Thirsty for some inventive cocktails? We’ve rounded up five of our favourite watering holes serving up the best tipple in town.

Maison Ikkoku

Stylish, sophisticated, yet intimate and completely unpretentious, Maison Ikkoku is truly a gem in the crown of Singapore’s cocktail culture. Started in December 2011, the bar, which saw a recent overhaul, is helmed by homegrown talent Ethan Leslie Leong. The outfit serves up nothing but bespoke cocktails — there is no menu to pore through, no run-of-the-mill drinks. Just pure interaction between you and the mixologist. Tell them what you like, and they’ll craft a drink tailored to your preferences. Regardless the size of the group, no two persons will ever get the same cocktail. “Contemporary PopArt cocktails” is the name of the game, says Leong. “Every drink is carefully handcrafted from fresh ingredients, fresh fruits or fresh herbs. It’s what makes the difference.”

 

When you hit up the bar, be sure to check out the series of Vaara cocktails, the result of a collaboration between Maison Ikkoku and renowned London perfumery Penhaligon’s. Being able to drink in your favourite perfume — what’s not to like?

 

20 Kandahar Street. Tel: 6294 0078

 

B Bar

Since Bacchanalia’s inception in April this year, B Bar has been an integral part of the chic establishment. And we like it for no other reason than that it encompasses all the elements for a good night out. “Hidden in the Masonic Hall, we want guests to feel like they have been transported to a different place where they can let their hair down,” says head mixologist Mark Thomas. “We want them to take their time to enjoy carefully crafted bespoke cocktails and gourmet food that pushes boundaries within a lush and intimate setting.” Here you can expect house-infused spirits and liqueurs to feature prominently on the cocktail menu. New infusions are being developed constantly to add to the arsenal, Thomas adds. “This spirit of experimentation and innovation is an important aspect that truly defines B Bar.” 

 

The team is currently working on a signature Gin & Tonic served with ice made from homemade grapefruit essence, so keep your eyes peeled. But just as good are the inspired festive creations that are modish reinterpretations of the traditional Christmas punch and eggnog.

 

23A Coleman Street. Tel: 6509 1453

 

 

The Horse’s Mouth

This is probably Orchard Road’s best-kept secret — The Horse’s Mouth is so well concealed that you have to know exactly where to look to find it. But that is precisely what the bar is trying to achieve. It’s designed to be an underground cocktail bar with a palpable sense of uber chic vibes reminiscent of the owners’ favourite bars in Tokyo. Explains Russell Yu. “By placing our entrance at Uma Uma Ramen, we are able to let guests feel as if they've been transported into another world where quality food, drink and merry-making come together. With this interplay in mind, we decided to name the bar The Horse's Mouth as uma means horse in Japanese. And, unlike many other bars, we are a place where the ambience isn't drowned out, so our guests can hold meaningful conversations.”

 

Craft libations are the attraction at this year-old establishment, expertly prepared by the team of mixologists. And we‘re told that the festive cocktails feature ingredients that come into season this time of year. All you need to do is sit back and let the mixologist offer you something that will warm your heart and tummy.

 

#B1-39 Forum The Shopping Mall, 583 Orchard Road. Tel: 6235 1088

 

 

The Black Swan

It’s barely half a year old, but The Black Swan is proving to be one of our favourite watering holes. Sited in what used to be the Kwangtung Provincial Bank Building in the CBD, its name is a play on its location — a financial term that described an unexpected event virtually impossible to predict. The interiors stem from a love for 1930s art deco buildings (one of which it now calls home), effortlessly blending old world charm with contemporary chichi overtones through the brilliant use of geometric patterns, deep alluring colours and luxurious wood panelling. In short, “The Black Swan anchors itself in a contrary pursuit to create a bold, iconic and timeless establishment, down to its classic menu and the smallest design details of its splendid interior,“ says Wee Teng Wen, managing partner of The Lo & Behold Group, the folks behind the concept.

 

One of the greatest draws here is the The Powder Room, a perfect lounging spot located on the second floor, where you will be offered a carefully curated list of cocktails. But also keep a lookout for the master classes, tastings and pairings hosted by bar manager Kamil Foltan.

 

19 Cecil Street. Tel: 8181 3305

 

 

The Spiffy Dapper

We wish we could borrow and print the exact words Abhishek Cherian George used to describe the philosophy behind his bar, but regulatory compliance prevents us from doing so. Suffice to say, The Spiffy Dapper is as raw and unpretentious as it gets. And if you get the impression that the décor is rather piecemeal, you would not be surprised to learn that the outfit was “built as we went along.”

 

Despite its name, the bar has a ‘come as you are’ policy — there is no dress code, and you’re expected to “leave your ego at the door.” Bartenders are not taught recipes, but are drilled in the philosophy of drinks and perfection in balance and dilution. On their first visit, most customers choose from a menu, but as soon as they build a rapport with the bartenders, the adventure truly begins. At the end of the day, George believes only in having fun. “There is nothing all that great about Spiffy; our drinks are decent and affordable. Our bartending style is very accessible. And the venue itself does not look impressive. We talk loud, and curse at each other. But we don’t treat our customers like idiots; that is the only thing we have going for ourselves.” And that is precisely what draws us here.

 

61 Boat Quay, second floor. Tel: 8233 9810