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Independent Singapore
4 days ago
- Business
- Independent Singapore
Brews over booze: Singapore Gen Z parties sober but high on caffeine
Photo: Instagram/ SINGAPORE: The high once associated with liquor at parties has now shifted to specialty coffee brewing in pubs in the city-state, as they adapt to Gen Z's changing preference for safe spaces and alcohol-free experiences, AFP reported. In May, a GlobalData survey showed that Singapore pubs have been winning over the younger generation with non-alcoholic drinks and unique experiences amid the drop in alcohol consumption while socialising, from 78% in 2021 to 74% in early 2025. One recent example was a daytime party held in Duxton district. By 4 p.m., the place was already full, with baristas busy behind the counters making specialty coffee while DJs spun back-to-back sets in the background. The event was organised by Beans and Beats, co-founded by 21-year-old Aden Low, which organises coffee parties at different venues. He said, 'A lot of people think alcohol gives you the high, but caffeine sometimes can do that too,' adding that's why the atmosphere is still 'quite energetic'. Guests sip their coffee from white paper cups while dancing to curated music. Thirty-one-year-old Esther Low, who attended the event in Duxton, said, 'It's also the idea that this is a safe space,' noting that clubbing often comes with a hook-up culture. 'So, for me, that's personally why I would prefer this,' she added. AFP reported, citing a 2024 World Health Organisation (WHO) report, that alcohol use among young adults has dropped, based on population surveys and cohort studies. The rise of the 'sober curious' movement, where people choose to cut back on drinking or quit altogether, has also grown—often driven by health reasons and better mental acuity. /TISG Read also: Gen Z and Millennials are confident in spotting scams, yet are the first to jump into new investments
The Star
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
Coffee and beats: Sober clubbing is a fresh brew for Gen Z in Singapore
A barrista preparing coffee drinks at an alcohol-free clubbing event in Singapore. Swaying to dance music and TikTok-fuelled pop under a disco ball, young punters are packed shoulder to shoulder while sipping on coffee, their energy powered by pour-overs rather than pints. — Photo by Roslan RAHMAN / AFP Swaying to dance music and TikTok-fuelled pop under a disco ball, young punters are packed shoulder to shoulder while sipping on coffee, their energy powered by pour-overs rather than pints. This is no underground rave, nor a brunch gone wild. It's a caffeine-powered daytime clubbing sesh – part of a growing wave of alcohol-free, Gen Z-driven events gaining traction in Singapore and elsewhere in the world. At a recent event in Singapore's trendy Duxton district, the space was jammed by 4:00 pm, with baristas churning out fancy coffees and DJs spinning back-to-back sets. The crowd grooved with energy, even without the usual liquid courage. Attendees listening to music while drinking coffee at an alcohol-free clubbing event in Singapore. "A lot of people think alcohol gives you the high, but caffeine sometimes can do that too," said Aden Low, 21, co-founder of Beans and Beats which organises coffee raves at different venues. "That's why the atmosphere at our events tends to be quite energetic." The parties blend curated music with specialty coffee served in white paper cups. The vibe is light, friendly and very Gen Z. "It's also the idea that this is a safe space," said Esther Low, 31, who was at the event in Duxton. "When you go to a club setting, there's usually this underlying intention to hook up. So, for me, that's personally why I would prefer this." People mingling over coffee drinks at an alcohol-free clubbing event in Singapore. Several reports say Gen Z is chugging fewer pints than previous generations, with the sober curious movement gaining popularity on social media. Sober curious people cut back on drinking or abstain altogether, often citing health reasons and better mental acuity. "Changes in alcohol use have been observed in population surveys and cohort studies. Generally, alcohol use among young adults has decreased," the World Health Organization said in a 2024 report. Club culture update From London to Los Angeles and Melbourne, similar coffee raves have swept up the social scene, appealing to young partygoers who also want to avoid hangovers. Ashley Chean, a Singaporean student