Cocktails of Asia

Book excerpt: Cocktails of Asia shares the recipes, stories and history behind the cocktails, bars and people that define this spirited region — from India to Indonesia, China to Japan, and everywhere in between. Asia’s cocktail scene is one of the fastest growing and most awarded in the world, and Asia-based cocktails and spirits expert Holly Graham takes readers on an adventure through the region, telling its stories drink by drink. Learn how to make modern creations from the talented pros; go behind the scenes of Asia’s iconic establishments; and discover the history of classic Asian cocktails such as the Singapore Sling, Jungle Bird and Pegu Club. Read about the hilarious origin story of Hong Kong’s Nothing cocktail, and sample a revived-and-revised version of the city’s historic Rosy Dawn (or the New Dawn, to be exact). Featuring detailed recipes that explain how to make every drink step by step, plus some spirited stories from Graham’s own experiences in the region, Cocktails of Asia is a go-to reference for experts and aspiring mixologists alike. About the Author: Holly Graham is the Managing Editor (International) of DRiNK Magazine, Asia’s leading bar industry platform. She has featured on the Bar World 100: a list of the world’s most influential figures in the bar industry, since 2020, as well as on Tatler’s Asia’s Most Influential: The Tastemakers List 2021. Graham is also an Academy Chair for The World’s 50 Best Bars and Asia’s 50 Best Bars and sits on both the education and Spirited Awards committees for Tales of the Cocktail. Graham has judged several renowned cocktail and spirits competitions around the world. She is also the founder of the Asia Women In Booze community for women in the alcohol industry, and successfully organized Speed Rack Asia 2019, an all-female speed bartending competition that raises money for breast cancer charities. Graham was previously the Food and Drink Editor of Time Out Hong Kong, and cut her teeth bartending at The Old Man Hong Kong, during which time the bar was ranked number one on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2019.