LET’S FOLLOW… ALEX HOLZER

To launch this Let’s follow…inaugural series, I’ve chosen Khun Alex Holzer, the Mixologist from Lebua.Every 2 weeks, we will follow a member of the Lebua family, as he or she goes through a typical day at work. We will get to know what their job is all about, the ins and outs of the department and interesting facts and anecdotes.


LET’S FOLLOW… ALEX HOLZER

One tranquil afternoon few weeks back, I was invited to have a drink (or two) with Alex before Distil and Skybar opens, an offer I could not refused.


So there I was, at 4pm – waiting in Distil for Alex to make me a drink. As we segue from topic to topic, drink in one hand, Alex brought me into the captivating world of drinks at Lebua and the art of mixology. Here are some of the highlights:


What, to you, is the best martini?

Hangovertini

That truly depends; an American in Washington will want his martini in a completely different way compared to a European in say Zurich or Berlin for instance. There is an aspect of cultural adaptation to it that transcends mathematical ratios of the components that come together to make the perfect cocktail. An experienced bartender will know the right balance as requested by his customers. Here in Lebua, it is my job to ensure that all my crew knows and can anticipate this.

Mixology has brought you to many places, I presume. Do give us some examples. From my hometown in Bolzano Italy, I’ve worked as Bar Manager/ Mixologist in truly amazing places like La Pergola (3 stars Michelin) in Rome and the Jefferson Hotel (relais & chateaux) in Washington Dc. And now here I am, in lebua.


Did you know?

A crew of 12 is ever ready to serve you at Distil daily. For Skybar, a total of 10 talented team players forms the team that serve the many guests each and every night

I work on it progressively and sometimes just walking down a soi in Bangkok, I get inspired for some new infusion, and I come back to work on it before proposing it to senior management. Having said that; our clients can expect a revamped menu soon with new drinks and new exquisite flavours.

The Skybar is your playground du jour. What keeps you going every evening?

I love cocktails and I love what I do. And to be able to drive the efforts for such an amazing hotel, I don’t feel this is work. I find great joy in speaking to my regular customers, and adapting our drinks to suit their local taste wherever they are from. When people come up to me and say, wow – this drink is amazing, it makes my day


Sky Bar

Alex’s latest drink, the Hangovertini is grabbing all the attention these days, and on that note – I will end this entry with a YouTube video of Alex showing us his latest invention: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZyvqGsPbD3M&


Be warned though, you’ll want a drink right after watching! :)