Bartender James Estes in “Dia de los Muertos”
Bartender par excellence James Estes, owner of one of Kuala Lumpur’s hottest cocktail bars, “Jack Rose,” is shaking drinks up at Maya Mexican Restaurant in “Dia de los Muertos” today, November 1.
A lively Mexican holiday recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, “Dia de los Muertos” commemorates departed loved ones with food, drinks, music and parties.
From 8 p.m. to 12 midnight, Estes, befitting the occasion and using Ocho Tequila, is concocting a special menu of drinks for the evening dedicated to family members – Tantric Tommy’s, Paloma, Almost Famous, and El Hefe.
Ocho Tequila is a fine quality spirit made traditionally through a slow cooking process and accentuates the agave flavor which develops over time. It is a joint partnership by James’ uncle, Tomas Estes and Mexican master distiller Carlos Camarena.
Born in London, Estes is the Mixology Director for the Huckleberry Hospitality Group in Kuala Lumpur which owns famous bars such as Skullduggery, Birch, Mezze and Huckleberry. Prior to that, he was pivotal in the opening of Suga in Conrad Hotel and has worked at The Fairmont, both in Dubai and at Quo Vadis and Opium in London. He has been featured in numerous publications with his cocktail recipe for the rum-based drink, "Mother Superior," named as one of the “25 Cocktails to Drink Before You Die” by the Huffington Post.
Maya Mexican Restaurant serves So-Cal style Mexican fare alongside the largest 100% agave tequila bar in the country. It is owned by The Abaca Group which also operates Abaca Baking Company, Abaca Boutique Resort + Restaurant, Luncheonette, Phat Pho, Red Lizard, Tavolata, and the upcoming Reef Hotel. The contact number is 032-2389552.