Ms Skinnyfat

Mark your social calendar, lovers of all things alcoholic! Singapore Cocktail Week returns from 12 to 19 March 2016. Gear yourself up for a week of heart-pumping events with the various cocktail workshops, bar tours, supper clubs, brunches, pop-ups, and international guest bartender appearances. If last year’s was amazing, this year’s will be mind-blowing! With 60 participating bars and restaurants and almost 20 cocktail events, the question is: Which one to pick? 

If you're like us and need nibbles with your tipples, then here are some restaurant-bars that we've checked out. Have breakfast any time of day at Tanuki Raw with their Bakon and Espresso drink made with bacon-flavored vodka and Red Espresso, Fortune Cookie Chai Syrup and egg white. We got a kick to the night with the espresso shot but where is the bacon? Nevertheless, we wouldn’t mind having this for breakfast, every day. 

If you're more the juicing sort, then think of the Tanuki Garden (Vodka, Celery Juice, Green Apple Juice, Lime, Absinthe, Basil and Coriander) as your green juice for the day. Well, it's all made from veg no? ;) 

The signature Truffle Yakiniku Beef Donburi was delishly comforting. Digging into the bowl of rice and meat isn’t my thing, but if I had finished it, you can bet it was heaven. The umami truffled rice had a hint of furikake, the blushing slices of meat were sliced to perfect thickness, and the egg oozed and coated every single grain. Definitely a satisfying bowl to prep the stomach for more drinks!

At Lucha Loco, be greeted with Mexicano music and sombreros. Here, five drinks are available—Margarita Último, Frambuesa, Loco Pisco Sour, El Megroni and Café Diablo. The El Megroni (Mezcal, Italian Aperitif, Vermouth) and Café Diablo (Mezcal, XO Café dark cocoa, Cynar liqueur, egg white, flamed orange) stood out for me. I must state that the El Megroni leans towards the bitter, so if you aren’t a fan, then stay clear. The other three cocktails were just too fruity or/and romantic for my taste buds.

Need more refueling? Then head over to the Tippling Club, which is a short stroll away. A selection of savory bar bites awaits—Charred Peppers, Croquetas, Manchego Bread Puffs and Curried Lamb Cigars. My favourite? The Manchego Bread Puffs. If delicate bite-sized puffy pillows topped with parma ham, manchego and roe have not already caught your attention, i don't know what else will. Can I have another plate please?

Still hungry? Head on over to the super hip Modern Izakaya Neon Pigeon (expect a food review soon). Tipples wise, there's a selection of 5 cocktails for SGCW. Whisky fans would love the Mukashinagara- Mirin & Dolin Rouge Mix, Orange Bitters, Rim with Salted Caramel and Cacao Nips. It is the perfect drink to the lovely evening— well-balanced, elegant and indulgent. 

Another cocktail to highlight is Neon Pigeon’s signature Hato Kuro. It is a mix of Cognac, coffee infused Vermouth & Amaro and Black Walnut Bitters. Adult. Long. Black. And richer. Presenting the breakfast coffee my dear.

Be tantalized by the Japanese ingredients in Neon Pigeon's cocktails- Yuzu, Shiso, Matcha, Wasabi anyone? I was seduced by Mukashinagara, so I just had to leave these lovelies for another evening. Or one for every evening of the Diablo @ Lucha Loco .

Purchase a set of 8 wristbands at $38 to enjoy full access to all Singapore Cocktail Week parties and bar pop-ups, 10% discount off workshops, brunches and supper clubs, as well as $14 signature cocktails at participating bars. Wristbands are available for purchase online at www.singaporecocktailweek.com.sg and participating outlets!

I’ve got my calendar marked for 12 to 19 March. Have you?

-Zen