Priyanka Elhence

Singapore's bar scene has blossomed tremendously in the past couple of years. Not only do we have some of the best bars in Asia, but we also have plenty of local talent flying our flag high and big overseas names landing on our shores with exciting new concepts. We take a look at some of the exciting new bar openings in town, along with refreshed menus at familiar joints. And as we edge closer to the close of 2023, let us raise a toast at the hottest new bar openings in the city. RECOMMENDED: The best arcade and games bars in Singapore

Ranked No.21 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2023 and No.63 on The World’s 50 Best Bars 2023, grand hotel bar Manhattan needs no introduction. It’s well-known for its brand of old New York glamour, served through classic and forgotten concoctions from the 19th century’s Golden Age of cocktails, each one crafted from house-made ingredients from Manhattan’s in-hotel rickhouse. Now in its ninth year, Manhattan’s newest menu concept introduces a star-studded Broadway Spirited cocktail menu. It pays homage to New York’s legendary Broadway musicals while celebrating the theatre of bartending. It also welcomes to the stage the bar’s new head bartender Zana Möhlmann from Amsterdam, who was part of the opening team of Super Lyan, a Ryan Chetiyawardana bar – and most recently, the winner of the 2023 World Young Mixologist Award.  In Broadway Spirited, the story of theatre unfolds over 34 drinks in five categories. Choose from The Play (10 cocktails with flamboyant presentations and layered nuances, $28 each); The Orchestra (four cocktails from visiting luminary guest bartenders from the Friends of Manhattan series, $30 each); The Backstage (seven cocktails paying homage to the hardworking rickhouse that ‘works’ silently behind the scenes, $32 each); The Curtain Call (eight classic Manhattan cocktails, $28 each); and Off Broadway (featuring four, zero-proof creations, $20 each). In her debut act in Manhattan, 26-year-old Möhlmann shows the evolution of cocktails with the bittersweet Anagram ($2

The newest addition to Keong Saik Road drinking dens, comes Pæl.et (pronounced as ‘pallet’). It’s owned and operated by a raft of familiar names, including partner Joe Haywood, the SJS Group and the Papi’s Tacos team, with a front-of-house team led by industry veteran Russel Cardoza (formerly of Employees Only and Skinny's Lounge).  Pæl.et is home to art, music, great bar bites and of course, innovative cocktails. Check out their walls showing off local artists' collaborations and a unique design element that repurposes Singaporean shipping pallets sourced from global wood varieties. Haywood has curated the cocktail menu, flanking signature tipples with whimsical drinks such as the Istumi Martini ($21), infused with the essence of pasta water (from the SJS Group’s Pasta Bar), Nikka Coffey Gin, Beefeater gin, kombu and spirulina; and the Seoul Searcher ($24), a Korean take on the classic margarita, featuring Codigo Blanco Tequila, gochujang agave, & “Orange” orange wine. There’s also Miso Corny ($21) with Mellow Corn whiskey, miso, acorn squash, earl grey and soy; and Espress Yourself ($23), featuring Veritas Rum, Mr. Black cold brew, pandan and salted egg, among other concoctions. Pair the cool cocktails with head chef Ash’s (formerly of Burnt Ends) small bites such as classic sourdough with black garlic, and biltong watermelon tartare with banana shallots and fried brioche. Larger sharing plates include the grilled half tom yum chicken with jarrah honey glaze; rendang beef

Mod Japanese cocktail bar MOGĀ (Japanese slang for ‘modern girls’) is inspired by the Prohibition Era of the 1920s, home to craft cocktails with Japanese ingredients and complemented by contemporary bar bites. MOGĀ also features a curated selection of Japanese whiskies, spirits and sakes from well-known producers to small batch distilleries. Hidden behind an unassuming door at the new Pullman Singapore Hill Street, the speakeasy’s interiors sprawl over three lavish seating zones with lush mahogany leathers set against modern, dazzling LED graphics and larger-than-life artwork. Helmed by head mixologist Marcus Liow, the Japanese-slanted cocktail programme is a collaboration between Liow and bar consultant Dario Knox of Knox Beverage Consulting. Signature cocktails (from $24 each) include Lost in Translation with Nikka Coffee Malt Whisky, nutty kinako, miso, honey and ginger; Karaita, which features Codigo Blanco tequila and mezcal with togarashi and citrus; and the summery Natsu-Roni with coconut-washed Michter’s bourbon and a blend vermouth. Inspired by cherry blossoms in full bloom, Liow’s personal creation of Haru no Shinju (which translates to Pearls of Spring) comprises Tanqueray No. Ten with lychee, Genmaicha-infused sake, citrus, sea salt and raspberry foam. On the food side, head chef Vladimir Villarba draws from his two decades of experience helming Japanese restaurants in luxury hotels across the globe, pairing the cocktails with modern izakaya classics. Sashimi and