The Hong Kong bars and bartenders pouring at Tatler Cocktail Festival 2023

J Frank, a mixologist with a background as creative as the cocktails he crafts, has found a kindred spirit in Nishant Vargas, a Hong Kong native with a zeal for warm hospitality and inventive drinks, underscored by a rock ‘n’ roll ethos. Frank’s artistic approach to mixology, sharpened in London, meets Vargas’s dynamism and award-winning finesse for a narrative-rich experience where aged spirits and the transformative power of time and nature are encapsulated in each glass.

As the creative force behind The Aubrey’s distinguished cocktail program, Devender Sehgal brings with him a mastery and fervour for shochu that have made him an instrumental figure in the elevation of this Japanese spirit in the city, helping to earn him the title of Bartender of the Year at the Tatler Dining Bar Awards 2022. The Aubrey offers a bar experience inspired by Japanese culture and captures the essence of Ginza’s izakayas with shochu-centric libations and highballs.

Lorenzo Antinori, a maestro of mixology from Rome, brings a slice of Italian flair to Hong Kong. Having honed his skills in London, Seoul and Hong Kong, he now pours his passion into his debut venue: Bar Leone, a love letter to Italian cocktail artistry that serves up a blend of classic and modern concoctions with a seasonal twist, complemented by a casual Italian food menu in a venue that epitomises la dolce vita.

Hong Kong native Nedkins Ngai is a rising star in the bartending world. Having cut his teeth at the city’s high-profile bars, Ngai is a fixture in the competitive bartending scene, whose talent was spotlighted when he was named among Hong Kong’s Top 10 Young Bartenders in 2017 and reached the Top 12 in the Monkey Shoulder Competition 2019. He now brings his craft to Bar Q88, a haven for classic cocktails and premium spirits that offer a tranquil escape in the heart of Central.

John Nugent, the creative mind behind acclaimed beverage programs and bars in Hong Kong, including The Diplomat—Tatler Dining Readers’ Choice for Best New Bar 2020—brings his expertise to Cardinal Point. At this lofty Central venue perched atop Gloucester Tower, Nugent’s cocktail craftsmanship complements a setting that celebrates the intersection of mixology, fine dining, art, and music, all against a backdrop of the city’s skyline.

Master of mezcal and cocktail craftsman Jay Khan is the trailblazing spirit behind Coa. With over a decade and a half of industry prowess, Khan has curated an award-winning temple for tequila and mezcal lovers, drawing inspiration from Mexico’s vibrant cantinas. His dedication to unearthing and sharing mixological treasures has positioned Coa as a luminary in Asia’s cocktail scene. 

At Rosewood Hong Kong’s DarkSide, this formidable duo: director of bars Simone Rossi and bar manager Ka Tsun ‘K.T.’ Lam elevate the bar scene. Italian native Rossi, with his international accolades and World Class Country Winner title, fosters a sense of community and mastery in crafting exceptional experiences. Meanwhile, K.T.’s knowledge of rare aged dark spirits and vintage cigars complements the live jazz ambience. Together, they pay tribute to Kowloon’s storied past through an impressive cocktail program.

UK native James Miller is the creative force behind Latitude 22, a bar that marries meticulous mixology with the striking vistas of Hong Kong, at Le Méridien. Under Miller’s guidance, this venue evolves from a daytime hub for barista-crafted coffees and pastries to an evening retreat where signature cocktails and small plates can be enjoyed, offering patrons a seamless transition from the bustle of daylight to the allure of twilight.

Mirage Bar’s senior bartender Chaze Uretain crafts cocktails beneath the grandeur of the venue’s 25-foot-high island bar. His journey from server to mixologist, punctuated by a recent accolade as 1st runner-up in the Jim Beam Cocktail Competition 2023, reflects a commitment to his craft inspired by global flavours. Mirage Bar offers inventive mixology in a setting marked by stylish contemporary design.

As head mixologist at Ozone, situated atop The Ritz-Carlton, Arvy Bryan Benitez infuses his decade-long cocktail expertise into crafting drinks that embody the spirit of the city and the principles of feng shui. An international competitor, Benitez is recognised for his top 40 placement in the Hennessy My Way 2022 Challenge and treats guests to innovative cocktails at the world's highest bar.

Antonio Lai, the visionary behind Quinary, is celebrated for revolutionising the drinking scene with his multi-sensory approach to mixology. Since launching Quinary, he has not only captivated cocktail enthusiasts but also expanded his influence with Chako, a brand of artisanal canned cocktails. At Quinary, guests are treated to an experience where each creation, including the highly popular Earl Grey Caviar Martini, is an alchemy of flavour, scent, and texture.

Ajit Gurung, one of Hong Kong’s brightest young mixologists, boasts 12 years of crafting cocktail experiences. His journey from the foothills of Nepal to the high-rises of Hong Kong has culminated in the launch of The Savory Project, alongside partner Jay Khan. Gurung’s latest adventure marries the unconventional with the savoury, serving up a cocktail repertoire that caters to both spirited and non-alcoholic preferences.

Nicola Mangiacapra, whose bartending prowess was honed under the aegis of Campari Group and through international experiences at prestigious bars in Tokyo and London, now curates the cocktail offerings at The St. Regis Bar Hong Kong. This urbane retreat within the hotel exudes an air of sophistication, tempting patrons with its fusion of New York's subway and Hong Kong’s tramline heritage in its cocktail menu.

Lloyd Lumabi, head mixologist at the Sheraton Hong Kong Tung Chung Hotel’s Sunset Grill, is a distinguished figure in the local beverage scene, recognised among the Top 25 Bartenders by Drinks World Asia. With 15 years under his belt, Lumabi crafts a visionary bar programme centred on local produce and innovative zero-proof cocktails. Nestled on the hotel’s 19th floor, Sunset Grill enchants with rooftop views and cocktails that celebrate Lantau’s unique flavours.

Gurung Kosish, a rising star in Hong Kong’s bar scene, currently helms The Wise King, a bar that draws inspiration from the historic Alfonso X of Castile and is consistently celebrated in the list of Asia's 50 Best Bars. Collaborating with Sandeep Kumar, Kosish merges cutting-edge mixology with the timeless spirit of classic cocktails, encapsulating the establishment’s homage to tradition and innovation.

Johnny Sit, known for his extensive F&B expertise and recognised among the top mixologists in the World Class Hong Kong & Macau Competition 2022, now directs the dining section at W Hong Kong as the director of food and beverage. At the hotel's stylish Woobar, guests can enjoy cocktails with breathtaking harbour views and the kind of inspired flair that has become synonymous with Sit's illustrious career.

With his Italian heritage and hospitality finesse, Mirko Ghapour Amin serves as the area bar manager for Zuma in Hong Kong and Thailand. Rising from a foundational role at Zuma London to masterfully managing the brand’s bar operations, Amin’s global perspective elevates the cocktails to new heights and ensures Zuma remains a staple of the city’s social whirl.

Sponsors

Venue partner
BaseHall

Beverage partners
Belvedere Vodka, Don Julio 1942, Glenmorangie, Hennessy, Johnnie Walker, Volcan, Chivas Regal, The Macallan, Marriott Bonvoy, Monkey 47, Nespresso, N.I.P., Zuma

BaseHall 01 & 02, LG/F, Jardine House, 1 Connaught Place, Central, Hong Kong