March brings top-tier drink events across Asia. Guest shifts, special menus, and exclusive competitions. Many of these events are one-night-only, making them an unmissable opportunity to taste some of the best drinks Asia’s bar scene has to offer. Here’s a lineup of events to add to your calendar.
MANILA
Milan’s 1930 Bar Takeover at Raion
When: March 2, Sunday
Time: 8pm
Where: Raion, 3/F The Corner House, 455 P Guevarra Street corner Recto Street, Addition Hills, San Juan, Metro Manila
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Experience one of Milan’s best-kept cocktail secrets: the 1930 Cocktail Bar, ranked No. 50 on The World’s 50 Best Bars 2024, is coming to Manila for a special bar takeover at the Japanese-inspired café and bar Raion in San Juan. Seasoned mixologist Matias Barrueco will be behind the bar from 8pm onwards, serving signature cocktails featuring Martell Cognac. Mark your calendars and be sure to reserve your seats; seating is first come, first served.
1930’s at The Spirits Library
When: March 4, Tuesday
Time: 7pm
Where: The Spirits Library, 4963 Guerrero, Makati
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If you can’t make it during Matias Barrueco’s shift at Raion on Sunday, be sure to catch him in Poblacion at The Spirits Library on March 4. From 7pm onwards, he will be behind the bar serving his signature drinks. Make sure to secure your spot, as it can get crowded. Reservations are highly encouraged, so call +63917 160 1162 to reserve your seats.
ReCraft Bar Takeover at Three Dots
When: March 5, Wednesday
Time: 8pm
Where: Level 6, GH Mall, Greenhills, San Juan, Metro Manila
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One of Quezon City’s hottest cocktail bars, ReCraft, is taking over the newly opened restobar in San Juan, Three Dots, on March 5. Seasoned mixologists Cedric Mendoza and Auie Benisano will be behind the bar from 8pm onwards to craft ReCraft’s signature drinks, blending classic techniques with experimental variations. Reserve your seats via +632 8815 2187 or +63917 307 6866.
The Back Room x Zest
When: March 13, Thursday
Time: 7pm
Where: The Back Room, Shangri-La The Fort, BGC, Taguig
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For one night only, Seoul award-winning bar Zest (No. 9 on The World’s 50 Best Bars 2024, No. 2 in Asia) takes over The Back Room, Shangri-La The Fort’s speakeasy-style bar known for its prohibition-era charm and award-winning cocktails (No. 75 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2023). Zest’s Alain Kim and Danny Park will bring their signature flavors and precision mixology straight from Seoul. This is a rare opportunity to experience Zest’s innovative cocktails in Manila.
Kiara Opeda and Audrey Gustilo at Admiral Hotel Manila
When: March 20, 21, 27, 28, Thursday and Friday
Where: Coconut Grove and Ruby Wong’s Godown, Admiral Hotel, Malate Manila
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This International Women’s Month, join Martell Philippines Brand Ambassador Kia Opeda and Don Papa’s Philippines Brand Ambassador Audrey Gustilo as they craft their signature drinks behind the bar at the Admiral Hotel Manila’s Coconut Grove and Ruby Wong’s Godown. Catch Kia at Coconut Grove on March 20 and at Ruby Wong’s on March 21, while Audrey will be at Coconut Grove on March 27 and at Ruby Wong’s on March 28.
Philippine Bar Scene Tea Mixology Competition
When: March 28, Friday
Where: World Trade Center Metro Manila, 2/F WTCMM Building, Pasay Extension corner, 1300 Sen. Gil J. Puyat Avenue, Pasay, Metro Manila
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The first Philippine Bar Scene Tea Mixology Competition, presented in partnership with Steuarts Tea, is set to take place on March 28 during The Philippine Bar Scene @ WOFEX Drinks & Bakes. This exciting event invites Metro Manila bartenders to showcase their best brewing and mixology techniques by creating signature tea cocktails using Steuarts’ black, green, or Earl Grey teas. Registration for the competition is open until March 12, 2025, and participants can sign up through this link. The competition promises to spotlight innovative talent and the art of tea mixology in Manila’s local bar scene.
