A couple of years ago, we were just happy to be able to afford a bottle of wine at a restaurant (thank you Wine Connection) or find the odd bottle of Beerlao Dark. Oh, how Bangkok’s grown! From craft beers to ever-more-exciting bar nibbles and boutique wines, drinking has never been quite this fun. So here, we present you with the 28 reasons why we haven’t gone sober in weeks.

1. A multitude of places now serving an amazing selection of craft beer.

Where Bangkok used to be a veritable desert for decent beers it’s now experiencing a flood of amazing global craft options. You can now enjoy Rogue and Anderson Valley from America, the punk-inspired ales and bitters of Brewdog from Scotland, Hitachino from Japan, fresh draught offerings from Brewerkz in Singapore and a whole range of options like Norrebo Bryghus and Skovlyst from Denmark at venues all over the city. Top spots to imbibe this welcome trend include Brew Beers and Cider (G/F, Seenspace, Thonglor Soi 13, 02-185-2366), Smith (1/8 Sukhumvit Soi 49, 02-261-0515-6), Beerology (2/F, Crystal Design Center, Praditmanoontham Rd., 081-553-1718), Beerosophy 101 (1/F, Mega Bangna, Bang Na-Trat Km.8, 081-085-4876), BeerVault (Four Points by Sheraton, Sukhumvit Soi 15, 02-309-3000) and Niche Beer Ville (482 Praditmanoontham Rd., 02-515-1232-3, see #24).

2. A man who can make cocktails based on your mood.

Not sure if you’re thirsty for a Sidecar or a Manhattan? Just tell Italian mixologist Mirko Gardelliano how fast you’d like to get smashed, your favorite color or the state of your relationship and he’ll conjure up a unique recipe on the spot to mend your heart, wake you up or mellow you out. From B200-B450. Water Library Thonglor. The Grass Thonglor, 264/1 Thonglor Rd., 02-714-9292-3. ww.mywaterlibrary.com. Open Mon-Sat 6pm-1am.

3. Hop on the Riesling bandwagon.

The global buzz over Riesling wine seems to have only just reached Thailand’s shores. “Riesling is always neglected, but it’s actually the perfect pairing with Thai food and the climate here. The weather in our country does not suit sipping shiraz,” says Worasin Pintong, a Riesling importer (www.itsriesling.com) who brings over about 30 selections from Europe and recommends Saar Riesling (B1,080) and Donnhoff's Niederhaeuser Hermannshoehle GG Riesling (B3,280). His wines are available at places like Okura, Erawan Hyatt, Honmono or In the Mood for Love.

4. Ya dong at a proper bar.

While Thai food has been the hottest thing on the dining scene for a while now, it’s taken Badmotel to bring a touch of street-style drinking to a bar. Try the Never Say Never (B220), which is pink Hale’s Blue Boy milk mixed with rum and served with dessert condiments like sweet corn, grass jelly and coconut jelly or the Bad Company (B220), their homemade ya dong served with honey and pickled grape. Next to J-Avenue, Sukhumvit Soi 55 (between Thonglor Soi 15 and 17), 02-712-7288. Open daily 5pm-1am.

5. A drinking establishment with actual secret passageways.

For all the prohibition chic trends, the latest bar by Ashley Sutton (Iron Fairies, Fat Gut’z) is the first to actually deliver on the era’s best feature (no, not moonshine). With a not-so-secret-now-that-we’re-telling-you passageway running around the main room, Maggie Choo’s is the perfect spot to play cards, run from the law or hide from your jealous ex. Cocktails from B340. Beer B165. Whisky from B240 a glass. Underground of Hotel Novotel Bangkok Fenix Silom, 320 Silom Rd., 02-635-6055. Open daily 6pm-1am.

6. Irresistible nibbles to go with a sake tasting.

Get to Ogu Ogu from 5-7pm when you can get three draft beers for B390 or, even better, order three different sake (B550 for three 150ml carafes, B990 after 7pm) served with nibbles like lotus chips and edamame; a great introduction to their lengthy and well-annotated sake list. We also like their martinis (B250), which still taste like the real deal despite the addition of creative ingredients like yuzu sake. G/F, Park Ventures Ecoplex, 57 Witthayu (Wireless) Rd., 02-108-2255. BTS Ploenchit. Opening Mon-Thu 11:30am-10pm; Fri-Sun 11:30am-midnight.

