Destination bars to visit on your next girls' night out

Each floor boasts its own distinctive boozy delights at this dynamic four-story haven for cocktail enthusiasts. From Japanese highballs at the ground-floor bar to meticulously crafted bespoke cocktails at the second-floor restaurant bar, there's something to tantalise every palate.

Step into the inviting ambiance of the bar area, where guests can unwind in the comfort of plush booth seating or gather around the stylish man-made stone bar countertop. Here, an array of innovative cocktails awaits, with head bartender Alexa Low manning the bar.

Venture up to the third level, where a customisable event space awaits, accommodating up to 35 guests for intimate private gatherings. And for those seeking a laid-back vibe, the rooftop beckons with its selection of draft beers and affordably priced cocktails, all under $20, providing the ideal setting to unwind and soak in the atmosphere.

25 Boon Tat Street, Singapore 069622

Las Palmas, an elevated rooftop haven situated atop the 33rd floor of Courtyard by Marriott Singapore Novena, epitomises the essence of Palm Springs with its breathtaking vistas and chic atmosphere. Embarking on a new chapter after two years, the bar is poised to redefine its allure with a captivating assortment of freshly concocted cocktails curated by Head Bartender Ron Aransay, drawing inspiration from the glamour and sophistication of 1960s Hollywood.

Categorised into four distinct themes – Modernist, Vinyl, Hollywood, and Getaway – the revamped cocktail menu introduces concoctions that are a nod to the rich tapestry of 1960s iconography, spanning art movements, pop culture phenomena, celebrated figures, and legendary locales

Among the highlights are signature creations such as "Go Nude," a playful homage to Andy Warhol's audacious embrace of artistic nudity, featuring Ford's Gin, muddled strawberries, raspberry liqueur, and a creamy touch of strawberry yogurt. Additionally, classics like "Sultan of Swing" pay tribute to Frank Sinatra's legendary penchant for Chivas Regal 12, delivering a soulful blend of coffee, spiced apple honey, and banana in an Old Fashioned-inspired libation.

Indulge in the allure of Hollywood with "Peggy," a sophisticated reinterpretation of the Margarita infused with mezcal and osmanthus, capturing the essence of jazz singer Peggy Lee's timeless allure. Or embark on a flavourful journey with "Donn Beach," a nod to the Tiki culture pioneer, offering a refreshing twist on the classic Mai Tai that embodies the spirit of relaxation and indulgence.

99 Irrawaddy Rd, Level 33 Courtyard Marriott Singapore, Singapore 329568

Not heading off for a holiday just yet but seeking an escape? Head over to Low Tide, the dual-level tropical oasis in Ann Siang Hill, for its relaxed vibes and tropical cocktails.

Low Tide might have elaborate cocktails and great music, but it stands apart from the typical tiki bar scene with its chill, stripped-down aesthetic and food that pays homage to the tropical Asian influence.

Under the creative direction of Culinary Anthropologist Nithiya N Laila, Low Tide's new food menu celebrates various tropical ingredients and cuisines and combines flavours from a mixture of cultures.

The sharing-friendly dishes include Nasi Ulam, an aromatic blue pea rice adorned with torched pineapples, coconut flakes, mixed herbs, and pomegranate, andThe Fisherman's Catch, which features citrus-cured ceviche complemented by torched jalapeños. The Miso Butter Stingray is also a different take from the usual, and is served with grilled okra and curry assam jus.

As for drinks, you'll never go wrong with the timeless Low Tide Daiquiri, or the Swizzle & Flow cocktail that features a Low Tide rum blend, complemented by acidulated mint syrup, maraschino, fino sherry, lychee, lime, and soda. Alternatively, indulge in the Pina Clearada, a clarified piña colada crafted with Bacardi Carta Blanca, coconut, and lime.

98 Club Street, Singapore 069467

Pan Pacific Singapore has just unveiled its new destination cocktail bar, PLUME. Paying homage to the vibrant indigenous birds of Singapore, the brand-new bar is ready to enchant connoisseurs with a multi-sensory experience with specially curated drinks that will slake your desire for distinctive concoctions and delicious light nibbles to excite the palate.

