Bars are like the portals to a world where stress dissolves with each sip, and I can’t help but chuckle at some of my fantastic escapades in the best cocktail bars around Singapore. From a spontaneous night at The Secret Mermaid, where my friend decided to taste every cocktail and ended up chatting to a fishmonger about his ‘many adventures’ (yes, really), to the quirky concoctions at Bitters & Love that had me questioning my taste buds—each experience is a new chapter in a cheeky cocktail saga!

The Secret Mermaid

Before I stepped into The Secret Mermaid, I had no idea I was about to begin on a cocktail adventure that was as mythical as its name suggests. This hidden gem near the bustling Raffles Place transports you to a whimsical underwater world where the drinks are as enchanting as the decor. The moment I walked in, I was greeted by an array of vibrant bottles and an atmosphere that made me feel like I’d stumbled upon Captain Nemo’s secret lair—just minus the scary fish!

A Dive into Uniqueness

Along with its captivating aesthetic, The Secret Mermaid boasts a unique selection of cocktails inspired by the sea. I couldn’t resist the ‘Mermaid’s Mist’ when I realised it features ingredients as exotic as seaweed and yuzu! Each sip felt like I had deep-dived into a refreshing ocean, and trust me, I’m no great swimmer, so the thought of that was enough to make me hold onto my drink a little tighter.

My Unexpected Encounter with a Mermaid

Before I could even catch my breath from the stunning decor, I found myself chatting with the dazzling bartender, who joked she could transform into a mermaid with just a splash of gin. Well, I’m not entirely convinced, but after a few cocktails, I was starting to believe all sorts of magical things!

For instance, as she crafted my ‘Mermaid’s Delight’, she tossed in an extra dash of charm and cheeky banter, leaving me wondering if she truly was a mythical being. Picture this: there I was, enamoured by her skills while simultaneously marvelling at the exotic flavours dancing on my palate. Who knew that a whimsical bar could give way to encounters that feel like a fairytale? Perhaps next time, I’ll ask her for swimming lessons after that delightful drink!

Bitters & Love

Some bars just feel like home, and Bitters & Love is definitely one of those places for me. The first time I wandered in, I was struck by the warm atmosphere and eclectic decor. I can still hear the playful chatter and clinking of glasses over a backdrop of smooth jazz—oh, how I wish I could bottle that feeling! I must have confused the cocktail menu with a novel, though, because I spent far too long pondering my drink. Spoiler: I still ended up going for the cocktail that had the most fantastically complicated name!

The Love Story Behind the Drinks

Between the cocktail wizards in the back and the charming front-of-house staff, every drink at Bitters & Love tells a story. The founders poured their hearts into crafting cocktails that aren’t just tasty but also brimming with personality. It’s as if they’ve taken love notes from their travels, stitched them into the drinks, and handed them over to us with a cheeky wink. I particularly enjoyed the one that transported me straight to the tropics—a delicious escape from the hubbub of Singapore!

Sipping and Slipping on Craft Cocktails

About every cocktail I’ve tried here has slid down so smoothly that I often forgot to pace myself! It’s almost like the drinks are trying to woo me, and I’m just too smitten to resist. The mixologists truly are artists, blending flavours that dance on your tongue, leaving you craving more. I’ve had many a delightful evening sharing laughs with friends, only to find myself staring blankly at my glass, wondering how I’ve managed to finish it so quickly.

Indeed, I can’t stress enough how important it is to take your time at Bitters & Love. The cocktails aren’t just beverages; they’re experiences crafted to linger on your palate. I recall one evening where I opted for a drink called “Pineapple Express”—it sounded like a cheerful train ride through flavour town! As soon as I took a sip, I could practically hear the train whistle. So remember to sip slowly—otherwise, you might find yourself hopping on that “express” train to tipsy town far too quickly! Cheers to that!

Employees Only

To step into Employees Only is to enter a world where cocktail magic happens! I can vividly recall my first visit—entering through a discreet entrance with an air of mystery, I felt like I was in on a secret. The bartenders, dressed in sharp outfits and with cheerful smiles, welcomed me like I was a long-lost friend, setting the tone for a truly memorable night.

Where the Experts Pour the Magic

Beside an atmosphere that buzzes with energy, the talented mixologists here truly know their craft. They effortlessly whip together creative concoctions that not only taste divine but also come garnished with pzazz. I watched in awe as my Buttered Popcorn Martini was prepared, and I couldn’t help but chuckle at the theatrical flair they brought to the art of mixology!

