
Who said alcohol-free drinks are boring? This Sober October, I discovered the wonderful world of zero-proof libations and I might have found a new love.
When it comes to alcohol and cocktails, you could say I’m a fan. Typical post-work bonding sessions with me tend to come with a drink (or five). I’ve been spotted in ‘hoods like Clarke Quay, Tanjong Pagar, and Duxton, trolling my tried and tested spots at least once a week. And if anyone ever needs a bar recommendation, I’m the first person they think of. But, I’m also acutely aware of what booze can do to the body, and the occasional paranoid idea of getting alcohol-induced liver disease haunts my day-to-day thoughts.
Since it’s Sober October, I decided to try something a little different and said yes to a booze-free bar hop invitation from Vegthiscity to break through my typical week of alcohol tastings. A move that surprised many of my friends (and some of my colleagues). But the biggest shock is probably how much I enjoyed myself by the end of it.
A mysterious hop, VIP treatment, and new discoveries

This isn’t the first time Vegthiscity has organised something a little out of the ordinary. This tour company is all about bringing you the very best in culture through our favourite method – food and drink! Besides delicious food, you’ll be treated to stories and fun facts about Singapore’s neighbourhoods. Besides the zero-alcohol drink tour, you can book tours that focus on food sustainability, the local cuisine, or just desserts!
The Singa-pour Drink Tour promises not just alcohol-free drinks, but also tidbits about Singapore’s rich history. I went to three hotspots that served alternative beverages, got a chance to chat with the bartenders, and discovered hidden gems. Oh, and our group even got to skip the queue, getting some of the best seats in the house.
For me, the tour started very mysteriously. All I knew was there’d be no alcohol, and the bar locations were kept secret. The meeting point was only revealed to me a day before the tour. I didn’t know what the drinks were going to be, or what else to expect. Which made it both a little anxiety-inducing but exciting all the same.
Bar hopping, but make it sober

The tour started at The Coup, an underground bar within Ann Siang. I worried briefly for my safety as I walked down the stairs, but I was quickly comforted by the presence of a familiar bartender. That’s when I noticed the elixir omakase prepared for my crew of fellow first-timers. Boujee Botanicals had us sampling kombuchas, teas, and a jamu (turmeric and ginger) wellness shot that shook me the same way tequila would – but with added health bonuses.
At this point, I worried about my bumbling social skills and whether or not I’d be able to hold conversations with my companions. The lack of social lubricant meant no lowered inhibitions and more social awkwardness. But, determined to have a good time, I kept my spirits (the non-alcoholic kind) high.
We then made our way to Spectre, heartily greeted by the owner, Andrew Pang. After a hug, Andrew playfully asks me what I’m doing there. “You know there’s no alcohol today, right?” he says, and I can only laugh in response (and reflect briefly on my reputation). It comes as no surprise that Spectre was our next stop. Known for its wellness-focused menu, I already knew there would be great zero-proof concoctions here. The off-menu drinks provided were intentionally crafted with chamomile, butterfly pea, and apple cider vinegar to promote digestion and relaxation. The Pickleback Highball is both clean and savoury, with an added kick thanks to the apple cider vinegar. It even felt like my bloat was going away!
After some thorough hydration, we were off to our last stop which I recognised instantly. As we entered through the non-descript door of 28 Hongkong Street, senior bartender Danial Bin Kamaru Zaman waved at me, recognising me from my visit just a few days prior to the tour. Having tried both alcoholic and non-alcoholic versions of the signature cocktails, I can tell you they’re all equally delicious in their own ways. The River City Paloma is refreshing both with and without alcohol, and I always love a good edible garnish in my drink.
Let’s address the non-alcoholic elephant in the room

For anyone wondering – what’s the point of going to a bar just to order a non-alcoholic drink? Have no fear, we all had the same question during the tour. Eiktha Khemlani, founder of Vegthiscity, says what fuelled her desire to create this tour was to prove you don’t need alcohol to have fun. In a group, you’re bound to find individuals who can’t or don’t want to drink alcohol. And why should they be left out of the fun with a boring glass of juice or soda?
This sentiment seems to ring true with fellow bartenders in the city. You might even be surprised to see an institution like 28 Hongkong Street, known for its American-style drinks, on a booze-free tour. But to me, that’s how far the zero-proof movement has come in our world of cocktails. Alcohol-free options for signature cocktails are becoming more and more prevalent, and you can even find unique zero-proof cocktails on most bar menus.
I’d say the revolution of zero-proof drinks is like the little sister of the cocktail wave. Back in the day, it’d be common to question why we were paying premiums on specially created drinks when a simple G&T or rum and Coke could get us tipsy without breaking the bank. However, it’s the growing appreciation for craftsmanship that brings enthusiasts like me back again for another drink.
The same logic applies to the zero-proof movement, sans the alcohol. Crafting and appreciating specialty drinks doesn’t need to involve the use of spirits. And just because it’s booze-free, doesn’t mean it lacks nuance, thoughtfulness, or care.
Is this cocktail lover converted?

I’ll be honest, I don’t think you’ll be pulling me away from my love for cocktails any time soon. However, I will say that I have a newfound appreciation for the zero-proof side of the coin.
I was more than happy to give mocktails a try, but I was used to chatting with groups after being emboldened by booze. So I wondered how I would fare socialising without its presence by my side to hold my hand through it. Thankfully, everything went off without a hitch. My crew naturally started a little awkward with quiet introductions. However, as we continued through the tour, we slowly warmed up to each other, discussing our drinks and making more than just small talk.
Some of them who noticed the bartenders greeting me familiarly clocked that I was quite a frequent flyer in Singapore’s nightlife scene, and began asking me questions. Before I knew it, I was sharing my previous experiences, like how I love the snake soup cocktail at Spectre and a joke about how I’ve visited 28 Hongkong Street more times than I thought I would that week.
Truth be told, I got a tiny bit of a high by the end of it. The same way alcohol made me feel, but more refreshed and with my wits about me. While I don’t think I could stay sober for the rest of October, I’m definitely not opposed to trying more zero-proof drinks from now on.
Singa-pour Drink Tour by Vegthiscity, $129 per person, private bookings are available