Meet 3 excellent mixologists from hotel cocktail bars in Asia

By Nathalie Baylaucq 24.03.2020

In Asia, these excellent mixologists prepare innovative cocktails in the bars of the Marriott hotel chain. We present them to you here.

Ilhan Beser, Yao rooftop and bar, Bangkok

Bartender since 2003, Ilhan Beser has prepared cocktails for major hotels such as JW Marriott, Mandarin Oriental, St. Regis, and The-Ritz Carlton. This experience has taken him around the world to countries such as Turkey, Thailand and Dubai, and cities such as Hong Kong and Doha. He is currently the head bartender of the rooftop bar Yào, in the heart of Bangkok’s financial district.

His favorite ingredients are tropical fruits. Mixing with honey is also one of his favorite combinations with passion fruit. Besides, they go very well with Asian herbs like ginger and coriander.

For him, there is no limit to the mixologist’s profession. “We are alchemists in the millennium era,” he tells Lifestyle Asia. Creating the perfect cocktail only needs the harmony of the ingredients. His favorite and personal cocktail is the “Shanghai, The City “Upon the Sea” ‘. Made from flowers and rubs, white rum, lychee liqueur, butterfly flower, and lemon juice. All mixed with ice.

Oscar Mena, Ozone, Hong Kong

The highest bar in the world, Ozone, is at the Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong. Behind the bar, Oscar Mena, born in Mexico, has been bringing his passion here every day since he arrived here last summer in 2018. Previously, he worked in London at Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club, Sushi Samba London, Scarfes Bar in Rosewood London and COYA Mayfair.

Her favorite ingredient is herbs. For him these add a significant touch to any drink, or dish. As simple as a tasty taste or a fragrance.

Lately he invented a cocktail called Wood. His personalized cocktail. This drink is round, a little smoky, as it adds agave spirits as the main ingredient. Also, he ages the cocktail for 50 days in a barrel. It uses, mezcal, tequila, Fernet Hunter, sweet vermouth, and a touch of chocolate bitters.

Rie Hidaka, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Tokyo, Tokyo

At The Bar, Rie Hidaka likes to offer whisky and gin-based cocktails that make tea infusions. She usually makes tea bitters and tea syrups to achieve this.

Hidaka, enjoys her profession very much creating new cocktails and watching the guests taste with a smile.

The Japanese mixologist, creates her personalized cocktail called Hilly Training. She was inspired by the natural beauty of the Yarra Valley to make it. “I wanted to introduce the landscape, the atmosphere, and the smell of Healesville.” The cocktail contains Four Pillars Rare Dry Gin, homemade botanical cordial and matcha powder.

Don’t drink and drive. Enjoy responsibly.