Singapore high: Famed mixologist Bryan Bonifacio to go bar-hopping in Mumbai

Lolita, a drink that Bonifacio will be serving up

Remember the good ol' days, when the city would be buzzing with international chefs, gourmands, mixologists and food critics? Through masterclasses, pop-ups and discussions with our local culinary talents, they would stir their unique flavour into the cultural melting pot that is Mumbai. We're almost heading back to that era now. Take for instance, mixologist Bryan Bonifacio from Singapore, who is in town to whip up cocktails as part of Cinco de Mayo celebrations which mark the victory of a small Mexican troupe over the French army at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. The mixologist who heads the team at Employees Only (EO) Singapore - which was ranked no. 77 by Asia's 50 Best Bars - will take over the bars at Koko, The Living Room at Masque and Soho House. The culinary exchange is initiated by a collaboration between wine and spirits importer Anggel's Share and tequila-makers Código 1530. Before getting behind the bar, we caught up with the award-winning bartender from The Philippines.

What attracted you to the world of mixology?
I fell in love with bartending at the age of 18, when I saw some seniors at my university practising the art of flair bartending. After that, I never looked back and focused on building my skills in actual bartending.

What are your top three all-time favourite cocktails?
Margarita [tequila, orange liqueur, lime juice served in salt-rimmed glasses] always reminds me of my favourite snack as a kid - green mango with salt. That combination is similar to how amazing margarita is; the salt pumps flavours out. Cuba libre [rum and cola], meanwhile, reminds me of enjoying a cocktail for the first time; it's a collection of fun memories, and heartbreaks as well! Dark and stormy [dark rum, ginger beer and a slice of lime], besides being easy to make, has a refreshing spice profile with a kick.

What are you looking forward to at the bar takeovers in Mumbai?
I want to experience the local flavours of Mumbai first-hand so that I can take them back to Singapore. I would love to let the people of Mumbai witness the fun and vibrant EO experience. We're showcasing drinks that are inspired from our EO classics at both Singapore and New York, such as Lolita, lazy boy and besos caliente, among others.

Bryan Bonifacio

Since this is your first time in Mumbai, what's on your bucket list?
I'm super excited to see great places, taste food and meet new people. I want to film a short clip [on the trip]. I'm looking to visit the hawker centres, because I believe they represent the home style of food, and also do some karaoke.

Mumbai is home to Bollywood. Are there any celebrities you'd like to make a drink for?
I only know one star - Aamir Khan! My favourite movie of his is Three Idiots. So, maybe [we can take] a shot of fernet together, and see his reaction afterwards.

ON May 5, 9 pm (Koko); May 6, 8 pm (Soho House) and May 7, 7 pm (The Living Room at Masque)
AT Koko, Lower Parel; Soho House, Juhu Tara Road; Masque, Mahalaxmi.

Mex it up

Pair Cinco de Mayo-special tacos (below) with margaritas at this café, and enjoy live music.
ON Today, 9 pm onwards
AT Cafe Panama, Lower Parel.

Dig in to Mexican carnitas taco, beans corn soup and fajitas.
TILL May 8, 12 pm to 12 am
AT Poco Loco Tapas and Bar, Khar West.