Watering Holes

Situated right next to Jigger & Pony and conveniently founded by the same people, this place probably holds the largest stash of sugarcane spirits on the island, and promotes the heavenly pairing of grilled food and rum. Try their tasty grilled meats, be it the pork chop, free-range chicken, or rib eye steak, and rack your brain over the 60+ choices of rum offered, on top of their cocktail selection. What a happy problem.

Photo by Sugarhall

You need a password to get into The Library, no kidding. But fret not, you can easily get it from The Study's Facebook page; they post it every Monday. The front of this speakeasy inspired bar is modeled after - you guessed it - a library. But step through a compartment of the bookshelf and you'll be greeted by a classy, dimly lit interior. Don't expect classic cocktails here. Instead, they do quirky, interesting cocktails like the Shrub-a-dub-dub, and Top Secret served in one-of-a-kind vessels, as the bartender prefers adding his own twist to create unique cocktails.

28 Hongkong Street is your super hipster exclusive bar hidden behind a very unsuspecting entrance. Classic cocktails and spirits are served here, along with some light bites. No photography is allowed inside the bar, and this place almost never gets publicised. It's great if you want privacy with your close friends, and prefer smaller crowds. Maybe that's why reservations get snapped up super quickly, so make sure you give them a call before heading down.

The Secret Mermaid is kind of, well, secret. It's probably nowhere to be found when the sun's still up, as salad bar Shinkansen operates this spot in the day. This elusive tasting room serves some of the most bizarre spirits you've ever heard of. Anyone up for Bakon Vodka or Smoked Salmon Vodka? If not, they bring in several other American spirits that are completely new and unique to Singapore, such as Berkshire Mountain’s Greylock Gin, which is rated the #1 gin by the New York Times.

It's name and signboard may be more than a little misleading; bringing to mind a humble hawker centre drink stall rather than a cool, laid-back place situated amidst the busy stretch of bars along Boat Quay. Surrounded by old school décor, bartenders of Ah Sam whip up quality classic cocktails as well as those inspired by local flavours - like the laksa boy and milo whiskey. Cosy and minimalistic, with downright yummy drinks in a friendly environment. Shiok ah!

Located behind Shoebox Canteen, Bitters & Love is a great find perfect for exquisite, personalised, after-work cocktals, with prices ranging from $19-25. They also serve up tasty bar snacks like the tender rangers valley waygu and triple cooked handcut truffle potatoes (prices from $13). Unpretentious and staffed with friendly bartenders, the search for this place is definitely worth it.

There's probably no better place to get your drinks on with friends after work. Have your dinner first, and head over (before 9 please) to get pampered with a mani-pedi, then move over to the bar and stay till late to enjoy some wonderful gin cocktails. Doesn't the Lady Marmalade - oolong infused gin, lavender and marmalade sound awesome?

With no cocktail menu offered, this place flows with creative juices, both literally and figuratively, as their seasoned mixologists stand ever-ready to cater to every aspect of your cocktail needs by customising your drink. In a completely interactive environment, drinks are personalised and crafted according to your mood and current preferences. As these mixologists are so attentive, the whole process leaves you feeling like royalty. Expect to spend around $25 per cocktail. For the experience, it's totally worth it.

Committed to bringing you specially-crafted cocktails with a strong emphasis on local flavours, this bar boasts a uniquely Singaporean take on their cocktails with flavours you'd never think could be combined with alcohol. Some favourites include their signature chilli crab cocktail, bak kwa cocktail, and durian cocktail ($22). Mars Bar now operates in The Duxton Hotel lobby until October 2014, so hurry down to get your fix of local flavours in seemingly absurd but surprisingly delicious concoctions.

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