Cocktail Bar Guides

Cocktail bars in Singapore: what to expect

Singapore has a strong drinks scene, and cocktail bars in Singapore come in many styles. You can sip a classic in a grand colonial hotel. You can also find a small bar behind an unmarked door. Many bartenders use local flavours, so the menu often feels different from home. Drinks cost more than in many cities, because alcohol taxes are high. The legal drinking age is 18, and bars may ask for photo ID.

Types of cocktail bar

Grand hotel bars

Hotel bars are an easy first choice. They are comfortable, and the staff can usually make the classics well. The Singapore Sling, a gin-based drink, was first mixed at Raffles Hotel Singapore more than a century ago. Luxury hotels around the bay, such as The Fullerton Bay Hotel and Mandarin Oriental Singapore, are also good places to look for a hotel bar.

Speakeasy-style bars

A speakeasy is a bar with a hidden or low-key entrance. In Singapore, many sit in shophouses. A shophouse is a narrow old terrace building with a shop below and rooms above. Look for a plain door, a small sign or a doorbell. These bars are often small, so seats fill fast.

Restaurant bars

Some restaurants have a strong bar too, so you can eat and drink in one place.

• Atlas: European food in the Bugis and Kampong Glam area.
• Fu Lin Bar & Kitchen: modern Asian food in the Marina Bay and CBD area.
• Kinki Restaurant + Bar: Japanese food and drinks, also in the Marina Bay and CBD area.

What to order

• The Singapore Sling. A pink, fruity gin drink. It is the city's most famous cocktail.
• Local flavours. Look for pandan, a fragrant green leaf, and calamansi, a small sour lime. Gula melaka, a dark palm sugar, also turns up in drinks.
• The house list. Most good bars have their own signature drinks. Ask the bartender which ones are most popular.
• Low- and no-alcohol drinks. Many bars now make good alcohol-free cocktails. They are a smart choice between rounds.

Best areas for cocktail bars

• Chinatown and Tanjong Pagar. Shophouse streets such as Keong Saik Road, Club Street and Amoy Street have many small bars. See Tanjong Pagar & Keong Saik, and book dinner nearby from Restaurants in Chinatown & Tanjong Pagar.
• Kampong Glam. Bars and cafés line the lanes around Kampong Glam & Haji Lane. This is the historic heart of the Malay and Muslim community, so keep noise down near Sultan Mosque.
• Marina Bay and the CBD. Hotel bars and lounges on high floors look out over the water.
• Along the river. Boat Quay and Clarke Quay are busier and livelier, with many outdoor tables.

How to choose and book a cocktail bar

• Book small bars. Many have only a few seats. Book online for Friday and Saturday nights.
• Sit at the counter. Name a spirit or flavour you like, and the bartender can suggest a drink.
• Know rough costs. A cocktail at a good bar often costs around S$20 to S$30. Hotel bars can charge more. Prices change, so check the menu first.
• Read the bill. Prices marked "++" add a service charge and GST, the goods and services tax. Tipping is not expected.
• Dress smart casual. Hotel bars may refuse shorts, vests and flip-flops in the evening.
• Save with timing. Our Happy Hours topic explains how to drink well for less.

Drinking responsibly in Singapore

Pace yourself and drink water between rounds. Never drink and drive. Drinking in public places is not allowed late at night, and Little India and Geylang have stricter rules on alcohol. The MRT does not run all night, but taxis and ride-hailing apps are easy to find. Read Etiquette & Local Laws before your trip.

FAQs about cocktail bars in Singapore

What is a Singapore Sling?

It is a gin-based cocktail with fruit juice and liqueurs, and it is usually pink. It was first made at Raffles Hotel more than a century ago.

How much does a cocktail cost in Singapore?

At a good bar, expect roughly S$20 to S$30 before service charge and tax. Hotel bars can cost more. Prices change, so check the menu.

Do I need to book a cocktail bar?

Small and popular bars fill up at weekends, so booking helps. Walk-ins are often fine early in the week or early in the evening.

What is the drinking age in Singapore?

It is 18. Carry photo ID, as bars may check it at the door.

What should I wear to a cocktail bar?

Smart casual works almost everywhere. Hotel bars and rooftop venues may refuse shorts, vests and flip-flops.