You’ve knocked off and you’re looking to unwind over drinks. Or maybe you need a spot for an intimate date night that will impress. If gin and tonic (G&T) puts you in high spirits or if you are just a curious tippler who’s clueless about gin, head over to Cin Cin for a taste of their collection of boutique gins and gin-inspired cocktails.

Find them nestled on the ground floor of Oasia Hotel at Tanjong Pagar and be greeted by sleek, refined sage green and emerald furnishing with accents of gold for glamour.

Behind their marble counter is a collection of almost 100 different gins ready to be mixed with a variety of tonic waters. If you’re feeling experimental, build your own G&T with some help from the bartenders. Whatever the creation, Cin Cin is has has a wondrous diversity of flavours to help you make the world feel a little more bearable.

Drinking gin is not everyone’s cup of tea but one of our favourite cocktails to raise a toast with is their Dr Earl Potion (S$20++). It is Bulldog-infused Earl Grey, fresh lime juice, beer syrup, and egg white finished with dried lime. The harmony of ingredients gave the malty tipple a sweet dimension with some citrusy lift.

If you like something refreshing, Sambucus Toxin (S$25++) boasts botanical flavours with a blend of Napue, fresh lime juice, lychee puree, J Gasco Elderflower, a mint bouquet, and dried lime. Its sweetness is balanced out by strong notes of herbaceous elderflower and mint.

A humble and reliable choice is Earlgroni (S$18++). This is a strong concoction of Bulldog-infused Earl Grey, and Carpano Antica Formula, Bitters, garnished with a dried orange. Stir it till ice cold and sip it to enjoy its flavours. It is a drink as light and smooth as Earl Grey tea that’s slightly bitter with a faint touch of citrus.

If you’re coming as a group, their monthly bottle promos are a great deal. Otherwise, gin enthusiasts can guzzle on their House Gin during their 1-for-1 happy hour from 5pm to 8pm while non-Gin drinkers can get Carlsberg or House Red/White Wine instead.

100 Peck Seah Street, Level 1
Oasia Hotel Downtown
Singapore 079333
Tel: +65 6385 2604
Mon to Wed: 5pm – 12am
Thu to Sun: 5pm – 1am
(Closed on Sundays)
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

Presenting a diverse and interactive dining experience, Pan Pacific Singapore’s Edge remains, till this day, one of our all-time favourite weekend brunch spots in the city.

A multifaceted buffet restaurant that goes over the edge—in every sense of the word—with 7 interactive live food theatres, 16 food stations (at least) and one epic dessert spread, Edge constantly pushes the boundaries to what most people would envision as a ‘typical’ buffet and their revamped Theatrical Sunday Champagne Brunch is no exception.

Calling all brunch lovers, come 25 March 2018, gather your family and loved ones for a refreshed selection of gourmet items that are made better with unlimited Veuve Clicquot Champagne, an all-new botanical gin bar, a new food station and even live band performances that the whole family can enjoy.

Where do we begin? Whether its Peranakan, Chinese, Japanese, Northern Indian, Singaporean and/or delights from as far as the Pacific region, champagne brunch will be redefined at Edge. And just for our readers, we are giving you the opportunity to dine like royalty without breaking the bank that much.

From 25 March to 24 June 2018, simply quote ‘ladyironchef’ to enjoy a complimentary upgrade to unlimited Veuve Clicquot Rosé Champagne (usual price at S$208++ per diner) for diners who opt for the S$188++ unlimited Veuve Clicquot Brut Yellow Label Champagne price, as well as a 10% discount on the S$128++ brunch price that includes unlimited fresh juices, soft drinks, coffee and tea.

WHOLE BABY LAMB TACO STATION

One station at Edge’s Sunday Brunch buffet line-up that will surely leave avid meat eaters in total awe is the whole baby lamb taco—that’s right, we literally mean a whole baby lamb.

Carved fresh upon request, the slithers of succulent lamb are first bathed in a sauce made from its own drippings before being plated and served. Upon receiving it, you can either choose to have the aromatic lamb on its own or construct your very own lamb taco using the crispy tortilla shells and various sauces and salsas.

