Singapore’s cocktail crowd is about to get a rare taste of one of the world’s most celebrated bars, and it is happening for one night only.
On 8 May 2026, Cygnet Bar at QT Singapore will play host to Lorenzo Antinori, co-founder of Hong Kong’s Bar Leone, as the acclaimed bartender takes over the space from 6pm to 11pm. Bar Leone was named No. 1 on The World’s 50 Best Bars 2025, earning global attention for a hospitality style that feels refreshingly warm and deeply human.
In a bar world often obsessed with theatrics, Bar Leone has built its name on something far more inviting. Its spirit is rooted in the idea of the neighbourhood bar, the kind of place that feels easy, lively and familiar, yet still delivers serious craft in every glass.
At Cygnet, the atmosphere is expected to channel that same unmistakable energy. With Lorenzo himself behind the bar, the evening promises more than just a menu of well-made drinks. The cocktail line-up has been designed to reflect Bar Leone’s signature style, with six cocktails priced at S$26++ each. Expect a mix of familiar favourites and Singapore exclusives, each showcasing a different facet of the bar’s approach.
Among the signatures making an appearance is the Fig Leaf Negroni, a layered and elegant take on the Italian classic. It sounds familiar at first, but the fig leaf-infused vermouth introduces a more nuanced, aromatic profile that gives the drink a softer, more distinctive personality. It is the kind of cocktail that appeals to both seasoned Negroni drinkers and anyone curious about how subtle ingredients can reshape a classic.
Then there is the Olive Oil Sour, which feels very much in step with the modern appetite for texture-driven cocktails. Rich and expressive, it combines whisky, sherry and honey, with understated banana notes adding an unexpected roundness. It is indulgent without being heavy, and unusual without becoming gimmicky. That balance is not easy to strike, which is exactly why drinks like this have become part of Bar Leone’s appeal.
For those who prefer something darker and more bittersweet, Caffè Paradiso offers a more spirit-forward direction. Built with amaro, vermouth, and Discarded Banana Rum, it sounds like the kind of drink made for slow sipping and late-evening conversation. There is a certain old-world romance to it, but with enough modern edge to keep it firmly in the present.
What makes the Singapore event even more interesting, however, is the debut of three exclusive creations that will only be served here. These cocktails are built around Another Hendrick’s Gin, a new permanent expression from Hendrick’s launched in early 2026. Infused with orange blossom and cacao, it offers a brighter, more rounded interpretation of the brand’s familiar rose-and-cucumber base. That new profile becomes the foundation for a trio of drinks designed specifically for this event.
The Green & Gold Fizz sounds like the extrovert of the group. Fruit-forward and energetic, it features Milagro Tequila infused with yellow bell pepper, then layered with mango and passionfruit. It is the sort of drink that immediately conjures sunshine, movement and a little glamour, a cocktail that feels particularly at home in a tropical city like Singapore.
By contrast, Il Cacciatore leans savoury and herbaceous, with Another Hendrick’s Gin joined by mastiha and Mancino Bianco, and finished with cherry tomato. It feels more contemplative, more Mediterranean in mood, and likely to appeal to those who enjoy cocktails with a culinary twist. Savoury drinks can be divisive when poorly executed, but in the right hands, they can be some of the most memorable of the night.
The most delicate of the three may be the Pear & Shiso Gimlet, which brings together another Hendrick’s Gin, pear eau de vie, shiso liqueur and verjus. There is something especially elegant about this combination. It suggests a drink that is aromatic, restrained and quietly complex, the kind of cocktail that rewards attention rather than demanding it.
At Cygnet, the food will play an important supporting role, with a curated selection from the bar’s own menu available throughout the evening. Known for its New York-inspired bar dining, Cygnet will serve dishes designed for sharing, grazing, and sipping drinks without slowing the momentum of the night.
The line-up includes indulgent favourites like the lobster roll and jamón serrano bikini sandwich, alongside perennial crowd pleasers such as truffle fries and crispy karaage. Smaller bites, including seaweed popcorn and marinated olives, round out the offering, making it easy to settle in for the evening and stay longer than intended. It is exactly the kind of food menu that suits an event like this, elevated enough to feel special, but familiar enough to keep the mood relaxed.
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