who has been alcohol-free for a year, said she appreciates these sober gatherings. "When I lived in Paris, I realised I had a lot of alcoholic tendencies and I didn't want that to be my lifestyle," the 20-year-old told AFP. "More and more of my friends are sober or sober curious." The coffee clubbing events are usually held in cafes and other spaces such as rooftop bars – as long as there's room for DJs and baristas to do their thing while people dance. The parties typically end by late afternoon, just in time for golden hour selfies. People mingling over coffee drinks at an alcohol-free clubbing event in Singapore. Besides the health benefits of avoiding alcohol, the events appeal to cost-conscious youth in Singapore, one of the most expensive cities in the world. The excess drinking and hard-partying ways of Gen X – fuelled by anthems like the Beastie Boys' "Fight for Your Right (to Party)" and hip-hop videos glamorising club culture – are fading for members of Gen Z. While organisers don't see Singapore's glitzy nightlife and clubbing being replaced, they hope their combination of beats and brews will keep the dance floor buzzing. "As long as we bring the vibes, we'll be OK," said Ashley. – Satish Cheney/AFP
Free Malaysia Today
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Free Malaysia Today
Sober clubbing brews fresh beat for Singapore's Gen Z
A barista preparing coffee drinks at an alcohol-free clubbing event in Singapore. (AFP pic) SINGAPORE : Swaying to dance music and TikTok-fuelled pop under a disco ball, young punters are packed shoulder to shoulder while sipping on coffee, their energy powered by pour-overs rather than pints. This is no underground rave, nor a brunch gone wild. It's a caffeine-powered daytime clubbing sesh – part of a growing wave of alcohol-free, Gen Z-driven events gaining traction in Singapore and elsewhere in the world. At a recent event in Singapore's trendy Duxton district, the space was jammed by 4:00 pm, with baristas churning out fancy coffees and DJs spinning back-to-back sets. The crowd grooved with energy, even without the usual liquid courage. 'A lot of people think alcohol gives you the high, but caffeine sometimes can do that too,' said Aden Low, 21, co-founder of Beans and Beats which organises coffee raves at different venues. 'That's why the atmosphere at our events tends to be quite energetic.' The parties blend curated music with specialty coffee served in white paper cups. The vibe is light, friendly and very Gen Z. 'It's also the idea that this is a safe space,' said Esther Low, 31, who was at the event in Duxton. 'When you go to a club setting, there's usually this underlying intention to hook up. So, for me, that's personally why I would prefer this.' Several reports say Gen Z is chugging fewer pints than previous generations, with the sober curious movement gaining popularity on social media. Sober curious people cut back on drinking or abstain altogether, often citing health reasons and better mental acuity. 'Changes in alcohol use have been observed in population surveys and cohort studies. Generally, alcohol use among young adults has decreased,' the World Health Organisation said in a 2024 report. Club culture update From London to Los Angeles and Melbourne, similar coffee raves have swept up the social scene, appealing to young partygoers who also want to avoid hangovers. Ashley Chean, a Singaporean student who has been alcohol-free for a year, said she appreciates these sober gatherings. 'When I lived in Paris, I realised I had a lot of alcoholic tendencies and I didn't want that to be my lifestyle,' the 20-year-old told AFP. 'More and more of my friends are sober or sober curious.' The coffee clubbing events are usually held in cafes and other spaces such as rooftop bars – as long as there's room for DJs and baristas to do their thing while people dance. The parties typically end by late afternoon, just in time for golden hour selfies. Besides the health benefits of avoiding alcohol, the events appeal to cost-conscious youth in Singapore, one of the most expensive cities in the world. The excess drinking and hard-partying ways of Gen X – fuelled by anthems like the Beastie Boys' 'Fight for Your Right (to Party)' and hip-hop videos glamorising club culture – are fading for members of Gen Z. While organisers don't see Singapore's glitzy nightlife and clubbing being replaced, they hope their combination of beats and brews will keep the dance floor buzzing. 'As long as we bring the vibes, we'll be OK,' said Ashley.