Roasted to a gorgeous pink hue, the meat was tender and succulent beyond belief and we loved how the bright, zesty qualities of the pico de gallo salsa complemented the natural gaminess of the lamb really well.

Other than the Whole Baby Lamb Taco station, there’s a new live station which offers Shaved Chuck Roast that comes served with potato churros and a garlic aioli dip.

PREMIUM SEAFOOD ON ICE

What would a champagne brunch be without a fresh seafood station filled with fresh crustaceans and oysters?

Over at Edge, their range of fresh seafood offerings may not be vast but for what they lack in variety, they sure make up for in quality. Expect to slurp up some of the freshest seasonal oysters. The snow crab legs are amazingly sweet as well.

Fresh fish tartare and ceviche are also available should you desire something that packs a mean flavour punch.

GIANT BEEF BURGER

Get your cameras ready because this is one titan of a burger that demands to be shared on the ‘gram’. Essentially a beef burger, this Big Mac on steroids boasts a thick beef patty cooked medium-rare, slices of cheese, sweet onion relish and a layer of lettuce for some crunch.

NORTHERN INDIAN STATION

Amongst all the many food stations that have impressed us over the years, the Northern Indian station has got to be our ultimate go-to. Comprising a plethora of curries, chutneys, and tandoori offerings, this is one spread not to be missed.

The tandoori red snapper is a relatively new addition to the spread that sees a whole snapper covered entirely in spices and baked. Mildy charred on the outside with a heady aroma of toasted tandoori spices, the flesh in the middle retains its moist and flaky integrity—delicious!

SEASONAL TROLLIES SERVED TABLE-SIDE

Something unique about Edge’s champagne brunch is the seasonal trollies. Serving up fresh catches of the week—be it fish, meat or seafood—these roving trollies stop table-side and depending on how much you want, the chefs will carve up portions accordingly.

A tad similar to the practice at many an old-school dim sum restaurants, we like the excitement derived from never knowing what to expect from these roving trollies each time we visit.

DESSERT THEATRE

If you have kids, you can bet that the first stop they will be making is the desserts corner. Massive, vibrant and chockful of sweet treats, make no mistake that this is one station where parents have zero jurisdiction over their kids.

Replete with a magnificent display of cakes, tarts, puddings, jellies, chocolates, kuehs and so much more, Edge’s dessert station is undoubtedly the best around. There is even a waffle station and exclusively for their Sunday brunch, a chocolate lava cake station and a cotton candy machine as well!

No, really. The adults will go crazy too!

BOTANICAL GIN STATION

Now, this is the best part about Edge’s revamped champagne brunch—Botanical Gin Station. Gin connoisseurs, it’s as if the G&T Gods have answered your prayers with the restaurant’s very first gin bar that houses 7 different gin labels—namely the greats such as Hendricks, Monkey 47 and our personal favourite, Tanqueray No. 10.

To up your gin and tonic game, you can also pick and choose from an array of fresh ripe fruits, citrus and botanicals such as thyme, grapefruit, raspberries, strawberries and more!

UNLIMITED BEER, CHAMPAGNE & GIN

What would a gathering of friends, family or loved ones be without a little booze to get you in the right mood? For all the adults (thank God that we are legal because alcohol > playgrounds), be sure to help yourselves to endless amounts of beer, champagne, and gin.

From 25 March to 24 June 2018, don’t forget to quote ‘ladyironchef’ to enjoy a complimentary upgrade to unlimited Veuve Clicquot Rosé Champagne (usual price at S$208++ per diner) for diners who opt for the S$188++ unlimited Veuve Clicquot Brut Yellow Label Champagne price, as well as a 10% discount on the S$128++ brunch price that includes unlimited fresh juices, soft drinks, coffee and tea.

ENTERTAINMENT FOR ADULTS AND KIDS

There is entertainment for both adults and kids. A live band will serenade you while you luxuriate in brunch; as for the kids, a balloon artist will be going around from table to table and have balloons sculpted for every little one.

