Mo Bar, Singapore | Photo by Star Sabroso
Published on: April 29, 2025 | Updated May 20, 2025: If you’re looking for a reason to head out this May, we’ve got you. Across Asia, bars are rolling out guest shifts, pop-ups, and cocktail festivals all month long. From the Philippines, Singapore, Cambodia, Japan, and more, each country’s bar destinations will host some of the best bartenders and barflies in Asia. Cue in a fun night out for the month. Keep reading and mark your calendars.
Bangkok
Handshake Speakeasy at Bar Us
When: May 1, Thursday
Where: Bar Us, Bangkok
Time: 8pm to 10pm
Handshake Speakeasy, currently ranked No. 1 on The World’s 50 Best Bars 2024, is coming to Bangkok. Brad and Gustavo bring the energy of Mexico City’s most celebrated bar to Bar Us for one night.
Bar Us is located at 1 Soi Sukhumvit 26, Khlong Tan, Khlong Toei, Bangkok 10110, Thailand
Nico de Soto at Bar Us
When: May 4, Sunday
Time: 8pm to 11pm
Where: Bar Us, Bangkok
Nico de Soto, the mind behind Danico (No. 49 on World’s 50 Best Bars 2024) and Mace NYC (No. 18 on North America’s 50 Best Bars 2023), heads to Bangkok for a one-night guest shift. Unique cocktails using Thai ingredients will be pouring at the bar, you don’t want to miss this one!
Bar Us is located at 1 Soi Sukhumvit 26, Khlong Tan, Khlong Toei, Bangkok 10110, Thailand
Beijing
Asia Bar Guest Shift at Tiao
When: May 17, Saturday
Time: 8pm to 12am
Where: Tiao, Beijing
Part of the newly opened Mandarin Oriental Qianmen in Beijing, Tiao is a contemporary cocktail bar situated along the historic hutong alley that surrounds the hotel. As it approaches its first anniversary on May 18, the bar is celebrating with a special one-night-only guest shift event on May 17 starting at 8 pm featuring three award-winning bars.
From 8 pm to 9 pm, Hope & Sesame from Guangzhou (ranked No. 14 on the Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024) will have bartender Ming Liao behind the bar. This will be followed by Coa from Hong Kong (ranked No. 4 on the Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024), from 9 pm to 10 pm, featuring renowned bartender Jay Khan, who will be serving his signature agave-spirit-based cocktails. At 10 pm, Night Hawk from Singapore (ranked No. 16 on the Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024) will take over with owner Peter Chua at the helm, serving drinks until last call.
Tiao is located at 40, West Xinglong Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing
四和 (‘Sihe’) Whisky & Cocktail Bar
When: May 21, Wednesday
Time: 9pm to 12am
Where: 四和Whisky & Cocktail Bar, Beijing
If you’re in Beijing, spice up your Wednesday at 四和 Whisky & Cocktail Bar with guest bartender John Ng from Hong Kong. John is the Wine and Spirits Director at Tasting Kitchen Media Company and serves as the Academy Chair of 50 Best Bars, responsible for coordinating the voting panel consisting of drink writers, bartenders, and cocktail enthusiasts across Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan. John Ng brings a wealth of knowledge with over 15 years of experience managing hotels and bars. Additionally, he spent four years serving as an Asia Pacific brand ambassador for Mitcher’s Whiskey, giving him a well-rounded background and deep expertise in various aspects of the spirits industry. Catch him behind the bar and taste his signature drinks until midnight.
号四和Whisky&Cocktail Bar is located at 6-1, Shuanghuayuan Nanli, Sanqu, Huili Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing
Hong Kong
Neon Pigeon at Bourke’s
When: May 4, Sunday
Time: 5pm
For its first kitchen and bar takeover, Bourke’s is teaming up with Neon Pigeon from Singapore. Neon Pigeon’s Creative Beverage Director Mario La Pietra will be behind the bar, serving cocktails built around Japanese spirits and ingredients. Meanwhile, Neon Pigeon’s Head Chef Sean Mell will bring Neon Pigeon’s modern izakaya-style dishes to the table. Walk-ins only, and food’s first come, first served so better get there early.