An Epic Night Filled with Cocktails and Quirks

An epic night at Employees Only is a rollercoaster of flavours and delightful surprises. Each sip of my drink was a burst of merriment, and as the night wore on, I found myself giggling at the quirky décor and engaging in amusing banter with the bartenders. It felt like being part of an exclusive club where every cocktail tells a story and every laugh is shared amongst friends.

Also, I couldn’t resist joining in on the fun as the staff engaged in playful antics, turning the bar into a lively stage. I found myself taking part in a quirky cocktail-making challenge, much to the amusement of my friends, who cheered and egged me on. By the end of the evening, I had a newfound appreciation for cocktails and maybe a few “muddled” memories to cherish forever!

Birds Of A Feather

Now, Birds Of A Feather is quite the hidden gem in Singapore’s cocktail scene, where the vibrant atmosphere is as impressive as the drinks. I once wandered in on a whim and was immediately charmed by the eclectic décor and the warm, welcoming staff, who treat you like family. As I sank into a plush seat, the playful cocktails whisked me away to a flavour paradise. It’s a place where the cocktails are as whimsical as a flock of birds, and I found myself planning my next visit before I’d even left!

A Fly-In to Southeast Asian Flavours

Along with their fantastic cocktails, Birds Of A Feather takes you on a flavour journey through Southeast Asia. The mixologists here are wizards, crafting drinks that capture the essence of the region beautifully. I can still taste the delightful concoction infused with lemongrass and ginger that danced on my palate – it’s a little piece of paradise in a glass that you just can’t resist. Your taste buds will thank you for this addictive adventure!

When Cocktails and Duck Confit Collide

Among the finest experiences I’ve had at Birds Of A Feather is the delightful pairing of cocktails with a succulent duck confit. Who would have thought that sipping on a zesty drink while indulging in rich, savoury duck could bring such bliss? The duck, perfectly crispy on the outside and melt-in-your-mouth tender inside, complemented the cocktails so harmoniously that I felt like I was waltzing in a five-star restaurant – with a dash of cheeky fun.

Confit your expectations, because this pairing is simply sublime! The cocktails burst with flavour, a refreshing counterpoint to the duck’s richness. I vividly recall one evening when the crispy skin of the duck met my fruity, herb-infused cocktail – it was truly a culinary dance! I may have embarrassingly levitated from my seat in delight, but who could blame me? This delightful combination had my taste buds singing and left me wondering if I’d just discovered the secret to happiness. So, if you fancy some divine indulgence, this is the perfect marriage of flavours to savour!

The Black Swan

After my first visit to The Black Swan, I realised I had stumbled upon a hidden gem that oozes elegance and charm. The vintage décor and welcoming atmosphere immediately drew me in, making it the perfect spot to unwind after a long day. If you fancy a touch of class with your cocktails, this place has it all—especially the delightful mixologists who shake things up with flair. If you’re like me and appreciate a good drink while indulging your inner posh persona, you won’t be disappointed!

An Elegant Affair with Cocktails

With each sip of their expertly crafted cocktails, I felt as if I had been transported to a glamorous night in a classic film. The Black Swan’s imaginative concoctions never fail to impress, like the time I tried their ‘The Swan’s Grace’—a delightful blend of gin, elderflower, and a hint of cucumber. It was fresh, invigorating, and just what I needed to elevate my evening. I must admit, sitting there with a cocktail almost made me feel classy enough to order caviar instead of chips!

A Mistaken Order Turned Hilarious Moment

Across the bar, a moment of sheer confusion unfolded when I mistakenly ordered a drink that sounded far too posh for my palate—something French with an unpronounceable name. Instead of the expected fancy concoction, I ended up with a drink so sweet that I half-expected it to come with a complimentary cupcake on the side. As my friends laughed, the bartender kindly explained my mix-up while I pretended it was all part of the plan, embracing my comedic failure with grace. You really can’t take yourself too seriously in a place like this!

Order a cocktail you can’t pronounce and brace yourself for the giggles. It’s not every day you inadvertently order something that leaves you buzzing—and not just from the alcohol! My friends and I took turns trying to figure out just what was in my drink while attempting to pronounce the name. Let’s just say it ended up sounding more like a Shakespearean tragedy than anything delicious. But hey, laughter and cocktails—both good for the soul, right? My accidental order not only gifted us with a hearty laugh, but it also became another classic story to recount during our next visit!

The Best Drink Stories

Once again, I find myself reminiscing about my adventures in Singapore’s cocktail bars, where every sip feels like a little story waiting to be told. The laughter shared with friends at The Secret Mermaid and the unexpected spark of joy when Bitters & Love suggested a drink perfectly tailored to my taste – these moments create a tapestry of delightful memories. It’s like each cocktail holds a secret just for us, and I can’t help but love the thrill of the unknown that each visit brings!

