Here’s what’s in store at Singapore Cocktail Week

Now that the first-ever Singapore Cocktail Week is two weekends away, it’s time to plan your drinking itinerary.

If you haven’t gotten your wristbands yet, now’s the time to get them as they get you admission to the opening party happening Mar 7 at Tanjong Beach Club. There will be previews of signature drinks from nine bars as well as guest bartenders from London, New York, Melbourne and Hong Kong. Get there early as the first 250 Monkey Shoulder cocktails are free (the rest go for $10 a pop).

Wannabe bartenders can also attend workshops hosted by local barkeeps. Each one tackles a different theme and there’s quite a few to choose from. We’re looking forward to Tippling Club‘s one on speakeasy-era drinks (Mar 10) and L’Aiglon‘s cocktail 101 (Mar 9) where you learn to make three of their signature drinks. There are also more focused workshops like Jigger & Pony‘s punchbowl-making (Mar 14) and Manhattan‘s bitters-blending crash course (Mar 14).

There are also guest shifts at different locations by bartenders like Steve Schneider (from New York’s Employees Only), Roman Foltan (London’s Artesian bar) and Evelyn Chick (Toronto’s Harbord Room). Their bartending stints have yet to be announced, but you can check the Cocktail Week website for updates.

Other bits and bobs we’re looking forward to are the second Singapore Bar Awards (Mar 8), a rum pairing dinner at Sugarhall (Mar 10) and the Tito’s vodka pop-up at the new Spiffy Dapper (Mar 11) .