Audience: Party

10 Uniquely Singaporean Cocktails You Can’t Find Anywhere Else In The World

In the 1900s, the first cocktail with a local twist was born: the Singapore Sling. Fast forward 100+ years later, and we are seeing a new wave of locally inspired cocktails handcrafted all over bars in Singapore! 

These unconventional concoctions are the genius works of Singaporean bartenders who have delved deep into their roots to create drinks that capture different aspects of Singapore. Kudos to these guys who’ve created some amazing drinks out of flavours and elements that hit so close to home!

Without further ado, here’s our guide to 10 uniquely Singaporean cocktails you can’t find anywhere else in the world!

1. The Red Ruby – Hopscotch Bar

Kicking off this list is The Red Ruby, a crowd favourite at Hopscotch, a craft cocktail bar tucked away in the colonial Red Dot Traffic Building.

[caption id="attachment_23498" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Red Ruby ($22), Image Credit: Topped with an Ang Ku Kueh Agar Agar, the Red Ruby will definitely get people looking over. The drink is a mixture of homemade coconut sorbet, Angostura Light Rum, and pandan syrup. A coconut-y cocktail that doubles as a dessert, this drink is guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth!

Hopscotch2. Laksa Cocktail – Ah Sam Cold Drink Stall

Ah Sam Cold Drink Stall is a hidden speakeasy with limited seating. Here, they make almost every syrup and ingredient from scratch, and boast a wide variety of cocktails with a local flair.

[caption id="attachment_23697" align="alignnone" width="640"]
Address: 60A Boat Quay, S049848
Contact: 6535 0838
Opening hours: Mon to Thu, 6pm – 12am; Fri & Sat, 6pm – 3am
Website

3. Raspberry Milo Moonshine – The Secret Mermaid

By day, this space operates as an unassuming Shinkansen, a Japanese Salad Bar, in the CBD. But once dusk falls, it transforms into The Secret Mermaid.

[caption id="attachment_23502" align="aligncenter" width="1620"] Milo Moonshine ($15), Image Credit: Topped with sticks of Pocky, this drink is perfect for all who are young at heart!

The Secret Mermaid4. Prawn Noodle Cocktail – Kuvo

Located in the heart of Orchard road, Kuvo, which means ‘blend’ in French, offers a fusion of flavours through their food and beverages.

[caption id="attachment_23510" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Prawn Noodle Cocktail ($20), Image Credit: Address: 321 Orchard Road, #02-01 S238866
Contact: 6733 8272
Opening hours: Mon to Thu, 12pm – 1am; Fri & Sat, 12pm – 2am; Sun 12pm – 1am
Mr. Bean ($23), Image Credit:
Address: 49 Tras Street, Singapore 078988
Contact: 6222 3349
Opening hours: Mon to Thu, 6pm – 1am; Fri & Sat,6pm – 2am
Website

6. Tomyum Martini – Maison Ikkoku Bar

Also known for it’s cafe of the same name, Maison Ikkoku Bar is situated right above it. There, amidst the cosy chic vibe going on, you will find their gutsy Tomyum Martini.

A concoction leaning on the savoury side with salty, sour and peppery notes, it has a lingering spiciness that may prove too exotic for some.

[caption id="attachment_23623" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Tomyum Martini ($28), Image Credit:
Address: 20 Kandahar St, 1F, Singapore 198885
Contact: 6294 0078
Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday – 4pm to 1am, Friday to Saturday and PH Eve – 4pm to 2am
Website

7. Pipagao Cocktail – Ding Dong

Pipagao is a traditional Chinese medicine many of us have taken at some point in our lives to relieve a cough or sore throat.

Who would have thought to turn it into an alcoholic drink? Well, the guys at Ding Dong did, which is why the Pipagao Cocktail now exists.

[caption id="attachment_23522" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Pipagao ($22), Image Credit:
Address: 23 Ann Siang Road, Singapore 069703
Contact: 6884 6884
Opening hours: Mon to Fri, 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 12am; Sat, 6pm – 12am
Website

8. Kaya Toast Cocktail – Bitters and Love

A play on a local breakfast favourite, Bitters and Love’s Kaya Toast Cocktail is fittingly served in a kaya jam jar.

