Opened by the same folks behind Jigger & Pony and Sugarhall, the 36-seater bar‘s sleek, cosy atmosphere is the perfect setting for an indulgent dinner date. The cocktail menu ranges from familiar drinks like an Old Fashioned ($23++) to bar signature The Gibson ($24++), a mix of Hendrick’s gin, Monkey 47 gin and Dolin vermouth served with a house-pickled pearl onion, smoked radish and quail’s egg. The bar food here is far from predictable – offerings include uni with burrata and sturgeon caviar ($38) and fresh oysters flown in from the US ($120-$220). 20 Bukit Pasoh Road, tel: 9114-8385, 5pm-12am (Mon-Sat)

Just last week, the British gastro-pub opened a 500 sq ft-wide rooftop space above its dining alcoves, making it a very convenient pit stop for pre- and post-dinner tipples. And while the space is large enough to hold only 15 people, it’s worth heading up to escape the crowds and shoot the breeze, accompanied by refreshing drinks that come with botanical ingredients from the in-house organic herb garden. 5 Ann Siang Road, tel: 6438-3984, 12pm-12am (Tues-Fri & Sun) and 4pm-12am (Mon & Sat) 

If you want to kick back and admire a killer view, this is the place to be now. Smoke & Mirrors‘ extensive balcony offers stunning glimpses of Marina Bay Sands, the Esplanade and other iconic buildings in the Singapore skyline. The drinks – some are inspired by artworks in the National Gallery, while others are updated versions of classics like the Singapore Sling – are served with a theatrical flourish, making them deservedly Instagram-worthy. #06-01 National Gallery, tel: 6384-5595, 11:30am-12:30pm (Sun-Thu) and 11:30am-1am (Fri-Sat)

Located in a two-storey Peranakan shophouse in the Emerald Hill stretch, everything from the bar’s retro interior to its bar menu and cocktails are a reflection of Singaporean culture. Cocktails come with kitschy names like Sio ah! ($18) – the name means “hot” in Hokkien – a spicy concoction comprising tequila, lime leaves, chilli padi and lemongrass, and Power Chendol ($18), a rum-based drink with gula melaka and pandan topped with whipped cream and shaved ice. In between drinks, snack on har cheong kai aka shrimp-paste chicken wings ($12-$20) and the ayam bakar burger ($15), a grilled chicken leg spiced with lemongrass, blue ginger, assam and a homemade rempah spice paste. 2 Emerald Hill Road, tel: 6738-8818, 5pm-2am (Sun-Thu) and 5pm-3am (Fri-Sat and eve of public holidays) 

Perched prettily beside Park Hotel Alexandra’s 25-metre infinity pool, the five-month-old poolside bar is a great spot to catch the sunset (and feel like you’re on holiday even when you’re not) – just get a table that gives you a 180-degree view of the environs and while away the time with rounds of fruity cocktails, mojitos and savoury flatbreads topped with spicy chorizo ($18) or truffle polenta fries ($10). Level 7 Park Hotel Alexandra, tel: 6828-8885, 12pm-11pm (Sun-Thu) and 12pm-1am (Fri-Sat) 

By day, it’s a yong tau foo joint favoured by the CBD crowd, and from 3pm, the 1,600 sq ft space transforms into a tapas bar hawking Asian-influenced small plates, desserts and an extensive list of cocktails and sakes. A must-try: the Young Tau Foo cocktail ($18++), a sweet-tasting concoction of beancurd and vodka. 127 Telok Ayer Street, tel: 6423-0311, 10am-12am (Mon-Sat) 

This quirkily-designed bar in The South Beach officially opened end February/early March. And while the food menu is rather limited for now, the drinks menu isn’t – choose from a wide array of beer/wine/cocktails that make for a great girl’s night out. 30 Beach Road, The South Beach, tel: 6818-1941, 11am-12am (Sun-Thu) and 11am-1am (Fri, Sat and eve of public holidays)

Like this? Check out our favourite Australian cafes in Singapore for lazy weekend brunches (and good coffee, of course).