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

In the grand atrium of Pan Pacific Singapore lies Plume, a destination cocktail bar that draws inspiration from a vibrant flock of indigenous birds. The spanking new interiors are effortlessly elegant and luxurious as it experiments with inspirations from contemporary art-deco and the lush tropics. The bar boasts a sophisticated repertoire of avian-inspired cocktails that seek to thrill the tastebuds and tell a tale. Choose the Pink Necked Green Pigeon ($25) for a refreshing start. The invigorating spritz takes a page off the bird’s diet and combines sweet fig leaf infusion, citrus elements, and prosecco. 

Though it is the Banded Woodpecker ($25) that sits on top. The pièce de résistance comes with a unique mix of green ant gin (yes, ants), dry vermouth, guava vinegar and the mist of oak moss. As for the bird feed, Pan Pacific’s very own executive sous chef Thorsten Killian whips up elevated full-flavoured takes on popular Singaporean dishes. Think chicken rendang croquettes, Wagyu beef satay skewers, salmon floss-topped lotus chips, and plenty more.

Tea-tails anyone? Nope, you’ve not heard wrong. These highly anticipated tea-infused cocktails hail from the award-winning Mixology Salon of Ginza, Tokyo. The first overseas outpost finds itself at the InterContinental in the ritzy Robertson Quay enclave. Master mixologist Shuzo Nagumo and his protege, Kaoru Takii, are set to bring a slice of Japanese tea culture to Singapore with time-tested signatures, each made upon order. Expect masterful use of high-quality ingredients like matcha, gyokuro, hojicha, and oolong featured in their wide range of tea-infused spirits. To best experience the entire repertoire of Mixology Salon, consider the signature tea cocktail course that journeys you through the highlights (from $72). 

First, look out for Monument Coffee in Duxton. Then head straight in behind those heavy curtains and you’ll find yourself in good company. Here, agave and rice spirits are put on a pedestal or perhaps even worshipped if you’d have seen what I’ve seen on those backlit shelves – think soju that boasts 80 proof and never-before-seen bottles of tequila and mezcal. The crafty tipples all carry a classic cocktail backbone and draw influence from an intentional blend of Mexican and Asian cultures, but not without injecting a little cyber-punk flair in them.

Expect multi-layered flavours that are sophisticated to the palate yet unpretentiously presented without much theatrics. Besides the mean Cat Bite Margarita ($26) which features a base of tequila blanco and smoky mezcal, you’ve got to try the signature Soju Sprint ($24). The light spritz drinks extremely balanced with hints of honey, peach, mint and anise. Doors open June 14.

When it comes to wine cocktails, Sangria – and Sangria only – first comes to mind. Out to change that, Mish Mash is a first-of-its-kind gastro bar that presents funky yet provocative wine-based concoctions. Masterminded by the boys behind popular dining concepts such as Rappu and Feather Blade, the neon-cladded 24-seater space sits by the crossroads of South Bridge Road and Upper Cross Road. The idea is rather simple: stick to the core wine profiles. This results in alter-ego cocktails that boasts familiar flavours yet intriguing novel.

Thinking of a bubbly pick-me-up? Sip on the Lusty Lemon ($28) where yuzu, lychee, gin and champagne make up the fizzy treat. Whereas the Carnal Carnage ($24) is a rosé-inspired tipple that drinks floral and tart with accents of chamomile and rhubarb. But if you’re a stickler for tradition, choose from a diverse range of wines by the bottle (from $75), from old world to minimal intervention wines.

Fortune Centre is known for some of the best hidden Japanese food haunts in town and this new-in-town secret requires you to keep your eyes peeled. Behind a seemingly listless row of Japanese vending machines hides a secret entrance to a Japanese izakaya that specializes in anything and everything umeshu. Boasting Singapore’s largest umeshu collection, the quirky 32-seater space even offers umeshu from Wakayama (near Osaka), widely known as the birthplace of Japanese plum liquor.

Journey your tastebuds to 30-over variations of umeshu from the classic sweet and tart to something bold and spicy, all made available to enjoy on the rocks or as highballs. Otherwise, flip through the umeshu bible for crafted plum-liquor-based cocktails designed to feed your cameras. Definitely check out the multi-coloured Sea Garden ($18), a refreshingly floral tipple inspired by open-water diving in Wakayama.

