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.
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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"] 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"] 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. Pretty much an alcoholic version of the well-loved prawn noodle soup, Kuvo’s Prawn Noodle Cocktail mirrors the dish as a savoury and warm cocktail. [caption id="attachment_23510" align="aligncenter" width="640"] 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"] 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"] 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"] 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"] 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"] Ah…It’s June. The school holiday season. Maybe you’re looking for a break that doesn’t involve expending lots of energy. Maybe your only desire is a short escape to relax and revitalise yourself after the past 6 months of hard work. Well, you’re looking at the right article. In this list, we have compiled 5 unique staycations in Singapore that you’ll love. Be it with family, loved ones, or your partner, there’ll be something for you. Want to stay within the city but still get away from the hustle and bustle? Located in a quieter estate near the city center lies Lloyd’s Inn. A minimalist approach to their design coupled with a touch of greenery make Lloyd’s Inn a one-of-a-kind experience. Not to mention, the rooms are mostly in monochromatic and neutral colours. Instantly comforting, soothing and relaxing. This also makes it the perfect setting for family, instagram, or couple shots. Sunbed lounges and dipping pool, we’re coming for you! There are 8 types of rooms at Lloyd’s Inn. Each room captures “the relationship with nature in different ways”. Our room picks are The Skyroom – outdoor bathtub, The Patio – a private deck with outdoor dining area, and The Garden – small private garden. Suitable for families with children or couples, Lloyd’s Inn makes for a great staycation experience. Address: 2 Lloyd Road, Singapore 239091 If you are someone who has strong appreciation for the Arts in the local scene, you’re going to love New Majestic Hotel! Each of the 30 rooms at New Majestic is thoughtfully integrated with unique wall murals created by some of our emerging local artists. Support local talent!
Address: 60A Boat Quay, S049848
Contact: 6535 0838
Opening hours: Mon to Thu, 6pm – 12am; Fri & Sat, 6pm – 3am
Website3. Raspberry Milo Moonshine – The Secret Mermaid
Milo Moonshine ($15), Image Credit: Topped with sticks of Pocky, this drink is perfect for all who are young at heart!
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
Website6. Tomyum Martini – Maison Ikkoku Bar
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
Website7. Pipagao Cocktail – Ding Dong
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
Website8. Kaya Toast Cocktail – Bitters and Love
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
Website9. Singapore Sazerac – The Warehouse Hotel Bar
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!
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
5 Unique Staycations In Singapore You Must Check Out!
1. Lloyd’s Inn
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Photo Credits: Lloyd’s Inn[/caption]
Photo Credits: Lloyd’s Inn[/caption]
Credit: Lloyd’s Inn[/caption]
Credit: Lloyd’s Inn[/caption]
Tel: +65 6737 7309
Price: from SGD 160 per night.2. The New Majestic
Photo Credits: The New Majestic Hotel[/caption]
Private verandas, cast-iron bathtubs and hanging beds are some of the features that can be found in their respective themed rooms.
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Credit: The New Majestic Hotel[/caption]
The highlight of New Majestic however, belongs to their Lifestyle category, which consists of rooms personalized by Singapore’s top creatives from unique disciplines. You can’t get more artsy than that!
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Credit: New Majestic Hotel[/caption]
Reservation Hotline: +65 6579 2026
Price: from SGD 332 per night.
3. Wanderlust Hotel
Photo Credits: Wanderlust Hotel, as noted on jo2theworld.com[/caption]
If you are on the hunt for an adventure, Wanderlust is your gateway to another world. Designed by award-winning design firms with no prior hotel clients, the concept of thinking-out-of-the-box has never been made more apparent in any other hotel designs.
Photo Credits: designhotels.com[/caption]
Photo Credits: Wanderlust Hotel[/caption]
Embark on a magical journey into the world of spaceships, origami and fairy tales as you relive the whimsical dreams of your childhood. With such creatively designed rooms that look like they came out of a children’s storybook, Wanderlust Hotel offers endless surprises for the child in you, or the child with you!
4. The Sultan
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Photo Credits: thesultan.com.sg[/caption]
By incorporating the immaculately conserved architectural elements of olden day Singapore into their room designs, The Sultan differentiates itself as a Uniquely Singapore hotel that retains our heritage and culture.
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Photo Credits: thesultan.com.sg[/caption]
What’s more enlightening than getting in touch with our Singaporean roots?
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Credit: The Sultan[/caption]
Beside those rooms, The Sultan also has skylight and loft rooms. Look out for stars at night, or wake to the rays of sun peeking into the room.
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Credit: The Sultan[/caption]
Experience a glimpse into the rustic past of Singapore as you enjoy a slow-paced lifestyle that is no longer present in our sophisticated city lives.
Address: 101 Jalan Sultan #01-01 Singapore 199002
Tel: +65 6723 7101
Price: from SGD 136 per night.
5. Studio M
Clinching the title of Best Boutique Hotel in AsiaOne’s People’s Choice Awards for two years in a row (2014, 2015), it is no wonder the fully loft-inspired Studio M remains a popular choice for a staycation. If you’ve ever dreamed of staying in a loft, here’s your chance!