Drawing inspiration from 12 recognizable native Singaporean birds, each drink captures the distinguishing qualities of its respective avian muse, from its colourful plumage to its habitat to the nuts and fruits that sustain it.

Some of the drinks that we recommend trying include Pink Necked Green Pigeon, a fruity concoction that takes inspiration from the Pink- necked Pigeon's diet of fruits and fig leaves; Blue-tailed Bee-eater, a refreshing drink that's reminiscent of a gin sour; and the Banded Woodpecker, served with a mist of oak moss, accentuating a citrusy and musky perfume that tantalizes your senses.

7 Raffles Blvd, Pan Pacific, Marina Square, Singapore 039595

Employees Only’s name should provide some insight into the kind of place it is — this elusive speakeasy is hidden behind a mysterious fortune teller’s lair. This acclaimed bar first opened in New York in 2004, before arriving on our sunny shores in 2016. The American outpost has been awarded ‘World’s Best Cocktail Bar’ and often makes appearances in rankings of the world’s best bars, while their Singapore location is ranked in Asia’s 50 Best Bars.

We recommend you visit Employees Only in a large group so you can sample as many cocktails as possible. This way, you won't be in a dilemma, because everything looks so good.

112 Amoy Street, Singapore 069932

If you’re in the Tanjong Pagar or Amoy area, be sure to drop by Moonstone Bar, possibly the most alt bar on the list… or in Singapore. Even if you don't recognise the name of this bar, you may recognise its owners, one of whom is Narelle Kheng of The Sam Willows fame.

Other than the classic drinks, they have a swanky rotation of cocktails that are worth a try — take your pick from cocktails named Plum Mummy, Amoy Sling, New York Daddy and more. Be sure to accompany your drinks with some bites, like their unique fried beef tripe chips and gubak kia’s (beef) special noodle dishes.

Say hi to the friendly bartenders too, they’re charismatic, talented, and more than happy to craft you a personalised cocktail. And who knows, you may even find out who gubak kia is.

103 Amoy St, Singapore 069923

This iconic fixture along Keong Saik Road is three storeys high, with The Dining Hall, Studio 1939, and the Rooftop Bar occupying one floor each. The kitschy retro first-floor Dining Hall serves up food by Three Buns, so expect East-and-West fusion burgers and hotdog buns.

On the next floor, you have Studio 1939, a drinking hole with good ambience, but even better drinks. The menu primarily focuses on rum, which you can enjoy in classic cocktails or in Studio 1939’s own special recipes. You can expect creative cocktails like Missionary Style (Studio 1939 Buttered Rum, Plantation Rum, peach liqueur, Indonesian black tea syrup, lemon juice, black tea foam) and the limited edition Ne-nas (Plantation Pineapple Smoky Rum, Spice syrup,
chocolate bitters).

At the top is Potato Head’s legendary Rooftop Bar, which has views of the surrounding skyscrapers and is lit up by romantic overhead fairy lights, giving you a cozy ambience. As for food and drinks, sip on exclusive Tiki cocktails while munching on yummy bar bites like Broc Party (umami charred broccoli) and This Little Piggy (twice-cooked pork belly).

36 Keong Saik Road, Singapore 089143

Occupying not one, not two, but three shophouses in the historic Boat Quay district is Barbary Coast, an opulent space influenced by the grit, glory and glamour of America’s gold mining era.

Deadfall, one of Barbary Coast’s two concepts, is a rugged drinking den inspired by those that existed during the age of the California Gold Rush, nearly two centuries ago. The other concept is the glamorous Barbary Coast Ballroom, decked out in swanky velvety decor, San Francisco style.

Both concepts churn out pretty unique artisanal cocktails that incorporate unorthodox ingredients like tonka beans, chilli and purple corn. Barbary Coast's innovative drinks are best accompanied by food such as decadent lobster mac & cheese and tuna ceviche.

