Mixologist Evan Mak’s top bars in Asia around the world

Evan Mak, senior bartender at Argo , identifies two pivotal moments in his eventful bartending journey: scrubbing floors at his first restaurant job at 18 years old, and joining Argo as a junior bartender in 2021. 

“I was cleaning up behind the bar on an especially busy night when a customer tipped me and thanked me for taking my chores seriously despite the chaos. In that moment, I realised that every job consists of many small tasks. How you approach one part reflects where you’re heading with the whole job,” says Mak.

It is this meticulous attitude that has propelled him to senior bartender at Argo in just two years – a bar that’s currently ranked ninth in Asia’s 50 Best Bars . He was also a top-six finalist on “Master Mixologist,” a local cocktail competition reality television show, “Mixologist Champion” at the Young Chef Young Waiter Young Mixologist Hong Kong Awards 2024 , and, of course, crowned top young bartender in Cathay Members’ Choice Awards 2024.

Over the years, Mak has expanded his knowledge of spirits and flavours extensively, showcasing his creative range in a series of bold and innovative cocktails. 

“We always aim to highlight Hong Kong’s local produce in our drinks. In a previous menu, we had a drink called the XO negroni,” he says, discussing one of the drinks that best represents his style.

“Unlike traditional XO sauce, which is made from shrimp or dried scallop, we used locally harvested wormwood from Lantau Island and shiitake mushroom to add umami.”

Mak was also involved in developing the bar’s latest Combinations menu : a selection of seasonal cocktails that spotlight 10 ingredients across 12 creative concoctions. “As I continue to learn in the industry, I understand how much there is still to discover. Cocktails can be as boundless as your imagination,” says Mak. Here, Mak shares six of his favourite places to drink in Hong Kong and around Asia.

Argo, Hong Kong

I have to start with Argo as it’s a special place. Despite being in a five-star hotel, it’s got an easy-going and playful vibe. Come on a Friday night to see our gummy bears not just in your cocktail, but as a life-size character greeting our guests. We want to show our guests that they can enjoy a quality cocktail in a hotel without that uptight feeling. 

Blue Supreme, Hong Kong

Tucked away on Tung Street in Sheung Wan, Blue Supreme specialises in sour beers, importing a wide range from around the world. If you enjoy the tangy taste of fermentation, I highly recommend it – their selection features an acidity and variety of flavours not found in traditional beers. My current favourite is the Smoothie Sour from Indiana, US.

Dry Wave Cocktail Studio, Bangkok

This Bangkok bar excels at remixing classic cocktails in ground-breaking ways. They combine drinks you would never imagine complement each other, using brilliant techniques to bind them – like a dirty martini with a lychee martini. I find the concept is commendable, as we’re so often restricted by our understanding of cocktail structure to ingredients. The experience left a lasting impression on my memory. It’s a reminder that with a little bit of imagination, we can completely reinvent the norms of daily life.

Craftroom, Osaka

Tucked away in the basement of the unassuming Osaka Ekimae Daiichi Building, this intimate 6-seat bar is led by award-winning mixologist Ryu Fujii. A soundtrack of jazz sets the tone for your evening, and drinks are served in exquisite glassware, including broken cups mended with kintsugi (Japanese golden joinery). It’s a slow bar in a fast-paced city, with a menu of cocktails that caters to travellers and locals alike.   

Live Twice, Singapore 

The sister venue of Jigger & Pony – one of the top bars in the World’s 50 Best Bars List – Live Twice is a minimalistic Japanese-style bar that transports you to mid-century Japan. It’s open, yet has corners which provide privacy when needed, and a tilted mirrored ceiling above the bar provides guests with a great view of the mixologists working their magic. The atmosphere is fantastic, and I like their Mizuwari, which enhances a glass of whisky by adding soft, Hokkaido water.

BKK Social, Bangkok

Each season, BKK Social selects a destination from around the world to celebrate through its menu. Their most recent was dedicated to Mexican culture. The team travelled to Mexico City to learn about local food and drink customs and brought back unique ingredients like a special light beer that pairs well with tomato water, pickles and chilli – they’ve called the creation “Lucha Libre”. It transports you far away from the bustling streets of Bangkok that lie outside.