Asia's Largest Singapore Cocktail Festival Kicks Off in Lion City in May

📍 Singapore · 👁 968 reads

Asia's most anticipated cocktail gala makes a grand return after the pandemic!

The 2023 Singapore Cocktail Festival will be held from May 5 to 21. This year, to celebrate its 9th edition, it will be the largest ever, covering 7,400 square meters, with the theme 'Shaking Up New Possibilities'. This grand gathering brings together talented bartenders, industry professionals, and liquor merchants from around the world, who will showcase their skills, share knowledge, and introduce innovative and exciting cocktails to the public.

Participants will not only get to know the best bartenders from around the world but also can taste up to 100 cocktails, each priced at only 15 SGD (approximately 77.5 RMB). In addition, there are many entertainment activities, live performances, a food street, and an artisanal spirits exhibition area. With both drinks and fun, you could spend the whole day at the venue and still not have enough. Early bird tickets start from 40 SGD (approximately 206 RMB).

Festival Venue & Activities

· May 5-7: Festival Village

· May 5-21: City Takeover

Classic Cocktail Introductions

· Tequila Sunrise

· White Russian

Singapore Attractions Recommendations

· Raffles Courtyard & Bar Experience

· Gardens by the Bay's Fantasy Garden

· Singapore Cycling Heritage Tour

· National Museum of Singapore

Festival Venue & Activities

This post-pandemic revival of the cocktail festival is particularly unique. The organizers have specially chosen the newly built Bayfront Event Space next to Marina Bay Sands Hotel. Participants will celebrate the cocktail festival against a 180-degree view of the Singapore city skyline, ensuring everyone enjoys themselves.

The 2023 Singapore Cocktail Festival celebrations can be divided into two phases:

May 5-7, 2023: Festival Village

Here you can find pop-up stores from brands like Bacardi, Beam Suntory's Roku Gin, and Edrington's Naked Malt. You can get up close with these renowned brands, learn about their history and craftsmanship. Whether you are a spirits enthusiast or a beginner, there is something for everyone to taste different brands of spirits and experience their unique flavors and textures.

The outdoor brand area is also worth exploring, showcasing innovation and diversity from various brands. Whether you prefer the fresh taste of Malfy, the spicy notes of Hendrick's Gin, or the nutty and malty flavors of Monkey Shoulder, everything is available.

This is not just a place to showcase spirits but also a venue to display brand culture and innovative spirit. Don't miss this excellent opportunity to visit the outdoor brand area and brand pop-ups to explore the wonderful world of these brands.

Additionally, you will have the chance to meet world-class bartenders from internationally renowned bars: Indulge Experimental Bistro (Taipei), Maybe Sammy (Sydney), Penicillin (Hong Kong), ReCraft (Manila), Sidecar (New Delhi), and The Bar at the House on Sathorn (Bangkok).

These bartenders are top-tier professionals with years of experience and unique techniques. They will demonstrate their distinctive cocktail-making skills and secrets, offering an unprecedented taste experience.

Indulge Experimental Bistro is one of Taiwan's most famous bars, with internationally renowned bartenders.

Maybe Sammy is a top bar in Sydney, Australia, having won multiple international awards.

Penicillin is a top bar in Hong Kong, known for its unique cocktail techniques and creativity.

ReCraft is a famous bar in Manila, Philippines, widely praised for its vintage style and exquisite cocktails.

Sidecar is a well-known bar in New Delhi, India, acclaimed for its quality cocktails and relaxing atmosphere.

The Bar at the House on Sathorn is a luxurious bar in Bangkok, Thailand, famous for its unique cocktail techniques and magnificent decor.

Moreover, you can sample specialty spirits from over 30 different countries and regions in the Artisanal Spirits area. The food street will also feature pop-ups from top restaurants like Employees Only, Esquina, and Ms. Maria & Mr. Singh, offering a taste of cuisines from different countries and regions to satisfy your palate. Live entertainment will also be present at the venue, immersing everyone in the festival atmosphere.

May 5-21, 2023: City Takeover

The second series of events for the cocktail festival is the City Takeover from May 5-21. During this period, 45 of Singapore's best bars will create unique cocktails for festival participants, bringing 'Shaking Up New Possibilities'.

Holders of the City Takeover wristband can enjoy a special SGD 18++ (original SGD 25++) SGCF signature cocktail at 45 partner bars across the city. Each bar will present a completely different flavored cocktail.

The festival not only offers unique bar experiences but also surprise events from top bars, including bar takeovers at venues such as Analogue (ranked 37th in Asia's 50 Best Bars 2022), Manhattan (ranked 9th), Origin Bar, Republic Bar (ranked 12th), Stay Gold Flamingo, and The Elephant Room.

During the City Takeover, there will also be cocktail brunches, cocktail workshops, themed bar crawls, and other cocktail experiences for you to join.

Here are some classic cocktails with brief introductions:

Martini: A cocktail made with gin and dry vermouth, garnished with lemon or orange peel. It is one of the oldest cocktails in the world. The recipe and proportions vary from person to person; different people may use different vermouth or adjust the amount to suit their taste.

