To Infinity & Beyond in Taipei I Photo by Tatum Ancheta
It’s a brand new year, which means tons of new sips are waiting for you across Asia! Whether you’re planning to jet-set around the region or stay in your city to catch some of the best guest shifts in town, get ready for some of the hottest drink-related events this January 2025. Here’s a list of events you won’t want to miss in Bangkok, Manila, Taipei, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, and Singapore.
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BANGKOK
Opium Bar’s Third year Anniversary
Time: 2.30pm to 6pm
When: January 8
Where: 422 Vanich 1 Road, Samphanthawong, Bangkok
Book: opiumbarbangkok.com or Call +66 82 979 3950
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Popular Chinatown bar Opium is celebrating its third anniversary with an inspiring afternoon event: Shake It, She Stirs. This powerful panel talk will feature remarkable women who have made strides in the hospitality industry. Hosted by Campari’s regional trade advocacy manager, Symphony Loo, the panel includes Taln Rojanavanich of Bar Us and Messengerservice Bar, chef Pam of restaurant Potong, Kim Adulya of the Bangkok Arts and Culture Centre, and Alexandra Purcaru of North America’s Selva Oaxaca. This event promises to be an enlightening celebration of women’s achievements and their impact on the hospitality landscape.
Aqua X Shanghai Showdown
When: January 8, Wednesday
Time: 8pm to 11pm
Where: Aqua, Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel, Lumphini, Pathum Wan, Bangkok
Book: tablecheck.com
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Experience three of Shanghai’s best bars under one roof at Aqua in Bangkok. This fun event will feature some of the region’s top talent as renowned bartenders take center stage for an unforgettable night. Cros Yu from Epic (ranked No. 41 in The World’s 50 Best Bars 2021), Kris Du from Speak Low (ranked No. 2 in Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2021), and Ryohei Yamagishi from The Odd Couple (ranked No. 87 in the world in Asia’s Best 50 Bar Awards 2023), will be serving their signature cocktail creations behind the bar. Join these talented bartenders as they mix drinks from 8pm to 11pm on January 8, showcasing the finest flavors and artistry that Shanghai’s vibrant bar scene has to offer.
The Pickwicks Chronicles XIX: Westland’s Maxwell Chen
When: January 9, Thursday
Time: 9pm to 12am
Where: 4F, Pickwicks Building, Langsuan Road, Pathum Wan, Bangkok
Book: Call +66 098-494-6727
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On January 9, starting at 9pm, The Pickwicks Chronicles XIX will feature Maxwell Chen, co-founder of Taipei’s Westland Bar & Bistro. This event highlights exceptional craftsmanship and inspiring stories, as Maxwell shares his insights into the art of cocktail creation through his signature drinks. The event will have limited slots, so be sure to arrive early, as it will be first-come, first-served.
Messengerservice Bar x Hope & Sesame
When: January 11, Saturday
Time: 9pm to 12am
Where: 306 Santiphap Road Pomphrap , Bangkok
Book: messengersvc.com
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Award-winning Guangzhou bar Hope & Sesame, ranked No. 14 in Asia’s 50 Best Bars and recognized as The Best Bar in China, is set to make waves in Bangkok on January 11, taking over Messengerservice Bar for an exciting event. Leading the charge is Ming Liao, general manager of Hope & Sesame Group, who recently claimed titles as the Cointreau Margarita Challenge Global Champion 2024 and Diageo World Class China Champion 2024. Joining him is Miller, the Bar Manager of DSK Cocktail Club, Hope & Sesame’s sister venue.
Dry Wave Cocktail Studio’s First Anniversary
When: January 21 to 24, Thursday to Sunday
Time: 7pm onwards
Where: Dry Wave Cocktail Studio, 2F Sodality, 263 Thong Lo 13 Alley, Bangkok
The Best Bar in Thailand is celebrating its first birthday this month with an exciting lineup of guest shifts from award-winning bartenders across the region. From January 21 to 24, patrons can look forward to exquisite cocktails crafted by some of the top bars in Singapore, Taiwan, and Japan. Kicking off the celebration on January 21 is Singapore’s Nutmeg & Clove (ranked No. 6 in Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024), featuring the talented trio of Shelley Tai, Colin Chia, and Alvin Ang. On January 22, Kae Yin from Wu, Taiwan (ranked No. 94 in Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024 extended 51 to 100 list) will take center stage. January 23 brings beverages from Hideyuki Saito of Japan’s Gold Bar at Edition Hotel (ranked No. 76 in Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024 extended 51 to 100 list). Finally, on January 24, Singapore’s renowned Jigger & Pony (ranked No. 3 in Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024) will feature Uno Jang behind the bar, serving up tasty cocktails.