Memorable Mixes and Epic Blunders

Across my cocktail journey, I’ve encountered a dazzling array of delightful mixes and, let’s be honest, some epic blunders that still bring a chuckle. Ever ordered something that sounded exotic only to find out it tasted like a fruit salad gone wrong? Yup, me too! But it’s the adventurous spirit of trying something new that really keeps the excitement alive, even if my taste buds occasionally stage a revolt.

The Drunken Adventures that Got Away

Above all, the best tales often come from those hilarious misadventures that ensue when I get a bit too carried away with the cocktails. It’s not the drinks I lost, but rather the moments that slipped away in a haze of laughter and merriment, like that time I tried to impress a date at Employees Only by doing a wobbly dance after one too many. She may not have appreciated the artistry in my ‘dance moves’, but hey, at least we both still talk about that night!

For instance, I’d like to recount my unforgettable escapade at Birds Of A Feather, where I boldly attempted to recreate a flamboyant cocktail on the house, complete with theatrics. Let’s just say my final product looked less like a masterpiece and more like a science experiment gone awry. Though the drink went into the bin, the laughter that followed was priceless. Those drunken adventures, mishaps included, are truly what make the journey through the best cocktail bars worth the while!

Final Words

Hence, my love for the best cocktail bars near me knows no bounds! From uncovering hidden gems like The Secret Mermaid, where I once accidentally ordered a drink that left me bewildered yet pleasantly tipsy, to the vibrant atmosphere of Bitters & Love, which always has me dancing (sometimes improperly) after a few gin concoctions. Employees Only has a cocktail called the ‘Clover Club’ that made me feel like a sophisticated owl – until I realised I was wearing my shirt inside out! Each bar has its charm, infusing a hint of magic into my evenings. Cheers to many more adventures!

FAQ

Q: What makes a cocktail bar the best, in your opinion?

A: The best cocktail bars are not just about the drinks, though let’s be honest, they should serve something that doesn’t taste like a sugar rush in a glass. A great cocktail bar has that special ambience, skilled mixologists, and a touch of character that makes it memorable. For instance, at The Secret Mermaid in Singapore, the nautical theme is a delight! I once attempted to make a ‘swimming’ joke while sipping on their ‘Sea Breeze’ cocktail, only to splutter as the bubbles shot up my nose! It’s those little moments, paired with an extraordinary cocktail, that keep us coming back.

Q: Why do you love visiting cocktail bars like Employees Only?

A: Employees Only has this unpretentious vibe, where the bartenders are like mad scientists, concocting marvellous potions behind the bar. On one visit, I asked for something fruity and refreshing. What I got was a cocktail adorned with such a fancy garnish it looked more like a peacock than a drink. I felt underdressed just sitting next to it! It was delicious and visually riveting, making for a splendid evening and an excellent Instagram story, not that I’m one to boast… or am I?

Q: Do you think atmosphere plays a big role in enjoying cocktails?

A: Absolutely! The ambience can make or break your evening (and your cocktails). At Bitters & Love, the dim lighting, vintage decor, and secretive entrance make you feel as if you’ve stumbled upon an exclusive speakeasy. I’ll never forget my first visit—after a few cocktails, I felt brave enough to take a bohemian-style photo, only to discover the next day that it looked like I’d just crawled out of a 1920s film set! But that’s the charm of such places; they encourage you to be adventurous and even to embrace a little ridiculousness!

Q: Can you share a memorable cocktail experience from Birds Of A Feather?

A: Oh, Birds of a Feather is fabulous! I once ordered a cocktail that came with an adorable tiny bird-shaped straw. Now, I might have taken this a bit too seriously. I spent ages trying to photograph the drink in the best lighting, but I accidentally ended up spiking the straw into my eye! The servers rushed over, and I spent the next five minutes explaining it was just me trying to achieve ‘artistic’ flair. Spoiler alert: it didn’t work, but the cocktail was delightful and all was forgiven.

Q: What’s the story behind your favourite cocktail at The Black Swan?

A: The Black Swan often serves cocktails that are incredibly inventive, and one of my favourites, the ‘Black Swan Sour’, had a hint of lavender. I think I was under the floral spell because at one point, I loudly declared my love for artificial flowers, thinking they’d make a great fashion statement. The bartender just raised an eyebrow, shook his head, and poured me another round instead. If not anything else, cocktail bars like these serve up laughs alongside the drinks!