Cocktail Bars Are Where The Cool Crowd’s Hanging Out

Bold flavours, stunning presentations, and the unexpected are exactly what the younger crowd craves in their tipples.

Appreciate the warm tones of mid-century Tokyo with a delicate cocktail in hand. Credit: Live Twice

By Rebecca Rachel Wong and Christina Grace Lai, 8 Aug 2025

Forget APT – the season’s hottest game in town? Scoring the best cocktail bar. Next time you order your drink, don’t be surprised if the table next to you swaps out their negronis for cocktails that come with... bugs. Cocktail bars in Singapore are popping up faster than you can say “new trend,” and it’s clear that craft and novelty cocktails are taking over – especially with Gen Z.

Sarah Wong and Naz Arjuna, co-founders of Mad & Midas on Ang Siang Hill, point out that today’s cocktails are more than just drinks – they’re vibrant, multi-sensory experiences that cater to the younger crowd's love for creativity and authenticity. What was once a sea of classic, sometimes bitter concoctions has now evolved into bold, experimental creations that are as theatrical as they are delicious.

The Pineapple Room is the colonial-inspired bar that’s just the ticket for a nostalgic night out.
The Pineapple Room

Franz Lagajino, bartender at The Pineapple Room, Capella Singapore, adds that Gen Z bar-goers are all about exploring new flavours and styles – from stunning glassware to cocktails made with top-tier ingredients. “Bar concepts are now the perfect stage for showcasing creativity, experience, and quality,” he says. “Cocktail-making has become an art form, offering a complete experience—from the vibe to the interactions with the bar team and drinks that tell a story.”

The intimate, vibey bar East47 draws inspiration from Andy Warhol's Silver Factory.
East47

As the cocktail scene continues to evolve, we’ve rounded up the coolest bars that are nailing this trend and serving up one-of-a-kind tipples.

RPM by D.Bespoke

What: From the team behind D.Bespoke comes RPM, a vinyl-focused cocktail bar that’s described as the “cooler younger sibling”. Recently listed on The 50 Best Discovery List, it’s helmed by Kentaro Satoh, a world-class bartender (with the credentials to prove), who’s now shaking things up in Singapore’s bar scene.

The vibe: Floor-to-ceiling vinyl, low lighting, and a heavy jazz influence, like a Tokyo jazz bar from the ‘40s got dropped onto Duxton Road.

The cocktail menu: Shochu is the star here, with reimaged classics and inventive cocktails with flavourful combinations made to surprise.

A must-try drink: Go for the Yuzu Sake Sour, or the award-winning Mariel - spiced, citrusy, and just a little dangerous.

Address: 16 Duxton Rd, Singapore 089784

Contact: Instagram, 8359 1334

EMPLOYEES ONLY

What: A mainstay in Singapore’s cocktail scene, Employees Only brings New York’s legendary speakeasy culture to Amoy Street. Ranked #89 on the World’s 50 Best List, it’s known for its electric vibe, unforgettable cocktails, and end-of-night ritual - cups of warm chicken soup, handed out as a parting gift - easing the next-morning hangover.

The vibe: Hidden behind a fortune teller’s lair, it’s all Art Deco, dim lighting and charm. Expect lively crowds, affable and charismatic bartenders, and a space that begs for a little late-night groove.

The cocktail menu: Reinvented house classics are the go-to here: Ginger Smash, Amelia, and their signature twist on the Manhattan, all executed to perfection.

A must-try drink: Try the Fraise Sauvage: a mix of gin, wild strawberries and prosecco. Pair it with the iconic beef tartare by Executive Chef Julia Jaksic.

Address: 112 Amoy St, Singapore 069932

Contact: Website, 6221 7357

OFFTRACK

What: At #23 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2025, Offtrack is where music, culture, and cocktails come together. Founded by the minds behind Darker Than Wax and Ice Cream Sundays, this music-centric bar celebrates the regional DJs, vinyl selectors and Pan-Asian bar bites.

The vibe: With a retrofuturistic glow, mid-century furniture and a top-notch curated soundsystem, Offtrack feels like a glimpse into a close-by neon future. Always upbeat, always spinning something fresh.

The cocktail menu: Led by Joash Conceicao, the drinks are rhythmic and soulful. They’re complex, balanced, and full of groove, just like the music.

A must-try drink: For something strong and punchy, try the Low & Slow - Monkey 47 Sloe Gin with bourbon, or the Grasshopper - a minty-sweet, crowd-pleaser.

