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How about a kopi-o? 6 Singapore speakeasies that make the most interesting cocktails in town

There’s no shortage of cleverly hidden watering holes in Singapore with equally clever cocktail recipes. Our Chendol concoction is a full-bodied adult concoction of the famed straits dessert from Ah Sam Cold Drink Stall. Photo: Instagram
There’s no shortage of cleverly hidden watering holes in Singapore with equally clever cocktail recipes. Our Chendol concoction is a full-bodied adult concoction of the famed straits dessert from Ah Sam Cold Drink Stall. Photo: Instagram
Hidden Gems

Whether you sip them at Ah Sam’s in your slippers or let Bar Stories invent one for you, Singapore’s cocktail scene never fails to impress

Speakeasy bars have been trending in the cocktail scene for the past several years and in Singapore where the buzzing city comes to life at night, there certainly isn’t a shortage of cleverly hidden watering holes on this island state. They may no longer be much of a secret but they can still be your private hideout to kick back, possibly even in your slippers, and imbibe a creative cocktail or two.

1. Ah Sam Cold Drink Stall

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“New-school hawker” best describes this bar above a convenience store. Everything is local here, from the ambience to the menu. Resembling an upscale local coffee shop, you’ll find speciality cocktails that are inspired by Singapore’s most beloved dishes like chilli crab, laksa and chendol. If you’re feeling peckish, you can dig into their all-night offering of local grub, such as hokkien mee and char kuey teow. And in true coffee shop fashion, they don’t mind you showing up in shorts and slippers at all – and that’s the best part, if you ask us.

2. Bar Stories

Kueh-inspired cocktails. Bar Stories doesn’t have a drinks menu, you just tell them what you like and they will make it for you. Photo: Facebook
Kueh-inspired cocktails. Bar Stories doesn’t have a drinks menu, you just tell them what you like and they will make it for you. Photo: Facebook

Nestled along the colourful street of Haji Lane, this intimate, minimalist bar has been thriving since its inception 10 years ago. Save for a makeover to spruce up the bar’s appearance, nothing’s really changed here. They still don't have a drinks menu; you just tell them what you like (it can be an ingredient, a scent, a book, a place or even a memory) and they will invent the cocktail of your dreams on the spot.

3. BeGIN