[caption id="attachment_23526" align="aligncenter" width="975"] Kaya Toast Cocktail ($23), Image Credit:
Address: 118 Telok Ayer Street, Singapore 068587
Contact: 6438 1836
Opening hours: Mon to Thu: 6pm – 12am, Fri to Sat: 6pm – 2am
Website

9. Singapore Sazerac – The Warehouse Hotel Bar

The newly opened Warehouse Hotel has an unmistakable slant towards Asian/Singaporean influences. This is clearly reflected especially in the hotel’s lobby bar, where they serve a unique Singapore Sazerac.

[caption id="attachment_23593" align="aligncenter" width="1600"] Singapore Sazerac ($20), Image Credit:  a mix of spices, raisin bourbon, pandan bitters, rye, cognac, and absinthe. You can expect a kick from this cocktail!

The Warehouse Hotel Bar10. Kopi Cat – Loof

Loof, which affectionately pokes fun at the Singaporean pronunciation of ‘roof’, is a casual rooftop bar steeped in 90’s Singapore nostalgia. With a food and drink menu that gives off a distinctively local vibe, one of the must-tries here is The Kopi Cat.

[caption id="attachment_23534" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] Kopi Cat ($19), Image Credit: Address: 331 North Bridge Road, #03-07, Odeon Towers Extension Rooftop, Singapore 188720
Contact: 6337 9416
Opening hours: Mon to Thurs, 5pm – 1am; Fri to Sat, 5pm – 2am

8 Alternative Venues To Hold A Unique Wedding In Singapore Under $20K 

Ideally, marriage only happens once in a lifetime. Therefore, we approach wedding planning with utmost seriousness. Every couple has a dream wedding in mind, from the theme to the location and the wedding dress. We all want to have a perfect wedding.

But with the high costs of living in Singapore, planning a wedding can be taxing on the wallet.

Instead of traditional hotel banquets, we can consider alternative wedding venues. These locations allow you to be more creative in coming up with new concepts that are not only aesthetically appealing, but also more economic.

If you’re getting hitched and have a tight budget, here are some affordable alternative wedding venues in Singapore to fit a guest list that ranges between 50 to 395 guests.

1. Grand Shanghai Restaurant

With its dark wood-polished floors, vintage ceiling fans, and ornate lamps and lanterns, Grand Shanghai offers an exotic location that stands out from your usual Chinese restaurant.

This venue offers ample space to comfortably fit 200 guests while keeping to the $20K budget.

The spacious floor plan also allows in-house jazz performances, and guests can dine in luxury and be delighted with traditional Shanghainese delicacies, such as Wuxi short ribs, braised ‘lion’s head’ and Peking duck.

Grand Shanghai Restaurant
Address: Grand Shanghai Restaurant, Level 1 King’s Centre, 390 Havelock Road, S169662
Price: One table starts at $899++ (min. 20 tables)
Capacity: 200 – 260 guests
Tel: 6836 6866
Website: Credit: Credit:

3. Fu Lin Men @ Jurong Country Club

This country club has been an understatement for years.

Apart from its lush greenery, Jurong Country Club is one of the many awesome alternative wedding venues with an affordable wedding reception.

[caption id="attachment_22565" align="aligncenter" width="1772"] Credit:

4. Vineyard @ Hort Park

With Singapore’s humid weather, tying the knit out in nature can be tricky. That’s why picking a location that comes with both indoor and alfresco setting solves the simple problem.

[caption id="attachment_21713" align="alignnone" width="960"] Credit:

5. Masons @ Gillman Barracks

Housed in a 1930s colonial black and white bungalow, the Masons carries a sophisticated vibe that is charming and alluring.

[caption id="attachment_21708" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Credit: 

With its lush greenery and open grounds, this alternative wedding venue is perfect for a garden wedding or an intimate vintage-themed ceremony indoors.

Whether you want an international menu or buffet dining, the dedicated event team at MASONS can ensure a smooth sailing wedding that matches your budget. Wedding packages begin at $8,000 for 50 guests. To fit a $20K budget, just make sure your number of guest falls below 100 pax.

MASONS
Address: 8 Lock Road, Gillman Barracks, S108936
Price: $8,000++ for up to 50 guests
Capacity: 50 – 150 guests
Tel: 8222 3875
Email: [email protected]
Website: Credit:

7. Republic of Singapore Yacht Club

Fancy holding a reception by the sea?