It is really more than just food and alcohol, you all!

Sunday Champagne Brunch
Every Sunday (enhanced selection available from 18 March to 24 June 2018)
12pm – 3.30pm
Adult: S$208++ (includes unlimited Veuve Clicquot Rosé Champagne, wine, beer & cocktails)
Adult: S$188++ (includes unlimited Veuve Clicquot Brut Yellow Label Champagne, wine, beer & cocktails)
Adult: S$128 ++ (includes unlimited fresh juices, soft drinks, coffee and tea)
Child (aged 6 to 11 years old): S$64++ (includes unlimited fresh juices, soft drinks, coffee and tea)

For dining reservations and enquiries, please call +65 6826 8240 or email celebrate.sin@panpacific.com.

Edge
Pan Pacific Singapore, Level 3
7 Raffles Boulevard
Daily: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Sunday Brunch: 12pm – 3.30pm
Reservations: +65 6826 8240 / celebrate.sin@panpacific.com
Nearest Station: City Hall / Promenade

This post was brought to you by Pan Pacific Singapore.

Made using a variety of botanicals and spices, gin exudes herbaceous qualities that make it tricky to play around with.

Yet, simplicity is key when it comes to this underrated spirit and something as simple as a gin and tonic is one of those simple concoctions that bears timeless appeal. When it comes to gin—a drink that warrants no unnecessary flair or fancy ingredients—it is always the delicate treatments that work best.

To truly experience the very best that gin has to offer, we strongly suggest leaving it to the masters who have dedicated their lives to perfecting their craft. Here is our list of the best gin bars in Singapore.

#1 THE SPIFFY DAPPER

Housing an impressive array of esoteric gins that only true connoisseurs will recognise, The Spiffy Dapper is a place not to miss. Featuring a theme that is part rustic and part playful, it is the ideal spot to grab a tipple during happy hour at any time of the week or drown out all your worries on the weekends.

Just let the bartenders know what particular flavour profile you are going for and allow them to whip you up something delicious.

73 Amoy St, Second Floor
Singapore 069892
Tel: +65 8655 0829
Mon to Thu: 5pm – 1am
Fri: 5pm – 2am
Sat: 6pm – 2am
Sun: 6pm – 1am
Nearest Station: Chinatown

#2 OXWELL & CO

Oxwell & Co. is probably the only bar in Singapore that serves cocktails on tap. Their house speciality, the Gin & Chronic is a twist on the classic G&T. As much as we agree that nothing beats a properly hand-crafted drink, we admire Oxwell’s willingness to be different.

5 Ann Siang Rd
Singapore 069688
Tel: +65 6438 3984
Mon: 4pm – 12am
Tue to Sun: 12pm – 12am
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer / Chinatown

Photo Credit: Cin Cin

#3 CIN CIN

Located in the heart of the Tanjong Pagar district, Cin Cin is the perfect spot to raise a toast to the good life. Gin enthusiasts also have worth getting excited over, with the bar’s curation of over a hundred different varieties of gin, along with a fair amount of vermouths, bitters, and tonics.

100 Peck Seah St
Singapore 079333
Tel: +65 6385 2604
Sun to Thu: 5pm – 12am
Fri & Sat: 5pm – 1am
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

Photo Credit: El Tardeo

#4 EL TARDEO

Located just a stone’s throw from its sister restaurant Binomio, El Tardeo specialises in stellar Spanish tapas and some of the tastiest gin cocktails around. The Elder Collins—a concoction of Gordon’s cucumber gin, a splash of Elderflower liqueur, peach purée, lemon and soda—really stands up to the robust flavours of some of their more savoury dishes like their oxtail sandwich.

Fans of G&T can also opt to try their version, which comes garnished with a stalk of rosemary, juniper berries and a lemon peel.

