Hundreds of young Vietnamese and foreigners gather in District 2, Ho Chi Minh City to enjoy new drinks and experience cocktail culture.
Nguyen Thanh Thao Nhi (21 years old), event manager at Saigon Outcast (District 2, Ho Chi Minh City), said this is the first time this complex has organized a cocktail festival. “Our side often organizes drink-related activities every Saturday, to provide a playground for young people to relax after hard working and studying days,” Thao Nhi shared. 
The event gathers many famous bars with young Saigonese and foreigners living in Ho Chi Minh City. Each stall offers signature drinks to introduce cocktail culture to young people. 
Not only enjoying new drinks, attendees also have the opportunity to experience the art space, interact with bartenders and immerse themselves in vibrant music. Many groups of young people showed up early to enjoy the festive atmosphere. 
Festivals and events related to food and music always attract a large number of participants. This is also a favorite destination of young people on weekends. 
According to Huynh Trang (30 years old), owner of a bar in District 1, every cocktail has its own story. Today, she and the bartenders want to talk about Vietnamese culture through the bar’s signature cocktails. “The highlight that I bring to this festival is the Can cocktail. This dish is made from can wine of our country, combined with foreign wines, aromatic juices, lemons and proprietary syrups. All are skillfully blended to retain the special flavor of Vietnam, “said Ms. Trang. 
The main ingredient of a cocktail usually has a base alcohol, flavoring agent, colorant and garnish. However, not all cocktails follow this rule. Sometimes, bartenders can create finished products based on inspiration from their own stories, emotions or customers. 
Cocktails often show the personality and taste of the barterder and the diners. To create a new drink, bartenders have to choose from many different ingredients. 
“The formula to create a ‘work’ that is unique to me is improvisation. In a certain moment, try to pour this, taste that, and accidentally create a new dish of water. I participate in this festival with the main spirit of fun, creating an environment for everyone to chat and entertain,” said Peter (24 years old), bartender of a bar in Binh Thanh district. 
Nhat Anh (24 years old, Binh Thanh district) came here with foreign friends. She often participates in women’s beverage events. “I just tried a glass of Saigon Mule, the taste is a bit sweet and a bit sour of mango flavor. I focus more on the taste of the cocktail. Because for me, the word taste will lead to the story”, the young guest told Zing. 
As for Hoang Minh Thu (19 years old), the cocktail will be more delicious when it contains the meaning and the message behind. She often goes to complexes in District 2 on weekends to have fun and make friends.
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