Cocktail Week is almost upon us, and there’s plenty to see, eat and drink. So many, in fact, that you’re not quite sure where to start. 60 participating bars and restaurants, dozens of events, and a whole slew of the whos who of international bartending can be quite overwhelming, to say the least.
Never fear, we’re here to help.
First things first, the tickets.
If you’re intending to visit more than one bar and getting more than one drink, then do consider getting the wristbands. While you don’t need it to enter and drink like thirsty fish, buying a set at $38 gets you a set of 8 wristbands. Each is labelled for one day of the week, and grants you access to the Singapore Cocktail Week cocktail list ($14++ per cocktail), 10% off at one of the 60 participating establishments, and a discount on any workshops you want to sign up for. You’re also invited to the Singapore Cocktail Week opening party. You can get them at www.singaporecocktailweek.com.sg.
The Opening Party- Saturday, 12 March 2016, 4pm to 9pm
Many of us old folks will remember celebrating a misspent youth at Zouk. With the club moving out this year, why not recapture your not-quite-childhood (or finally figure out what your friends were talking about) by opening the cocktail week at its iconic premises?
Alen Nikolovski from The Baxter Inn (No. 6 on World’s 50 Best Bars) and Absolut Elyx Ambassador Aki Eguchi will present the “Flamingo” punch . At the main bar, Hendrick’s Gin and Monkey Shoulder Whisky Ambassadors Tasha Lu and Jay Gray will shake up Tiki-inspired cocktails such as the “Hendrick’s Flora Dora” and “Monkey Shoulder Jam-Rock Sour”. Diageo Reserve World Class will serve up the ultimate “Gin and Tonic”.
All this will be enjoyed to the beats of Guest DJ Kenneth Francis, renowned for his signature sounds of Afro, Funk, Latin and Tribal Beats; accompanied by multi-talented percussionist Mohamed Noor, who has performed internationally at events such as Big Bang Percussion Festival in London and Mosaic Music Festival. Take note though, you can only get in if you have a wristband, though you can get them at Zouk itself.
The best part, of course, is that it ends at 9pm, allowing you plenty of time to go for round two. If you’re feeling peckish, head down to Tess Bar, located at 38 Seah St. They’re serving up a supper with 2 cocktails at $60. Or head down to Jekyll and Hyde, at Tras St. Be sure to order the cheese balls if you do.
Bar Hopping
Organised bar tours are available on Monday to Wednesday. If you’d like to explore for yourself, want the freedom to travel around as you please, or simply want to keep your drinking to the weekends, then we suggest you do it by location. Many of Singapore’s great bars happen to be located a stone’s throw away from each other, and there’s nothing like swaying and staggering your way across just one street to reach the next watering hole.
Hong Kong Street: Home to the famous 28 Hong Kong Street, or 28HKS, While it’s hard to go wrong with getting a drink at the grand dame of Singapore speakeasies, it does tend to get very crowded on weekends. Make a reservation if you can, but if not, head to FOC or Vasco on the same street. Both are excellent establishments with great drinks.
Raffles Place/ Marina Bay: The Black Swan and its sister Powder Room, a chic Gatsby inspired bar and restaurant, is in this area. Creative cocktails and delicious food are served in a swanky 1930s setting. If you want something a bit more cosy, head down to The Secret Mermaid, located below Ocean Financial Center. A sushi bar by day, it transforms into an American bourbon and beer speakeasy by night. Located within walking distance (though it is quite a long walk), Marina Bay Sands is home to Bread Street Kitchen, CÉ LA VI and Adrift.
Ann Siang/ Amoy Street: A charming area filled with conserved shophouses, Ann Siang is also home to many quality cocktail bars each with their own charm. I spent an afternoon and most of the evening here last year and I only scratched the surface of what the area has to offer. If you want a place with a speakeasy feel, head down the secret entrance to Operation Dagger. If you fancy a beer, head to Oxwell and Co. For a local twist, visit Nutmeg and Clove, which features cocktails with more than a hint of spice in them.
A few minutes walk away, Amoy Street is home to Sugarhall. Have a quick chat with friendly bartender Stuart Danker and check out the vast range of rums on offer. If you’re there on Wednesday, be sure to get tickets for the Rum Dinner with Jim Meehan of PDT fame. Not a fan of the sugarcane spirit? Head next door to sister bar Jigger & Pony, or down the street to The Spiffy Dapper.
Bukit Pasoh/ Keong Saik/ Duxton: About 5 minutes walk from Ann Siang, the area is home to a whole flood of bars. Enjoy a pleasant evening at the cosy Gibson, and be sure to order the Crystal Ramos Gin Fizz. If you’re more a fan of a dive bar concept, then Flagship on the ground floor of the same building is for you.
On the next street, Carribean-inspired Lime House offers a nice colonial lounge feel for a relaxed night out. Rum Ambassador Ian Burrell will be there on the 13th to share the basic of rum; he’s absolutely hilarious and is definitely worth meeting. A short walk away, hipster bar Kite and its Singapore inspired cocktails beckon. Round off the night at Jekyll and Hyde or House of Dandy, which are located conveniently close to the MRT.
Things to do
If you’re looking at expanding your knowledge of drinks, consider attending a workshop. The Introduction to Scotch Whisky at La Maison Du Whisky is a great starting point for people looking to go further in appreciating their whisky. If you want to make your own cocktails at home with easily available tools, take up Amazing Cocktails At Home at Tess or Whiskey Techniques at Home at Meat Smith.
If you’re just looking to have a fun time soaking up the atmosphere, then the Eau de Vie takeover at Jigger & Pony on Monday or the London Takeover at Gibson on Wednesday should be right up your alley. You don’t even have to choose one or the other; it’s free to enter anyway!
All in all, Singapore Cocktail Week 2016 is shaping up to be a boozy, fun-filled week. Whether you want to enjoy a few drinks at your favourite bar, explore what Singapore has to offer, or simply want to learn something about your alcohol, there’s something for you. For more information or to get tickets, you can check out the website here.
