Drink up and chin up

SINGAPORE – “If my Valentine you won’t be, I’ll hang myself on your Christmas tree,” wrote Ernest Hemingway once. You don’t actually have to resort to that if you find yourself without a date on Valentine’s Day (or, as some people call it, Single Awareness Day). But you don’t have to feel alone — not when you can go out and have a good time in the company of a few good drinks – to commiserate or celebrate, depending on your romantic circumstances. Here is a quick list of where you can go to do just that.

#UnbreakMyHeart. This weekend, KPO is plying all members of the proverbial lonely hearts club with cocktails, specially created by The Horse’s Mouth. Great for guys, but even better for ladies: Special Valentine’s Day concotions Heart Mender (beer reduction, maple syrup and Spanish bitters) and Cupid’s Bow (gin, elderflower, rose water and Strongbow berries reduction) are free-flow for ladies (at selected times only). Other promos include draught beers are at S$8 a pop and Chandon bottles one-for-one – again during selected timings. Music will be provided by DJ Kenneth, but the best bit is that there is no cover charge.

Feb 13, 6pm to 3am at KPO Cafe Bar, 1 Killiney Rd. Contact: 6733 3648 (https://www.facebook.com/KPO.sg)

SHOTS & GIGGLES. Who would say no to free shots? Not us. At 5th quarter, they’re offering a free round of shots every hour. But of course, the best things in life aren’t really free. It’s all part of their Valentine’s dinner bash or rather, their anti-Valentine’s Day menu – specifically, a 10-course dinner put together by chef Drew Nocente (at S$98 per person) – although we won’t exactly recommend this for those who want some peace and quiet. They also have a one-for-one Cava deal for a group of four. So grab a few friends for this feast: All you and your friends need to remember is to eat slow.

Feb 14, 6.30pm at 5th Quarter, Hotel Vagabond, 39 Syed Alwi Road. Contact: 6291 1936 (http://5thquarter.com.sg/menu/antivday2016.pdf)

HEARTS GO LOCO. Lucha Loco – its name means “crazy fight” in Spanish – is once again holding its defiantly anti-Valentine’s Day party, called Hearts Go Loco. “Last year’s Hearts Go Loco party was off the hook and the kissing booth saw plenty of action. This year we’re back with loads of singles games where we expect loads of random hook ups and plenty of Mad Mexican pashing!” the joint posted on Facebook post.

You can also expect complimentary tequila shots (while stocks last, so go early); whacking the “aggression-release therapy” pinata; Cupid’s Arrow Shots and something they call “hot steamy action” (which we don’t think is a serving of dim sum). There is no cover charge for the party. However with the amazing turnout last year, priority entrance will be given to registered guests – visit their Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com) to register.

Feb 13, 10pm at Lucha Loco, 15 Duxton Hill. Contact: 6226 3938

NO STRINGS ATTACHED. Okay, this event at Tanjong Beach Club has been subtitled Smack My Beach Up, so you know what you’ll be in for: Something naughty and something nice – with sun, sea and sand.

“Fly solo by the beach in bikini tops and hot shorts that your ex didn’t know to appreciate,” runs the club’s Facebook post. You get to play games such as Giant Twister, and get half-off bubbly (the price, not the drink itself). DJs Tyler Made and Shawn Livewire will provide the beats.

Feb 14, from noon onward at Tanjong Beach Club, 120 Tanjong Beach Walk, Sentosa. Contact: 9750 5323, www.tanjongbeachclub.com

SINGLED OUT. If you want a classy way to drown your sorrows, then you’ll want to make your way to the Bar & Billiard Room at Raffles Hotel. Here, the hotel has concocted “a different date” - no roses, no cards or candle-lit dinners. “Just you and your friends, in all their singleness,” said the hotel.

Cocktails served include some appropriately named concoctions such as Break Up!, Single Mingle and Forget Love; while special bar bites include Arancini (risotto balls), Crabmeat Cigars, Caramelized Iberico Spare Ribs and our favourite, Whisky Infused Chocolate Stones. We’re pretty sure these will salve any heartbreak you have.

Feb 13, 7pm at Bar & Billiard Room, Raffles Hotel. Contact: 6337 1886, https://m.facebook.com/BarBilliardRoom.

VALENTINE REBELLION. Best known for serving up “alternative cuts”, Dehasa – the name means “grasslands” in Spanish – has made a reputation for itself with its meats. They say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, so for this anti-Valentine’s Day event, they’re offering “culinary adultery”, with chef-owner Jean-Philippe Patruno whipping up nose-to-tail delicacies (rillette and cold meat platter) with cheese and sourdough bread, and the piece-de-resistance: A whole roast pig, served with homemade brioche buns and crackling pate. Oh, and there will be ice cold Estrella beer, wines and freshly made churros galore. Everything is free flow – for S$130 per person.

Feb 14, 2pm at Dehasa, 12 North Canal Road. Contact: 6221 7790 (https://www.facebook.com/events/696368577167280/)