Tales of the Cocktails Foundation and Singapore Tourism Board present Spirited Awards Presents ATLAS, showcasing Singapore’s Vibrant Cocktail Scene. Writer and reporter for Expat Choice Singapore, Douglas Peris had the pleasure of attending an esteemed gathering of the best of Singapore’s cocktail industry, the Spirited Awards Presents Atlas, held as part of the Singapore Cocktail Festival. Read on for his full report!
This dazzling event was presented by Tales of the Cocktail Foundation (TOTCF) and the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), showcasing the rich tapestry of Singapore's cocktail scene, featuring industry leaders and top-tier talent.
The Atlas Bar, nestled in Singapore's iconic Parkview Square, provided a grand backdrop to the event. The atmosphere at Atlas Bar is unforgettable, with high ceilings, plush velvet seating, and stunning Art Deco details. The venue exudes a fabulous 1920s glamour, and it's no wonder Atlas Bar is often considered the most beautiful bar in the world. Atlas Bar is renowned for its extensive collection of gins, spirits, and champagnes, presenting a lavish celebration of rich cocktail traditions. Atlas Bar’s unique blend of Art Deco glamour, excellent service, and great drinks make it an exceptional destination for anyone looking for a memorable cocktail experience in Singapore.
The event also showcased Tokyo's acclaimed SG Club, helmed by industry titan Shingo Gokan. He is recognised as one of the leading figures in the international bartending industry. Bar World 100 has acknowledged him as one of the industry’s most influential figures in 2021, placing him in the top 4 individuals in the world. He brought some of his team and an array of unique cocktails to the event that spoke of his expertise. Signature cocktails such as the Camprese, French Concession, and Sixty Forty were a testament to Shingo’s acclaimed mixology skills. Any cocktail featuring bourbon, such as the Whiskey Sawa, which was delicious, will always be on my must-try list.
Good to see so many familiar Singapore cocktail bars, like Atlas, Elephant Room, Fura, No Sleep Club, Republic, Jigger and Pony, Manhattan Bar, Nutmeg & Clove, Origin Bar, and Caffe Fernet appearing in the various top-ten international award categories, from Best International Cocktail Bar Team to Best New Cocktail Bar to Best Bartender. These establishments have made their mark in various international award categories, further cementing Singapore's regional cocktail industry leader status. The Tales of the Cocktail Foundation’s Spirited Awards nominees from Singapore reflected the diverse representation of local cocktail bars.
The Tales of the Cocktail Foundation is a non-profit organisation based in New Orleans that seeks to educate, advance, and support the hospitality industry. Since 2002, the global spirits community has gathered in the heart of the French Quarter in New Orleans for Tales of the Cocktail. What started as an annual walking tour of historic New Orleans cocktail bars has now become the world’s leading cocktail conference.
According to Ms Teyi Guo, Singapore Tourism Board’s Director of Retail and Dining Experience Development Group, with the promise of more collaborations between TOTCF and STB, the future of Singapore's cocktail scene is set to raise the “bar” even higher, ensuring its place as an unmissable destination on the global cocktail map.
The Spirited Awards Presents ATLAS, and The SG Club event was a fantastic celebration of the cocktail industry, highlighting the talent within the island nation. I can't wait to see what the next collaboration between TOTCF and STB brings.