Bourke’s is located at 46 Peel St, Central, Hong Kong
Exclusive One-Night Event: Austin Chien at Qura Bar
When: May 5, Monday
Time: 8pm to 11.30pm
Where: Qura Bar, Hong Kong
Austin Chien, bar leader of unDer lab in Taipei (ranked on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024) will be behind the bar at Qura. Austin will bring a slice of Taipei’s underground bar scene to Hong Kong. It will surely be a night of unexpected ingredients, and a curated menu.
Qura Bar is located at Regent Hong Kong, 18 Salisbury Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Antidote at The Aubrey
When: May 8, Thursday
Time: 6pm to 10pm
Where: The Aubrey, Hong Kong
For a one night guest shift, Joseph Lee of Antidote in Seoul will be behind the bar at The Aubrey, serving four cocktails inspired by Korean ingredients. The Seoul-based bar is known for its pharmacy-inspired concept. To learn about each cocktail, guests can scan a QR code on the menu to see how their chosen cocktail is made, right down to the technique and ingredients.
The Aubrey is located at Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong, 5 Connaught Road, Central, Hong Kong
Nutmeg & Clove At DarkSide
When: May 18, Sunday
Time: 8.30pm to 11pm
Where: DarkSide
Singapore’s award-winning bar, Nutmeg & Clove, is heading to Hong Kong to serve their signature drinks on May 18 at Rosewood Hong Kong’s jazz bar, DarkSide. Nutmeg & Clove is both a restaurant and a cocktail bar that pays tribute to Singapore’s rich history through its modern Singapore cuisine and innovative cocktail program. The bar boasts impressive accolades, including ranking No. 6 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024 and No. 28 on The World’s 50 Best Bars 2024, among others. Join Nutmeg’s founder, Colin Chia, at 8.30pm as he brings their signature drinks to Kowloon.
DarkSide is located at the 2/F of Rosewood Hong Kong, 18 Salisbury Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui.
Jin Bo Law x Kinsman Guest Shift
When: May 23, Friday
Time: 7pm to 10pm
Where: Jin Bo Law Skybar, Dorsett Kai Tak, Hong Kong
Dorsett Kai Tak’s New Sky Bar in Hong Kong, Jin Bo Law, hosts its first guest shift with Gavin Yeung of award-winning Cantonese cocktail salon, Kinsman, a bar known for cocktails rooted in Hong Kong heritage. For one night, he’ll serve four drinks inspired by Kai Tak’s aviation history and Kowloon’s street culture, using N.I.P Gin. A live Cantopop DJ set rounds out the entire evening, too.
Jin Bo Law Skybar is located at 15/F, Dorsett Kai Tak, 43 Shing Kai Rd, Kowloon City, Hong Kong
Ginsanity Hong Kong
When: May 16–17, Friday to Saturday
Where: PMQ, Hong Kong
Hong Kong’s biggest gin celebration is back. Ginsanity takes over PMQ with two full days of gin tastings, cocktails, live music, and pop-up food stalls. Experience local and international gin brands, guest DJs, and a buzzing crowd, and best of all, it’s free entry.
PMQ is located at 35 Aberdeen St, Central, Hong Kong. Follow @ginsanityhk for more details
Origin Bar at Terrible Baby
When: May 22, Thursday
Time: 7pm
Where: Terrible Baby, Eaton HK
Jordan’s popular rooftop bar, Terrible Baby, is hosting Origin Bar from Singapore for a one-night-only guest shift led by bartenders Cherry Lee and Marcus Soh. Known for concept-driven cocktails inspired by Singapore’s cultural roots, the duo will serve three signature drinks at HKD100 each. Look out for the Bubble Club, a fizzy highball with pink guava, lychee, umeshu, and lychee boba. White Negroni?!, a refreshing twist on the classic, and Jumper, a dessert-style cocktail with pistachio, cacao, cream, and matcha.
