The year is winding down, so why not treat yourself to a few drinks at some of this week’s cool drinking events? There is a pop-up at Nutmeg & Clove with a famous-ish bartender from the third best bar in the world, the launch of some cool craft beers at Changi, and a free wine and spirit tasting at DFS. Take your pick.
1. A pop-up by the world’s third-best bar
Nutmeg & Clove
Martina Breznonova from London’s sexy speakeasy Nightjar (aka the third-best bar on the World’s 50 Best Bars list) is mixing drinks at Nutmeg & Clove for this one-time-only pop-up event on Nov 17 at 7pm. Not much word on what cocktails the head bartender will be mixing, but booze sponsors include Haig Club, Tanqueray and Mount Gay. And expect jazzy tunes from The Analog Vault. Free entry
2. Free-flow margaritas and Mexican craft beers on hump day
Hombre Cantina
It’s $50 for free-flow margaritas on Nov 18 at the second edition of this event at the recently revamped Hombre Cantina. It’s also 10% off all food, and 50% off the housepours. Don’t forget their selection of Mexican beers. There will also be card games, beer pong and, if you’re extra wound up from work, pinatas to abuse. DJ Ulysses will also be there to spin some electro tunes. Book ahead. Free entry
3. Italian wines and caviar in the CBD
Zafferano
If getting smashed is so not you, then head on over to the Barone Pizzini Apertivo Evening at Zafferano also on Nov 18 for an aperitivo evening by head chef Marco Guccio. The list includes the Animante Franciacorta Brut NV, the Rose Franciacorta DOCG 2010 and the Franciacorta Saten 2009. There will be oysters and Avruga caviar in the menu, too. Register here and head on over at 6.30pm for this tasting. $48
4. A new take on the Old Fashioned
Zdenek Kastanek
From 7pm on Nov 18, Potato Head Folk is hosting the second of its Studio 1939: Old Fashioned Series. Each week, one of six mixologists (like Jeremie Tan of Jekyll and Hyde, Vic from The Library and Zdenek Kastanek from 28 HongKong Street) are asked to do their own take of the Old Fashioned. This week, the spotlight is on Zdenek who will mix what he calls the Funky Old Medina, made with Diplomatico Anejo rum, spiced honey, apple sugar and amargo chuncho Peruvian bitters. Make a reservation here. Free entry
5. A first taste of this year’s Beaujolais
ChateauAsia
You don’t have to be a wine snob to adore the light, fruity and totally accessible delights of Beaujolais. ChateauAsia is bringing Beaujolais winemaker Dominique Ferrau to introduce not just the Beaujolais Nouveau 2015, but also slightly more aged stuff like the Pierre Ferraud Morgon Les Charmes 2013, the Pierre Ferraud Macon Village 2013 and the Pierre Ferraud Fleurie “Le Reposoir” 2013. The tasting will be held at Rdio along Ann Siang Hill on Nov 19, and the menu is prepared by the folks at The Disgruntled Chef. Sadly, early bird tickets are sold out, but you can still make a reservation here. $98
6. Finally, locally brewed craft beers in Changi
Photo credit: Little Island Brewing Co.
Changi’s Little Island Brewing Co. has been open for a few months now, but they there still working on their in-house craft brews. Well, there’re here, and the microbrewery is holding a party to launch their suds. There’s a reason to head over early on Saturday, Nov 21 as beers are going for $4 a pint from 4pm-5pm. it’s $8 a pint once the clock strikes five. Sadly, early bird tickets are all gone, but you can still contact Darren here to get some for this event. Price upon request
7. Fancy spirits and wines at the T Galleria
The fifth edition of this event has over 47 spirit brands and 60 fine wines, on every Friday and Saturday this month (Nov 20-21; 27-28). Head to the T Galleria by DFS at 25 Scotts Road to taste high-end Champagnes and spirits. Although the tastings for the first half of the month are over, it’s still not too late to get to the Martell, The Macallan and Royal Salute tastings on Nov 20- 21 as well as Nov 27-28 respectively. These brands will showcase limited editions of their liquors, too, also for sale. Then, head to the Long Bar by Raffles on the Level 2 exhibition at Terminal 3 to sample liquor from more high-end brand like Chateau Lafite Rothschild, The Glenlivet and Courvoisier. Free entry. Free entry
8. Inventive new cocktails at Gibson
Gibson
The folks at Jigger and Pony seem to like Bukit Pasoh Road a lot. Their latest addition is Gibson, a cocktail and raw seafood bar. The 60-cocktail menu is divided into Finding Comfort (easy classics), Forging Friendship (complex flavor combos) and Sharing Happiness (stuff to drink abundantly all night) and Reserve (made with top-shelf stuff). The house cocktail, The Gibson ($24), is a smooth mix of Hendrick’s, Monkey 47 and Dolin vermouth. It comes with a house-pickled onion, of course, along with a quail’s egg and smoked radish.
9. Chye Seng Huat’s rare and fancy beers
Incognito
The Chye Seng Huat Hardware have turned their hip specialty cafe into an equally cool craft beer bar by night, serving up an interesting mix of both tap and bottled beers. While Incognito has got the usual American craft suspects from Rogue and Deschutes, there are some less usual bottles and barrel-aged special releases from breweries in UK (Wild Beer Co.), NZ (Yeastie Boys) and Sweden (Omnipollo). Bottles start at $12, while the special stuff starts at $35 for a tall pint.
10. Kampong Glam’s vain new neighbor
Vanity
Antidote