Manhattan: A cocktail made with bourbon whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters, garnished with a cherry. The ratio of whiskey to vermouth can be adjusted to personal preference. Originating in the Manhattan borough of New York in the 19th century.

Mojito: A traditional cocktail from Cuba, known for its refreshing taste and unique flavor. Mojito is typically made with rum, mint, sugar, lime, and soda water. It has a refreshing, balanced sweet and sour taste with a slight fizz, perfect for hot summer days. It also has a certain richness and depth, making it a very popular cocktail.

Tequila Sunrise: A classic cocktail from Mexico, popular for its beautiful appearance and unique taste. Its name comes from its colors: mixing tequila and orange juice, then drizzling red grenadine syrup on top to create a gradient like a sunrise. It has a rich yet fresh taste with strong tequila notes and citrus sweetness. The grenadine adds complexity and makes it a beautiful cocktail. Suitable for any time, especially on summer days or sunny mornings.

Kir Royale: A cocktail made with champagne and crème de cassis (blackcurrant liqueur), a traditional French cocktail. It has a deep purplish-red color and rich blackcurrant aroma, with the bubbles and light texture of sparkling wine, making it an elegant drink. Ideal for celebrations, romantic occasions, or special dinners and parties.

White Russian: A classic cocktail made with vodka, coffee liqueur (Kahlúa), and light cream, with rich coffee and cream flavors. It originated in the 1940s, first invented in the United States. It is a variant of the Black Russian, which is made with vodka and coffee liqueur. The White Russian is very easy to make: add vodka and coffee liqueur to a glass filled with ice, then float the cream on top, and stir gently before drinking. Usually enjoyed in the evening or winter as a sweet, creamy, and coffee-flavored warming drink, loved by many.

During the festival, besides tasting cocktails from around the world and participating in cocktail-related activities, you can also learn about Singapore's local food culture. Many local bars and restaurants will launch special cocktail and snack menus to showcase Singapore's unique ingredients and flavors, allowing you to experience the distinctive food culture. While attending the festival, you can also use the Go City Pass to explore famous Singapore attractions, including:

Raffles Courtyard & Bar Experience

This is one of Singapore's famous tourist attractions, located in the central courtyard of the iconic Raffles Hotel. The courtyard and bar are elegantly decorated with a serene environment, adorned with many trees and flowers. Here, visitors can enjoy authentic Singaporean food and drinks, such as traditional chicken rice and chili crab, as well as the Singapore Sling cocktail, a local specialty.

The Singapore Sling is a classic cocktail originating from Singapore, considered the national drink. It is famous for its unique taste and vibrant color, both sweet and sour, refreshing but with a certain alcoholic kick. In Singapore, this cocktail is not just a drink but a cultural symbol, attracting countless tourists and enthusiasts to taste and learn about it.

Gardens by the Bay's Fantasy Garden

This is a garden full of imagination and beauty, combining flowers, art, and technology. It includes four themed zones, each showcasing different garden landscape concepts, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in a dreamlike experience.

First is the 'Flower Dance' zone, with lush, colorful hanging plants on the ceiling and enchanting flowers along the paths. Next is 'Flower Stream', with clear streams flowing through grassy hills, offering a charming natural atmosphere. Then 'Flower Rain', where visitors can stroll among rocks and winding driftwood sculptures, and visit the poison dart frog enclosure. The light rain oasis and flower waterfalls add mystery and romance, creating a unique ambiance. The last zone is 'Flower Shadow', a cave-like space surrounded by terraced rock formations. This semi-enclosed space glows under soft lighting, creating a captivating atmosphere that transports visitors to another world.

Singapore Cycling Heritage Tour

Singapore is a bike-friendly city with many flat roads and dedicated cycling lanes. If you want to learn about Singapore's history and culture while cycling, you can join the Singapore Cycling Heritage Tour.

This cycling tour will take you through different historical periods of Singapore, from colonial times to the modern era, exploring the city's architecture, communities, and culture. The tour lasts about four hours and covers major areas including Chinatown, Singapore River, Clarke Quay, Kampong Glam restaurants, and the museum district.

The cycling tour is suitable for all ages, offering both exercise and insight into Singapore's history and culture.

National Museum of Singapore

Located on Stamford Road in the city center, the National Museum of Singapore is the country's national museum and a center for Singapore's history, culture, and arts.

The museum houses a rich collection of artifacts and artworks from Singapore's earliest periods to modern society. The exhibition halls are diverse, featuring both temporary and permanent exhibitions that are vivid and engaging. The museum also regularly hosts events such as academic lectures, workshops, concerts, and film screenings, providing visitors with opportunities to deepen their understanding of Singapore's history and culture.

The Singapore Cocktail Festival is not only a culinary feast but also a cultural event full of creativity and fun. Here, you can meet friends from different countries and regions and explore the endless charm of cocktail culture.

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