Express Tribune
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Singapore's Gen Z swaps pints for pour-overs
Swaying to dance music and TikTok-fuelled pop under a disco ball, young punters are packed shoulder to shoulder while sipping on coffee, their energy powered by pour-overs rather than pints, reported AFP. This is no underground rave, nor a brunch gone wild. It's a caffeine-powered daytime clubbing sesh - part of a growing wave of alcohol-free, Gen Z-driven events gaining traction in Singapore and elsewhere in the world. At a recent event in Singapore's trendy Duxton district, the space was jammed by 4PM, with baristas churning out fancy coffees and DJs spinning back-to-back sets. The crowd grooved with energy, even without the usual liquid courage. "A lot of people think alcohol gives you the high, but caffeine sometimes can do that too," said Aden Low, 21, co-founder of Beans and Beats which organises coffee raves at different venues. "That's why the atmosphere at our events tends to be quite energetic." The parties blend curated music with specialty coffee served in white paper cups. The vibe is light, friendly and very Gen Z. "It's also the idea that this is a safe space," said Esther Low, 31, who was at the event in Duxton. "When you go to a club setting, there's usually this underlying intention to hook up. So, for me, that's personally why I would prefer this." Several reports say Gen Z is chugging fewer pints than previous generations, with the sober curious movement gaining popularity on social media. Sober curious people cut back on drinking or abstain altogether, often citing health reasons and better mental acuity. "Changes in alcohol use have been observed in population surveys and cohort studies. Generally, alcohol use among young adults has decreased," the World Health Organisation said in a 2024 report. Club culture update From London to Los Angeles and Melbourne, similar coffee raves have swept up the social scene, appealing to young partygoers who also want to avoid hangovers. Ashley Chean, a Singaporean student who has been alcohol-free for a year, said she appreciates these sober gatherings. "When I lived in Paris, I realised I had a lot of alcoholic tendencies and I didn't want that to be my lifestyle," the 20-year-old told AFP. "More and more of my friends are sober or sober curious." The coffee clubbing events are usually held in cafes and other spaces such as rooftop bars – as long as there's room for DJs and baristas to do their thing while people dance. The parties typically end by late afternoon, just in time for golden hour selfies. Besides the health benefits of avoiding alcohol, the events appeal to cost-conscious youth in Singapore, one of the most expensive cities in the world. The excess drinking and hard-partying ways of Gen X - fuelled by anthems like the Beastie Boys' Fight for Your Right (to Party) and hip-hop videos glamorising club culture - are fading for members of Gen Z. While organisers don't see Singapore's glitzy nightlife and clubbing being replaced, they hope their combination of beats and brews will keep the dance floor buzzing. "As long as we bring the vibes, we'll be OK," said Ashley.
Japan Times
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Japan Times
Sober clubbing brews fresh beat for Singapore's Gen Z
Swaying to dance music and TikTok-fueled pop under a disco ball, young punters are packed shoulder to shoulder while sipping on coffee, their energy powered by pour-overs rather than pints. This is no underground rave, nor a brunch gone wild. It's a caffeine-powered daytime clubbing sesh — part of a growing wave of alcohol-free, Gen Z-driven events gaining traction in Singapore and elsewhere in the world. At a recent event in Singapore's trendy Duxton district, the space was jammed by 4 p.m., with baristas churning out fancy coffees and DJs spinning back-to-back sets. The crowd grooved with energy, even without the usual liquid courage. "A lot of people think alcohol gives you the high, but caffeine sometimes can do that too," says Aden Low, 21, co-founder of Beans and Beats, which organizes coffee raves at different venues. "That's why the atmosphere at our events tends to be quite energetic." The parties blend curated music with specialty coffee served in white paper cups. The vibe is light, friendly and very Gen Z. "It's also the idea that this is a safe space," says Esther Low, 31, who was at the event in Duxton. "When you go to a club setting, there's usually this underlying intention to hook up. So, for me, that's personally why I would prefer this." Several reports say Gen Z is chugging fewer pints than previous generations, with the sober curious movement gaining popularity on social media. Sober curious people cut back on drinking or abstain altogether, often citing health reasons and better mental acuity. "Changes in alcohol use have been observed in population surveys and cohort studies. Generally, alcohol use among young adults has decreased," the World Health Organization said in a 2024 report. Barristas prepare drinks at one of Beans and Beats' coffee raves in Singapore's Duxton area. | AFP-JIJI From London to Los Angeles and Melbourne, similar coffee raves have swept up the social scene, appealing to young partygoers who also want to avoid hangovers. Ashley Chean, a Singaporean student who has been alcohol-free for a year, said she appreciates these sober gatherings. "When I lived in Paris, I realized I had a lot of alcoholic tendencies and I didn't want that to be my lifestyle," the 20-year-old says. "More and more of my friends are sober or sober curious." The coffee clubbing events are usually held in cafes and other spaces such as rooftop bars — as long as there's room for DJs and baristas to do their thing while people dance. The parties typically end by late afternoon, just in time for golden hour selfies. Besides the health benefits of avoiding alcohol, the events appeal to cost-conscious youth in Singapore, one of the most expensive cities in the world. The excess drinking and hard-partying ways of Gen X — fueled by anthems like the Beastie Boys' "Fight for Your Right (to Party)" and hip-hop videos glamorizing club culture — are fading for members of Gen Z. While organizers don't see Singapore's glitzy nightlife and clubbing being replaced, they hope their combination of beats and brews will keep the dance floor buzzing. "As long as we bring the vibes, we'll be OK," says Chean.
