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Six competitive bartenders share their thoughts on what it takes to shake and create their way to the top

Six competitive bartenders share their thoughts on staying on top of their game

Cocktails may have originated in the West, but the craft cocktail evolution in Asia is now showing the rest of the world how it’s done. Agung Prabowo rose to fame after joining bartending competitions—and this year’s edition of the Asia’s 50 Best Bars awards saw his The Old Man in Hong Kong take the top spot. Meanwhile, 2019’s Diageo World Class Bartender of the Year honours went to Bannie Kang of Anti:dote Bar, who began her bartending career in Singapore.

It takes passion, stamina and grit to stay in this industry. The hours are long, leaving little opportunity to carve out time to practice, innovate and create for competitions. Not surprisingly, we found out just how closely temperament is tied to performance when it comes to being able to showcase a winning character behind and in front of the bar.