As nice at it would be to have your cocktails served by a mixologist and your wines poured by a sommelier every time you feel like having a drink, that isn’t a realistic possibility (for most of us anyway). That’s where bottle shops come in, and the best of them help us bring the contemporary bar experience into our living rooms.
 

1855 The Bottle Shop

Named after the 1855 classification of Bordeaux wines, 1855 has a bottle for every occasion, from everyday varietals to Champagnes that won’t break the bank to magnums of iconic First Growth vintages priced in the high four figures. Six outlets, including #B2-44 313@Somerset, 313 Orchard Rd.
 

Bottles & Bottles

Need to pick up a bottle of vino for that fuss-free occasion? Bottles & Bottles makes it an easy affair with convenient retail locations around the island, with shelves stacked to the brim and in a way that makes for accessible browsing. Eight outlets, including #01-13 One Raffles Place
 

EC Proof

If you reckon you’ve got the bartending skills to shake it with the best of them, then EC Proof (and retail space The Proof Flat) is the place to get spirits, bitters, tools and books for your home bar. Look out for their special events too. 43A HongKong St.
 

The Grande Whisky Collection

Mostly a museum rather than a bottle shop, The Grande Whisky Collection is a place like no other in Singapore, with 4,500 bottles of whisky on display. While you won’t be able to get your hands on any ancient Yamazakis, the gift shop does have some bottles on sale which you can have engraved. #05-01 ION Orchard, 2 Orchard Turn
 

Habitat by Honestbee

Arguably one of the best parts about this futuristic supermarket is their hidden alley of craft spirits and wines, filled with artisanal finds from around the world. The ease of shopping from the Honestbee app and have someone deliver that well-deserved bottle to your doorstep is a huge plus. 34 Boon Leat Terrace
 

Nectars & Vine

Technically a bottle shop offering booze at retail prices, though most folk come here for a dressed-down evening to kick back and enjoy the company of friends. It's like a Serangoon neighbourhood dive bar, perfect for cheap drinks after a prata supper sesh. 752 Upper Serangoon Rd.
 

Temple Cellars

This place is a drinks writer’s dream. They’ve got a little bit of everything: craft beer, boutique wine, mead, cider, sake, spirits (from absinthe to whisky and everything in between) and even that non-alcoholic Seedlip stuff. And they’ll deliver within an hour for free if you spend more than $150. #01-12 UE Square, 81 Clemenceau Ave.
 

Thirsty Beer Shop

Thirsty might have been around for some time now, but they’re always adding new brews to their list of well over a hundred. With an easy-to-navigate site and four outlets around the country, they continue to play an important role in spreading the good word about craft beer. Four outlets, including #02-34 Liang Court, 177 River Valley Rd.