Terrible Baby is located at 4/F Eaton HK, 380 Nathan Road, Jordan, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Hong Kong Whisky Festival
When: May 31, Saturday – June 1, Sunday
Where: InterContinental Grand Stanford Hong Kong
Time: 1pm to 8pm
Spend the weekend sipping rare bottles, meeting whisky experts, and discovering new favorites and it’s a fun way to dive into the world of whisky. You can get your tickets here.
InterContinental Grand Stanford Hong Kong is located at 70, Mody Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
Japan
Raion Manila at Bar Chœur
When: May 2, Friday
Time: 7pm to 11.30pm
Where: Bar Chœur, Nagoya, Japan
Kate Osmillo and Shinichi Itoh from Raion are heading to Nagoya for a guest shift at Bar Chœur, located in the bustling district of Sakae in Nagoya. Expect a fun night of creative cocktails, flavors, and a little bit of Manila energy behind the bar.
Bar Chœur is located at 7/F NOA Building, 3-2-31 Sakae, Naka-ku, Nagoya, Japan.
Interplay Vol.11, Bar Karuda
When: May 4, Sunday
Time: 9pm to 12am
Where: Bar Karuda, Osaka, Japan
Kate Osmillo and Shinichi Itoh moves to a second guest shift at Bar Karuda for Interplay Vol.11. After their stop in Nagoya, the duo brings their bold cocktail style to Bar Karuda, known for its authentic coffee and unique cocktails. Expect cocktails made using Tito’s Vodka, all set against a live jazz for one night.
Bar Karuda is located at 2F, 1 Chome-15-11 Higashishinsaibashi, Chuo Ward, Osaka, Japan. Follow @karuda_osk for updates.
True Laurel x Canes & Tales
When: May 21, Wednesday
Time: 7pm to 11pm
Where: Canes & Tales, Waldorf Astoria Osaka
Nicolas Torres, co-founder of True Laurel in San Francisco, is stopping by Osaka for a guest shift at Canes & Tales. With nearly two decades of bartending experience across the Bay Area, Torres is known for combining culinary influence with thoughtful technique. True Laurel recently placed No. 17 on North America’s 50 Best Bars 2025.
Canes & Tales is located at Waldorf Astoria Osaka, 5-54 Ofukacho, Kita Ward, Osaka 530-0011, Japan
Kuala Lumpur
Mizunara: The Library at Penrose
When: May 21, Wednesday
Time: 9pm
Where: Penrose, Kuala Lumpur
Award-winning Italian bartender, Massimo Petovello, of Mizunara: The Library in Wan Chai, Hong Kong, is doing a one-night guest shift at Penrose (Ranked No. 8 at the 2024 Asia’s 50 Best Bars). He’ll be serving drinks that reflect Mizunara’s focus on Japanese spirits and classic technique.
Penrose is located at 149, Jalan Petaling, City Centre, Kuala Lumpur
Wax On at @21 Rooftop Bar
When: May 29 to 30, Thursday to Friday
Time: 5pm to 8pm
Where: @21 Rooftop Bar, Kuala Lumpur
Experience an exclusive evening of exceptional cocktails and vibrant flair at @21 Rooftop Bar on May 29 and 30, from 5pm to 8pm. This special guest shift brings the best of Berlin’s renowned Wax On (ranked No. 29 on The World’s 50 Best Bars 2023) to Kuala Lumpur. Wax On is celebrated worldwide, consistently making the list of the World’s 50 Best Bars, thanks to its innovative approach to mixology and dedication to craft. Heading this exciting event is Wax On’s Sam Orrock, who will be joined by bartenders from Hyatt Hotels in Kuala Lumpur, offering guests a chance to indulge in their talents and signature concoctions.
Guests can choose from specially curated cocktail packages starting at MYR 108+ for three drinks, or MYR 158+ for five drinks, making it an ideal opportunity to sample a variety of innovative mixes while enjoying the breathtaking city views from the rooftop.