Well, check out Singapore’s very first yacht club. It’s the perfect choice for a romantic sunset wedding with 240 guests or less.

[caption id="attachment_21717" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Credit:

Couples may choose between a chic indoor celebration at the Nautical Ballroom and a charming alfresco solemnisation by the sea at the Foreshore Deck.

Choosing the Chinese package will allow you to hold a wedding dinner for 240 pax or less while the international buffet option complies up to 395 guests.

Whether you opt for an 8-course Chinese dinner or an international buffet dinner, you can expect a scrumptious feast by magnificent views of yachts and marine.

Republic of Singapore Yacht Club
Address: 52 West Coast Ferry Road S126887
Price: Solemnization packages start at $1,288++ (max. 30 pax) / Chinese packages start at $788++ for one table (min. 10 tables) / International Buffet packages start at $48++ per guest (min. 100 pax)
Capacity: 100 – 250 guests
Tel: 6768 9297 / 292 / 294
Email: [email protected]
Website: Republic of Singapore Yacht Club

8. Tanjong Beach Club

It’s summer all year round in Singapore and where better to hold a beach-themed wedding than at our sun kissed country?

[caption id="attachment_21722" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Credit: [email protected]
Website:

Also, read 8 Enchanting & Secret Photography Spots You Never Knew Existed

8 Unusual V-Day Dinner Ideas For A Far From Basic Valentine’s Day

When we think about the Valentine’s Day dinner, what comes to mind is often a proper fancy restaurant, where you both gaze into each other’s eyes over candlelight.

Yawn. We say, skip the boring candlelit dinner this V-day and try something more, dare we say, unusual together.

From secret locations to dining in pitch darkness, we conclude that the stranger the experience, the more you’ll remember it. It’ll be the something special only shared between the two of you.

Here are 8 unusual V-day dinner ideas, for a far from basic V-day that you won’t forget for a long time to come!

1. AndSoForth

We bet you’ve never even heard of this one.

The first of its kind in Singapore, the elusive AndSoForth is a series of novelty pop-up restaurants that disappear and reappear in mysterious locations on selected dates.

Neither of you will have to plan any surprises here, there’ll be many in store for you. You won’t even know the meeting location until the day of the feast itself, with strategic clues sent over text to lead you to the final venue.

The running theme is ‘Dinner in Wonderland’, so expect a theatrical feast madder than ever, with a solid 4 course dinner immersed around stories and drama. Shh, it’ll be one more secret kept between the two of you.

And So Forth
Address: Who knows?
Tel: 9129 7845
Email: [email protected]
Website
Facebook

2. Nox – Dine In The Dark

Hold on tight to your date. At Nox – Dine In The Dark, you’ll both plunge into an intriguing new world of mystery, sensation, and darkness.

Take a culinary journey through taste, smell, touch and sound–all in pitch black darkness.

Here, blind and visually impaired individuals are specially trained to guide and serve you.

Have a dinner without distractions in this unique mind-altering sensory experience.

It’s also perfect if you’re trying to keep your relationship on the down low, for now.

Nox Dine In The Dark
Where: 269 Beach Road Singapore 199546
Open: Mon-Fri 6pm to late; Sat 5pm to late; Sun 5pm to 11pm
Tel: 6298 0708
Email: [email protected]
Facebook

3. The Screening Room

The standard Valentine’s Day dinner and movie plan takes on a new meaning at The Screening Room.

This swanky yet comfy boutique film cinema is a dream come true for the film loving couple, who can savour delicious bites while getting their celluloid fix.

This intimate screening room features a calendar of exciting films: from timeless classics, to great new indie releases, to thought-provoking independent or foreign films.

Post 10pm, the cinema transforms into a chic Champagne Lounge where you and your date can kick back on a cosy sofa with bubbly or tapas in hand.

Unwind, by luxuriating in groovy beats and savouring bespoke cocktails, and escape reality with your beloved for the night.

The Screening Room
Where: 12 Ann Siang Rd #03-00, Singapore 069692
Open: Mon-Thurs 6pm to 2pm; Fri 6pm to 3am; Sat 6pm to 4am
Tel: 6532 3357
Email: [email protected]
Facebook

4. Hai Bin Prawning & BBQ

Fish for prawns (and compliments) with your date any time of the night at Hai Bin Prawning! You’ll have to work for your dinner here.