Follow the music and draw the velvet curtains, there you'll uncover Parliament, a self-proclaim retro dive bar flooded with sultry red neon lights. The atmosphere is electric and drinks come with an American pour – for the uninitiated, this just means stronger drinks – so you can expect your night to get real dangerous around here. Bulletproof classics are usually priced from $18 but if you're wise enough to get a few in the system before 8pm, they will only set you back $15. This is a no-judgement zone, so spare the formality and let your hair down – there’s anything from new-age rock, oldies, funk, and hip-hop to groove to. And if you're nice, you might get to pick your favourite song and perhaps even a shot.

There's an intimate pocket bar at Jewel Changi Airport hidden within Wa-En, a decade-old Wagyu Yakiniku brand from Hong Kong. Masked away from plain sight, the bar sits just nine thirsty adults – perfect for a quick swig before boarding. Wagyu fans, definitely try the ultra-silky Miyazaki Wagyu Fat-washed Old Fashioned ($24) that's cheekily garnished with a sliver of Miyazaki wagyu. Albeit the good mix of old and new world wines, don’t discount the whiskey list. Sure, there are the usual suspects of Suntory, Yamazaki and Hibiki but take a closer peek and you’ll uncover some interesting finds such as Singapore’s first cask-strength whiskey distilled using Thai Hom Mali rice ($18).

The former spot of the famed Burger Bar New York is now the Underdog Inn. But all's not lost, New York is still in the house and counterculture is fiercely celebrated in this tavern. Grafitti-clad walls, deep jade-hued leather seats, and hardwood tables anchor the space while 12-tapped cocktails ($25) keep spirits high. Of course, it carries the same DNA as its sister concepts Sago House and Low Tide, where flavours can sometimes be highly experimental. Think classic margaritas reinterpreted with smoky mezcal layered with savoury notes of kiwi and nori. Don't leave without completing the tavern experience with fire-kissed plates and smoked meats.

You can now enjoy sublimely crafted cocktails in this popular modern Mediterranean restaurant. It comes as no surprise, after all, innovation is what kept them relevant for a decade or so. The collaboration with Copenhagen-based distillery, Empirical, sees the birth of four permanent cocktails designed by Sasha Wijidessa – formerly of the now-defunct Operation Dagger – to pair with the innovative cuisine of chef Johanne Siy. The adventurous menu leans toward the use of Ayuuk, an Empirical spirit made from smoky Pasilla Mixe chilli. If you only have room for one, our pick would be the You Say Tomato, I Say Tomato ($36). It drinks refreshingly elegant yet complex, laced with spice and umami with the faintest hit of peat smoke to finish.

If you didn't already know, Novena's the new Palm Springs. Head up to level 33 of the Courtyard by Marriott Singapore Novena hotel and you'll find yourself in Las Palmas, a new rooftop bar inspired by the exuberant 1960s of Los Angeles. The breathtaking views overlooking the Macritchie Reservoir and Bukit Timah Hill could only be summed up as underrated. Cocktails (from $25) here are developed with spirit distributor Proof & Company, so you're in pretty good hands. Though, you ought to visit during sunset hour – it is paired with an attractive happy hour program where drinks start from just $10 nett.

Take a retrospective peek into the lavish lifestyles of the Gambino crime family in Gotti, a stylish den that serves up hearty Italian plates from start to finish. At the dimly lit bar, you'll also find a curated list of cocktails that pay homage to the 5 boroughs of New York City, as well as, Sicily, Italy. Some highlights include: Capo Limoncello ($22), a refreshingly tangy Sicilian aperitif; The Wise Guy ($26), a stiff pecorino fat-washed martini; Cosa Nostra ($26), a Negroni aged in wineskin. Coupled with a vibey playlist, swanky interiors and fine Italian hospitality, the joint won't fail to make you feel like a Don.

Behind a glass-stained door lies a mad scientist's lab where your drink might either arrive in a bubbling boil or be part of a smoke show. Victorian wallpaper plasters the walls while plush velvet sofas and vintage lamps set the tone for the adventure that awaits your senses. Here, traditional cocktails are transformed into whimsical tipples that are camera-friendly and highly interactive. Kooky doesn't stop there, it extends to the cocktail alchemy and presentation. Think syringes, lab beakers, infusions, smoke, layering of colours, and any more, you might need to arrive in a lab coat.