20 Craig Rd, #01-01 Craig Place,
Singapore 089692
Tel: +65 6221 6288
Sun: Closed
Mon to Thu: 4pm – 11pm
Fri & Sat: 4pm – 12am
Nearest Station: Outram Park

Photo Credit: ATLAS

#5 ATLAS

Noted as Singapore’s very own Gotham City with its magnificent exterior, Parkview Square is truly a sight to behold, but what really impressed us was ATLAS, the bar at the lobby that features a wide range of gin-focussed cocktails and a literal tower of gin.

ATLAS houses hundreds of gin brands and varieties, making it the ultimate place for gin enthusiasts and curious tipplers alike to hang out at. We highly recommend the ATLAS Martini that is as elegant as it is absolutely delicious.

600 North Bridge Road,
Parkview Square
Singapore 188778
Tel: +65 6396 4466
(Closed on Sundays)
Mon to Thu: 10am – 1am
Fri & Sat: 3pm – 2am
Nearest Station: Bugis

#6 THE RABBIT HOLE

With more than 15 brands of specially curated gin to choose from, on a menu that is conveniently categorised into five separate flavour profiles ranging from traditional and dry to floral and elegant, you don’t need to be an expert to have an excellent time at The Rabbit Hole.

The bar itself is situated at the former British army barracks, in a garden that doubles up as a herb garden in which many of the bar’s botanical delights come from. The good folks at The Rabbit Hole are not one to cut corners—even their tonic is made in-house. Expect your drinks to come beautifully garnished with a variety of vibrant herbs and fruits.

39C Harding Road
Singapore 249541
Tel: +65 6473 9965
Sun to Thu: 6pm – 11.30pm
Fri & Sat: 6pm – 12.30am
Nearest Station: Farrer Road

#7 THE SECRET MERMAID

The Secret Mermaid is a tasting room and cocktail bar focused on American craft spirits located in the heart of Raffles Place. The Secret Mermaid features a large selection of gin, whiskey, vodka, rum, and houses a large collection of craft spirits.

Some of their more notable gin-based masterpieces include the Rose Oolong Negroni which features Greenhook gin infused with rose oolong tea, Campari, an Italian vermouth and lavender bitters for that subtle floral note, as well as their twist on the classic G&T that features chilli and lime for an added kick.

10 Collyer Quay
B1-08, Ocean Financial Centre,
Singapore 049315
Sat & Sun: Closed
Mon to Fri: 5pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Farrer Park

For more recommendations, read our guide on 25 Best Rooftop Bars in Singapore with the best views of the city.

Speakeasy bars in Singapore are getting increasingly popular, well-loved for their sophisticated cocktail crafts or classy ambiences. But as much as we love indulging and feeling refined, every once in awhile it is always nice to hang out at a neighbourhood bar where you can have a cold one absent from any form of pretentiousness.

Never mind the dinginess, or the smelly toilets; neighbourhood pubs are where we head to when we want to kick back and crack open a beer with our buddies and the best part of these all is being able to wear slippers and shorts without being judged.

Here are 9 Neighbourhood Bars In Singapore you can wear slippers to without being judged.

#1 PRINCE OF WALES

Prince of Wales is a backpackers hostel that also happens to have a really cosy bar. Sticking true to its Aussie roots, this no-frills al fresco bar ticks all the right boxes with its affordable craft beers, live music, and a laid-back clientele of backpackers and locals alike.

101 Dunlop Street
Singapore 209420
Tel: +65 6299 0130
Mon: 5pm – 12am
Tue to Thu: 5pm – 1am
Fri & Sat: 3pm – 2am
Sun: 3pm – 12am
Nearest Station: Rochor

Photo Credit: Lazy Lizard

#2 LAZY LIZARD

If you are looking for a bar with international food and drinks, a laid-back vibe and fun staff, you must pay Lazy Lizard a visit. Situated right on Sixth Avenue, this popular drinking spot sees a throng of regulars who flock here after working hours. It is a big hit with locals and visitors alike thanks to the affordable prices and fun atmosphere.

