Singapore is no more just a taid, workaholic city-state. Rather it has exploded onto the cocktail scene as one of the world's premiere bar cities.
In October it took six spots in this year's "World's 50 Best Bars" list, third only to perennial cocktail capitals London (with eight ) and New York (seven).
Here are some of the top drinking destinations to hop-in this festive season:
- Jigger & Pony: The pioneer is still a thriving, friendly scene. What to order: Try any of the legendary punch bowls.
- Sugarhall: This upbeat rum bar is next door to Jigger. What to order: The Sugarhall Daiquiri, made with 15-year Trinidad rum, is garnished with a caviar-topped banana chip.
- Manhattan at the Regent Singapore: Sophisticated and innovative, it has a room dedicated to aging drinks that includes more than 100 barrels. What to order: Do as locals do. Get the Solera-aged Negroni for yourself and a bowl of punch to share.
- Atlas: A breathtaking place to sip a martini, this soaring art deco atrium has unparalleled gin and Champagne lists. What to order: What else? James Bond's drink of choice.
- 28 HongKong Street: Dark and sexy and speakeasy-style, this place has no pretensions of passwords or hidden doors. What to order: The deceptively complex Stone Fence, with Appleton 12-year rum, pear liqueur, and cider, is a favorite.
- Tippling Club: One of the oldest yet most experimental bars on the Singapore scene, it currently has a gummy bear menu. What to order: Success is made with red wine, amaro, Cognac, and whiskey.
- Operation Dagger: Through a barely marked door and down an industrial staircase, you'll find a wildly experimental cocktail den with boundless creative energy. What to order: The Egg is a profoundly rich rum-salted egg yolk concoction, or try one of their house-fermented "natural wines."
(With inputs from Bloomberg)
