Steve Chan has been at The Hari Hong Kong for over four years, spending the past two years as Assistant Bar Manager.
Before joining The Hari, Chan worked in various hotels around Hong Kong.
Whilst working behind the bar, Chan discovered his talent for mixing ingredients and developed a passion for interacting with guests. This experience ignited his desire to pursue a career in bartending.
He has been bartending for the past seven years, starting at the age of 19. He said he loves to create new cocktails and share the stories behind them. He soon realised that this was his way of expressing his passion for the craft and showcasing his artistic side to the world.
The most fulfilling part of his job has been to see guests enjoy his drinks and the service he is able to provide, especially when guests return specifically for the cocktails he has made for them. Knowing that he has made their experience memorable brings him great joy.
In his opinion, balance is essential for crafting the perfect cocktail.
“For me, great drinks are all about achieving the right harmony of flavours,” he said.
Low and no offerings have become instrumental in the modern mixology landscape all around the world. Chan said he has noticed that more guests are opting for low-alcohol or alcohol-free beverages, as many restaurants now offer mocktails and zero-percent free-flow packages.
Another significant trend in the Hong Kong beverage scene is the incorporation of local elements, such as Hong Kong street food and canned delicacies, into cocktails.
For customers unsure what to order, Chan suggested one of his signature cocktails, the Chakai, which means tea ceremony and symbolises meeting new friends through tea.
“This drink embodies various Japanese elements, including shochu and Komasa Hojicha gin, and features an elegant and creative presentation.”
Chan believed that the Dry Martini would always remain a classic. He said its iconic status is reinforced by its frequent appearances in films and the many variations that have been inspired by it.
When he’s not bartending, Chan is an avid music lover, and listening to various styles of music and playing the guitar during his downtime is a favourite pastime of his.
He describes New Zealand as the ideal location for producing spirits and wines, which he said was due to its excellent climate and water quality.
“I’ve heard great things about a whisky brand called POKENO, and I’ve had the pleasure of meeting their team through one of my suppliers.”
For bartenders struggling during these challenging times, Chan said to grab a shot and keep working hard.
“The magic of a great bartender lies in the sleight of hand, hiding the hard work while serving up pure pleasure.”
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