Address: 34 North Canal Road, Singapore 059290

Contact: 8748 0408, Instagram, Website

JIGGER & PONY

What: A no-brainer when talking about Singapore’s cocktail scene - Jigger & Pony ranked #3 in Asia and holds the crown as Singapore’s best bar of 2025. Known for its minimalistic speakeasy style, warm hospitality and thoughtful drinks, it’s a staple for serious cocktail lovers and first-timers alike. Make a reservation ahead of time to avoid disappointment.

The vibe: Chic and refined with a nod to old-school speakeasies, it offers a timeless atmosphere that makes you forget you’re in a hotel bar altogether.

The cocktail menu: Ever-evolving “menuzines”, showcase seasonal ingredients and stories, blending creativity with serious mixology expertise.

A must-try drink: The Espresso Martini. Classic, silky, and rich. Zero fuss.

Address: 165 Tg Pagar Rd, Amara Hotel, Singapore 088539

Contact: 9621 1074, Website

Live Twice

What: Inspired by 1960s mid-century Tokyo, Live Twice blends Japanese-Western elegance with a film noir sensibility. Backed by the Jigger & Pony group, this 40-seater bar is known for its signature sandos, izakaya-style bites, and an $11 happy hour from 6-7:30 PM that’s hard to beat.

The vibe: Low-lit vintage lamps, warm wood tones and a swinging ‘60s soundtrack that lets you slow down. It’s intimate, cinematic, and deeply comfortable.

The cocktail menu: Led by principal bartender Luca Lulli, the drinks menu is classic and clean, rooted in Japanese minimalism, with just the right twist.

A must-try drink: Lucky Courage 吉勇 - bourbon with mango, chilli liqueur and lime. Smoky, spicy, and extremely smooth.

Address: 20 Bukit Pasoh Road Singapore 089834

Contact: 9011 8304, Website, Instagram

BAR BON FUNK

What: Launched in August this year, this stylish cocktail bar at New Bahru is the brainchild of chef-owner Keirin Buck, in collaboration with The Lo & Behold Group. The cocktail programme is led by head bartender Josiah Chee, who brings nearly a decade of experience from notable bars such as Jigger & Pony, 28 Hong Kong Street, and Employees Only Singapore.

The vibe: Elegant yet inviting, the space features custom handmade wall tiles and playful illustrations on wall lights, adding a touch of personality while creating a relaxed, homey atmosphere for patrons.

The cocktail menu: The menu, which evolves every three to six months, includes eight reimagined classics and eight signature cocktails that offer innovative takes on familiar flavours. A standout classic is the Negroni, made with West Winds Cutlass Gin, Bon Funk Amaro, and Bon Funk Vermouth – both of which are ultrasonic-aged with charred American oak for a smoother, rounder finish.

A must-try drink: A Glass of Milk, inspired by the cereal-soaked milk left at the bottom of your breakfast bowl. This unique creation combines small-batch Avallen Calvados, Le Gin Pira, lacto-fermented strawberry honey, and is garnished with ‘pudding fruit loops’ for a whimsical twist.

Address: #02-01 New Bahru

Contact: 9621-6076

BAE'S COCKTAIL CLUB

What: A new cocktail bar and club that blends high-energy cocktails with clubbing, all within a cosy music room setting. Cocktails are crafted by Vijay Mudaliar, co-founder of Bae’s and the mastermind behind Native and Analogue Initiative.

The vibe: This Gangnam-inspired hangout is the perfect excuse to slip on your dancing shoes, with K-pop beats from live DJs, keeping the party going until 3am.

MAD & MIDAS

What: A hidden cocktail bar in the heart of Ann Siang Road, formerly above the now-closed Low Tide at Club Street. Helmed by co-founders Sarah Wong and Naz Arjuna, the bar is a love letter to childhood, inviting guests to unleash their imagination.

The vibe: With a speakeasy feel, the bar embraces nostalgia, blending regional flavors with a playful twist. Expect inventive drinks served in unexpected vessels, all within a fun, laid-back atmosphere that encourages childlike curiosity.

The cocktail menu: The team has reimagined the menu to highlight a sense of playfulness. Look out for custom-blended spirits, whimsical garnishes, and the option to enjoy bottled cocktails for sharing or taking home.