16 North Canal Road, Singapore 048828

Amoy Street’s Native Bar, most known for its eco-conscious philosophy and focus on forgotten local ingredients, unveiled a full-fledged kitchen and bar on its ground floor in early March. The second and third floors will remain as a cocktail bar. Says owner Vijay Mudaliar: “We now offer a good quality food programme, which has great synergy with the drinks.”

Sit at the bar counter and sip refreshing cocktails like Sop Mojito made of white rum, soursop and mint, or Jasmine (gin, Jasmine Jun, kaffir lime leaves and sour plum) while watching the kitchen roll out unique dishes with a touch of nostalgia.

Head chef MJ Teoh, who worked with Mudaliar at Pollen a decade ago, trained in various fine dining restaurants, including Nouri. She lends her own local touch to Native’s new food menu – Teoh says she’s always loved Southeast Asian food, but never had the chance to cook it in professional kitchens. So it was a matter of time that she explored her own roots.

Native’s sustainability ethos carries through in the food. For the Nose To Tail Chicken Bao Fan, every part of the chicken is used. And for the Thai-inspired Miang Kham, an assembly of pepper leaves, tempeh crisps and ginger flower, perked up with pineapple shoyu – the latter is used for the drinks at the bar upstairs. “We thought of how to minimise waste. For example, we use jackfruit flesh for the dessert, and then we use the seeds to simmer with the massaman-mole curry. It gives a nuttiness to the dish,” says Teoh.

52A Amoy St, Singapore 069878

Last Word, an intimate bar opened by the team at Nutmeg & Clove, is tucked away on the second floor of a shophouse at Purvis Street. Named after the forgotten classic cocktail, this is the latest brainchild of founder Colin Chia. He describes the concept as “a classic cocktail bar inspired by the Japanese way of bartending”, which focuses on technique and precision while using the freshest ingredients.

Complementing the drinks is simple izakaya fare like tamago maki, gyoza, grilled unagi, ebi tempura and oden. “It’s nothing too serious. This bar is very minimalist,” says Chia. Sit at the long sleek wooden bar and watch the team concoct your drinks. There are also low tables at the side for larger groups.

The Classic Cocktail menu is divided into four sections: Highball, Sours, Spirit Forward and Champagne. There is also a small selection on the menu highlighting ingredient-focused drinks using produce in season. Recommended cocktails include the namesake Last Word (Hendrick’s Gin, Green Chartreuse, Maraschino Liqueur and Lime). If you enjoy a Bloody Mary, the one here is woven with a unique twist: Haku Vodka (Japanese craft vodka made with 100% Japanese white rice) is mixed with fresh Japanese tomatoes, lemon, togarashi and wasabi.

8 Purvis Street, #02-01, Singapore 188587

For something different away from the crowds, head to the new Café Tailor Made at Turf Club Road. The bar-café serves coffee and freshly made breads in the day and bespoke cocktails in the evenings. You can also expect high quality cheese and skewers to complement the drinks.

Owner Nakul Pathak, who was former group F&B director of Coriander Leaf, says that his new venture focuses on great drinking experiences in a lush setting. “Indoors is designed like a cosy living room, and the outdoor area is like a garden. Every quarter, there will be subtle changes made to the bar’s interiors, and the menu items will reflect accordingly,” he says. Guests can look forward to the upcoming Caribbean theme, with tiki-style cocktails.

The bar features lesser-known spirits, in particular rums and gins. For instance, Soul Sisters, a Singapore-made gin that fuses juniper with galangal, tamarind and kaffir, as well as Old Young’s Common Gin from Swan Valley Perth. There’s also a selection of 10 to 15 hard-to-find whiskies to be had.

What’s great is that the drinks mostly use natural, organic and sustainable ingredients. Pathak says that instead of refined white cane sugar, organic honey from local bee farms and high grade agave nectars are used. An example of Café Tailor Made’s twist on classic cocktails is the Burn After Reading – their take on the classic Old Fashioned, which uses a 20-herb house-made bitter, organic honey, and Monkey Shoulder whisky.

100 Turf Club Road, Singapore 287992