2 Sixth Ave
Singapore 276470
Tel: +65 6468 6289
Sun to Fri: 3pm – 1am
Sat: 3pm – 2am
Nearest Station: Sixth Avenue

Photo Credit: Sara’s At Upper Thomson

#3 SARA’S

One of the longest standing bars along Upper Thomson Road, Sara’s is hard to miss with its huge bright pink fluorescent sign board. This iconic bar may seem dodgy to first-timers, but to those who live around the area, it is pretty much home.

Sara’s has just about everything from the usual beer to wine and even killer cocktails that they created in-house. Be sure not to let anyone know if it is your birthday because chances are you will regret it the following morning.

217 Upper Thomson Road
Singapore 574350
Mon to Sat: 5pm – 3am
Sun: 5pm – 1am
Nearest Station: Marymount

Photo Credit: Trip Advisor

#4 THE CIDER PIT

The only thing better than an ice-cold bottle of cider on a sunny afternoon is a sweet deal. With selected ciders going for S$10 a pint, The Cider Pit has got your cider cravings covered. This Joo Chiat Bar stocks up on an impressive selection of imported craft ciders and beers—and even some rarities you probably would not be able to find elsewhere.

#01-03, 328 Joo Chiat Rd
Singapore 427585
Tel: +65 6440 0504
Mon to Fri: 3pm – 1am
Sat & Sun: 1pm – 1am
Nearest Station: Eunos

Photo Credit: Nectars & Vine

#5 NECTARS & VINE

Serangoon residents who love to drink would probably have come across Nectars and Vine. This hole-in-the-wall dive bar may not be the most aesthetically pleasing but do not be fooled by its plain exterior. They carry an extensive selection of English craft beers and regular beers at really low prices.

Grab yourself an ice-cold Heineken at only S$7 per bottle and hang with your buddies till late.

752 Upper Serangoon Rd
Singapore 534623
Tel: +65 6372 1125
Sun to Thu: 5pm – 1am
Fri to Sat: 5pm – 2am
Nearest Station: Serangoon

Photo Credit: Thirsty Craft Beer Shop

#6 THIRSTY CRAFT BEER SHOP

Thirsty is pretty much like a candy store to all craft beer aficionados with an unbeatable selection of the most sought-after craft beers from around the world. You can either have your craft beer bottles to go or request for an ice-cold one and enjoy it on the spot.

#02-07B, 211 Holland Ave
Singapore 278967
Tel: +65 9354 1952
Daily: 10.30am – 8pm
Nearest Station: Holland Village

Photo Credit: Hogs Bar

#7 HOGS BAR & RESTAURANT

This is a joint that many would rather keep a secret. Hogs Bar is a biker-themed craft beer joint that many bikers and Easties head to after work; more so because of their ridiculous number of television screens that show a variety of sports from rugby to football and even tennis.

The bar also offers Tiger, Heineken, and Guinness on tap as well as a variety of Western dishes at pocket-friendly prices.

382 Joo Chiat Road
Singapore 427622
Mon to Fri: 5pm – 1am
Sat & Sun: 4pm – 1am
Nearest Station: Eunos

Photo Credit: The Dog And Bone Pub

#8 THE DOG AND BONE PUB

This neighbourhood bar is a bustling watering hole, especially during sports events screenings. The beers are cheap and the atmosphere is perfect to hang out with your colleagues after work. Feel free to swap out your work shoes for a pair of comfortable flip flops—it’ll be easier to remove them at the end of the night.

106 Upper East Coast Rd
Singapore 455296
Tel: +65 9178 9552
Mon to Sat: 4.30pm – 12am
Sun: 11.30am – 12am
Nearest Station: Bedok

Photo Credit: Coq & Balls

#9 COQ & BALLS

This cheekily-named bar sports a raw, gritty interior and offers a vast variety of spirits, wine, and beers that will cater to just about anyone. We absolutely love their Kung Fu-themed cocktails, with names like Chuck Norris and Enter the Dragon.