A must-try drink: Panic at the Pisco (pictured) – a funky green grape flavour, and 2pactopus Tepache, a unique spin on fermented pineapple wine with spices and bitters.

Address: 14 Ann Siang Road

Contact: 8950-2358

THE WAREHOUSE LOBBY BAR

What: Recently revamped and led by food and beverage director Joseph Haywood and assistant bar manager Jaemin Shin, The Warehouse Hotel’s bar features a fresh team and cocktail menu that celebrates the hotel’s rich history as a restored 19th-century godown.

The vibe: With a brand refresh that aims to make the bar a destination in its own right, expect exciting experiences like DJ line-ups and guest bartender shifts to roll out in the coming months.

The cocktail menu: The team has crafted 16 new signature cocktails across four categories: herbaceous, spiced, fruity, and bold. Each drink cleverly nods to a piece of Singaporean trivia. For example, the Warehouse Martini combines the hotel’s own Chiu Long gin with Chinese shaoxing wine and sea grapes, inspired by Singapore’s maritime legacy.

A must-try drink: The Banana Money, a playful nod to Malay folklore where Pontianak spirits were said to haunt banana trees. This tropical twist on the Old Fashioned features Amaro Lucano, absinthe, and chocolate.

Address: 320 Havelock Road

Contact: 6828-0000

EAST47

What: Blending mixology with pop art, East47 debuted in September this year as a 12-seater bar-in-a-bar (nestled within the well-known Manhattan Bar), inspired by Andy Warhol’s Silver Factory. The team behind Manhattan Bar, led by head bartender Antonino Donato and assistant bar manager Riccardo Lugano, brings the vision to life.

The vibe: Designed by the award-winning Matthew Shang Design Office (MSDO), East47 honours its namesake, the Silver Factory, by merging modern luxury with artistic rebellion. The interiors feature silver foil-like wallpaper, stainless steel details, and Barovier & Toso Opera Venetian crystal lights. Iconic blue Breuer chairs and artworks by American artists Andy Warhol and Alana Dee Haynes add depth and sophistication to the space.

The cocktail menu: East47’s debut menu, Volume 1: High Low, spotlights the vibrant interplay between high art and popular culture, central to Warhol’s legacy. For example, the Cosmo Marilyn is a lively Cosmopolitan-style drink, pairing Orientalist Vodka, Ocho Tequila, milky oolong tea, passion fruit, and pecan nuts, echoing Warhol’s Marilyn Diptych.

A must-try drink: Our pick is SBAAAAAM!!, blending bourbon fat-washed with yoghurt and popcorn, drawing inspiration from American pop artist Roy Lichtenstein’s vivid comic strip-style artistic expression.

Address: Level 2 Conrad Singapore Orchard

Contact: 9856-6243

FURA

What: Opened in October 2023, Fura is the brainchild of Danish-American chef and forager Christina Rasmussen and bartender Sasha Wijidessa. This innovative drinking and dining destination focuses on shaping the future of food and drink through sustainability and creativity. The brand has also launched a sustainable merchandise line and introduced insects into select menu items following recent Singapore Food Agency's approval.

The vibe: Futuristic and sustainable, Fura’s decor reflects its eco-conscious ethos. You’ll find flat-pack stools made exclusively for the bar by sustainable materials supplier Panelogue and coasters created from waste materials by experimental design studio Tesign.

IDA'S BAR

What: Launched in August 2024, Ida’s Bar adds fresh energy to Gillman Barracks as an alfresco courtyard bar led by award-winning head bartender Nikki Lacsamana (formerly of Manhattan Bar) and his team. The bar serves innovative cocktails crafted by Cat Bite Crew, alongside Mediterranean-inspired bar bites.

The bar’s vibe: A serene escape from the urban sprawl, Ida’s offers alfresco drinking and dining surrounded by lush greenery. Patrons can unwind in its relaxed atmosphere with sundown drinks starting at 5pm. Ida’s also features a creative in-house floral studio led by Charlotte Puxley.

The cocktail menu: Botanical cocktails are the highlight here, with nine signature creations and eight classic favourites. Tequila Sunset (pictured) adds a vibrant twist to a classic, topped with a blue pea lychee float. For those who prefer the classics, Sloe Gin Fizz and Paloma offer refreshing options.

A must-try drink: Minted Passion, a smooth blend of Koch Elemental Mezcal, Bianco vermouth, Aperol, passion fruit, and mint, elegantly served in a coupe.

