All you need to know about Singapore Cocktail Festival 2018

Singapore Cocktail Festival (SGCF), arguably Asia’s most prominent cocktail showcase and celebration, returns this May – hot on the heels of the inaugural Asia’s 50 Best Bar awards ceremony held in Singapore. 

This 10-day fiesta will kick off with the Festival Village happening during the weekend of 4 to 6 May on the Empress Lawn, which will welcome nine bars from 2017’s Asia’s Best Bars list: namely 28 Hongkong Street (Singapore), Operation Dagger (Singapore), Bamboo Bar (Bangkok), Native, The Curator Cocktails & Coffee (Manila), Nutmeg & Clove (Singapore), Janes + Hooch (Beijing), Dr. Fern’s Gin Parlour (Hongkong) and The Night Rooster (Bali). Located in the heart of Singapore’s Civic District, the village offers stunning views of the city’s iconic landmarks – the perfect backdrop to your taste experience of Asia’s best tipples.

Festival favourites from previous years like the Artisanal Spirits Tasting Room, and the exhilarating Asia Bar Battle will also be returning this year. You’ll also get to learn about the finesse that goes into cocktail-making at the various festival workshops, which include the TGIF (Thank God It’s Fermented) workshop. Hosted by Operation Dagger’s Sasha Wijidessa, it takes you behind the history of fermentation and the role this age-old technique has played in bars around the world.

You won’t go hungry either, with the slew of scrumptious food options along the festival’s Food Street, which features bites by The Astronauts Group (known for their fuss-free grain bowls). Other highlights include a henna booth, pop-up barber, and other complimentary beauty and wellness treats.

Beyond the festival, you’ll also get to celebrate around the city with the Cocktail Passport, which lets you enjoy discount cocktails and more across 45 of the best watering holes and restaurants the city has to offer. For a more immersive experience, hop on the Bar Tour which lets you explore the best bars in our Little Red Dot.

The Singapore Cocktail Festival will be happening from 4 to 13 May. The Festival Village tickets are currently on sale and are priced from SGD28 for a 1-day pass, which comes with a complimentary 3-piece SGCF cocktail mixer set. For more information, visit the SGCF website. 

Sarah Khan

Photo: Singapore Cocktail Festival

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