[Review] Toast the Season with Festive Cocktails at Canning Bar & Lounge

Tucked away within the greenery of Fort Canning, Canning Bar & Lounge provides a calm pause from the city. With the newly revamped METT Singapore, the space now carries an even warmer, more inviting energy. This festive season, I dropped by to try their exclusive festive cocktail menu.

Walking in, it genuinely felt like stepping into a palace. Vintage-style chairs upholstered in soft floral prints are scattered around the space, paired with golden architectural details that catch the light beautifully. The bar itself is well stocked and softly glowing, instantly drawing you in.

I started with the Panettone Fashioned, which felt like easing into the festive mood. Bourbon forms the base, rounded out with amaretto and charred orange. It was warm and gently nutty, very much like a fireside toast after a hearty Christmas dinner. Spirit-forward but not overpowering, it paired especially well with savoury bites.

Next up was Notte Rosa, which leaned into a cosy European winter vibe. Made with warm malt Merlot wine, blended with Rémy VSOP, apple and festive spices, it was smooth and velvety on the palate. The aroma reminded me of strolling through an Italian winter market.

For something lighter, I tried the Crimson Solstice. Made with Belvedere vodka, açai berry, spiced cranberry and prosecco, it was tart, fruity and citrusy. Refreshing and festive without being too sweet, this felt like the most easygoing option of the lineup, and probably the one I would recommend if you want something celebratory but light.

The standout for me, though, was Oro Verde. Like a boozy eggnog, this cocktail is made with banana peel rum, pistachio, nutmeg and egg, it tasted like Christmas in a glass. Creamy, indulgent and comforting, this was easily my favourite which I would come back for again.

Apart from the festive menu, I also tried a few of their signature cocktails. The Canning Sling was a fun house take with gin, pineapple, VSOP and rum, while Trading Nights stood out for its rich yet simple combination of rum, egg custard foam and dark chocolate. New Dawn was lighter and more refreshing with oolong-infused sake, peach and orange bitters, and Olive III surprised me with how well olive gin and cheese worked together.

To go with the drinks, we ordered a few bites from the food menu. The METT Beef Tartare was a highlight. Made with 35-day dry-aged Black Angus beef, seasoned with lemon juice and brown mushrooms, it was clean, flavourful and easy to enjoy. Paired with sourdough, it worked perfectly alongside the cocktails.

I was also pleasantly surprised by the Smoked Sardine. Served with alpine butter shaped like a sardine, it sounded heavy at first, but the butter was silky and rich without being overwhelming. Spread over crispy toasted sourdough, it was absolutely tasty and a fun treat to share with others.

We ended the night with the Lobster Buns, which were so good we ordered seconds. The lobster was fresh and packed with flavour, and the lettuce added a juicy crunch that kept each bite light and satisfying.

If you are looking for a cosy yet polished place to toast the season, Canning Bar & Lounge is worth putting on your list.

For more information, visit METT Singapore’s website.

Canning Bar and Lounge
Location: 11 Canning Walk, Singapore 178881
Opening Hours: 7am – 12am daily
Promotion: Festive cocktail menu available from now till 31 December 2025