Where to find Singapore's best no-alcohol and low-alcohol cocktails

Alcohol-free drinks that offer all the taste and none of the hangover

Text: Livvie B

Cracking open a bottle of wine after a hard day. Enjoying a relaxing beer on the beach as the sun goes down. Popping the Champagne cork to celebrate some good news. Alcohol is everywhere, but no-alcohol cocktails and low-alcohol drinks in Singapore? Not so much.

That’s not to say that things aren’t changing. Indeed, increasing numbers of bars and supermarkets on the island are now offering non-alcoholic and low-alcoholic cocktails, wine, beer and spirits. Also, in recent years the ‘Sober Curious’ movement — a collective promoting no alcohol living (without people thinking they’re bonkers and/or pregnant) — has started to gain traction.

“Being sober curious means to choose, to question — or get curious about — every impulse, invitation, and expectation to drink, versus mindlessly going along with the dominant drinking culture,” — Ruby Warrington, author of Sober Curious: The Blissful Sleep, Greater Focus, Limitless Presence, and Deep Connection Awaiting Us All on the Other Side of Alcohol.

In fact, Gen Z is quickly gaining a reputation as the sober generation, drinking up to 20% less than their Millennial counterparts. In context, the movement makes sense: the global wellness industry is worth a staggering US$4.5 trillion and is only set to grow, with people caring more and more about what they put into their bodies. Additionally, increased pressure at work means that being clearheaded and hangover-free is a coveted state (worryingly, a 2019 study by Kisi ranked Singapore in the bottom quarter of 40 cities analysed on work-life balance).

“The more time, money and energy people are putting into their overall wellbeing, the harder it becomes to justify the overall toxicity and health risks (particularly mental health risks) of drinking,” Ruby continues.

This growing trend for a no-alcohol or low-alcohol life has inspired the creation of viable non-alcoholic alternatives, which offer those opting out of booze a tasty and healthier alternative. Rather than going all-out with a glass of sparkling water, non-drinkers can now enjoy mixology concoctions that are just as delicious as alcohol.

These are a few spots in Singapore that have impressed us with their commitment to those seeking sobriety by ditching bland mocktails and creating cocktails that are specifically alcohol-free. Here’s a few of our favourites.

Credit: @origin.sg

Origin Bar

With an engaging menu designed to guide drinkers through the five key districts of Singapore — Orchard, Chinatown, Little India, Boat Quay, Marina Bay — Origin Bar wholly encourage their teetotal guests, with one 0% proof cocktail for every district. Celebrating Singapore’s illustrious history of bountiful trade, colonial charm and tropical splendour, the alcohol-free cocktails exude flavour and are shaken from local botany and fruits. Our go-to is the Baby Origin, a pineapple-based cocktail mixed with warm spices and peppermint for a mildly minty, sweet and juicy taste.

Origin Bar
Shangri-La Hotel Singapore, Lobby Level, Tower Wing, 22 Orange Grove Road, Singapore 258350

Credit: @manhattan_sg

Manhattan

Combining the Golden Age of fine drinking and the glamour and sophistication of New York, the award-winning bar team at Manhattan approach mixology as a meticulous craft. Despite being named after one of the booziest tipples around, Manhattan offers a decent selection of zero proof drinks. Branson’s Remedy mixes Seedlip Garden 108 with Lapsang Souchong and Hibiscus Syrup, creating a slightly smoky, hard-hitting flavour. We’ll have two.

Manhattan
Regent Singapore, 1 Cuscaden Road, Level 2 Regent Singapore, Singapore 249715

Credit: @smokeandmirrosbarsg

Smoke & Mirrors

With uninterrupted views of Marina Bay Sands, Smoke & Mirrors is a destination in itself. The al fresco bar focuses on elevating the cocktail experience using new techniques and flavour combinations, and the mocktail menu is no exception. While the selection is relatively small, the non-alcoholic series here hits all the right notes. Try Surf Feeling, a combination of Cold Brewed Earl Grey, Distilled Barks & Spices, Passion Fruit Concentrate and Citrus Peels.

Smoke & Mirrors
National Gallery Singapore, 1 St. Andrew's Road, #06-01 National Gallery Singapore, Singapore 178957

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