TAIWAN
To Infinity & Beyond x Vender
When: January 9, Thursday
Time: 9pm to 11.30pm
Where: 13, Lane 160, Section 1, Dunhua S Road, Da’an District, Taipei
Book: inline.app
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Get ready to flip a coin for entry, as the best bar in Taichung, the unique vending machine-style bar Vender, takes its talents to Taipei’s space-themed joint To Infinity & Beyond on January 9 from 8pm to 11.30pm. Join Vender founders Summer Chen and Darren Lim for a night of fun and tasty cocktails (NT$300 for each drink). Arrive early, as slots are limited, and reservations are recommended for a two-hour session to ensure you don’t miss out on this exciting experience.
GUANGZHOU
Hope & Sesame X Backdoor Bodega
When: January 9, Thursday
Time: 8pm to 11.00pm
Where: Miaoqian Xijie 58, Guangzhou
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Hope & Sesame kicks off 2025 with an exciting guest shift featuring Backdoor Bodega, the renowned speakeasy-style bar from Malaysia’s George Town, famed for its intriguing concept as an “overpriced pin shop” where guests can select a lapel pin to unlock a selection of delectable cocktails. Experience unique Penang-inspired concoctions crafted by founder Shen and bartender Janice.
HONG KONG
Kinsman’s Dumpling Disco
When: January 9, Thursday
Time: 6pm onwards
Where: Kinsman, 65 Peel St, Central, Hong Kong
Book: book.bistrochat.com
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Kinsman is gearing up for its first anniversary, and before the big celebration, they’re welcoming back Rachel Au (@itsrachelau) and Sara (@saracantcook), the duo who collaborated on the Cantonese cocktail bar’s first food menu, which includes their crowd-favorite shrimp toast and baked Wagyu ox tongue rice. Catch them on January 9 from 6 PM onwards as they serve up some dumplings. Chomp on their tasty creations and groove to disco hits from the ’80s which includes music from Leslie Cheung, Anita Mui, and Priscilla Chan.
The Old Man Hong Kong X Kilian Paris
When: Until January 15, Wednesday
Time: 5pm until 1am
Where: The Old Man Hong Kong, Lower G/F, 37-39 Aberdeen Street, Soho, Central, Hong Kong
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Love perfumes and obsessed with mixology? Head down to Hemingway-themed The Old Man Hong Kong (ranked No. 47 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2023) as they’ll be mixing up some drink and perfume pairings in collaboration with Kilian Paris, renowned for its commitment to artistry and gourmand fragrances. The Old Man’s crowd-favorite cocktails, Doomsday and From Mary with Love, will be served alongside Kilian’s signature scents, Angels’ Share and Love, Don’t Be Shy, from now until January 15.
La Petite Maison (LPM)’s Une Petite Pause
When: January 4 to 31
Time: 12pm to 12am
Where: 23-29 Stanley Street Shop 1, UG, H, Queen’s, Central, Hong Kong
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If you think you’ve had enough of booze during the holidays and are currently on pause for Dry January but would like to taste some delicious drinks, visit La Petite Maison to enjoy exquisite French cuisine paired with their five bespoke non-alcoholic drinks ($98 per drink) in partnership with Lyre’s from the ‘Une Petite Pause’ menu. Try their Tomati-NO, which captures the essence of LPM in a martini glass, crafted with ripe Campari tomatoes, clarified tomato water, white balsamic vinegar, a pinch of salt, and garnished with a crack of black pepper from their long pepper shaker. They also offer The Nogroni Sbagliato, made with Lyre’s Aperitif Rosso, and a refreshing Rosé Champagne Colada, which provides a tropical twist with a blend of Lyre’s Spiced Rum, Lyre’s Classico, zero-alcohol Rosé Wine, and a mix of coconut and pineapple cordial. LPM’s ‘Une Petite Pause’ menu is also available in their London, Dubai, Miami, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, and Limassol venues.