@21 Rooftop Bar is located at Hyatt Centric City Centre, 17 Jln Sultan Ismail, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
La Union
Niño Cruz Bar Takeover
When: May 2, Thursday
Time: 8pm to 10pm
Where: Hara, San Juan, La Union
Kick off your long weekend with cocktails by Niño Cruz, master mixologist for GSM Premium Gin and Antonov Vodka. He’s doing a shift in San Juan at Hara. Expect signature pours and a laid-back LU crowd.
Hara is located at Sea Nymph Resort, MacArthur Hwy, San Juan, La Union. Follow @hara.launion for updates
Macau
Wing Lei Bar’s Culinary Cocktail Series: Bangkok Takeover
When: May 16, Thursday
Time: 8pm
Where: Wing Lei Bar, Wynn Palace, Macau
Two of Bangkok’s most talked-about bars are heading to Wing Lei Bar in Macau for a one night shift. Funkytown kicks things off at 8pm with four cocktails and four snack pairings built around nostalgic pantry ingredients. At 10pm, G.O.D takes over with another round of drinks that promises flavor, fun, and a little indulgence.
Wing Lei Bar is located at Wynn Palace, Av. da Nave Desportiva, Macau. Follow @wingleibar on Instagram
Manila
Bee’s Knees at Sa’Min
When: May 1, Thursday
Time: 7pm to 11pm
Where: Sa’Min, San Juan City, Metro Manila
Toru Ariyoshi, head bartender of Bee’s Knees in Kyoto (ranked No.44 (2023) and No. 18 (2021) on Asia’s 50 Best Bars), is taking over San Juan City’s speakeasy-style bar, Sa’Min, for one night only. Expect a special menu and an exclusive signature cocktail until 11pm. Be sure to come early to get your fill!
Sa’Min is located at G/F Wilson Park Square, 195 Wilson Street, San Juan 1500. For updates, follow @samin.sanjuan on Instagram
Daniel Macaraig at Three Dots
When: May 7, Wednesday
Time: 8pm
Where: Three Dots, San Juan City, Metro Manila
Filipino bartender Daniel Macaraig from SIPPS mobile bar concept is taking over the newly opened Three Dots in San Juan, for a one-night guest shift. Expect four cocktails inspired by Filipino flavors, all crafted with Don Papa Rum.
Three Dots is located at 6/F Greenhills Mall, San Juan City. Follow @threedotsmnl for updates.
Agite Club at The Curator
When: May 2, Friday
Where: The Curator, Makati
Raiza Carrera, named Spain’s Best Bartender of 2023, is in Manila for a one-night guest shift at The Curator. Now based in Madrid, Raiza brings influences from both Peru and Spain, with a menu built around familiar ingredients used in unexpected ways. Catch her at The Curator this May!
The Curator Coffee and Cocktails is located at 134, Legazpi Street, Makati. Follow @thecurator_ for more details
Soko Bar Takes Over The Spirits Library
When: May 8, Thursday
Where: The Spirits Library, Poblacion, Makati
Soko Bar in Seoul, ranked 46 at Asia’s 50 Best Bars in 2023, draws inspiration from the roaring twenties, combining influences from the east and the west. This month, it’s taking over The Spirits Library in Poblacion. Catch Juseong Park, Global Monin Cup Champion 2024 and bartender from Soko, behind the bar for the one-night-only guest shift.
The Spirits Library is located at 4963 Guerrero, Poblacion, Makati. Follow @thespiritslibrary For updates and ore details
Sober Company at Raion
When: May 13, Tuesday
Where: Raion, San Juan City, Metro Manila
Shanghai’s Sober Company (ranked among Asia’s 50 Best Bars), one of the bar venue’s of renowned Shingo Gokan, (is heading to Manila for a special shift at Raion. Janeth Ruelo and Paul Meng will be behind the bar bringing their signature flair.
Raion is located at P. Guevarra St., San Juan City. For more details follow @raion.mnl on Instagram
Vender at The Back Room
When: May 15, Thursday
Time: 7pm
Where: The Back Room, at Shangri-la The Fort, BGC
One of the most talked about bars in Taiwan is coming to Manila on May 15! Vender from Taichung, known for its vending machine-inspired concept (ranked No. 30 in Asia’s 50 Best Bars in 2024) will be slinging their drinks at The Back Room for a one night guest shift. Renowned mixologist and its co-founder Darren Lim will be making his drinks from 7pm until late.
