The best new bars in Singapore to have a drink at in the city

Conceptualised by the team behind the award-winning cocktail bar, Nutmeg & Clove, Last Word is a cocktail bar hidden away from the prying eyes. Located in Purvis street, the menu seeks to rekindle the romance of classic cocktails with an unpretentious curation of the best classic cocktails and simple Japanese fare to pair.

TRY THIS You’d be pleased to find out about a small menu that is dedicated to the finest seasonal ingredients the team can get their hands on and it only features not more than five drinks at any single time.

A covert cocktail bar concealed behind the storefront of a bespoke tailor. Grab a seat by the counter, or snuggle up at a cosy nook, and sip on an inspired menu based on trade and travel around countries within the Commonwealth.

TRY THIS Lung and Dangerous pay homage to the Hong Kong triad movie by Andy Lau, and distils herbaceous notes from traditional Chinese medicine in a base of Perfume Tree gin. The result: a highly aromatic, well-rounded elixir worth sipping on.

Venture to the back of the room, past velvet drapes, and enter Stay Gold – a sleek, neon-lit drinking lounge. Duo Jerrold Khoo, formerly from Jigger and Pony; and Bai Jiawei from Employees Only are responsible for this dynamic drinking hole. Here, they merge their respective bartending styles – of Jerrold’s precise Japan cocktail-making with high-energy American-influenced mixology from Jiawei – to provide an interesting line-up of crafted tipples ($23).

TRY THIS The spirit-forward Sazerac uses Absinthe as a base spirit instead that results in a highly refreshing highball-style number. Also worth a try: Twiggy, where Brass Lion Gin is sweetened with blackberry umeshu for a fun, fruity sip.

Hidden in plain sight is a new speakeasy that seeks to entrance (literally). Located on the second level of a shophouse of the ever-bustling Tanjong Pagar Road, one does not simply stumble upon the space but rather, uncover it in search of tasty libations – sorta feels like 1920 prohibition era.

TRY THIS If you’re looking for something out of the ordinary, definitely get the Mango Volcan. Flexing a complex build of Espolon Blanco Tequila, mango nectar, grapefruit, and citrus, every sip is a myriad of flavours ranging from piquant spice to vibrant citrusy notes with a touch of salinity. Be warned, this is not a tipple for the faint-hearted.

Tanglin Gin’s newest location comes with an entirely new experience that is the Gin Jungle – a cosy enclave fitted with leather and wood finishings that exude a rustic charm. Expect the full range of Tanglin Gin, in-house infusions and clever cocktails created to please all gin-enthusiasts and cocktail lovers alike. You didn't hear it from us but there’s also a free flow weekend brunch that happens during noon so you can really unwind and boogie bottomless.

TRY THIS The Black Powder Martini truly delivers a punchy yet smooth tipple. With a mix of white vermouth and a dash of lemon bitters, this stiff drink is served ice cold and stirred but never shaken.

Good Intentions blurs the line between café and bar. While the first floor features cosy nooks and a drink counter lined with taps of beer, the second storey is a breezy dining space that overlooks the busy streets of Katong. The 15-strong beer list offers much more fun, with happy hour running till 7pm daily.

TRY THIS The traditional hand pump craft beers are notoriously smooth as the ales are specially packed in casks, then left to naturally condition and carbonate. Once ready, they are hydraulically pumped out of their vessels, which allows a pretty cascade without the use of Nitrogen. Overall, delivering livelier aromas and a rounder body.