Let’s face it, we can’t wait to toast to a new year. Thankfully, the bartenders of Singapore – and we definitely have a world-class scene here – are stepping up to the task by putting together more creative collaborations and pop-ups than we’ve ever seen before. Here’s a handy list of where to head to for drinks you won’t want to miss this month.
(Psst: we’ll keep updating the list this month as we find more events, so keep a watch on this space)
What: Christmas on Canal
Where: Deadfall
When: Till 27 December. Mon-Fri 3-10.30pm, Sat 4.30-10.30pm
Drink: As the immersive décor takes you to the North Pole, you’ll want to cosy up with holiday cocktails served in custom glassware, such as the Drunk Uncle Mulled Wine, a warming mix of red wine with Buffalo Trace Bourbon, triple sec, pear, citrus and spices; or the Ho Ho Holy Sh!t It’s Christmas with Monkey Shoulder, Buffalo Trace Bourbon, pimento dram, maple and burnt pecan bitters. All holiday cocktails are $20.
A wide-ranging festive menu from chef Heryadi includes Yuletide Christmas Salad ($14) and sharing plates such as the Argentinian Christmas Carpaccio ($15) with spiced pulled pork, red cabbage slaw and smoked gruyere. The Seasonal T.T.W Sando ($18) is a magnificent creation of duck fat tater tot waffles, red cabbage sauerkraut, smoked cheddar, and a choice of honey glazed ham or smoked turkey. And fret not if you want a full dinner, as the Christmas Dinner-Plate special, the Santa’s Helper ($28) comprises beef wellington served with mushroom forestiére, sauce chasseur and celeriac puree.
What: Sala Spiritello pop-up bar
Where: Eight InterContinental hotels across Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam, including InterContinental Singapore, 80 Middle Road. Tel: 68251008
When: 11-31 Dec, 6-8pm
Drink: Symphony Loo, currently Campari’s regional brand ambassador, has specially created an InterContinental Negroni exclusive to the hotel chain. And the Sala Spiritello edition ($16) of this Negroni is a winning combination of floral notes, coffee and a hint of salinity. Get into the aperitivo mood via masterclasses and a pairing snack menu at Lobby Lounge, or through the suite experiences if you’re an in-house guest.
What: Miss Fitz-mas with Cointreau
Where: Miss Fitz, #01-17 The Sail, 6 Marina Boulevard
When: Till early January. 11am-11pm (cut off for alcoholic drinks by 10.30pm)
Drink: Fun and festivities take place in a whimsical Christmas set-up, featuring a Santa’s Workshop. Secret Santas in the form of guest shifts by bartender pals will be taking place periodically, so keep an eye out on their socials. Otherwise, you’ll find resident veteran bartender Ricky Paiva holding fort over Gingerbread Old Fashioned ($20) with Wild Turkey Bourbon, Gingerbread syrup and bitters; and Eggnog ($24), with Rémy Martin VSOP and house made pumpkin pie spice. Expect a full festive dinner from the kitchen, of turkey, ham, roast beef or roast eggplant ($35) with the works. Guests who spend $50 will be in the running that day for a daily advent raffle with thirst-quenching prices, leading to the grand prize drawn on Christmas Eve.
What: Christmas Gingle Takeover
Where: Brass Lion Distillery, 40 Alexandra Terrace. Tel: 6954 0602
When: Till 31 December. Full experience at 3.30pm, 6pm, 8.30pm (buy tickets in advance)
Drink: The Chief Distillery Elf is in charge now. For $55, you’ll be in for a full 2-hour experience of the Brass Lion Distillery, inclusive of access to the Tasting Room, 1 Christmas cocktail, 1 tasting flight of the specially created Christmas gins, and 1 take home gin bauble for your tree. Add ons include a festive menu with highlights such as the Pahit gin-glazed ham ($15), chilled mulled wine ($18) and gin-infused Black Forest cake ice cream. If you prefer shorter visits, a pop-up retail store on the ground floor will have easy gift ideas as well as a 15-minute gin blending session ($68 for 100ml bottle).
What: Melati pop-up bar
Where: The Dragon Chamber, 2 Circular Road
When: Fridays and Saturdays in December (except 25 & 26) from 5pm
Drink: Melati is Asia’s first non-alcoholic aperitif, but it doesn’t mean restrict your choices at this pop-up. Veteran bartender Naz Arjuna from Bitters & Love has created a list of cocktails catering to the no-lo crowd. Try non-alcoholic Melati Spritz, featuring the Melati and its 26 botanicals with grapefruit spritz and cucumber; or Spiced Nogroni, made of Melati, decaf coffee, bittersweet Chinotto and spiced juniper. Prefer a cocktail? Get festive with the Snowglobe – pandan vodka, Melati, lemon juice, and Christmas sparkles, or Singapore Christmas, a tropical delight of coconut, vodka, Melati and lime. All non-alcoholic cocktails are $12 and alcoholic cocktails at $16.
What: Baileys Treat Bar
Where: Apiary Ice Creamery, 84 Neil Road
When: Till 31 December; Sun-Thu 12-10pm, Fri-Sat 12-10.30pm
Drink: The Baileys Treat Bar finally lands in Asia, after being introduced in London in 2017 and spreading across the world. The pop-up in Singapore sees a relatively tame collaboration with homegrown Apiary, introducing three ice creams and two drinks that uses the iconic Irish cream liqueur.
Baileys Iced Chocolate and Baileys Iced Coffee ($9.90 each), as well as the Baileys & Brownies ice cream ($4.70 per scoop) incorporate the original Baileys flavour to good effect. But it is the limited edition Baileys Red Velvet Cupcake used in the Baileys Cheery Cupcake ice cream and Baileys Strawberries & Cream used in the Baileys Strawberry Swirl (both $4.70 per scoop) that are exclusive for this pop-up. Fans will love the not-too-sweet nature of Apiary’s ice creams combined with the unmistakeable smoothness of the Baileys. A free Baileys Drizzle accompanies every scoop, to add a little more booze to your ice cream.
