Singapore Bars Get Ready to Toast the Trump‑Kim Summit
On the brink of the historic meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong‑Un, Singapore’s nightlife scene is raising its glass—literally—by serving cocktails that celebrate the Korean spirit, soju.
Hopheads, a tapas hotspot flirting with Fat‑City vibes, has rolled out the “Bromance.” This playful libation blends Japanese Asahi black beer, a splash of diet Coke (Trump’s “favorite” on a very particular diet), tequila, and the rice‑based potion that Koreans proudly toast to their national drink.
- 150 ml Asahi black beer
- 60 ml diet Coke
- 20 ml tequila
- 30 ml soju
Because this one is meant for two—after all, “bromance” implies a pair of friends sharing a drink—it’s sold for S$19.90 (about US$14.89) for both parties. In case you’re wondering, Kim is probably sipping it with a hive of journalists, while Trump, who famously abstains from alcohol, may only be there for the handshake.
Manager Carlo Ibanez is shouting out a snazzy detail: a sticker featuring the two leaders in a little fishy pose accompanies the drink. After a sip, you’ll get a “world peace” sticker—because, apparently, a bit of hope sells best.
Meanwhile, the gastropub Escobar is not sitting idle. With the summit slated for June 12—a first for a North Korean leader and a sitting U.S. President—Escobar’s menu is draped with two special cocktails named “Trump” and “Kim.” The former is a cool, bourbon‑based blue drink, and the latter is a fiery red mix rooted in soju. Each costs S$12.60, a nod to the meeting date.
With journalists and foreign delegates flooding the island, the bars are capitalizing on a golden moment, hoping a splash of gin—or soju—might just stir up something good from this tense, historic summit.
Singapore’s Summit‑Spiced Cocktail Buzz
Name‑checks like “Kim” and “Trump” were just the start of the buzz at Escobar. The bar’s owner, Stan Sri Ganesh, has spun two equal‑measure stirs into the spotlight, promising a splash of flavor—and a dash of diplomacy—at the world’s biggest gathering of power‑hogs.
Balanced Libations, No Vein
“Everyone knows that one drink can make or break an evening,” says Ganesh. “So we mixed up five millilitres of every spirit—whiskey, rum, tequila, gin, and brandy—so no one can brag about being the strongest of the bunch.”
Why the Summit Calls for a Sip…
- Biggest event in recent history—proof that even briefs need a break.
- Business gains: the cocktails have already doubled foot traffic.
- Practical hospitality: delegates get a free first drink to unwind after tight talks.
A New Menu Staple?
Ganesh is eyeing a permanent spot for these mixes, turning a one‑off stunt into a staple. “If the crew can’t decide which is stronger, let’s keep the debate going with a perfectly balanced pour,” he jokes.
For the Press and Politicos
“We’re ready to host every delegate and media reporter in town. Their first drink is on the house,” Ganesh adds, with a twinkle in his eye. “Even the toughest negotiators deserve a calm‑down cocktail.”
