wine selection from the Old and New World, catering to a wide audience. With 15 different blends by the glass and over 60 wines by the bottle, guests will be spoiled for choice. Apart from an encyclopaedic collection of benchmark wines from Australia's most respected winemaker, Penfolds, Skai Bar’s offerings will also include wines of the New World including Napa Valley’s Stag’s Leap and Beaulieu Vineyard; Australia’s Wolf Bass and Coldstream Hills; and New Zealand’s Squealing Pig. Early to dinner? Head down to the sky-high bar and treat yourself to a pre-meal drink. Guests can enjoy handcrafted cocktails such as Whiskey Sour, Kir Royale and Cosmopolitan while basking in the stunning backdrop of the setting sun. Book here.

Skai
Contemporary   |   $ $ $   |  

Swissôtel The Stamford, Level 70, 2 Stamford Road, S(178882)

Website Website
Call Call

3. Jekyll & Hyde

Known for serving craft cocktails with a twist, Jekyll & Hyde’s house signatures and new creations promise to intrigue and delight. Crowd favourites include the off-menu Mr. Bean, local Lau Ban beancurd vodka-based cocktail and the addictive mixed berry yoghurt Sakura Spring, a gin-based cocktail. For daytime drinking, select lighter, more refreshing cocktails such as the Lychee Martini, a sweet cocktail that still packs a punch without being excessively cloying. Or consider having the cleverly named Grape Expectations (that will certainly surpass any you have), made with premium Roku Gin, Kyoho grape liqueur and lime. Jekyll & Hyde also offers special kits to deck out your home bar if you prefer to DIY your cocktails. Book here.

Jekyll & Hyde | 74 Neil Rd, S(088839 ) | 8940 2450

4. Rise Restaurant

Tatler Asia

Marina Bay Sands’ all-day restaurant Rise has a fresh beverage line-up that boasts a splendid range of locally inspired cocktails and heritage wines. Delight in creative tipples such as the impressive Cendol Colada featuring Barcardi white rum, house-made pineapple gula melaka syrup, cendol jelly and red bean, or hark back to classics like the Singapore Sling. Adventure-seekers can try the Sambal Mary, a spicy vodka-based cocktail spiked with sambal belacan, tomato juice, and served with a side of fried anchovies and peanuts. For a simple, breezy drink, the Cincau Sago, an elevated version of the ubiquitous soya milk and grass jelly drink with pineapple gula melaka syrup is an instant crowd-pleaser. Book here.

Rise Restaurant | 10 Bayfront Avenue, Marina Bay Sands Tower 1 Hotel Lobby, S(018972) | 6688 5525

 

 

5. Long Bar

There can be no cocktail in Singapore as iconic as the Singapore Sling, which was first created by Hainanese bartender Ngiam Tong Boon in 1915 when he was working at Long Bar. Since its conception, the drink has gained a cult following among locals and foreigners. This week marks the start of Slingology, a year-long festivity that will have bartenders from Singapore’s top cocktail bars assume guest shifts at Long Bar. Every last Sunday of the month, a new guest bartender will present his own interpretation of the Singapore Sling, together with his other creations. The drinks will be available for the entire month until the next takeover. As a bonus, each order of the original Singapore Sling or the spin entitles guests to another complimentary Singapore Sling. From now till August 31. Book here.

Long Bar | 328 North Bridge Rd, #02-01, Raffles Arcade, S(188719) | 6221 0668

Topics