6 Kim Tian Road
Singapore 169246
Mon to Thu: 5pm – 12am
Fri: 4.30pm – 12am
Sat & Sun: 3pm – 12am
Nearest Station: Tiong Bahru

For more recommendations, read our guides to discover the best bars in Singapore.

One of the best cocktail spirits around is gin; a clear alcoholic spirit distilled from grain or malt, flavoured thereafter by infusing a variety of botanicals (this process is known as compounding), including juniper. Its diverse flavour profile makes this un-aged spirit perfect for cocktails. We speak to some of the industry experts to give you a crash course on gin (and save you from the embarrassment of mistaking vodka for the former).

Home to one of Singapore’s largest collection of gin, The Spiffy Dapper boasts a stunning collection of 75 types of gin, including a number of house-infused gins and rare gins like The Duke (which has since ceased production) and Uncle Vals (only bottle available in Asia). Here, owner-bartender Abhishek Cherian George (known for crazy boundary-pushing concoctions) shares his knowledge on the topic.

First things first. What exactly is gin?

Gin is effectively vodka flavoured with botanicals. Vodka has no taste and no smell, while gin will smell and taste of the botanicals is used to flavour the gins.

Most gins are clear and look identical in nature. How do you tell one gin apart from another?

Most gins have different botanicals—even the traditional London drys. Once you start tasting different gins, you will be able to differentiate them based on the botanicals you smell and taste. Some differences are nuanced while others are more evident.

How do you judge the quality of gin?

We base it on the mouthfeel, quality of base spirit and the type of botanicals used. When it comes to picking personal favourites, adventure and imagination is key. An example would be New Deal Gin 33. Only juniper berries is used in this gin, but the complexity of its taste shows otherwise—the balance the distiller has gotten out of this gin is phenomenal.

Co-owner and founder of Liberty Spirits Asia (distributer of American craft spirits) and tasting room The Secret Mermaid Howard Lo, is a staunch believer of artisanal gin. We check in with him to find out the difference between British and American gin.

Gin originated form Britain. Why the preference of American gin over British gin?

With American gins, the distilleries are open to deviating from the popular London Dry style of gin. This gives you more variety with different botanicals leading the taste. Currently, there are many distilleries making gin in what is called an “American Dry” style, although there is no true style or characteristic of American gin aside from innovativeness. One of my favourite American gins is Greenhook Ginsmith’s Greenhook American Dry Gin that uses a unique distillation process (mercury vacuum still)—a complex gin that includes botanicals such as orris root, Thai galangal and elderberries. It has a heavier mouthfeel and provides a sensation that you’re working your way through more botanicals.

What are the qualities you look out for when selecting a gin?

In general, looking for the balance of juniper with other botanicals, before focusing on which flavours said botanicals bring out.

What is the best way to “taste” a gin to fully savour its flavour profile?

To taste the gin, add a drop or two of water to help bring out the scent and nose the gin to take in the aromas. As you sip it, let the gin slowly roll around each part of your tongue.

A finalist in the G’Vine Gin Connoisseur Program Global Finals in 2012, head bartender at Manhattan Bar, Ricky Paiva, has a discerning palate for artisanal spirits. He backs up Lo’s take on American spirits.

What gin would you highly recommend?

St. George Terrior Gin. It’s very eccentric. Master distiller Lance Winters wanted to make a gin from his home, so he chopped down a tree and put it in his still. This gin has an evergreen nose that’s a bit dry from fennel, but is smooth and incredibly aromatic. The Rusty Gin is another custom-sourced bottle. Made in a local distillery outside San Francisco, Rusty Gin is aged in wine barrels for 4 months, resulting in an earthy, maple caramelised flavour the colour of rust—hence its name.

About the writer: 
Mandy Lynn is a former I-S Magazine writer and current columnist at Nookmag; her dining and nightlife features are published in Appetite Asia, Food & Travel, and Singapore Tatler Dining. For bite-sized food recommendations, follow her on Instagram and Facebook, or join her Gourmet Adventures to keep up with the latest openings in the dining scene.