SINGAPORE
Neon Pigeon Turns 10
When: March 4-26
Where: Neon Pigeon, 36 Carpenter Street, Boat Quay, Singapore
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Neon Pigeon is celebrating its 10th birthday with a month-long bash featuring epic guest shifts from some of the best bars in the world, along with culinary maestros as guest chefs. Kicking off the festivities, Sydney’s award-winning bar Maybe Sammy will have a cocktail takeover on March 4, from 5.30pm until late. Guests can experience boundary-pushing drinks crafted by Marco de Lazzari alongside Neon Pigeon’s signature urban Japanese menu, with co-founder Stefano Catino showcasing his flair. DJ ya5th will provide a lively atmosphere, reflecting Maybe Sammy’s playful style. On March 13, Tokyo’s SG Tavern, one of the ventures of world-famous bartender Shingo Gokan, will take over Neon Pigeon. Beverage director Yuya Nagamine and chef Atsushi ‘Atsu’ Furukawa will present a one-night-only menu filled with innovative cocktails and unique dishes that blend Japanese precision with Neon Pigeon’s gritty edge. The spotlight will shine on The 10th Anniversary Blowout on March 22. Neon Pigeon alumni from around the world will gather to celebrate a decade of memorable moments. Attendees can look forward to beer pong battles, DJ sets from ya5th, and a sit-down dinner that transitions into a dance floor takeover.
Finally, the month will conclude with a guest shift from the crew at Tokyo’s Bellwood Cave on March 26. They will bring their signature menu of elevated Japanese bar bites and creative cocktails, providing an authentic izakaya experience infused with the vibrant energy of Tokyo nightlife.
For more Singapore drink events, click on this feature to see the lineup of events.
BANGKOK
Lennon’s Guest Bartender Series: India’s ZLB23
When: March 6, Thursday
Time: 8pm
Where: Lennon’s, Rosewood Bangkok, 1041/38 Phloen Chit Road, Lumphini, Pathum Wan, Bangkok
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For Women’s Month, Lennon’s at Rosewood Bangkok is hosting Bengaluru’s ZLB23, which has been recognized as India’s Best Bar and ranked 40th on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024 list. ZLB23 is celebrated for its innovative cocktails and a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, boasting a team comprised of 80% women who are advancing the industry. Their cocktail menu draws inspiration from the Prohibition era and Japanese culture, offering a variety of unique flavors and engaging narratives. ZLB23’s bar manager Suchismita Roy Chowdhury, will be mixing behind the bar to showcase the bar’s signature drinks. For reservations, guests are encouraged to call +66 2080 0030.
The Bellwood at Stella
When: March 6, Thursday
Time: 8pm
Where: Stella, Capella Bangkok, Z300/2 Charoen Krung Rd, เเขวง ยานนาวา Sathon, Bangkok 10120, Bangkok
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For one night only, Stella, Capella Bangkok’s elegant cocktail salon by the Chao Phraya River, will welcome Shibuya’s star bartender, Atsushi Suzuki, the visionary behind renowned Tokyo bars such as The Bellwood, BELLSUSHI, and BW CAVE. With a background that includes crafting cocktails at Angel’s Share in New York and leading the award-winning Speak Low in Shanghai, Atsushi has made a significant impact on the global mixology scene. His flagship bar, The Bellwood, has garnered accolades, ranking No. 89 on the World’s 50 Best Bars 2024 and No. 34 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024, and is celebrated for its fusion of Japanese cocktail heritage and contemporary innovation. An evening of mixology mastery awaits as this global cocktail icon takes the stage at Stella on March 6 from 8pm to midnight. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling +66 2 098 3888 or +66 65 998 4674.