7. Awesome bar food that fills you up.

The Flow boys may be justifiably famous for their stiff cocktails, particularly their clean executions of classics like the Negroni or dry Martini (B295). But it's Hyde & Seek’s short menu of tasty nibbles that keep us from falling off our bar stools, particularly the crispy tapenade toast with a touch of ricotta cheese (B295). Athenee Residence, 65/1 Soi Ruam Rudee, 02-168-5152-3. Open daily 11am-1am

8. Cigars and whisky without the stuffiness.

It’s hard to beat the twin pleasures of puffing on a big fat Perdomo cigar from Nicaragua (cigars range from B400-B1,200) while sipping a 14-year-old single malt from the Bowmore distillery on the Isle of Islay, perched up in the North of Scotland (B810 for a shot, B7,500 for a bottle). And now with the opening of Whisgars, sat at the back of long-term Italian restuarant Giusto on Soi 23, you don’t have to don a three-piece suit or belong to a member’s club to enjoy such decadent delights. 3/1 Sukhumvit Soi 23, 02-661-3220. whisgars.com. Open daily 12pm-midnight

9. Free bubbles! Yes, you read that right—sorry guys, this is one for the ladies only.

Just head to the Facebook page of the uber-hip W Hotel and click “like.” Then head down to their glamorous muay Thai meets glam rock-inspired Woo Bar to get free-flow sparkling wine from 7-10pm every Wednesday until the end of June. Guys, don’t get too downhearted: they do a deal on potent bowl-sized G&Ts (B200) for you on Thursdays, too. 106 North Sathorn Rd., 02-344-4000. BTS Chongnonsi. Open daily 9am-midnight

10. Drinking from a real absinthe fountain.

Le Derriere’s delightfully convincing art nouveau French décor evokes Toulouse Lautrec paintings—and the accompanying syphilis and dementia. The iced water dripped over a sugar cube into a large, chiseled glass of absinthe, B350-690. Probably the best selection and service in town. Get in through Q Bar, 34 Sukhumvit Soi 11, 02-252-5366. BTS Nana. Open daily 9pm-3am

11. Cheap wine, stunning views.

There still aren’t that many places where you can enjoy a good selection of affordable wines in this town. There are even less that offer such a high-end vibe as Scarlett, which sits atop the stylish Pullman Bangkok Hotel G. Bottles start from B790 and there’s a long choice by the glass from B150-B270. You’ll need to get there early, though, if you want to snag one of the coveted couches out on the gorgeous terrace. 37/F, Pullman Bangkok Hotel G, 188 Silom Rd. 02-238-1991. Open daily 6pm-1am

12. Very, very happy hour deals at an old favorite.

It's not new but there are still few things better than getting pleasantly sloshed on a huge and potent bowl of mojito during the two-for-one-happy hour (5-8pm) deal at Tuba while snacking on their to-die-for larb moo tord (deep-fried pork with herbs, B160) amid all the retro bric a brac. 34 Ekkamai Soi 21, Sukhumvit Rd., 02-711-5500. Open daily 11am-midnight.

13. A range of classic English ales to be enjoyed al fresco.

Those who have visited England in the summertime will know it’s hard to beat quaffing a pint of ale outdoors at night. Brew, Beers and Ciders (from B220) lets you sample bottled versions of classics like the rich and bitter London Pride or the light and refreshing Abbot Ale, while sat in the dreaming-of-English-country beer garden and staring at the pretty Thonglorites in the courtyard at Seenspace. G/F, Seen Space, Thonglor Soi 13, 02-185-2366. Open daily 4pm-2am

14. Indulging in late night self-service.

Grabbing a bottle of Tiger you really don't need from the fridge before turning to discuss the merits of the blurry 80s MV on-screen with the random creature of the night stood next to you at the infamous late-night drinking den Wong's Place. 27/3 Soi Sribamphen, Rama 4 Rd., 081-901-0235. Open daily 10pm-very late

