Credit: www.facebook.com/78alkofelic

78 Alkofelic

Laying claim to being Singapore’s first dedicated coffee cocktail bar, this spot on Purvis Street will have you buzzing with their caffeine-fuelled creations featuring single-origin Ethiopian beans, brewed fresh daily. Classic creations like their Old Fashioned Coffee and Espresso Martini sit alongside more creative concoctions like the heady Flying Singaporean—a mix of absinthe, XO and coffee—or the Ice Boozy Alkofee, which mixes Cointreau, brandy, Kahlua, coffee and Irish cream (all SG$15). 
Purvis St., Singapore, +65-9275-9864. Open Mon-Sat 8am-11:45pm

Credit: www.facebook.com/amrithbythesongofindia 

Amrith

The reception space of The Song of India—Singapore’s only Michelin-starred Indian restaurant—has been transformed to accommodate this creative cocktail bar. With two experienced mixologists at the helm, Mark Tay (Nektar) and Edwin Poh (Ah Sam Cold Drink Stall), drinks live up to the bar’s name, meaning “nectar of the gods” in Sanskrit. Themed around the restaurant’s dishes, the vodka-based Katong Laksa (SG$26) makes use of laksa broth and shrimp essence, garnished with strands of rice noodle, while the Hainanese Chicken Rice (SG$26) features sesame-washed rye with a side of steamed chicken slices. If you’re getting on it, order a teapot of Long Island-style King Willem’s Tea Party (SG$22).  
33 Scotts Rd., Singapore, +65-6732-1365. Open Mon-Thu 5-11pm; Fri-Sat 5pm-midnight

Fancy

This low-key chill-out spot is somewhat at odds with its name, featuring clean white walls, a white C-shaped counter, and just 16 bar stools. Affable bartenders Sin Kim Shin and Jayden Ong will make you feel at ease as they serve up gimmick-free concoctions from their flower-inspired Pollen menu (all SG$22).
35 North Canal Rd., Singapore, +65-9818-5151. Open Mon-Sat 5pm-midnight

Credit: www.facebook.com/NINETEEN80BAR

Nineteen80

Enter through a pink vortex into what looks like the set of Stranger Things—lines of vintage arcade games surrounded by cassette tapes and nostalgia-laced ‘80s artwork, all awash with neon lights. See if you’ve still got a knack for Space Invaders or Pac Man (arcade tokens are complementary) as you sip on a Malibu-based Club Tropicana (SG$20) or a “Super Disco Blend” blue lagoon (SG$20/ glass, or SG$70/ jug) featuring yuzu juice to DJs spinning everything from ‘80s to ‘00s beats. 
Tanjong Pagar Rd. Open Tue 5:30pm-1am; Thu 5:30pm-1am; Wed 5:30pm-3am; Fri 5:30pm-3am; Sat 5:30pm-3am

Origin Bar

Get in the spirit of adventure at this bar and restaurant based around the island’s trading history. From the Shangri-La Hotel lobby, enter through a wooden turnstile into a locomotive-themed space that looks like a romanticized pitstop on the Orient Express. Drinks revolve around local spices and produce, like the eponymous Origin (SG$22)—a gin-based cocktail made with sugar cane honey, nutmeg, pepper, charred pineapple and lime husk wine. Dishes trot the globe, specializing in wagyu and Angus beef from Ireland, Japan and Australia (from SG$48 for a 280g flank steak).
L/F, Tower Wing, 22 Orange Grove Rd., +65-6213-4595. Open daily 5:30pm-1am

Credit: www.facebook.com/roomformoresg

Room for More 

Set above the Dempsey building’s French restaurant, Atout, this whiskey bar is a debut from the ilLido Group. In true whiskey lounge style, classy leather couches, marble and brass abound, with a few vibrant fabrics breaking up the serious mood. Bar manager Riccardo Nardone and his team are on hand to guide you through their collection of over 200 labels—a shot of Japan’s finest 18-year-old Hakushu will set you back SG$98. Wines, beers, cocktails, and many more spirits are also available.   
3/F, Dempsey Building, 40C Harding Rd., Singapore, +65-6877-6977. Open daily 3pm-1am

Check out the Island State’s hottest new hotels

The Capitol Kempinski Hotel

After undergoing years of major restoration and renovation, two historical buildings in Singapore's downtown Civic and Cultural District have been transformed into this stunning heritage hotel—less than 10 minutes’ walk from 78 Alkofelic (see above). The neoclassical design of the original buildings is preserved, supported by Adamesque patterns and luxurious 20th-century England-style interiors, blended seamlessly with the comfort of modern facilities. The 157 elegant rooms start from B13,361 inclusive of breakfast. www.kempinski.com
 

Six Senses Duxton Credit: www.sixsenses.com/hotels/duxton/destination

Six Senses Duxton and Maxwell

Located amid the vibrant Tanjong Pagar neighborhood bordering Chinatown (two minutes’ walk from Nineteen80), a row of 19th-century shop-houses was reborn in early 2018 as the luxury brand's first city hotel, Six Senses Duxton, with 49 guestrooms and suites that take cues from Chinese, Malay and European heritage. Meanwhile, sister property Six Senses Maxwell, located within walking distance, has only just opened with December rates starting at B6,300.  www.sixsenses.com
 

Ann Siang House

This stylish four-star boutique hotel takes over a restored shop-house on the outskirts of Chinatown, four minutes’ walk from Nineteen80. Its 20 rooms start from around B6,200 per night, while on-site there’s a gin and wine garden, a craft beer, coffee and vinyl bar, a pizzeria, and a soon-to-open rooftop bar. www.annsianghouse.com