Aqua x Ten Hands takeover
When: March 14, Friday
Time: 8pm-11pm
Where: Aqua Bar, Lumphini, Pathum Wan, Bangkok
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Aqua Bar in Bangkok will host a unique ten hands takeover, showcasing Filipino flair and flavors with renowned bartenders from the Philippines’ top bars. Experience the talent from Quezon City’s contemporary ReCraft Bar and the gin-focused Bar Flora, both among Manila’s finest. ReCraft Bar is celebrated for its custom cocktails tailored to guests’ preferences, while Bar Flora excels in gin and tea-based drinks infused with botanical flavors. Led by Cedric Mendoza, this five-man team includes Lance Tabilin and Rose De Guzman from Bar Flora, along with Chesca Badinas and Jaz Jan Juan from ReCraft Bar. Together, they will bring bold Filipino flavors and innovative techniques to Bangkok, providing a glimpse into Manila’s vibrant cocktail scene.
SHANGHAI
Dames & Drinks: An Asian Spice Route Rally
When: March 7, Friday
Time: 8pm to 11pm
Where: 1929 by Guillaume Galliot. 1st Floor, West Side of Jinbei Building, 59 Maoming South Road(near Changle Road junction), Huangpu District, Shanghai.
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The French restaurant 1929 by Guillaume Galliot, located in Shanghai’s Jinjiang Hotel Jinbei Building, is celebrating Women’s Month with a special event titled “Dames & Drinks: An Asian Spice Route Rally.” This unique experience will feature a “Tour of Asia” with Hazel Long from Junior The Pocket Bar in Singapore (ranked No. 98 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2022), Grace Truong from Summer Experiment in Saigon (ranked No. 77 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2021), Eartha Hui from Quinary in Hong Kong (ranked No. 26 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024), along with the venue’s Assistant Bar Manager, Mokino Liu, and Restaurant Manager, Vivian Chen. Each bartender will take the stage for one hour, presenting three signature cocktails that showcase their respective cities’ distinct spices, ingredients, and flavors. Guests can also taste a fourth cocktail from 1929 by Guillaume Galliot.
KUALA LUMPUR
In & Out Bartakeover Series
When: March 7, Friday
Time: 8pm
Where: Here & Now, Level 3-02 Block E, The Five, Jalan Dungun, Bukit Damansara, Kuala Lumpur
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Malaysia’s Here & Now is hosting the second installment of their In & Out Bar Takeover series, featuring bartenders from Manila and Singapore. Enjoy signature drinks from Ralph Allen Santos of The Spirits Library, a cocktail bar in Manila, and Gavin Teverasan from Singapore’s modern Japanese izakaya, MOGA.
Bar Trigona at Bar Us
When: March 12, Wednesday
Time: 8pm to 11pm
Where: Bar Us, 1/37 Floor, 1 Soi Sukhumvit 26, Khlong Tan, Khlong Toei, Bangkok
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Bar Trigona, known for its use of Malaysian ingredients and commitment to sustainability (No. 52 on The World’s 50 Best Bars 2021; No. 36 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024) takes over Bangkok’s drinking room Bar Us (No. 41 on The World’s 50 Best Bars 2024; No. 21 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024) for a one-night guest shift. Rohan Matmary, beverage manager, and Darwin Ng, head bartender, will take over the stick crafting their signature cocktails until 11pm.
PHNOM PENH
Taste of Asia
When: March 7 to 8, Friday to Saturday
Where: Sora Bar, Rosewood Phnom Penh, Vattanac Capital Tower, 66 Monivong Boulevard, Sangkat Wat Phnom, Khan Daun Penh, 120211, Phnom Penh
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Rosewood Phnom Penh’s Sora Bar is celebrating International Women’s Day with a special two-night event on March 7 and 8, featuring an all-star lineup of talented women behind the bar from four top cocktail destinations across Asia. On March 7, Xu Dolly from ASMR in Ho Chi Minh City and Arlene Wong from Green Door in Hong Kong will shake up signature creations. On March 8, Amber Liu from Public House in Taiwan and Reina Hsu from Last Word in Singapore will also showcase their creations, each with a unique story to tell.