15. Sampling some free ice.

No, we don’t mean crystal methamphetamine but the delicious and refreshing Print Ginger Mush slushie (vodka, ginger and lime, B220) offered as a complimentary taster at the chill little new Thonglor venue Print Bar. Opposite Ei8ht Thonglor, 159/10 Thonglor Rd., 085-782-1866. Open Mon-Sat 6pm-1:30am

16. Free popcorn and top tunes with beer.

It’s been around forever but we often find ourselves returning to old favorite Shades of Retro. Tucked down a tiny soi away from the bright lights of Thonglor, its eclectic knick-knack-filled décor, laidback vibe and friendly staff all make it a great chill spot to knock back a cold one while munching on their moreish complementary popcorn. Thonglor Soi 18,  02-174-9450 / 081-824-8011. Open daily 3pm-1am

17. Seeing fairies in a big top.

OK, this can happen to anyone who is drunk enough, but new bar The Circus at CDC guarantees it, with their full-on carnival theme—right down to the staff who don a whole host of Barnum and Bailey-style outfits. They also boast an impressive variety of absinthe (starting from B220) to enjoy either as part of a cocktail or on ice, as God intended, to help ensure a surreal but fun evening. Room Phase 2, CDC, Praditmanoontham Rd., 081-869-9393. Open Tue-Sun 6pm-2am

18. Two star bartenders under one roof.

Karn Liangsrisuk of Escapade Burgers & Shakes recently welcomed former Hyde & Seek crew member Nawin Phimonrat to add even more inspiration to their drinks. That's a lot of top talent behind one single bar. 112 Phra Arthit Rd., 081-406-3773. Open Tue-Sun 4pm-midnight

19. Getting blissfully lost in a wine cellar—or three.

Cellar 11 is very serious about their wine, with three dedicated rooms: the Moët & Chandon Grand Champagne Cellar, Penfolds Grange and the Allegrini Amarone. It’s one of the few places recommended by Joe Sriwarin, President of the Thailand Sommelier Association. “I recently visited Cellar 11 and I like the style and concept—it’s a cool place, but be prepared to spend big,” he says. There are a choice more than 1,000 wines, including 32 test bottles, and they also claim to have the largest Enomatic wine dispensing system in Thailand. 71/1 Sukhumvit Soi 11, 086-990-8642, 02-255-5833-5. Open daily 6pm-midnight.

20. Awesome views from the men’s toilet.

We love D’Sens and its adjoining bar—superb service, amazing food, a stylish décor­ —but we have to admit the most fun bit is spending a penny at the men’s urinal while enjoying the spectacular view of the park. Even better is their current deal which runs until the end of June and offers daily buy-one-get-one-free on beer, wine, spirits, whisky and cocktails (6-8pm). 22/F Dusit Thani Hotel, 946 Rama 4 Rd., 02-200-9000. MRT Silom. BTS Sala Daeng. Open daily 9pm-1am

21. Pisco Sours and beef heart skewers under the stars.

It’s hard enough getting a proper version of this typical Peruvian cocktail (B270-B350), but Above Eleven serves it up with a breathtaking view and some of our favorite bar food in town thrown in. If beef heart’s not your thing, try the ceviches (B450) or the Peruvian-influenced Japanese fare. 33/F, Fraser Suites Sukhumvit, 38/8 Sukhumvit Soi 11, 083-542-1111. Open daily 6pm-2am

22. Boutique wine labels you can afford.

Film director by day, Jay Boccia just opened the gorgeous Bellino Wine Room & Boutique, which sports a décor inspired by the Italian island of Capri. They directly import around 50 labels of wines from many small vineyards at reasonable prices (some even cheaper than Villa Market!); for example, you can get a bottle of Bottega DOCG Prosecco at B600 or ask for the 2009 Rocca Frassinello Le Sughere (B2,160) that Boccia boasts is highly ranked by Wine Spectator magazine. This tiny spot also serves up a few tapas and Italian dishes, which Boccia likes to cooks at home, such as the delicious caprese salad (fresh mozzarella with olives and tomato, B350). M Place Mall, Thonglor Soi 13, 02-712-5446. Open Mon-Sat 12pm till late

23. Shockingly unaffordable wines from boutique importers.

Even with all the cheap wine flowing into Bangkok, we still have nothing against those fortunate enough to afford a B20,000 bottle of Domaine Bonneau du Martray, Corton Charlemagne Grand Cru. “It's one of the best white wines in the world!” enthuses Wisan Pijitbandan, a boutique importer (www.terroirwines.co.th) whose darling wine can now be found at Okura,  57 Wireless Rd., 02-687-9000.

