The craft cocktail movement has changed how people think about ordering at bars. Where once a Gin & Tonic or a Whisky Soda was the default, many Singapore drinkers now navigate menus full of house-infused spirits, seasonal syrups, and cocktails named after obscure references. Which approach is right for you?
The Case for Classic Drinks
There’s a reason classics have survived for decades: they work. A well-made Negroni, a properly built Old Fashioned, or a clean Martini in the right glass tells you everything you need to know about a bar’s standards. If the classics are good, the rest usually is too.
Classic drinks are also honest. You know what you’re getting, which makes them perfect for the first drink of an evening — or when you want something reliable without having to think too hard about it.
The Case for Craft Cocktails
A good craft cocktail offers something a classic can’t: a perspective. It tells you what the bartender is thinking about, what ingredients they’re excited by, and what the bar’s identity actually is. The best craft cocktails are conversations — they invite you into the thinking behind them.
In Singapore’s bar scene, craft menus have become more sophisticated. The better bars are moving past novelty (smoke, dry ice, elaborate garnishes) into something more considered: balance, seasonality, and restraint.
What to Order at Joo Bar
At Joo Bar, the answer is usually: start with something you know, then let us show you something new. Our classics are benchmarks — the kind you order to see if a bar is serious. Our cocktail menu is where the conversation gets interesting.
Come in and let the bartender guide you — there’s a whole menu to work through properly. See you at the bar.