The Back Room is located at Shangri-La at the Fort, 30th Street corner 5th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. Follow @backroomph for updates.
Uma Nota & Friends Vol. 2: SG Club takeover
When: May 14–15, 2025
Time: 6pm
Where: Uma Nota Manila, BGC, Taguig
Uma Nota Manila welcomes Ryota Tokumitsu of SG Club, Tokyo for a two-night takeover. SG Club is ranked No. 54 on The World’s 50 Best Bars 2024 and No. 23 in Asia. And for this collab, Ryota brings a few of his favorites to Manila.
Uma Nota Manila is located at Shangri-La The Fort 30th Street, corner 5th Ave, Taguig. Metro Manila
Mabrewhay Craft Beer Festival
When: May 16 to 18, Thursday to Saturday
Where: Ayala Triangle Gardens, Makati City
Get ready for a weekend of local brews and good vibes at the Mabrewhay Craft Beer Festival. Happening from May 16 to 18 at Ayala Triangle Gardens, the event brings together breweries from all over the Philippines. Expect over 60 different beers to try, with music, food, art, and a few surprises along the way. Entrance is free.
Follow @makeitmakati and @engkantobrewery for more information.
Lab at Southbank BGC
When: May 20, Tuesday
Time: 7pm onwards
Where: Southbank Café + Lounge, BGC
Taipei’s Lab is popping up at Southbank on May 20 for a one-night shift. Takafumi Makita and Tony Hsieh will be behind the bar mixing drinks that bring together Japanese bartending and a bit of science. Be sure to catch the shift at this bar—it’s one to watch as it gradually makes its mark with its creative, science-forward approach.
Southbank Café + Lounge is located at G/F World Plaza Bldg., 5th Avenue, BGC, Taguig. Follow @southbankcafelounge for more details
Disaronno Night with Nathanel Salerno
When: May 20, Tuesday
Time: 8:30pm
Where: The Curator, Makati
Disaronno’s Asia-Pacific Brand Ambassador, Nathanel Salerno, is in town for one night only. Born in Italy and raised in Milan, Nat brings global bartending experience from Michelin-starred spots in Europe and Australia to this special amaretto-fueled evening.
The Curator is located at 134 Legazpi Street, Makati
The Elephant Room at Raion
When: May 23, Friday
Where: Raion, San Juan City, Metro Manila
Jeeivan Chandra of The Elephant Room in Singapore (ranked No. 65 at Asia’s Best Bars list in 2024), one of the region’s most celebrated bars, is coming to Raion for a one-night-only guest shift. The bar is known for crafting drinks rooted in the vibrant spirit of Singapore’s Little India. Get to taste their signatures at San Juan City’s first cocktail bar.
Raion is located at 455 P. Guevarra Street, San Juan City. For more details follow @raion.mnl on Instagram
MO Bar at The Spirits Library
When: May 29, Thursday
Where: The Spirits Library, Poblacion, Makati
MO Bar, renowned for its creative cocktails and regional flavors that earned it the No. 8 spot on Asia’s 50 Best Bars list in 2022, has established a strong reputation across Asia. Their recently launched cocktail menu embodies the essence of the Lion City, and you’ll get to experience this during his shift at The Spirits Library. With MO Bar manager Charlie Kim behind the stick, it’s a chance to catch one of the best in Asia for one night only!
The Spirits Library is located at 4963 Guerrero, Poblacion, Makati. Follow @thespiritslibrary For updates and ore details,
Phnom Penh
A Night with Nikka Whisky at Whisky Library
When: May 9, Friday
Time: 8pm to 10pm
Where: Whisky Library, Sora, Phnom Penh
Wine and spirits distributor Moonshine Asia and Sora Sky Bar are hosting an exclusive Nikka Whisky tasting night at Whisky Library, featuring pours like Nikka Coffey Malt, Nikka Taketsuru, Nikka Tailored, and Nikka Yoichi 10 Years. Guests can also enjoy a cigar pairing from the Rosewood Private Label collection. Bookings are recommended for this one-night-only event so make sure to lock in your slot ahead!
