Searching for the perfect mix
Updated: 2015-04-18 09:06
By Xu Lin(China Daily)
|
|||||||||
Chen Shibei from Speaklow Bar in Shanghai. Photo provided to China Daily |
Bartender Zhang Chi stands behind a bar counter and pours rum and other ingredients into a shaker. After mixing the cocktail, he begins working on another drink for guests.
"I don't like a nine-to-five job, sitting in an office every day. This job offers me freedom and the motivation to be creative," says Zhang, 27, who works at Fennel Lounge in Shanghai. He has been a bartender for about three years.
Zhang joined the recent China final of Bacardi Legacy Global Cocktail Competition. His cocktail-Three days in Thailand-is made using the pungent Tom Yum Kung soup and Bacardi rum. It's the third time he has participated in the competition.
"You can use anything edible in your creations, and can learn from many people such as pastry chefs," he says.
Zhang often dines at restaurants to learn more about cooking and find new ingredients that can be incorporated into his cocktails.
He says it takes time to find suitable ingredients and figure out how to combine them with spirits or liqueurs. Inspirations often come from life. For example, he creates unique cocktails based on his favorite movie character. He used to be a bar waiter at a hotel, making coffee, soft drinks and tea. He decided to give bartending a try after his wife and mother-in-law visited a bar and raved about the cocktail making process and how the bartenders were like gentlemen.
- Natural History Museum opens in Shanghai
- Japanese WWII surrender video debuted at China museum
- Beijing film festival draws top moviemakers, Oscar winners
- Across America over the week (from April 10 to 16)
- Historic hotels offer more than a view
- Top 10 foreign holders of US Treasuries
- Lost in sandstorms
- New roles for technology: Rise of robots
Most Viewed
Editor's Picks
What do we know about AIIB |
Full coverage of Boao Forum for Asia |
Annual legislative and political advisory sessions |
Spring Festival trends reflect a changing China |
Patent applications lead the world |
BC lures Chinese tourists |
Today's Top News
China and the 2016
US election
World Bank, IMF: will work
with AIIB
Ex-PM says US, China can be allies
Hainan Air links San Jose, Beijing
Carrying on a Chinese food legacy
America, Europe told to work with BRICS
Beijing film festival draws top moviemakers, Oscar winners
Chinese teachers mark progress
US Weekly
Geared to go |
The place to be |