24. An endless list of brews.

One of the founding members of the Beer Lovers in Thailand community, Prasert “Geng” Sritaborvornpaiboon, furthered his passion by opening the massive Niche Beer Ville. With a European village theme, the venue offers a wonderful variety of imported beers, including all the now-expected craft ones, as well as unusual pop-up promotions (like free beers for Arsenal fans when the team wins). They plan to run a home brew school soon, too. 482 Praditmanoontham Rd., 02-515-1232-3. Open daily 4pm-midnight

25. Hangin' where the hipster squeaks.

If you like your drinking soundtrack a bit grittier, head to the music-centric hipster haunt, Moose. Brought to you by the team behind Cosmic Café and Sonic, this place is all about mashing together retro-chic décor, good music (from Britpop, 60s-80s rock and some electro-pop) and spicy gab gleam (Thai snacks to go with drinks). Drop by for their daily happy hour deal of buy-one-get-one-free on house wine, Asahi draught and classic cocktails from 5-8pm. 24 Ekkamai Soi 21, 02-108-9550. Open daily 5pm-1am.

26. Rooftop happy hours and DJs.

Drop by the Japanese-themed Kinki on Mon-Sat 6-9pm for their happy hour buy-one-get-one-free deals including sake and shochu. Despite only modest views of the Sukhumvit skyline, this new rooftop venue makes for an airy urban escape, plus there are loads of regular DJ events, as their Facebook page (tiny.cc/midcww) attests. 6/F, Rainhill, Sukhumvit Soi 47, 02-261-7204. Open daily 6pm-midnight.

27. Watching the big game with German sausages.

Originally from Singapore, the sport-friendly Brotzeit German Bier Bar and Restaurant just landed in Bangkok with, you guessed it, a big focus on German cuisine. Get a good seat in front of one of the big outdoor screens to catch the football match and try the tafelspitz (boiled beef with apple horseradish sauce, B440) and leg ham with emmentaler cheese (B280), all washed down with five different kinds of Paulaner draught beer (B250 for 0.5 liter). Thonglor Soi 10, 081-920-5929. Open daily 12pm-midnight

28. Seasonal cocktails and tapas by a top chef.

Le Beaulieu made Top Tables 2013 ('s Top 10) and you can now get Chef Herve Frerard's culinary magic in bite-sized portions, as adjoining bar LB Terrasse has finally rolled out a complete tapas menu which sounds amazing (and very, very French): mini andouillette sausages, croquettes made with Epoisse cheese, black olive tapenade and a dozen more such treats (B180-350, with cold cuts from B750-990). The cocktails ain't bad either, with a seasonal menu which currently features such delectations as the refreshing LB Cucumber Martini (B295). G/F, Athenee Office Tower, 63 Witthayu (Wireless) Rd., 02-168-8220-3. www.le-beaulieu.com. Open Tue-Sun 11:30am-2:30pm, 6:30-11:30pm

29. Sipping one of the world’s most exclusive beers.

Jakob Rasmussen, the guy behind beer importer Hopsession, will tell you a good beer deserves a proper place at the dining table. Introduced with a special beer pairing dinner at hip gastro bar Little Beast (44/9-10 Thonglor Soi 13 02-185-2670), the beers of Bøgedal Bryghus, a small farm-cum-craft brewery in rural Denmark, are produced without the use of pumps, machines or temperature control, in tiny of batches of 350-700 bottles. Cheap it ain’t, at B1,500 a 75cl bottle, but the results are unpasteurized and unhomogenized goodness that’s to be savored like a wine. You’ll have to be quick, though, Hopsession only has 1,500 bottles to sell per year. Bøgedal is also available at: BREW Beers & Ciders, Admirals Pub and White Beer'd.