History of Cocktails


Dating back to the 18th century, cocktail mixes originally included spirits, bitters, water and sugar as a morning pick-me-up for guests in pubs and taverns.


Far from their simple origins, cocktails have transformed into a modern art form. The explosion of cocktail bars and innovative mixology techniques showcase the ever-evolving cocktail scene that caters to increasingly refined palates.

Drinks at a Bar

Cocktail Bars in Marina Bay Sands

Aside from award-winning restaurants, Marina Bay Sands also boasts an impressive repertoire of top cocktail bars in Singapore. From playful creations to classic cocktails like the Singapore Sling, these cocktail bars are sure to please the most discerning palate.

Wakuda

Experience the bustling alleyways of Golden Gai in Shinjuku, with Wakuda’s light and refreshing highballs and specialty cocktails that blend traditional Japanese spirits with contemporary flair for a drinking experience like no other.

Featuring a series of invigorating and crisp flavours – Apple, Shiso and Ginger, their range of highballs are a creative rendition that perfectly complements the cuisine served at this Japanese restaurant and bar. For the discerning palate, the Stone, Water, Plants cocktail offers a complex and nuanced flavours. Combining Sui Gin, Shiso, green tea and cucumber tonic this refreshing libation is perfect for the modern palate.

Wakuda is located at Hotel Tower 2, Lobby.

Cocktails in Wakuda

Maison Boulud by Daniel Bouloud

Featuring a wonderful spread of artisanal French cuisine, Maison Boulud by Daniel Bouloud complements its menu with cocktail mixes that capture the essence of culinary savoir-faire.

Patrons who appreciate cocktail classics with a playful twist can opt for the Clarifie Negroni, one of the best negronis in Singapore. Featuring Bombay Gin and Campari, for a silky-smooth mouthfeel, and Antica Formula for a rich flavour profile, this sophisticated and refined cocktail offers a new perspective on the classic negroni. Discover Alfresco Hour, a delightful experience every Monday to Thursday, and savour a collection of cocktails, beers and wines as you soak in breathtaking waterfront views.

Maison Boulud by Daniel Bouloud is located at The Shoppes, #B1-15 & #01-83.

Cocktail at Maison Bouloud

Bread Street Kitchen by Gordon Ramsay

Classic English fare gets no better than Bread Street Kitchen’s hearty menu of English favourites, like the classic Sunday Roast, and delightful cocktails that are sure to deliver an extraordinary gastronomic experience.

Admire the breathtaking waterfront view as you indulge in the iconic Ramsay’s Sling, a refreshing cocktail that echoes the classic Singapore Sling. The cocktail infuses pineapple and lime for a vibrant fruity profile reminiscent of the classic, while retaining the cherry top note with Maraschino for a sweet, boozy kick that delivers a welcome respite in Singapore’s tropical heat.

Bread Street Kitchen by Gordon Ramsay is located at The Shoppes, #01-81.

Drinks at Bread Street Kitchen

Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beers

Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer pulses with the lively, eclectic energy of NYC, where one can feast on an endless supply of burgers, cocktails, and craft beers to keep the good times rolling.

Discover a refreshing twist on the classic sugar cane juice with Uncle Mike’s Sugar Cane Juice, a signature cocktail that is a tropical paradise in every sip. Crafted with dark rum, sugar cane juice, ginger and lemon, this invigorating cocktail offers a harmonious blend of sweet, tart and spicy flavours. Alternatively, elevate your Ladies Night with Wednesday We Wear Pink, a vibrant cocktail with a touch of bubbly lightness. Featuring limoncello, raspberry and Chambord, this effervescent concoction offers a zesty citrus flavour with a hint of berry sweetness.

Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer is located at The Shoppes, #01-80.

Black Tap Restaurant

CUT by Wolfgang Puck

Headed by celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck, the culinary virtuoso is not just a master of the culinary arts, but also an excellent cocktail alchemist.

A signature at this cocktail bar in Singapore is Rough Love, a crisp and refreshing blend with light, floral notes and a citrusy punch. At its heart lies a delicate balance of Japanese Shiso Umeshu which brings a subtle sweetness and a hint of plum. Topped off with a dash of champagne and Tanqueray, this captivating libation offers a harmonious meld of fruity and floral notes perfect for an evening of drinks.

