Kuala Lumpur is not short of good bartenders, and this is no exception at W Kuala Lumpur. The bar at WET Deck is currently headed by Liquid Manager Siew Han Jun who comes off as very humble yet knowledgeable. We speak to him to learn more about the bar as well as their Tanqueray Cocktail Kit that you can purchase for your home.
Can you tell us about yourself?
I started out my adventure in the bar at W Singapore after my studies in Taylors University. I had the chance to work with very creative and vibrant associates which has definitely peaked my interest to experience and experiment cocktails to another level. I had then found myself back home at the W Kuala Lumpur whereby I play the role of Liquid Manager, creating the next best cocktails for WET Deck.
What’s your favourite cocktail to make?
My favourite to make is a gimlet. These are one of the first cocktails that got me hooked into bartending and till this date a good gimlet never fails to brighten up my day.
What’s your favourite cocktail to serve?
The Negroni. Be it a cocktail that uses 3 spirits – tweaking the ratio, or even infusing or changing the base will totally change the drink profile which is why I think it’s one of the best cocktails to test myself on making the perfect Negroni for my guests.
What are some essentials for making cocktails at home?
I don’t believe in getting expensive bar tools for home use, although that would be a plus but my essentials for making cocktails at home would be a good base liquor (gin, whisky, rum, tequila, etc.), an orange liquor, fresh ingredients, and a strong passion of experimenting flavours.
Which are some of the basic techniques that people should know for making cocktails?
My suggestion is to understand the different types and flavour profile of sugars, and citrus. That alone would open a whole new experience on making cocktails.
Can you share with us a recipe for a twist on the Hive Five that you would make on your own?
Replacing the pomegranate juice with grapefruit soda makes a refreshing and sultry drink that enhances the bitter tones of the drink but still complementing the sweetness of the honey.
What are the current signatures at the bar?
We will be changing our new signatures for WET Deck and some of the interesting cocktails will include ingredients like kombucha, ice cream, slushies. Not to forget our current WET Deck favourite, the Kuala Loco which is made of strawberry infused vodka, blue curacao, passionfruit, pineapple juice, basil and green apple will also make a comeback in the new menu.
Tell us a bit about the Tanqueray Cocktail Kit?
The Tanqueray cocktail kit is an D.I.Y. experience which shows off the Tanqueray No. Ten gin while paying homage to our all-time favourite signature – the Hive Five cocktail. The Mixology kit includes a full bottle of Tanqueray No. Ten Gin with a coppa glass, bar spoon, jigger, cocktail ingredients and a botanical pack made of dehydrated citrus, herbs and tonic water that provides guests with a playground of flavours to try from.
WET Deck’s Tanqueray Cocktail Kit can be purchased directly, through Beepit, Oddle, Instagram, or Facebook.
WET Deck
W Kuala Lumpur
121, Jalan Ampang,
50450 Kuala Lumpur
+6012 347 9088
| PHOTOGRAPHY: W KUALA LUMPUR | WEBSITE: WET DECK |