Whisky Library is located at Sora, Rosewood Phnom Penh, Vattanac Capital Tower, No. 66 Monivong Boulevard, Phnom Penh.
Taste of Asia at Sora
When: May 9–10, Friday to Saturday
Where: Sora, Rosewood Phnom Penh
Rosewood Phnom Penh’s sky-high bar Sora brings together top bartenders from across Asia for a two-night celebration of creativity and craft. On May 9, Morris Chang from Gokan in Hong Kong and Satoshi Sugiura from El Lequio in Okinawa will be behind the bar. On May 10, Kaung Zaw from Coya in Dubai and Koh Yung Shen from Backdoor Bodega in Penang will take over with their own signature drinks.
Sora is located at Rosewood Phnom Penh, Vattanac Capital Tower, No. 66 Monivong Boulevard, Phnom Penh.
Singapore
Soko Bar at Native
When: May 1, Thursday
Time: 8pm to 11pm
Where: Native, Singapore
Juseong Park of Soko Bar in South Korea, and the 2024 Global Monin Cup Champion, is heading to Singapore. Catch him behind the bar at award-winning bar, Native, on May 1, where he’ll be showcasing cocktails using Paragon Cordial and his signature style.
Native is located at 52A Amoy Street, Singapore. Follow @nativebarsg for updates.
Raion at Bae’s Cocktail Club
When: May 7, Wednesday
Time: 10pm to 2am
Where: Bae’s Cocktail Club, Singapore
Manila’s very own award-winning bartenders Kate Osmillo and Shinichi Itoh of Raion are heading to Gangnam-inspired cocktail lounge-dance club, Bae’s Cocktail Club in Singapore, this May. Bae’s Cocktail Club is Raion, known for its playful, imaginative approach to classic cocktails, and will bring Southeast Asian flavors for everyone to enjoy.
Bae’s Cocktail Club is located at 2/F, 45 Craig Road, Singapore. Follow @baescocktailclub.sg for updates
Guest Shift #8: Mogā x Three X Co
When: May 5, Monday
Time: 8pm to 12mn
Where: Mogā Singapore
One of Kuala Lumpur’s most celebrated bars, Three X Co (ranked No. 47 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2021), helmed by veteran bartender Amanda Wan, will be slinging cocktails at Mogā, the Japanese izakaya-inspired cocktail bar at Pullman Singapore Hill Street. From 8pm onwards, Amanda Wan and Kevin Kazuhiro from Three X Co will be shaking up some cocktail magic at Mogā with fun and flavors from Malaysia. Get your reservations here.
Mogā is located at Pullman Singapore Hill Street, 1 Hill St, Singapore. Follow @moga.sg for updates
True Laurel x Nutmeg & Clove
When: May 25, Sunday
Time: 6pm
Where: Nutmeg & Clove, Singapore
After a shift in Osaka, Nicolas Torres heads to Singapore for Nutmeg & Clove’s 11th anniversary celebration. Catch him behind the bar as part of the venue’s North American Bar Community event, where he’ll showcase True Laurel’s approach honed in San Francisco’s evolving food and bar scene.
Nutmeg & Clove is located at 8 Purvis Street, Singapore
Ulaanbaatar
Ulaanbaatar Cocktail Week 2025
When: May 19-24, Monday to Saturday
Time: Varies by event
Where: Bars across Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Ulaanbaatar’s biggest bar week is back. From May 19 to 24, bartenders from different cities will team up with local bars for a week of guest shifts, collabs, and parties. Now on its 4th run, this city-wide takeover is helping put Mongolia’s bar scene on the map.
Catch star bartenders from across the region, including familiar faces such as Rohan Matmary from Bar Trigona, Orsu Loviconi from World of Mixologist, Philip Bischoff from BKK Social Club, Ezra Star from Mostly Harmless, and Beckaly Franks from Artifact.
Follow @ulaanbaatarcocktailweek on Instagram for the full lineup.
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