Shaq-en, Not Stirred

With a passion for bartending, Shakil Hossain eventually worked his way up into becoming head bartender at The Sticky Wicket.

The Sticky Wicket's head bartender, Shakil Hossain, shows us how to make Sticky's Whisky Sour

Nicknamed Shaq, Shakil Hossain has always been determined to make his mark in the F&B scene. He arrived in Malaysia at the age of 22 to pursue his degree in hospitality, became a banquet waiter at The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur, and eventually joined Aliyaa Island Restaurant and Bar as a waiter.

However, he always had an interest and passion for the art and flair of bartending, and cites the 1988 film Cocktail starring Tom Cruise as an inspiration. After proving himself worthy, Shaq became a bartender at Aliyaa. His hard work, skill and dedication led to him becoming the head bartender at The Sticky Wicket under The Cinnamon Group.

What Shaq enjoys most about bartending is the smile he helps to put on customers’ faces as they enjoy their drinks. “Shaq is all about making people laugh and he is without a doubt, the life of Sticky. It is never dull time when Shaq is around,” shares Janaka Ranjana, the marketing manager of The Cinnamon Group.

Below, Shaq shares a simple recipe to help put a smile on your face too, for when you’re feeling creative at home.