From patiently waiting for a prawn to take the bait, to struggling to rein it up without it escaping, to cooking it yourself on the fire, it’ll surely be a deep bonding experience for you two.

Hai Bin prides their freshwater prawns sourced from Thailand for being extra fresh. They also provide BBQ pits, fire-starters, charcoal and everything else you need to grill and savour your fresh catch, with your catch.

Hai Bin Prawning & BBQ
Open: Daily, 24 hours
Website
Where:
Punggol: 6 Tebing Lane #01-04, Singapore 828835
Tel: 6447 8693

Sembawang​: HomeTeamNS @ Sembawang, 301 Canberra Road #01-08, Singapore 759774
Tel: 6261 7226
Open: Daily, 24 hours

5. Selfie Coffee

Maybe coffee for dinner sounds strange, but that’s far from being the strangest thing about this place.

At Selfie Coffee, you and your partner can do exactly what the name suggests–drink off your own faces printed on the foam atop your latte.

Choose how you want the coffee taste, from their Signature coffee, salted caramel, mocha, matcha, Horlicks and many more. They do serve proper meals too, like sandwiches, pies, and even prata.

While waiting, you two can doodle and write mushy love notes on the tables with whiteboard marker pens.

Take your relationship to the next level by drinking each other’s faces off the coffee too, if that floats your boat.

Selfie Coffee
Where: 11 Haji Lane Singapore 189204
Open: Sun-Mon 11am to 10pm
Tel: 6341 7213
Email: [email protected]
Facebook
The history nerd couple will have a whale of a time here, drifting back in time with Singapore’s history. 1942 boasts that its Singapore’s only private war themed museum restaurant.

[caption id="attachment_22645" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Image credit: Cheekie Monkies[/caption]

With bunkers, machine guns, nuclear warheads and the lot, this quirky establishment brings you and your beloved back in time to the period of the Japanese occupation.

Their delicious set menus will fulfil your cravings, and this place is sure to leave a statement in your relationship’s history books.

1942 Alfresco @ Changi
Where: 30 Cosford Rd, Singapore 499550
Open: Wed-Mon 11am to 12am
Tel: 6542 4492
Email: [email protected]
Facebook

7. The Black Swan

Fancy a different kind of history? Wonderfully handsome The Black Swan will take you and your beloved back to the swinging age of The Great Gatsby.

This elaborately themed restaurant is all played up by a dreamy central bar, waist-coated bar staff, striking geometric patterns on the columns, and black marble-top tables.

Their Valentine’s Day menu includes Seasonal Oysters, and Black Onyx T-bone that you can enjoy to live music in alfresco dining.

The Black Swan
Where: 19 Cecil Street Singapore 049704
Open: Mon 11.30am to 11pm, Tues-Thurs 11.30am to 12am, Fri 11.30am to 1am, Sat 5pm to 1am
Tel: 6438 3757
Email: [email protected]
Facebook

8. Ocean Restaurant by Cat Cora

If either of you is a marine animal lover, this one’s for you–or not.

At Ocean Restaurant by Cat Cora, you and your date will be surrounded by the underwater creatures of the S.E.A. Aquarium, all while feasting on their kin.

Shrouded in a romantic blue glow, enjoy Iron Chef Cat Cora’s light and healthy dishes, such as smoked eel and 42°C sous vide salmon.

Its full-length glass panels allow you to marvel at over 100,000 magnificent marine animals for a truly memorable dining experience.

Ocean Restaurant by Cat Cora
Where: 22 Sentosa Gateway, S.E.A. Aquarium, #B1-455 & 456, S.E.A. Aquarium, 098136
Open: Daily 11.30am to 2.30pm
Tel: 6577 6688
Email: [email protected]
Ready to take your dinner plans to the next level? Book your Valentine’s Day date night at any of these out-of-the-box places, and be prepared to expect the unexpected.

Also, read 10 Gorgeous Valentine’s Day Flowers That Every Girl Secretly Wants

The Ultimate Guide To Valentine’s Day If You’re Single AF On The Day Of Love

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner and with it comes the reminder that the single ones of us are, well, single AF. Whether you haven’t had much luck in the love department lately or are single by choice—which let’s admit, most of us are—, Valentine’s Day has a way of getting to even the best, most fiercely independent ones of us.

