In Singapore, caffeine is replacing cocktails as young people gather for daytime parties without alcohol. The trend reflects a global shift among Gen Z toward sober living, prioritizing health, safety, and connection.
Beneath a disco ball, young people sway to dance tracks and viral TikTok hits. But at this daytime party in Singapore, there’s not a single cocktail or pint in sight—just baristas serving freshly brewed coffee.
“People think alcohol gives you a buzz, but caffeine can hit just as hard,” says Aden Low, 21, co-founder of the Beans and Beats collective, which hosts events across Singapore combining coffee culture and club vibes.
At one such event in the trendy Duxton neighborhood, the space is packed by 4 p.m. The vibe is chill, upbeat, and unmistakably Gen Z—the generation born between the late 1990s and early 2010s.
No underground rave, no boozy brunch gone rogue—this is a clean, focused energy drawn from filter coffee served in plain white paper cups.
Daytime sober raves like these are part of a growing global trend, gaining traction not just in Singapore but in cities worldwide.
“The idea is also about feeling safe,” says Esther Low, 31.
“When you go to a club, there’s often this pressure to flirt. That’s why I prefer this—it’s relaxed and comfortable,” she explains.
Several studies, including a 2024 report from the World Health Organization (WHO), confirm that Gen Z drinks significantly less than older generations.
Health and Savings
The “sober curious” movement—referring to a growing interest in alcohol-free living—has taken off on social media.
Its followers cut back on alcohol or quit entirely to improve mental clarity and overall well-being.
In cities like London, Los Angeles, and Melbourne, events that mix partying with coffee are attracting young people looking to dodge hangovers and enjoy more mindful socializing.
Ashley Chean, a 20-year-old student in Singapore who’s been sober for a year, says she loves alcohol-free events.
“When I lived in Paris, I realized I had addictive tendencies around alcohol, and I didn’t want that to become a lifestyle,” she told AFP.
“Coffee raves,” often held in cafés or on rooftops, usually wind down by late afternoon—just in time for golden-hour selfies.
Beyond the health perks of staying sober, the events appeal to cost-conscious young adults in Singapore, one of the most expensive party scenes in the world.
The hard-partying habits of older millennials and Gen Xers—fueled by anthems like Fight for Your Right (to Party) by the Beastie Boys and flashy hip-hop videos—are slowly fading among Gen Z.
While organizers don’t expect nightclubs and bars to disappear, they’re carving out their own space in the scene.
“More and more of my friends are sober or trying to be,” says Ashley. “As long as we’ve got the vibe, we’re good.”
By Satish Cheney / AFP
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