Above image: Jigger & Pony’s Christmas punch bowl
Nothing seems to be getting in the way of us having a jolly good time this holiday season. Even amidst a global pandemic, we all know deep down that life is still worth celebrating, and connecting with our loved ones remains ever more important. And there’s no better way to form that connection than meeting in-person, chatting face-to-face, a festive spread laid out before us, the wines flowing freely. At these following places, let them do the work as you focus on getting settled into that holiday mood with your close friends and family.
[Read more: 7 boozy gift ideas you’ll want for yourself this Christmas]
Brass Lion Distillery
Heading to the Brass Lion Distillery always feels like a treat and an adventure. Found in a remote corner of Singapore, it invokes a sense of escape and excitement as you explore what they have to offer. This year-end, a GINgle Xmas awaits as the distillery grounds get doused in a big splash of Christmas spirit. From festive evening tasting experiences and afternoon tea sets filled with gin, to special Yuletide editions of their distillery tours and gin making school, you’ll be spoiled for choice as to what you’ll want this Christmas. Details here.
Burger & Lobster
For a seafood and burger spread that won’t disappoint, head on over to Burger & Lobster at Raffles Hotel, where a Christmas Sharing Set Menu awaits. It’s inclusive of a welcome glass of champagne and a rosé to finish off the evening, plus festive takes on their famed lobster rolls and hearty burgers, and even a beetroot tartare dish for the vegetarians out there. If you’re feeling extra naughty, top up for their Festive Punch cocktail, that will instantly incite festive feels thanks to notes of marshmallow, gingerbread, and chocolate. The garnish, a candied cranberries rosemary skewer, is just icing on the Christmas cake. Details here.
EN Dining
Studio Ghibli fans, this one’s for you. Quenching your desire to escape into one of Hayao Miyazaki’s most beloved worlds, Spirited Away, the venue is offering their EN-Spirited feast, which seeks to be reminiscent of the massive feast as portrayed in the show. Expect dishes like The Radish Spirit, a simmered daikon dish topped with ume miso; or the Susu Kagoshima Kurobuta, that’s created with the Susuwatari characters or Black Soot Spirits in mind. The restaurant group’s other venues are launching similarly thematic menus too, with shows like My Neighbour Totoro and Alice in Wonderland all sources of inspiration for them. Details here.
Fat Prince
You’ll want a taste of this modern Middle Eastern restaurant and bar’s festive cocktails and cuisine, what with a brand new bar and kitchen team at the helm. Definitely try the Cheers to Pegu, a wicked twist on the Old Cuban using their own char grilled steak syrup and, instead of rum, a heavy dose of Hendrick’s Orbium Gin. Or for the bitter cocktail fans out there, the With the Waning Gibbous is the one to go for. The Negroni-inspired drink is given a Christmasy touch using a homemade sweet vermouth filled with everything nice. Check out the Fat Prince’s cousin venues, Neon Pigeon and Firangi Superstar, for even more ambitious libations. Details here.
Jigger & Pony
There’s plenty happening at Singapore’s top bar to get you into the right spirit. First, there’s the A Decent Christmas pop-up, where the uber wunderbar Monkey 47 gin is taking centerstage. There’s a special menu of three Monkey 47 cocktails to be enjoyed, and if you make your bookings with the remarks ‘A Decent Christmas’ included, you’ll get to seat at the festive area, where the holiday vibes are at an all time high. Look out for a truly special guest shift by Demie Kim of Zest Soul as well, where the lauded Korean bartender will be around in-person for two nights only. To really get the party started with the crew, go for Jigger & Pony’s Christmas punch bowl, that’s made using Km12, a craft gin from Canada that boasts of unique flavours from the boreal forest. Details here.
Kwee Zeen
Witness Sofitel Singapore Sentosa Resort & Spa’s Christmas Town come to life as Kwee Zeen restaurant becomes the epicenter of lavish spreads, decadent sweet treats, and free-flowing champagne at their Christmas Mega Safe Brunch. Reimagined as the North Pole of the hotel premises, it’s the place to be for an escape from Singapore’s urban sprawl, all while feasting and imbibing. While you’re there, feel free to explore the other parts of the Christmas Town too, such as the inviting Christmas Village set-up taking over the usual Grand Lobby. Details here.
Winestone
This Orchard wine haunt is supporting local all the way, collaborating with not one, not two, but four craftspeople (including this author) to inject some heartfelt, hands-on love and warmth into their space. From a festive cocktail menu by Section D (a private bar which this author runs) and sustainable floral arrangements by Floral Mikelle, to cheeses made from goat’s milk by Hay Dairies and wine/art masterclasses conducted by A Poet’s Terroir, Winestone is inviting one and all into their homely venue for an immersive celebration. Details here.
For even more experiences to get you into a jolly good mood, check out what our friends on Spirited has rounded up in their feature here.
[Read more: Champagne Lombard is the terroir-driven bubbly made for celebrations]
About the Author
Dannon Har is the Managing Editor of Spill. Discovering his innate gift for drinking only at a ripe age, he spares no time trying to find more delicious drops to imbibe during his time on Earth. When he’s not minding every detail at Spill, he spends his time concocting luscious libations and sharing them with folks that visit his home bar.