CUT by Wolfgang Puck is located at The Shoppes, #B1-71.

Cocktails and Sliders in CUT

KOMA Singapore

Experience the essence of Kyoto, Japan’s cultural capital at KOMA Singapore, located downtown in the heart of the Lion City.

At this instagrammable restaurant, marvel at the 2.5m tall Japanese “bell” that overlooks the expansive dining hall, and sip on a stunning glass of signature cocktail, Sawayaka Sake. Crafted with an array of herbaceous ingredients such as Shiso Infused Vodka and Japanese Cucumber Infused Syrup, the drink packs a fresh and vibrant kick that instantly revitalises and cleanses the palate.

KOMA Singapore is located at The Shoppes, #B1-67.

Cocktails in KOMA

LAVO Italian Restaurant & Rooftop Bar

Elevate your experience to greater heights with a visit to one of the best cocktail bars in Singapore.

Delight in the signature cocktail, Night King. Boasting a complex yet captivating flavour profile, this cocktail is crafted with Johnnie Walker Black scotch whisky, giving the drink smoky and peaty undertones that complements the creamy and velvety mouthfeel. Layered with rosemary honey for light herbal notes, and Peychaud’s Bitter, the drink culminates in a subtly sweet and earthy taste, perfect for sunset chasing with your friends at one of Singapore’s best cocktail bars.

LAVO Italian Restaurant & Rooftop Bar is located at Hotel Tower 1, Level 57, Sands SkyPark.

Cocktails in Lavo

Mott 32 Singapore

Blending traditional Chinese flavours with New York’s eclectic energy, Mott 32 embodies a daring culinary synthesis where East meets West.

Offering a diverse selection of cocktails to complement your meal at this Peking duck restaurant in Singapore, relish in Nashi, one of the cocktail bar’s signature blend. A light and refreshing drink with a unique blend of sweet, tart and herbaceous flavours, Nashi is concocted with pear sake, vodka, Thai basil and lemon to deliver an aromatic and zesty kick.

Mott 32 Singapore is located at The Shoppes, #B1-42-44.

Cocktail in Mott 32

The Club

Located in the opulent lobby of the 5-star hotel, The Club is the perfect cocktail bar in Singapore to enjoy a night of live music and exquisite cocktails.

For a limited time only, indulge in locally inspired cocktails as you reminisce about sun-drenched evenings by the river with their Straits Sunset Cocktail, a crisp and tangy aperol spritz inspired by Singapore’s landscape at dusk. The drink is infused with grapefruit and fresh lime for a zesty punch, and rosemary infused agave for crisp, green notes for a harmonious and refreshing taste profile.

The Club is located at Hotel Tower 1, Lobby.

Cocktails in The Club

Spago Bar & Lounge

Chase the sunsets 57 storeys above the Singapore Strait with Spago Bar & Lounge’s handcrafted cocktails, expertly paired with gourmet bites.

Sip on the signature cocktail, Love You Long Time, a citrusy and refreshing drink reminiscent of summers that is perfect for warm evenings on the terrace. The Ketel One Vodka provides a neutral base for other flavours to shine through, while the sparkling sake, Thai basil and tangerine adds layers of addictive citrus notes that keeps patrons reaching for more.

Spago Bar & Lounge is located at Hotel Tower 2, Level 57, Sands SkyPark.

Cocktail in Spago

Waku Ghin by Testuya Wakuda

Experience an evening of zen in Waku Ghin’s haven of opulent tranquillity with a handcrafted cocktail by their expert mixologists.

Top off your meal at this Michelin-star restaurant with Alexander, a digestive cocktail made with Brandy, Cream and Cacao Liqueur. The drink boasts a velvety, smooth mouthfeel and a rich, bitter cocoa finish, a delightful contrast to the hearty flavours of the menu that perfectly refresh your palate. Those seeking a more adventurous cocktail experience can opt for the Negroni Spumare., With a sharper acidity kick and a bubbly mouthfeel unlike a classic negroni , it is a refreshing and exhilarating cocktail that will leave you wanting more.

