Where to find the best martini in Singapore

Singapore’s bartending maestros share their go-to spots for this iconic classic cocktail

What more can be said about the martini that isn’t anything about it being iconic? Regardless of its fiercely debated origin story, it stands firm as one of the most popular alcoholic tipples around the world since its inception. So much so that influential American literary critic H.L. Mencken referred to it as “the only American invention as perfect as the sonnet”. Even Ian Fleming’s fiction novel in the 60s was brought to life by James Bond in Casino Royale with the iconic “shaken, not stirred” catchphrase that skyrocketed the vesper martini into fashion.

But to find the best martini in Singapore today, Tatler Dining spoke to some of the best bartenders in the city to sift them out. Whether you’re searching for the time-tested dry martini or its varied but equally tasty renditions, this list is certified ice cold.

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1. Bai Jiawei, founder of White Shades

Above Bai Jiawei, founder of White Shades

“A place that immediately came to my mind is The Bar at Morton’s. To define the word best, I am looking at a few aspects: quality of the product used, the volume, garnish, service of the staff, vibes of the place and the price point. I enjoy a dry martini with a lemon twist. When I have a martini, I want it strong and ice cold. Temperature is vital, for a drink that has such a high alcohol content, so the speed at which it is made and served is really important. Ingredients have to be frozen or well chilled. Morton’s Bar does it well.”

The Bar at Morton’s
Address: 5 Raffles Avenue, Fourth Storey, Mandarin Oriental, S(039797)

2. Shelley Tai, operations director of Nutmeg Collective

Above Shelley Tai, operations director of Nutmeg Collective

“My favourite martini in Singapore is made by Anthony Zhong from Shin Gi Tai, a bar that I visit regularly during my day off. Why? I prefer a 50/50 martini (equal parts gin and dry vermouth) for its softer and rounder profile. With only two ingredients, a martini is one of the most challenging cocktails to perfect. Achieving the right temperature, dilution, and texture requires a lot of precision and skill.”

Shin Gi Tai
Address: 179a Telok Ayer Street, S(068627)

3. David Kim, head bartender of Live Twice

Above David Kim, head bartender of Live Twice

“I really like a dry gin martini, with a twist of lemon, at Last Word. I believe a great classic martini comes together with the use of good spirits—gin or vodka, depending on your preference—and good vermouth. This results in a smooth texture and a perfectly dry finish so you can enjoy the full experience in the time that the martini stays cold and crisp.”

Last Word
Address: 8 Purvis Street, #02-01, S(188587)

4. Ong Jun Han, head mixologist of Plume

Above Ong Jun Han, head mixologist of Plume

“I’m going with ‘The Gibson’ at Gibson Bar. I love the simplicity, elegance and a touch of the Japanese influence on the classic gibson. It comes served with a trio of garnishes of smoked quail egg, seasonal pickle, and, of course, pickled onion which is the key to transforming the martini into a gibson.”

Gibson Bar
Address: 20 Bukit Pasoh Road, 2nd Floor, S(089834)

5. Grace Nirmalan, assistant bar manager of MO Bar

Above Grace Nirmalan, assistant bar manager of MO

“It’s got to be Atlas for me. You’ll definitely see me drinking an espresso martini at the bar whenever I visit them. Besides that, I also enjoy the occasional vesper or dirty martini. As an Atlas alumnus, I know their martinis to be perfectly balanced and enjoyable together with the company of the legendary team—the place to be for a martini or two.”

Atlas
Address: 600 North Bridge Road, Parkview Square, S(188778)

6. Chong Yong Wei, head bartender of Native

Above Chong Yong Wei, head bartender of Native

“I always love exploring different flavour combinations and seeing how bartenders and chefs work with flavours. One of the best martinis I’ve tried (recently) is the one at Side Door called the Just 3, which they’ve finished with langoustine oil. This gives it a familiar but novel twist to the classic martini.”

Side Door
Address: 3 Neil Road, #01-01, S(088805)

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Credits

Images

Plateresca via Getty Images

Images

White Shades/MO Bar/Plume/Nutmeg Collective/Live Twice/Native

Topics

Martini Cocktail Cocktail bars Bartenders Singapore