SINGAPORE, Feb 18 — Singapore Cocktail Week (SCW) is making its return next month, from March 12 to 19.

And if there was any doubt about the island’s growing penchant for a good cocktail, they just need to look at last year’s impressive debut.

“SCW 2015 saw attendance by over 2,300 consumers and trade visitors and participation by 30 of Singapore’s best cocktail bars,” said the event’s founder Ivy Woo. “Based on participation numbers and industry buzz, we believe it was a highly successful event that put Singapore on the international cocktail map.”

Woo said she hopes to do more than repeat that success with the second edition.

This year’s instalment boasts 61 participating bars and restaurants — more than double of last year’s total — and close to 200 cocktail-themed events. These include a host of cocktail workshops, bar tours, supper clubs, brunches and pop-up parties, as well as a line of international guest bartenders who will be proffering their signature drinks at some of Singapore’s hottest watering holes.

But this is not some extreme bar hop. The workshops and salon sessions are aimed at providing consumers with a unique insight into the complex art of cocktail making, whether you’re looking for learn more about barrel ageing cocktails (there is a Barrel Aged Manhattan workshop by Hudson Whiskey at Manhattan) or get the basics of whiskey cocktails down pat (at Monkey Shoulder’s Simplicity of Crafting Cocktails workshop at Hopscotch).

The Hendrink's Gin-based The Gibson, served with a trio of condiments. — Handout via TODAY

You can even learn how to make more than 50 cocktails from an eight-bottle bar at the workshop held at Jigger & Pony; or head down to 28 Hong Kong Street (listed as one of the world’s 50 best bars) for tips on achieving the right balance of flavours using fruits, syrups and modifiers.

“With Singapore Cocktail Week having already established a great reputation for itself in the first year, we’ve streamlined our involvement and will be focusing on four brands — Hendrick’s Gin, Monkey Shoulder, Reyka Vodka and Hudson,” said Marcus Low, regional marketing manager — South-east Asia & Third Party Markets, William Grant & Sons (Singapore).

Adirondack from Manhattan Bar features Hudson Rye Whiskey and barrel-aged Maple syrup. — Handout via TODAY

“In addition to fun and educational activities such as the Hendrick’s Murder Mystery Night at The Powder Room, we will also be hosting several influential bartenders from Candelaria and Eau de Vie.

“Coupled with the host of events lined up by the other brands involved, it looks set to be another action-packed, cocktail-fuelled week and we can’t wait.”

And if you’re looking for more out-of-the-box encounters, a trip to a pop-up cocktail bar in the middle of Holland Village Food Court should check a few boxes. A first for the event, this aptly dubbed Jio You Cocktail Club event (on March 18, from 7pm to 11pm) is organised by Diageo Reserve World Class and Timeout Singapore and will see bartenders concocting cocktail versions of popular local dishes, such as nasi lemak and prawn noodle soup, which will be presented in nostalgic drinking vessels. This is open to the public, while wristband (ticket) holders enjoy discounts on the drinks.

“The inspiration behind the Jio You Cocktail Club was to showcase that rise in mixology and craftsmanship while celebrating the roots of our local drinking culture — the kopitiam experience,” said Fabricio Marques, reserve brand development manager at Diageo Asia Pacific. “At the pop-up, you will get to enjoy cocktails with a local twist that best marry the flavours of good craft cocktails, created with spirits from Diageo Reserve World Class, and the nostalgic comfort of heartland drinking.”

*Wristbands are available at S$38 (RM112) for a set of eight at http://www.singaporecocktailweek.com.sg and participating outlets. These covers access to all event parties and pop-ups, 10 per cent discount on workshops, brunches and supper clubs, and signature cocktails at participating bars at a discounted price of S$14. Early bird discount of 15 per cent is applicable for purchases before February 28.