SINGAPORE
The Bar at 15 Stamford X Tell Camellia
When: January 16, Thursday
Time: 8pm to 11pm
Where: The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore, 15 Stamford Road, Singapore
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Sip on Tell Camellia’s tea-tails all the way from Hong Kong to Singapore at Kempinski Hotel’s The Bar at 15 Stamford. Award-winning bartender and Tell Camellia’s founder, Gagan Gurung, will be showcasing his creative tea-based concoctions on January 17. Experience the perfect fusion of traditional tea and innovative mixology, as Gagan presents flavors that seamlessly blend the best of both worlds. This is a one-day-only event you won’t want to miss, perfect for both tea enthusiasts and cocktail lovers.
Offtrack’s Anniversary Celebration
When: January 14-16, and 21
Where: Offtrack, 34 North Canal Road, Singapore
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Music-centric bar Offtrack (ranked No. 25 in Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024) is celebrating its third anniversary this January and welcoming top bartenders and chefs from across the region. For one whole week, their kitchen and bar will be busy slinging drinks and bites from the best of the best, starting with the 2024 Asia’s 50 Best Bars Best Bar and No. 2 in The World’s 50 Best Bars, Hong Kong’s Italian drinking joint, Bar Leone. Head chef Karissa Cheque and assistant bar manager Taki Li will be running the bar and kitchen on January 14 to serve guests the best of Bar Leone all the way in Singapore. This shift will be followed by a fun night with Singaporean music-maker DJ Bongomann alongside drinks from Suntory Whisky on January 15. On January 16, Sweden’s Mediterranean restobar Tjoget (ranked No. 40 in The World’s 50 Best Bars 2021), along with Sebastian De la Cruz, the co-founder of Bangkok’s Tropic City (ranked No. 6 in Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2023), will be handling the menu. On the 21st, Malaysia’s Backdoor Bodega and Malaysian wine bar NEP! from Penang will be behind the stick.
Moga X Vender
When: January 20, Monday
Time: 8pm to 12am
Where: Pullman Singapore Hill Street, 1 Hill Street, Singapore
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Hidden modern izakaya cocktail bar Moga is welcoming Taichung’s fun bar Vender (ranked no. 30 in Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024) with co-founder Summer Chen and bartender Ning mixing up drinks behind the bar. This is going to be a great time, so make sure to bring your A-game because you’ll be sipping drinks left and right and having fun with the crew.
MANILA
Big Fuzz Anniversary
When: January 8, 2025, Wednesday
Time: 8pm til late
Where: 2F, Creekside Mall, Amorsolo, Makati
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Step into the hidden world of Big Fuzz, concealed behind a vibrant red door. Celebrate their first anniversary with an array of bespoke cocktails featuring Hendricks’s Gin, Sailor Jerry, and Monkey Shoulder, crafted by guest bartenders Lem Calma from Southbank Cafe + Lounge and Kate Osmillo of Raion. Get ready for an exhilarating experience as the space transforms with the removal of chairs and tables, making way for two surprise musical acts that will amp up the energy.
The Back Room’s Bartender Series
When: January 9, Thursday
Time: 7pm onwards
Where: The Back Room, Shangri-La The Fort, 30th Street, Taguig
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Shangri-La at the Fort’s cocktail bar, The Back Room, is kicking off its 2025 bartender series on January 9 from 7pm onwards! Join the festivities with Vietnam’s talented mixologists, Thep Dinh from Stir Modern Classic Cocktail Bar (ranked No. 58 in Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024 extended 51 to 100 list) and Nguyen Hoai Bao from Savor Cocktail Club. Indulge in their signature cocktails as Vietnam’s finest bartenders create a stir with their exceptional skills and creativity.
Uma Nota x Friends Vol. 1 with Neon Pigeon
When: January 22 to 23, Wednesday and Thursday
Where: Shangri-La The Fort 30th Street, corner 5th Ave, Taguig
Book: sevenrooms.com
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Singapore’s famed izakaya Neon Pigeon (ranked 429 on Top 500 Bars 2024) is coming to Manila to mix behind the bar at BGC’s Uma Nota. Be sure to mark your calendars on January 22 and 23 for a two night affair featuring a special collaborative menu crafted by chef Andres Rendon (Uma Nota Manila) and chef Sean Mell of (Neon Pigeon) PHP3,900 per person, featuring Neon Pigeon cocktails by bar manager Mario La Pietra. Limited seating so make sure to book ahead to get a spot.
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