Welcome to the second half of the year, which means work is going to get a bit more intense and bottles are going to get emptied faster. If you’re sick of downing the same ol’ drinks at your go-to watering hole, there’s a couple of events and bar openings that will have you roaring for more.
Do your bit for charity and drink local variations of Negroni for a whole week
Negroni Week, launched in the US four years ago, has now become one of the most anticipated events in Singapore’s cocktail calendar. Taking place from Jun 5-11, the third edition will see 60 bars and restaurants taking part and serving more than 100 different variations of the timeless concoction, with a portion of the proceeds going to charity. It’s the biggest line-up yet, with creations like Bread Street Kitchen’s Negroni soft serve ice cream, The Library’s Candy Negroni, Ah Sam Cold Drink Stall’s Cherryteagroni spiked with oolong tea-infused gin and many more. Here’s what you can expect.
DFS is bringing in over 300 whiskies for six weeks
If you’re flying out from Changi Airport from now till Jul 1, be sure to drop by DFS and check out the six-week long Whisky Festival. They are launching whisky brands exclusive to DFS, such as the William Grant & Sons Rare Cask Reserve’s Araid collection. On weekends, head over to the Terminal 2 & 3 DFS duplexes and take part in whisky tastings, food pairings and gain insights from whisky experts, all on the house. Almost worth buying an air ticket to nowhere just to check it out. More here.
A new hole in the wall has emerged in Ann Siang
Besides looking swanky with is plush armchairs, industrial-esque vibes, exposed brick walls and black marble furnishings in the basement of 12 Ann Siang—the five-storey building on Ann Siang that’s set to change the game in the district—Catchfly promises a slew of expertly-crafted cocktails and comfort food that’ll keep you going throughout the night. This speakeasy style bar is helmed by New York mixologist Liam Baer (also bar manager for Screening Room), who takes great pride in choosing ingredients to bring out the best of the spirits used in his cocktails. Try the signature and new crowd favorite, The Honey Badger, a concoction of in-house rosemary-infused bourbon, yellow chartreuse, a dose of lemon, ginger and honey. More here.
Experience a new way of appreciating sake
The cozy little eatery on Tras Street, Bam!, presents itself as Singapore’s first gastro establishment that pays tribute to the contemporary way of appreciating sake, also known as “Modern Shudo”. They’ve just launched a new weekly sake-tapas tasting as the sun goes down. Happening on Mondays from 6-8pm, guzzle down five unique sunset sakes paired with five mouthwatering small-plate dishes. More here.
Beer geeks in Singapore can now take home a piece of Mikkeller
Anyone who takes his or her craft beer seriously would have spent a lot of time at the one-year-old Mikkeller bar, over at Singapore’s sexy photography gallery DECK. Opened by the famous “gypsy-brewer” Mikkel Borg Bjergso, the Copehagen-based brewery has taken the beer world by storm over the last decade, and has opened up in cities like San Francisco, Bangkok, Seoul and Tokyo. Thanks to the peeps behind The Drinking Partners and Druggists, Mikkeller Bar Singapore became a reality. One year on, they’ve made a few changes in their headquarters in Singapore and launched a brand new bottle shop. More here.
There’s a cool new Mediterranean “beachside” haunt in Robertson Quay
Boasting a beachside, tropical vibe to invoke memories of summer seaside vacations is Eastern Mediterranean cafe and bar Summerlong, located by the Singapore River at the busy Robertson Quay area. Expect a clean, white-washed space decked with plants, wooden tabletops and warm ambient lighting. There is also a cocktail bar specializing in refreshing but stiff drinks. For mid-day drinks, there is the Medius Terra Fizz ($15), made with Rosehip Gin, lemongrass, ginger and soda. Or simply go for the 3 Continents ($21), made using three rums, pineapple and passionfruit, and served in a coconut shell. A good selection of Mediterranean vinos and craft beers are also in stock. Find out about their food offerings and more here.
The Lo & Behold Group is throwing their first-ever month-long festival
Gone are the days when we’d get super excited about the June holidays, cause that usually meant a family vacay. The only upside about the it now is that there’ll be less people on trains and buses during the morning rush, which is why local F&B wonder The Lo & Behold Group is throwing a massive month-long festival till Jun 25, featuring all 12 of their brands. Sign up for an intimate gin workshop at The Rabbit Hole or leave adulting at the door and party it up at Tanjong Beach Club’s Smack My Beach Up. More nights of debauchery here.
Have a go at LiHo’s selection of cheese teas
Sure, it’s not booze but popular bubble tea franchise Gong Cha will be taking its final bow on Jun 5. In its place, home-brand bubble tea chain named LiHo, will be taking over all 80 outlets, bringing with them a bunch of new creations, including the signature cheese tea Expect a new logo, fresh interiors, different packaging and a completely revamped menu. But rest assured, they’ve promised that LiHo will brew teas of similar, if not better, quality. You can find our verdict here.