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Photo Credits: fnetravel.com[/caption]
Nestled in the center of Robertson Quay, Studio M is a stone’s throw away from Singapore’s prime nightlife district as well as the countless cafes littered along the river. Unleash your inner cosmopolitan and book a stay here!
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Photo Credits: hipmunk.com[/caption]
Credit: Studio M[/caption]
(Header image credit: New Majestic Hotel, words by editor)
Also read: 7 Incredible Places In SEA To Discover With Friends
5 Exceedingly Unique Dining Places – Restaurants With A Twist
Are you tired of all the hipster cafes and bars? Looking for a more intriguing restaurant that will bring you to another world? Or maybe you’re a professional foodie who’s already visited all the restaurants in Singapore, and can’t seem to find your next target. With so many interesting restaurants and cafes around on our little red dot, finding one that stands out from the crowd can be a tough job. But lucky you, we’ve found 5 unique dining places that are sure to wow your socks off!
1. Selfie Coffee
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Image Credits: Selfie Coffee Singapore[/caption]
Located along the streets of Haji Lane, Selfie Coffee is the most interesting cafe you’ll ever come across. The name says it all. They literally print customers’ selfies onto cups of coffee. How does it work? The first step is to take a selfie (duh). Next, you’ll have to choose a drink, and just like that, your selfie will be printed on the foam of your coffee.
The selfies are printed with 100% edible foam and cream. We recommend ordering a cold drink instead of a hot one, for the picture to last longer on the foam. Print your selfie on a cold cup of Mocha ($8.50) or on a cup of Selfie Coffee’s Signature Coffee ($7.50). Other drinks are also available if you’re not into the idea of sipping a picture of yourself.
Selfie Coffee
Address: 11 Haji Lane Singapore 18920
Opening Hours: Sun & Mon 11am-10pm, Tues to Thurs 11am-8pm, Fri & Sat 11am-11pm
Tel: +65 6341 7213
2. Jungle Tandoor Restaurant
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Image Credits: panoramio.com[/caption]
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Image Credits: re.co[/caption]
Interested to have dinner with bears, monkeys and deers? We’re not talking about visiting the Zoo, we’re talking about eating at Jungle Tandoor! Located in the heart of Serangoon, this urban jungle (pun intended) is really one of a kind. Decorated with tribal statues and fixtures of different jungle animals, stepping into Jungle Tandoor is just like stepping out of the city and deep into a real jungle. Feast on their delicious Chicken Tikka ($14) or some kebab ($15) and complete your meal with a glass of white wine ($10). Whatever you do, just remember: Don’t feed the animals!
Jungle Tandoor Restaurant
Address: 102 Serangoon Road Singapore 218007
Opening Hours: Daily 11am-11pm
Tel: +65 6299 0400
3. NOX – Dine In The Dark
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Image Credits: NOX Singapore[/caption]
Y’know how scientists say that blindness will rapidly enhance a person’s other senses? Well, you can put this saying to the test at NOX! The dining area is pitch dark and all light emitting devices (mobile phones and torches) are not allowed in the room. The restaurant hires visually impaired guides who will lead customers to their seats. A mystery 3 course set dinner ($88++) will be served after customers are seated in the dining room. Yes, you really dine in the dark. Reservations can be made by phone or through their website.
NOX- Dine In The Dark
Address: 269 Beach Road Singapore 199546
Opening Hours: Mon to Fri 6pm-late, Saturday 5pm-late, Sunday 5pm-11pm
Tel: +65 6298 0708
4. Antoinette
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Image Credits: Antoinette Singapore[/caption]
Step into a little piece of France here at Antoinette. This french restaurant aims to bring exquisite classic french dessert and cuisine to a whole new level. With their beautifully decorated interior and pretty pastries, you’ll never find a more atas restaurant than this! Order a savoury Concorde Crepe ($22) or a delicious warm Chocolate Cake served with Caramel Orange Ice Cream ($16). Antoinette also has a wide selection of teas and beverages, perfect for a little afternoon high tea session.
Antoinette
Address: 30 Penhas Road Singapore 208188
Opening Hours: Mon to Thurs 11am-10pm, Fri 11am-11pm, Sat 10am-11pm, Sun 10am-10pm
Tel: +65 6293 3121
5. ANDSOFORTH
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Image Credits: ANDSOFORTH SIngapore[/caption]
This is the most mysterious restaurant yet. Its menu, theme and location changes every session and customers will only know details of the meal on the day itself! All we know is that guests will be treated to a staged play while having dinner. Reservations are to be made in advance, through their website. Guests will then receive a text on the day itself, with clues that will lead them to the location of the dinner. Each session costs about $108 per person. For a unique dinner experience, head to their website to book a slot now!
ANDSOFORTH
Address: Unknown
Opening Hours: Fri to Sun, Dinner
Website: 8 Local Dishes Modified To Look Modern, Can You Recognise Them?
