San Francisco welcomes the return of AAPI Cocktail Week from May 25–29, 2025, bringing together Asian American and Pacific Islander heritage with hospitality innovation through a dazzling series of tastings, panels, pop-ups, and parties.
The week-long celebration honors the diverse contributions of the AAPI community to the cocktail and bar scene, both in the Bay Area and internationally. Organized by Kevin Diedrich—renowned mixologist and owner of the award-winning Pacific Cocktail Haven—the event features a rich lineup of immersive experiences that blend flavor, education, and cultural pride.
Now in its third year, AAPI Cocktail Week has expanded its influence with an impressive roster of global bartenders, culinary collaborators, and interactive experiences designed to celebrate culture through cocktails.
From Heritage to Hospitality
This year’s festivities launch with a grand opening party hosted at Pacific Cocktail Haven, one of San Francisco’s premier destinations for elevated drinks with an Asian twist. The event features an exclusive guest appearance by bartenders from Singapore’s world-famous Jigger & Pony, currently ranked among Asia’s 50 Best Bars.
“This week is about more than drinks—it’s about storytelling, honoring our roots, and redefining what hospitality looks like through an AAPI lens,” said Diedrich. “We’ve curated events that not only showcase incredible talent but also open space for dialogue and appreciation.”
Each evening during the week will spotlight a different aspect of AAPI culture, from flavors and techniques to cross-cultural collaboration and innovation.
Not-to-Miss Highlights
The schedule is packed with standout experiences, including:
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Sunset Boat Luau: A tropical-themed cruise offering tiki cocktails, traditional Pacific Islander dance performances, and breathtaking views of the San Francisco Bay at dusk.
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“Fastest Hands in the West” Competition: A speed bartending showdown where local mixologists compete under timed pressure, judged on technique, accuracy, and creativity.
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Pandan Party: A themed tasting event centered around pandan, a sweet and aromatic plant widely used in Southeast Asian cuisine. Bartenders will present inventive drinks highlighting its distinctive flavor profile.
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Educational Panels: Daytime discussions exploring topics such as cultural representation in mixology, building inclusive bar programs, and entrepreneurship within the AAPI community.
Community, Culture, and Cocktails
AAPI Cocktail Week’s mission extends beyond the bar. Its goal is to create a platform where hospitality professionals of AAPI descent can be celebrated, heard, and empowered. This year’s programming includes mentorship sessions, spotlight talks from industry veterans, and networking events for up-and-coming bartenders and chefs.
“The bar is a stage for expression,” said visiting bartender and educator Monica Kang from Los Angeles. “When you infuse cultural pride into your work, people don’t just taste your drink—they feel your story.”
Kang will join a panel on “Crafting Identity Through Cocktails,” alongside other acclaimed names in the hospitality industry who blend traditional ingredients with modern techniques.
Closing in Style at Thrive City’s Night Market
The week wraps up on a high note with the Night Market at Splash, hosted in San Francisco’s Thrive City. This grand finale transforms the plaza into a vibrant marketplace featuring offerings from 25 of the Bay Area’s most beloved bars and restaurants.
Attendees can sip signature cocktails while sampling bites from Michelin-recommended eateries, all while enjoying live music and cultural performances. It’s the ultimate expression of community and collaboration—a night where culinary artistry and cultural heritage come together in every sip.
A Growing Movement with National Appeal
Though rooted in San Francisco, AAPI Cocktail Week is sparking similar events in cities like Los Angeles, New York, and Seattle, indicating growing national interest in celebrating cultural intersections within the hospitality world.
Kevin Diedrich hopes the momentum will continue to inspire other cities to launch similar celebrations: “We’ve seen firsthand how meaningful this platform is, and we hope more communities find ways to uplift the voices of AAPI professionals in food and beverage.”
Why It Matters
As conversations around diversity and inclusion in hospitality evolve, events like AAPI Cocktail Week play a crucial role in expanding the narrative. They give space to stories often left untold—stories of immigrants, descendants, and trailblazers who have shaped the tastes and experiences of American nightlife.
It’s not just about mixing drinks. It’s about mixing history, culture, and craft into something entirely new—and entirely authentic.