HONG KONG
Whisky Dinner for Charity
When: March 11, Tuesday
Time: 7pm
Where: Table, 23/F, H Queen’s at 80 Queen’s Road Central, Hong Kong
On March 11, 2025, an empowering Whisky Dinner will be held in celebration of International Women’s Day, hosted by Timeless & Tasty in collaboration with Table by Sandy Keung. This special event aims to raise funds for charity, aligning with this year’s theme, #AccelerateAction, which supports women’s empowerment and gender equality. The dinner will begin at 7pm and is priced at HKD1,500 per person. Guests can look forward to an exquisite five-course menu crafted by chef Sandy Keung, accompanied by five specially selected whiskies curated by Hil Tse. Among the selections is an exclusive bottling of Secret Highland 20 Years, commemorating Timeless & Tasty’s 8th anniversary. The evening will also feature an auction, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting RainLily and HER Fund, two charities dedicated to supporting women. Reservations can be made through this link.
SEOUL
The 20th Companion Series: Global Bartender Showcase
When: March 11, Tuesday
Time: 5pm-12am
Where: Charles H. & OUL, Four Seasons Hotel Seoul, South Korea
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Four Seasons Hotel Seoul is bringing back The Companion Series with a stacked lineup at two of its bars. From 5pm to 7pm, the night will kick off at the contemporary bar OUL with Gabriel Lowe from Singapore’s Cat Bite Club (Campari One To Watch Award at The World’s 50 Best Bars 2024), followed by William Wu from The Public House, Taipei (No. 44 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024) at 8pm. Meanwhile, Charles H (No. 7 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2022) will host Hong Kong’s hidden bar Artifact, with bar manager J Frank serving creative cocktails, followed by BKK Social Club from Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok (No. 7 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024) at 10pm, featuring Philip and Ning preparing signature drinks until midnight. Each will present unique cocktails for a one-night-only showcase.
Bar Shifts at Zest
When: From March 11 to 24, 2025
Where: Zest, B1 26 KR 55 Dosan-daero 55-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
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This March, South Korea’s Zest Bar is hosting an exceptional lineup of top bars in celebration of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants in Seoul. Featured venues include Handshake Speakeasy from Mexico City (No. 1 on The World’s 50 Best Bars 2024), Sins of Sal from Amsterdam, Craft Room from Osaka, Maybe Sammy from Sydney (No. 15 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2023), and BKK Social Club from Bangkok (No. 7 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024), teaming up with Virtu from Tokyo (Ranked No. 11 at Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024) and Colombia’s Alquímico (Ranked No. 8 on The World’s 50 Best Bars 2024). The schedule is rounded out with an industry talk featuring Priyanka Blah of The Dram Attic. Be sure to mark your calendars with this impressive lineup this month.
Seoul Bar Collaborations
When: March 23 and 26
Time: 8pm to 11pm
Where: Pine & Co and M + MS
Seoul is all fired up for Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants awards ceremony, which is happening on March 25. Award-winning restaurants throughout the city are hosting top chefs from around the world. Along with these special events, there are also many guest bartender shifts in town. Be sure to catch bartenders flying into Seoul from Macau and Hong Kong to bring the taste of their cities to Korea. On March 23, from 8pm to 11pm, Pine & Co, ranked No. 50 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024 list, will host Macau’s Wing Lei Bar, featuring Mark Lloyd, who will introduce a selection of new concoctions set to launch in Macau. Attendees will have the opportunity to experience a sneak peek of their upcoming menu. Following this event, on March 26, from 8pm, Hong Kong’s Courtroom will showcase their innovative drinks at M + MS, a fermentation-themed cocktail bar located in Seochon, Seoul. Co-founder Saan Dhakal will be behind the bar, mixing up a range of creative cocktails.
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