With venues all around town constantly reinventing themselves, things never get boring in Singapore. Whatever your choice of poison, there’s something new for wine lovers and cocktail fiends alike.
From restaurants unveiling new wine lists to go with their cuisine, to famed cocktail bars reinvigorating their menu with fresh additions, here are familiar places in town showcasing their offerings in a whole new light.
Bar MF
The outdoor terrace bar of Burger & Lobster Raffles Hotel has reopened after a long hiatus during the pandemic. Back with a vengeance, Bar MF (short for Mayfair, where the chain originated) kicked-off with a guest shift from the amazing folks behind Jungle Bird from Kuala Lumpur, and now offers their own disco-themed cocktail menu.
Find curious creations like Ring My Bell, a spirit-forward mix of butter-washed bourbon, popcorn and bitters that we’re sure songstress Anita Ward will approve of. Or order up a Rasputin (try not to get the Boney M earworm in your head) for a fizzy and bittersweet beverage made using Campari, orange liqueur, port and prosecco. All drinks are S$24.
Da Paolo Dempsey
This Dempsey area restaurant and bar by the Da Paolo group has always been the outlet to head to for amazing Italian nosh and drinks. Their latest cocktail concept ‘Bella Italia’ is a proudly Italian one. Meaning ‘beautiful Italy’, find a lineup of drinks that celebrates the history and culture of the gleaming Mediterranean country.
Start with the bright and lingering Chinotto (S$26). You can’t go wrong with this classic combination of cocoa and orange flavours made using chocolate-infused vodka, chinotto liqueur, homemade chocolate bitters, then garnished with a chocolate-coated orange slice. For us, it’s the Uvetta (S$30) that stands out most. Essentially a mezcal take on the Old Fashioned, it’s one rich and smoky concoction we won’t soon forget.
Live Twice
When it comes to Japanese style cocktails, Live Twice by the Jigger & Pony Group still stands heads and shoulders above the competition. With new principal bartender David Kim at the helm (alongside talented bartender Satomi Mizugishi), find a lineup of cocktails that continue to delight in more ways than one.
One drink that impresses is the complex and aromatic Primrose (S$28). Found on their new seasonal section, it’s made using a 12 year-old single malt Scotch, sage and dill liqueur, honey lemon water, and a sandalwood tincture. Yet it’s their take on the Bamboo (S$26) that reminds us just why Live Twice is a favourite haunt among so many drinkers. Each sip of the cocktail gives you different layers and sensations – from chocolate and coconut flavours, to floral notes and woody tones – as you imbibe.
One-Ninety Bar
Leave it to the amazing team – we’re looking at you Gabriel Carlos and Sophia Kang – behind Four Seasons Hotel Singapore’s One-Ninety Bar to launch a refreshed menu as impressive as this. A 12-cocktail offering inspired by famed gardens from Singapore, London, and New York, expect lush botanicals and fresh fruits to be featured prominently.
The Zingiber (S$26) is the drink to start with. Though a tall and refreshing tipple, find flavours you don’t normally get – such as smokiness and bell pepper notes – that entices with its angular yet balanced amalgamation. For something even more exceptional, go for the savoury, aquavit-based Kitchen Garden ($26). Tomato, mushroom, and celery flavours dance beautifully on the tongue in this brilliant take on the Bloody Mary.
Putien Holland Village
Though a household name, Putien’s new Holland Village outlet stands apart from its sister joints with an extended wine list that fits right in the neighbourhood. The popular Chinese restaurant chain is serving up a delectable selection of reds, whites, and sparklings from both new and old world regions so there’s bound to be a bottle to go with their signature Fujian dishes.
The Pascal Jolivet Sancerre Blanc (S$108) from Loire Valley goes great with their shellfish items (such as their seasonal duotou clams) as well as anything that’s meant to be dipped in their famed house-made chilli. Or get the bold and balanced Corte Giara La Groletta Ripasso Valpolicella (S$128) from Veneto to have with the meaty, saucy dishes. Did we also mention Happy Hour (3pm-9.30pm daily) will see house pours of reds or whites go for just S$9.80?
[Read more: Mish Mash is a pleasure-inducing mashup of wines, cocktails and gourmet eats]