After a month of abstention, Singapore’s cocktail scene is ready to welcome back imbibers with a fresh crop of stylish new drinking destinations. From Japanese-inspired hideouts backed by pedigree bar groups to clandestine champagne lounges and wallet-friendly CBD spots, these five establishments are setting the pace for the city’s nightlife in the new year. Boasting innovative concepts, diverse tipple menus, and expertly crafted ambiance, these openings span the city from Cecil Street to Robertson Quay, offering new options for everything from intimate date nights to lively evening gatherings.
Pop City X Pony: A Taste of Tokyo’s Vibe
For those seeking a highly curated aesthetic experience, Pop City X Pony delivers with a seamless blend of sophisticated drinks and Japanese city-pop culture. Situated on the second floor of a Cecil Street building, taking over the former Sugarhall location, this venue is a collaboration between the renowned Jigger & Pony Group and the House of Suntory.
The bar prioritizes spatial design, offering flexible seating arrangements like the intimate Bar Mixtape for private sessions or the modular Tasting Commons for groups. Drinks reflect the Jigger & Pony hallmark: balance and deceptive simplicity. Must-tries include the whisky-based Pop City Sour and innovative tea-infused cocktails such as the Matcha Ramos Fizz ($27) and a hojicha-tinged espresso martini ($25). Its popularity since opening in December confirms its status as a must-visit for design and drink aficionados.
The Champagnery: Bubbly Behind the Deli
Champagne enthusiasts now have a thrilling new secret spot: The Champagnery. Tucked away on Amoy Street, this bar foregoes flashy signage, opting instead for a discreet red door hidden behind an Italian sandwich deli. Crossing the threshold reveals an energetic lounge characterized by checkered floors, pink accents, gold fittings, and ceiling installations dedicated to bubbles.
The focus here is naturally on champagne, featuring selections from Louis Roederer to specialized grower labels, curated by the experienced team behind the speakeasy 60ml by Asador. They also offer champagne-based cocktails. The vibrant atmosphere is amplified by late-night DJ sets, including performers like Jeremy Boon and EJ Missy. A key attraction is the weekly Wednesday Soiree, offering two hours of unlimited champagne.
Abode: Elevated Cocktails with a View
Offering a romantic city backdrop, Abode transforms a popular daytime spot—Pout Café—into a sophisticated nocturnal rooftop escape on South Bridge Road. This cozy, sixth-floor venue balances indoor seating with an airy outdoor area, providing an intimate setting for evening drinks.
Abode is notable for its wallet-friendly, nett-priced cocktails, all priced at a consistent $19. Signatures include the dark rum-based LKY Ondeh, flavored with banana, coconut, and pandan. Beyond the main menu, the bar also offers solid whisky and wine selections, along with light bites starting at $15, such as jamon crostinis. An appealing happy hour runs daily from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., featuring $14 cocktails.
Barely Aged: Relaxed Wine by the Riverside
Expanding on the success of its sister establishment, BoundbyWine, Barely Aged brings a relaxed, neighborhood bistro concept to Robertson Quay. This second outpost along the revitalized waterfront focuses heavily on approachable wine consumption, shedding the formality often associated with wine bars.
Barely Aged encourages adventurous tasting with a robust by-the-glass program, featuring a bi-monthly rotating menu of approximately 30 labels and weekly rotations of up to 20 selections. While wine is paramount—often supplemented by large cheese and charcuterie offerings—the venue also serves cocktails crafted by Dirty Sips, utilizing food scraps in their creation, available at $20 per pour. The location occasionally hosts casual tasting sessions with winemakers, enhancing the communal atmosphere.
Confession Room: Unfussy Drinks in the CBD
Completing the list is Confession Room, a vibrant new cocktail operation on Boon Tat Street that embraces a soft-grunge aesthetic with VCR tape-inspired menus. Located in a familiar second-floor spot, the bar is spearheaded by Adonis Endozo Reyes, formerly of Shangri-La Singapore’s Origin Bar.
The menu features ten signature cocktails starting at a highly competitive $22, making it an accessible option for weekday tipples in the Central Business District. Options range from lighter drinks like the spicy, citrus-forward NoName to deeper concoctions such as the Monkey Shoulder-based Guy Called J. Heartier mains, including chicken adobo ($28) and ribeye steak ($39), are available alongside small plates, ensuring a satisfying experience in this new, stylish venue.
These five new additions demonstrate Singapore’s enduring dynamism in the hospitality sector, offering diverse concepts that cater to every predilection, taste, and budget post-holiday season.