Opulence. This one word sums up the ultra swanky St Regis that just opened its doors last December to the roaring sound of its fleet of customised Bentley limousines. The five-star hotel traces its routs of gracious hospitality to the original St Regis in New York, a grand hotel built at the turn of the 20th century by John Jacob Astor IV, which is still an institution today. As might be expected of a luxury property like this, St Regis provides impeccable service and comes with an ultra-luxe wining and dining experience to match. The Astor Bar is one prime example of this.

This high-class watering hole—named after its illustrious founder—is one of the best places to channel your inner socialite. (And you’ll wish you’re one when the bill arrives.) The bar exudes an aura of sophistication with its rich red leather armchairs, dark wooden tables and walls; and contemporary artwork from Pablo Neruda which makes the bar look more like a gentleman’s club in 1920s New York or Chicago than a new hotel bar in Singapore.

Astor Bar features an array of prestigious vintage champagnes, premium international spirits and inspired organic concoctions and cocktails. The highlight is the lethal Chilli Padi Mary ($22), a local interpretation of the Bloody Mary, which incidentally was invented, not in Asia as you would think, but by a certain Fernand Petiot who was head bartender at New York City’s St. Regis Hotel in 1934. If Petiot’s localised libation proves to be too hot to handle, you can select other Bloody Mary concoctions conjured up by the various St Regis outlets from around the world or the many premium and classic cocktails (we stopped counting at 50). Do try the Modern Gentleman ($28) and Cosmo Blanco ($28)—the first being a relatively heady mix of premium Hennessey VSOP Cognac, aged port and Morello cherries, while the latter is a delightfully sweet blend of Belvedere Vodka, Cointreau, lemon, cranberry and orange flower water. If you’re a little more adventurous, there’s the classic Ramos Gin Fizz ($22)—a refreshing gin and egg white meringue based concoction that has its roots in 1880s New Orleans; and Astor Bar serves a properly made one at that.

Astor Bar has already garnered a small and loyal following in Singapore. If you’re looking for a elegant and intimate hangout away from the madding crowd, with faultless service and sumptuous drinks, then this is the place for you.

Lobby, St Regis Singapore, 29 Tanglin Rd., 6506-6888. Open daily 3pm-2am.