Address: #02-21 Gillman Barracks

Contact: 8809-2752

JUNGLE BALLROOM

What: Located within Mondrian Singapore Duxton, Jungle Ballroom is a tropical disco celebrating the vibrant flavours and untamed nature of Southeast Asia, with a cocktail menu inspired by the region’s rich bounty. The cocktail programme is helmed by head bartender Adrian Besa.

The bar’s vibe: A sultry, decadent junglescape for party-goers. A neon-lit tunnel lined with greenery leads to the bar, where dynamic colours and patterns reflect the surrounding nature, creating an electrifying atmosphere.

CAT BITE CLUB

What: This bar shines a spotlight on agave and rice spirits, featuring a complete menu revamp. With Singapore’s largest collection of agave spirits (over 200 bottles), it offers agave and rice masterclasses, inviting guests to explore a diverse range of distillates.

The bar’s vibe: Cheeky, fun, and relaxed, this hidden gem is tucked behind a secret entrance – look for the glowing red sign with a mischievous Cheshire cat grin.

The cocktail menu: This revamped menu marks the biggest shift since Cat Bite Club’s opening, reimagining classic drinks through the lens of agave and rice spirits. A lesser-known classic, the Invisible Gin (pictured), is a refreshing highball combining Bombay Sapphire Gin, ginger, fresh pineapple, citrus blend, Gentian, apricot, and soda water.

Our must-try drink: The Hulk Splash, a savory twist on cocktails, blends Ocho Blanco Tequila, kiwi, fresh citrus, Fernet Hunter Granit, and roasted broccoli.

Address: 75 Duxton Hill

Contact: 8190-6597

THE PINEAPPLE ROOM

What: Situated above the hotel lobby of Capella Singapore, the Pineapple Room is nestled in the resort’s historic Tanah Merah building. Opened in October this year, the bar pays tribute to Sentosa Island’s little-known past as a thriving pineapple plantation in the 1880s, subtly weaving the tropical fruit into its classic and contemporary cocktails.

The vibe: Heritage-chic meets tropical elegance. The space is adorned with vintage photos of old Singapore from the 1940s to the 1960s, maps, and commissioned botanical and pineapple paintings by local artists. Guests can also enjoy a bespoke card game, Room for Conversation, designed to encourage meaningful interactions.

The cocktail menu: Each cocktail celebrates Singapore’s cultural tapestry, with ingredients highlighting the garden city’s botanicals and local fruits. Triple P is the signature cocktail, featuring tropical pineapple as the base, complemented by reposado, agave nectar, lime, orange bitters, and a sprinkle of chilli salt.

A must-try drink: Scarlet Rouge, a modern twist on the iconic Mary Pickford, combining dark rum, cherry liqueur, pineapple, pomegranate, bitters, and edible gold for a warm, seductive finish.

Address: 1 The Knolls, Sentosa Island

Contact: 6377-8888

CHA CHAAN TENG

What: A modern fusion bar inspired by Hong Kong film and culture, where patrons can indulge in nostalgia while discovering a fresh twist on classic Cantonese dishes and cocktails.

The vibe: Cantonese renditions of iconic songs set the mood, while neon-lit, old-school coffee shop furniture creates a nostalgic atmosphere. Dim, atmospheric lighting transports you to a Wong Kar Wai-inspired movie scene.

Cocktail programme: The bar features a diverse range of Hong Kong-inspired cocktails, including the spiced rum and custard Daahn Tāat (Egg Tart). Savoury lovers will enjoy the Zyu Yuhk (Pork Old-Fashioned), which combines pork fat-washed Armagnac with a kick of maltose and five-spice bitters.

Our must-try drink: Bou Zai Faan Claypot Rice (Claypot Rice Negroni), a savoury cocktail infused with claypot wok hei and sweet lap cheong for a unique, flavourful experience.

Address: 284 Lavender Street

Contact: 9027-1902

UME MARU

What: A speakeasy-style whisky and umeshu cocktail bar inspired by Jimbocho, Japan’s famous book district. Launched by the same team behind Ume San 100, this bar offers a unique blend of cocktails inspired by manga and anime, served alongside craft whiskies and umeshu.

The vibe: Tucked away in Far East Plaza, the hidden entrance opens to shelves of manga comics, anime books, and graphic magazines. Inside, you’ll find more manga on screens playing throughout the night. Guests can also enjoy comics while sipping on drinks, adding to the immersive experience.