While Valentine’s Day can be absolute torture for those of us without someone special to spend the occasion with, it doesn’t have to be that way. Here are some parties and options you should definitely check out that will have you feeling a lot less sorry about being single on Valentine’s.

1. Let Your Heart Go Loco At Lucha Loco

Single and ready to mingle? Lucha Loco’s Hearts Go Loco is the place to be! The Mexican joint sees a huge turnout year after year at its annual anti-Valentine’s party and this year is likely to be no different.

For the bold and the daring, step up to the kissing booth and lock lips with a stranger. Complimentary tequila shots will be on hand to give you that extra bit of liquid courage if you need it! For those fresh out of a crappy relationship, bring along a photo of your ex and pin it onto one of the piñatas provided. Unleash the full force of your rage upon it and you’ll feel so much better after! And if you’re out to find love, snap a polaroid of yourself and stick it on the love board. By the end of the night, who knows? Love just might come calling—or texting.

Lucha Loco
Where: 15 Duxton Hill, Singapore 089598
When: 14 February 8pm – late
Admission: Free

2. Party The Night Away At Valentine Vendetta

See yourself partying the night away come Valentine’s Day? And why shouldn’t you! Own your single status and mingle with other eligible singles like yourself. Back for its 6^th year, award-winning Valentine Vendetta is THE singles party of the year.

Happening at Skyline Club & Lounge on the 45^th floor of Singapore Land Tower, you’ll be treated to a stunning view of the gorgeous Singapore skyline. This year, the theme is masquerade, so come masked to give yourself that added bit of mystery. With ice-breakers and games designed to let you meet other singles, you might just leave the party with someone special on your arm!

Skyline Club & Lounge
Where: Level 45, Singapore Land Tower
When: 14 February 6pm – 1am
Admission: here for table packages.

3. Keep Things Chill at Timbre @ The Substation

If a wild night out isn’t quite your speed, head down to Timbre for their version of Anti-Valentine’s Day. A low-key affair with all the things we’ve come to love and expect from Timbre—great food, great drinks and great musical company in the form of 53A—it’s perfect for those who just want to chill out with friends and get away from the flowers, the overpriced dinner sets, and all the lovey dovey nonsense that’s going on everywhere else. Drink promos will also be available for that day only!

While you’re there, share exactly why you think Valentine’s Day is the absolute worst on the Wall Of Heartbreak—it just might win you a free bucket of beer! All the better to help you drink your Valentine’s Day-related sorrows away.

Timbre @ The Substation
Where: 45 Armenian Street
When: 14 February, 8.30pm
Admission: Free

4. Claim Insurance For Your Heartbreak

Dreading heartbreak this Valentine’s? Claim insurance. No, we’re not kidding. The people at Insurance Market, an online insurance brokerage, have designed two heartbreak policies to tide you through a rough Valentine’s: The Break-Up Policy and the Unrequited Love Policy.

Whether your partner dumps you the one day a year we celebrate love (*cough* JERK *cough*) or you confess your feelings only to find them unreciprocated, you get to make a claim and come out of the ordeal with two free movie tickets. Take your best friend, your sibling or even your mum and forget the ones who can’t see you for the gem that you are!

As with all insurance policies, you’ll have to apply for the policy in advance—that means signing up for it ahead of Valentine’s Day, if you want to make a claim on 14th Feb. To claim your Broken Heart Insurance, simply submit your heartbreak story between 12pm – 6pm on Valentine’s Day and you’ll receive your tickets between 15 – 17 Feb. Because payout is limited to 150 pairs, remember to pick yourself up quickly and make your claim!

Where: Insurance Market
When: 14 February, 12pm – 6pm

5. Find Your Tribe On The Meetup App

Even though its name seems to suggest it, Meetup is not a dating app. If love comes out of it, that’s simply a bonus! Originally intended to bring like-minded individuals together, there’s a group (or ten) for everyone, whether your interest lies in board games or badminton!

This Valentine’s Day, we’re pretty sure there will be single groups on there making plans to meet, so why not join in on the fun? Alternatively, find any group you like and spend your Valentine’s with them instead! Even if love doesn’t come out of it, we’re sure plenty of friendships will and sometimes, that’s actually even better.

Being single on Valentine’s Day can really, really suck, but take comfort in the fact that you’re not the only one. Instead of moping around the house lamenting the fact that you’re all alone, get out there and have a great time! Don’t let you get in your way.