Drink up, imbibers! Presenting 2023’s best new bars in Singapore.
Visit these new bars in Singapore that are killing it with their bar programmes and cocktail menus. The other bars aren’t left behind too – they continue to reinvent themselves with elevated flavours, interesting ingredients and garnishes, and innovative techniques. Presenting Singapore’s hottest new bars in August!
Hot new bars in Singapore: August 2023
Sugarhall introduces a new menu
“Not so sweet, please!” – guilty of using this phrase? You’re just like the majority of Singaporeans. Sugarhall debunks the saying that rum is sweet with its new ‘Not Too Sweet’ menu. The six cocktails are loosely based on the team’s favourite local beverages with a boozy twist and refined flavours. But they don’t take shortcuts by simply pairing rum with said beverages and calling it a day.
Take Rose Rosé I Love You ($23), for instance. The Codigo 1530 Reposado tequila, vetiver and cherry blossom concoction is reminiscent of rosé wine instead of bandung. Champion Highball ($25) sports the colours of Milo with melted milk, dark and matcha Fossa chocolate smeared on the glass for garnish. Bacardi Reserve Ocho rum is infused with cacao nibs, along with malt syrup, housemade lime juice and a splash of prosecco for a rich yet refreshing tipple.
Boba Razzi ($24), is the creation that looks the most like its inspo. Oolong-infused Roku gin and winter melon shine through along with grenadine caviar pearls that mimic jelly-like boba. We also thoroughly enjoyed Jungle Sunbird ($23) from the ‘Not Too Funky’ menu portion. The cocktail is a delightful blend of creamy Takamaka Extra Noir rum, a touch of tropical paradise with locally brewed ondeh ondeh soju infused with pandan and coconut flavours, all balanced with a tantalising Campari sugar rim that brings out the complexity of the drink.
Get your comfort food fix by pairing your tipples with vegetable momos ($16), sweet and tangy pepper fry chicken ribs ($18) and – wait for it – Indomie ($18) served with crackling pork belly, addictive sambal matah and sunny-side-up Japanese egg.
Sugarhall, 19 Cecil Street, Level 2, Singapore 049704
Flor De Cana’s Sustainable Cocktail Challenge returns
The carbon-neutral and fair trade-certified rum brand welcomes the return of its annual Sustainable Cocktail Challenge. This year, 11 fab establishments in Singapore – amongst the 200-odd venues within Southeast Asia – are taking on the challenge. Part of the criteria is to offer their sustainable cocktail creations on the menu for a month from 1 to 31 July.
After a virtual judging round, the top 10 finalists will battle it out on 28 August at The Bar @ 15 Stamford. The local champion will go on to participate in the APAC regional, and global finals in Nicaragua to compete for the Flor De Caña World’s Most Sustainable Bartender title and a prize of $10,000.
We embarked on a mini bar hop across three bars to sample their sustainable creations. Over at Night Hawk, 20-year-old Shayla calls her creation Sunrise Hereafter, a nod to new beginnings and change. Mango is spotlighted in this mango and green pepper-infused concoction, leaving a burst of heat and a zesty tang. Seeds, peels and pulp from mangos are given a new lease of life – right from the sous vide mango seed soaked in a chilli tincture to serving mango chips and chutney as garnish.
Kafe Utu takes on a spirit-forward approach with Ubuntu’s Harvest. Think of it as a spiced Old Fashioned. The restaurant takes advantage of the over-abundant plantain and infuses the skin with cinnamon and coffee beans using the cold brew method. It’s served in cube-shaped glass made from hand-blown recycled glass and coasters created from excess fabric.
Last but certainly not least is Gibson’s Forest Farmer – our fave for the night. Senior bartender Joe takes cues from his Sarawak roots and Malaysia’s national bird, the hornbill. These feathered creatures are professional seed dispersers and play a big part in sustaining eco-diversity in our environment. Figs (their fave food), tonic and leftover lemon juice are distilled into a cordial before being stirred with homemade red wine that’s reduced with the seeds and skin of mangos.
Flor De Cana Sustainable Cocktail Challenge, multiple bars including Gibson Bar, Smoke & Mirrors, Night Hawk and Sugarhall
Level33 presents a new menu featuring craft beer cocktails
Ascend to the highest urban microbrewery in the world as the rooftop bar presents a new cocktail menu. Conceptualised by bar manager Thomas Sobota, the menu highlights a fusion of beer and craft cocktails with flavour profiles like strong and classic, tropical and sunshine, and minty and fresh.
Indulge in Flair from Paris ($25), a dazzling blend of lychee liqueur, crème de cassis, berry syrup, champagne, and Level33’s wheat beer, complete with an edible gold glitter effect. Sip on Recollection of Fritz ($26), a sophisticated mix of sake infused with hops, and enhanced by hints of clove, cinnamon, honey, and zesty lemon. Feeling adventurous? Try the Cantarito ($25), inspired by the Mexican classic, featuring Codigo Blanco tequila with orange, lemon, and house-made grapefruit soda, served in a clay jar. And don’t miss out on Samurai’s Julep ($26) – a twist on the timeless mint julep, infused with hoppy Japanese Kiku-Masamune Kasen sake, Bols cucumber liqueur, lime, and fresh mint.
Level33, #33-01, Marina Bay Financial Centre Tower 1, Singapore 018981
Enclave pops up at Ghostwriter
Following a successful run of the Spectre pop-up, Ghostwriter brings us the return of the fan-favourite, Enclave. The dive bar from Golden Mile Complex comes to life at this quaint space, with a mix of spicy Thai grub and refreshing cocktails.
Spice up your taste buds and chill out with a vibrant cocktail line-up. Sip on the refreshing Thai Basil Smash ($21) with gin, zesty lemon, and Thai holy basil. Or go classic with a Whiskey Sour ($21) that packs a punch. Feeling adventurous? Try the Love & Murder ($21) featuring Campari, Green Chartreuse, lime, and a hint of saline. But wait, there’s more. There’s also a secret off-menu treat: the luscious Thai Tea ($23) and the naughty Dirtiest Martini ($23) with fat-washed olive gin, olive brine, and dry vermouth.
Enclave pop-up, Ghostwriter, 98 Club Street, Singapore 069467
Wine Connection welcomes its 15th outlet
Get ready for more wine-tastic encounters as Wine Connection opens its 15th restaurant at Westgate. Indulge in the cheapest wine pairing in town for just $5, and while a delish meal sets you back at just $15. With over 300 labels of wine from the world’s most prized regions, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Plus, stock up on your favourite wines until 31 August 2023, and get a $15 discount with every $100 spent.
Wine Connection, #01-03 Westgate, 3 Gateway Drive, Singapore 608532
