fun and drunk: Hopscotch is the one bar in Singapore that’s mastered the art of gimmicks — in the most charming way
Our island is home to a staggering multitude of craft cocktail bars — including some of the best in the world. But carousing doesn’t always need to be serious, and, for anyone simply craving a fun night, there’s probably no bar in Singapore that fits their needs more than Hopscotch.
Don’t be mistaken, “gimmicky” doesn’t mean bad. Not at all — most gimmicky establishments just tend to falter in execution.
Still, let’s be honest: Craft cocktails are not for everyone. Even the most impressive techniques and sleekest flavour experiments can be met with disinterest when the mood is a mismatch.
Hopscotch doesn’t partake in any of that frou-frou and prestige. Its prime directive is to ensure guests are drowning in fun, and that’s served with the utmost pizzazz here.
The slogan is “unpretentious premium cocktail bar“, and Hopscotch lives up to it. The mixology is not convoluted, but ideas are consistently well-executed.
It’s travelled a long distance to be where it is today, tracing back to its nascency in Maxwell. With a decade passing, the bar has grown into its identity as a bar that charms the crowds with glamorous gimmicks and visual spectacles.
In the most charming way possible, of course.
The Hopscotch identity
I have to confess, I’ve been to Hopscotch aeons back, and the impression was just of a decent bar that is entirely reliant on wow factor.
Perhaps the stars didn’t align that fateful day, or more likely, it’s just matured since then. The drinks weren’t stunning works of bartending, but the balance was just about right for most of the offerings — though understandably skewed sweeter for the masses.
Straight off the bat, we were welcomed with over-the-top theatrics as the pyromancy that accompanied Hopscotch’s Wish Upon A Lantern ($26) started the night with aplomb.
Taking cue from the iconic Chinese lanterns, the drink is encased in paper that is set ablaze after wishes are penned on it.
This one combines gin with an array of fruit liqueurs, juices and cordial for a vicaciously fruity concoction, with a touch of grassy basil — it runs the risk of being too sweet for some, but it’s not the cloying, syrupy profile that generic bars confuse as sweetness.
Pretty tasty start to the night.
The following Summer Fling ($26) also provides much intrigue. It’s Hopscotch’s take on an edible cocktail, served in a rounded receptacle that houses a mound of delicate frozen alcohol.
Hopscotch got this right. It’s a pleasant and novel dessert that is plenty of fun to ingest, starting as a refreshing ice slush that progresses into a longan and honey-forward puddle.
At the behest of the waitstaff, we also ordered a serving of the A Decade in Time ($26), made to celebrate Hopscotch’s tenth birthday.
In true Hopscotch fashion, it’s presented in a loud and campy way — the drink comes in an hourglass perched on an oversized platform, spewing dry ice smoke and buffeting the table in a hail of glaring blue and purple hues.
Smokes and mirrors aside, the tipple itself is pleasantly floral and — while also sitting on the sweeter end of the profile spectrum — actually packs a bit of boozy punch.
If you want something easy to drink but also contains a splash of potency, this is it.
Grub that stands out
With all that said about Hopscotch’s cocktail programme, there’s also a lot to be said about its culinary offerings — it’s pretty damn solid.
There’s a good spark of creativity lighting up in the kitchen, as it cooks up more unique fusion flavours, such as the Scallop and Uni Risotto ($29).
Sweet and subtly briny, this is something that would pair very well with a beer. With ikura folded in, each spoonful also yields a pleasant mix of creaminess and popping umami.
Keeping with the theme of novel seafood dishes, Hopscotch’s Salmon Wellington ($34) is also a crowd pleaser and something less seen.
It’s a satisfying and fragrant medley of soft, juicy salmon and flaky pastry, with a layer of creamy spinach introducing a nice earthy contrast.
Then a drizzle of yuzu beurre blanc to cut through the flavours with a kiss of piquancy — a sound combination.
Alas, the Duck Confit with Foie Gras (S$29) was a bit disappointing. Not a disaster by any means, as the execution on the light and crispy duck was good, but the limp foie gras was lacklustre and felt like a token inclusion to spruce it up into a premium dish.
Nonetheless, Hopscotch delivers on everything you’d expect from it. If you’re looking for a place to gather your friends for a roister with some entertainment and conviviality, you can’t go wrong with this tried-and-true spot.
Make a reservation online before visiting Hopscotch at any of its three outlets in Singapore.
Hopscotch Singapore
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- Address: Gillman Barracks, 45 Malan Rd, Singapore 109455
- Hours: (Sun–Thurs) 12pm to 2:30pm, 5pm to 10:30pm, (Fri–Sat) 12pm to 2:30pm, 5pm to 12am
- Address: 15 Stamford Road, #01-83 Arcade @ The Capitol Kempinski, Singapore 178906
- Hours:(Sun–Thurs) 12pm to 2:30pm, 5pm to 10:30pm, (Fri–Sat) 12pm to 2:30pm, 5pm to 12am
- Address: 18 Marina Gardens Dr, #01-21 Bayfront Plaza, Singapore 018953
- Hours: (Mon–Sun) 12pm to 2:30pm, 5pm to 10pm
*This was an invited tasting.