Waku Ghin by Testuya Wakuda is located at The Shoppes, #02-03. 

Pouring Cocktail in Waku Ghin

Yardbird Southern Table & Bar

Founded by chef John Kunkel, Yardbird Southern Table & Bar brings the Southern charm to Singapore with authentic recipes and stunning cocktails inspired by Southern flavours.

Delight in the signature Blackberry Bourbon Lemonade, an ice-cold and refreshing alcoholic spin on the classic lemonade. Bursting with blackberry and citrusy notes, the drink packs a beautifully complex meld of fruity flavours infused with the Wild Turkey Bourbon’s warm caramel notes and manuka honey for a subtly sweet and tangy delight. With depth and complexity, the cocktail is a refreshing and invigorating cocktail that is a great choice for those who enjoy classic flavours but are looking for something a little more sophisticated.

Yardbird Southern Table & Bar is located at The Shoppes, #B1-07.

Cocktails in Yardbird

CÉ LA VI SkyBar & Club Lounge

Perched 57 floors atop Singapore’s luxurious integrated resort, CÉ LA VI SkyBar & Club Lounge is one of the best cocktail bars in Singapore for an irresistible glass of libation.

Clink your glasses to sundown merrymaking with their Summer Love signature cocktail, a gin and prosecco-based drink for an ice-cold, thirst-quenching treat. The drink is infused with fresh thyme for an aromatic note, and Fresh Peach for a deliciously juicy peach note that captures the essence of summer nights in the city. Discover more rooftop bars and restaurants in Singapore.

CÉ LA VI SkyBar & Club Lounge is located at Hotel Tower 3, Level 57, Sands SkyPark.

Cocktail Bar at Ce La Vi

Dallas Cafe & Bar

Located along the Marina Bay promenade with an unobstructed view of Singapore’s iconic skyline, this is the perfect spot for a nighttime afterwork get-together with a wide array of exciting cocktails.

Patrons who prefer a refreshing cocktail can opt for the Yuzu Mojito, a zesty twist on the classic mojito. The addition of yuzu, a citrus fruit native to East Asia, offers a bright, tangy flavour which gives the cocktail a unique flavour profile. For a classic option, try the Mimosa, an intriguing mix of champagne and orange juice, while those who prefer a bold flavour can opt for Dark N Stormy, a full-bodied drink with complex caramel and flavours.

Dallas Cafe & Bar is located at The Shoppes, #01-85.

Two Cocktails in Dallas Cafe & Bar

Le Noir

Sip on cocktails by the bay at Le Noir, a live music bar overlooking the Singapore River with a laidback atmosphere perfect for after-work gatherings.

Beat the heat with a fizzy Cuba Libre, a satisfying concoction of White Rum, Coca Cola and Fresh Lime Juice for a refreshing pick-me-up. Patrons who prefer a cocktail classic can opt for their Mimosa, a light and citrusy option that reinvigorates the senses for the warm evening ahead.

Le Noir is located at The Shoppes, #01-84.

Cocktail in Le Noir

Tips for Ordering a Cocktail

Though navigating a cocktail menu at the bar counter can be daunting, a well-informed approach to ordering cocktails can make your bar experience more enjoyable. Enhance your cocktail experience with these basic ordering terminology to communicate your preferences to the bartender.

Bartender Making Cocktail

Basic Cocktail Ordering Terminology

Familiarising yourself with common phrases used in cocktail making can make your bar experience more rewarding.

 

Common bartending terminologies:

  • On the rocks: Served iced
  • Neat: Served straight from the bottle without ice
  • Up: Shaken or stirred and strained without ice
  • Dry: Refers to a martini prepared with less vermouth
  • Dirty: Usually refers to a Martini with added olive brine, for a saltier character compared to a classic dry Martini
  • With a twist: A lemon or orange peel expressed over the drink and dropped in
Bartender Preparing Cocktail

Communicate Your Preferences

For those who are not familiar with cocktail menus and their customisations options simply communicate your preferences and dislikes to the bartender.

 

Whether you prefer a lighter or stronger drink, or have a desired level of sweetness or bitterness, the bartenders at the cocktail bars can craft a cocktail tailored to your taste.