Whether you’re a teetotaller or just trying to cut down on your weeknight booze intake, your options for a non-alcoholic tipple at most bars will land somewhere between a dismal nine-dollar soda and a glass of sugary fruit punch moonlighting as a Shirley Temple. Against your better judgement, you’ll likely settle for one of those choices instead of skipping out on the pub night altogether.
But even if you love a good happy hour like most Singaporeans, there are plenty of reasons to lower your alcohol consumption—or eliminate it entirely. Religious stipulations and pregnancy aside, alcohol is a known depressant, a high-caloric affair and can get in the way of restful, REM sleep. The headache and dry mouth that often follow the next morning are not too pretty either.
The good news: if you do choose to pass up a boozy cocktail the next time you’re on a girls’ night out, you may just find an alternative that rivals the original—and redefines what a mocktail has come to mean.
Lyre’s, the Australian brand known for its comprehensive range of alcohol-free spirits and liquors, is bringing its offerings to Singapore’s top nightlife spots—including the legendary Manhattan Bar at Regent Singapore, the trendy Keong Saik tavern Don Ho, and the cultural gemstone Ah Sam Cold Drink Stall. While the three establishments may be completely disparate, they have one thing in common—they are all now shaking up quality non-alcoholic cocktails that taste shockingly close to the real thing.
Made with Lyre’s mock-spirits, the new drinks include a Robert Downey Junior-inspired concoction of alcohol-free coffee liqueur, banana cordial, sparkling coconut water and chocolate bitters found at Manhattan Bar—a libationary masterpiece on par with the boozy offerings on the menu. Over at Ah Sam, you’ll find reimagined classics like a Lavender Mojito made with Lyre’s White Cane spirit, while Don Ho’s alcohol-free options lean fruit-forward thanks to their generous use of Lyre’s Italian Spritz and Aperitif Rosso—perfect for a night of indulgence sans next morning’s hangover.
Russell Ong, head bartender at Ah Sam Cold Drink Stall, notes the growing interest in non-alcoholic beverages in Singapore. “Lyre’s gives us the freedom to create a range of exciting drinks that taste great and look like the real thing. We’re seeing that more and more of our guests want our non-alcoholic offerings as they’re not just your standard juice and syrup combo,” he shares.
