Cover These electrifying cocktail bar turn nightclubs are redefining what it means to party in the Lion City (Photo: Nova)

These cocktail bars and nightclubs are redefining what it means to party in the Lion City

As the sun sets and the city lights spark to life, Singapore’s nightlife scene evolves into a vibrant spectacle of sophistication and energy. The recent phenomenon of cocktail bars shapeshifting into high‐energy nightclubs is where DJs drop the beat and the dance floor beckons, while the bar keeps up the tempo with high-quality cocktails and sometimes hearty munch, fuelling revellers grooving well into the night.

From rooftop havens with panoramic views to intimate spaces where every corner pulsates with energy, these electrifying venues promise unforgettable nights chuffed with dynamic sets, boozy revelry and perhaps a few slick dance moves.

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1. Nova

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Above Nova is Singapore’s tallest panoramic sky bar (Photo: Nova)

Highest in the room

Want to know how good it feels to be at the top of the world? Check into Nova, Singapore’s tallest panoramic sky bar where one can let their hair loose 282 metres above ground. Chill out by tables paired with unobstructed vistas, or hit the dance floor for an unforgettable night of dancing under the stars to contemporary yet nostalgic beats thumping from a state‐of‐the‐art sound system. Marvel at the colossal star‐shaped installation, Astra, by acclaimed light artist Jun Ong, which pays a fitting homage to the vibrant spirit of Singapore and makes for the perfect backdrop for your fit pics.

The breathtaking rooftop bar is fuelled by Pacific‐inspired nosh—the crispy tom yum fries are especially addictive—and signature draft cocktails such as the velvety Sticky Mango Highball and an invigorating Ancho Paloma. A real draw is the Sunset Sessions that happen on weekdays, during which live DJ sets schlep along as the sun sets beyond the horizon.

Nova
Address: 1 Raffles Place, L63, One Raffles Place, S(048616)

2. Wonder Room

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Above Pink Room is a discreet speakeasy‐style in‐house space within the Wonder Room (Photo: The Singapore Edition)

Ballers in the building

Cloaked behind the iconic spiral staircase of The Singapore Edition lies a literal room of wonders. To enter this realm where glamour reigns supreme, all one needs to do is walk through a mesmerising bronze mirror tunnel that culminates in the aptly named cocktail bar that is the Wonder Room. The opulent interiors, adorned with theatrical velvet drapery and striking architectural elements, create an ambience that is both contemporary yet timeless, and dangerously sexy. But it is not just about the flashy decor. The electrifying line‐up of live resident DJs, combined with a top‐notch sound system and dramatic lighting, promises high energy with pulsating beats.

The playbook at this bar, which switches to become a micro‐nightclub every Friday, when the party carries on until 2am: sip on classic cocktails, or order bottle service and bump caviar, and be anything but ordinary. Prefer to jive with your own crew? Book out the Pink Room, a discreet speakeasy‐style in‐house space that fits a troupe of 20, and splash out on top‐shelf champagnes and spirits.

Wonder Room
Address: 38 Cuscaden Road, The Singapore Edition, S(249731)

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3. Jungle Ballroom

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Above Jungle Ballroom transforms into a glitzy tropical disco after dark (Photo: Mondrian Singapore Duxton)

The great wild out

Trust the folks at Mondrian Singapore Duxton when it comes to throwing parties to remember. At Jungle Ballroom, the headlining cocktail bar within the forward‐thinking property, the vibe switches from loungey to pulsating every midweek and weekend as the space transforms into a glitzy tropical disco. Fun‐seeking revellers gather over slick tipples, and boogie the night away to live DJ sets from regional and international acts. Here, you can unleash your wild side to booming tunes ranging from progressive house to melodic house, techno, hip‐hop and afrobeats.

Head bartender Adrian Besa and his team will keep the dance floor fuelled with refreshing spritzers and spirited classic cocktails till 2am. Do not hesitate: follow the lead of the young model of lore who asked for a “wake me up and mess me up” cocktail, and order that espresso martini.

Jungle Ballroom
Address: 16A Duxton Hill, Mondrian Singapore Duxton, S(089970)

4. Bae’s Cocktail Club

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Above Drinks at Bae’s Cocktail Club is crafted by the acclaimed Vijay Mudaliar of Native and Analogue (Photo: Bae’s Cocktail Club)

Rhythm, beats, and bars

As eclectic as it is electrifying, Bae’s Cocktail Club is where Gangnam and West Los Angeles collide to breathe new life into Singapore’s nightlife scene. With cosy lounges, a vinyl music room and dazzling LED lights that turn up the temperature, the modern and chic sunset‐toned enclave is a hotspot for exuberant parties. Surprise celebrity appearances feel like a norm too, with international stars such as Jay Park and Ne‐Yo as well as local artistes the likes of Yung Raja dropping in to elevate the night.

Each of the 12 signature cocktails crafted by the acclaimed Vijay Mudaliar, Bae’s co‐founder and the man behind the award-winning bars Native and Analogue, is a tribute to Korean culinary culture. The Pepero Martini, for instance, blends Belvedere vodka and chestnut for a smooth classic, while the Kimchi Margarita combines mezcal, roasted bell pepper, lime and kimchi for an easy perk‐me‐up. Just don’t miss out on the scintillating Mezcal Midori Sour.

Bae’s Cocktail Club
Address: 21 Tanjong Pagar Road, #01-04/05, S(088444)

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