4 bars in Paris for seriously good cocktails

Principal bartender at Singapore bar and grill Sugarhall, Stuart Danker (above), has been a guest bartender at the famed Candelaria in Paris. The avid traveller shares why he loves that bar, as well his other favourite watering holes in Paris.

I was in Paris last year for a one-night guest bartending stint at Candelaria (ranked in the Top 10 in Drinks International magazine’s World’s 50 Best Bars; above) alongside well-known bartenders Sebastien Gans, Dimitry Saint-Louis and Pauline Le Dily. I served up three cocktails from Jigger & Pony and Sugarhall – Gentleman’s Mule, Corpse Reviver #101 and Bumbo Old Fashioned. I love how the low-lit cocktail bar provides a relaxing and homely feel for imbibers. There’s also the awesome Mexican food; one of the best and most authentic that I’ve ever tried. Must-try food on the menu are the Beef and Pork Tacos and Guacamole with Home-made Tortilla Chips; for the drinks, Pisco Disco, Margarita and Rhubarber!
52 Rue de Saintonge

Glass is the sister establishment of Candelaria – not your average Parisian bar. In fact, the bar has a list of serious cocktails and back bar selections as well as a great lineup of DJs who play great music until five in the morning, when almost every other place is closed. The multi-coloured disco dance floor was created by a custom glass-maker and lights up in rhythm with the music. For first-timers, you might even get the impression that you’re in a club rather than a cocktail bar. During my visit, I tried the organic beef hot dogs and some of the cocktails such as Tattoo You, Patti and Robert and Lila and Santana. Loud music, good fun and an awesome crowd – this is definitely the place to go to finish off your night out in Paris!
7 Rue Frochot

For a bit of American history in Paris, this is an old school cocktail bar that serves up classic cocktails – pretty much a bar that you would go to for pre-dinner drinks. Going into Harry’s New York Bar feels like you’re stepping back in time to the glory days of cocktails. The bar was originally called the “New York Bar” when it opened on Thanksgiving Day in 1911, which started attracting the American expatriates and celebrities in Paris. Be sure to go for the classic cocktails such as the Side Car, White Lady and Classic Martini when you visit this bar.
5 Rue Daunou 

This is a speakeasy bar located along a small alley. Decked out in plush seats with a dark interior and dim lighting, the bar gives off a romantic and laid-back vibe. What’s interesting and unique is the way they reinvent their cocktails with unusual spirits and infusions such as the Tommy’s Margarita, which is infused with Bourbon vanilla and cloves, as well as the Bee’s Kiss that has Indonesian pepper as an ingredient.
37 Rue Saint-Sauveur

This article was originally published by Singapore Press Holdings.