Head Bartender Adrian Besa and Assistant Bar Manager Akmal Haqim embarked on a tour of the region, and returned with 16 vibrant handcrafted concoctions.

At Jungle Ballroom, Head Bartender Adrian Besa and Assistant Bar Manager Akmal Haqim are on the hunt for singular Southeast Asian flavours. Starting in late 2023, they&rsquo;ve embarked on a travelogue-inspired tour across the region (it&rsquo;s their second, in fact), returning with unforgettable encounters, newly discovered ingredients and richly inspired palates.&nbsp;
We chat with the dynamic duo about Jungle Journeys Vol.2, their sequel menu of specially handcrafted cocktails which debuted in October.

What was the most memorable encounter during Jungle Journeys Vol.2?
Each destination &mdash; whether it was the buzz of Manila, the rich flavours of Vietnam, or the warm welcome in Melaka &mdash; had its own unforgettable moments. Every stop brought something unique, from the people we met to the local flavours that inspired us. So, rather than one standout moment, we find that it was the journey as a whole that made it so memorable.
Which of the different locations you visited surprised you the most?
Each place had its surprises, but Penang really stood out. We expected rich history and culture, but what we didn&rsquo;t expect was how seamlessly that would translate into the flavours. The mix of traditional and modern influences was eye-opening, especially when it came to the local cuisine and how it inspired our cocktails. It was the perfect blend of the familiar and the unexpected.

One of the main goals of this menu is to spotlight Asian spirits. Why is that important to you?
At Jungle Ballroom, our essence is deeply rooted in the vibrant pulse of the Southeast Asian jungle. We believe it&rsquo;s not just about creating a space but also reflecting the rich cultural heritage and natural abundance that surrounds us.
By spotlighting Asian spirits, we have an opportunity to bring the flavours and ingredients of the region to life, transporting our guests to places they may not have experienced. It&rsquo;s our way of honouring the unique ingredients, like local spices and regional botanicals, that embody the untamed beauty of Southeast Asia &mdash; flavours you won&rsquo;t find in the usual cocktail scene of Singapore. It&rsquo;s more than a drink; it&rsquo;s a journey through the wild and uncharted flavours of the jungle.
Besides showcasing them in your cocktails, what do you think is needed to take these overlooked Asian spirits to the next level?
The spirits used in our cocktails often carry centuries of tradition, unique ingredients, and cultural significance that can be lost if they aren&rsquo;t properly highlighted. To take them to the next level, we need to educate and excite consumers through immersive experiences, whether it&rsquo;s tastings, storytelling, or collaborations that dive deep into their origins. By partnering with local distilleries, hosting events, and creating thoughtful pairings, we can help people not only taste these spirits but understand the heart and soul behind them. It&rsquo;s about celebrating what makes them different and letting them shine in a way that respects their roots, while making them exciting and accessible for a global audience.

Tell us a bit about your process when it comes to creating new cocktails. Do you have an end flavour in mind, or do you build as you go?
The cocktails that we created are a reflection of the memories and cultural significance of the destinations we&rsquo;ve explored. It&rsquo;s not just about the flavours; it&rsquo;s about capturing the essence of a place, the colours, and even the emotions that come with it. When crafting a new cocktail, we are meticulous, considering every aspect from taste and aroma to presentation and style.
Take Kanto, for example, from our trip to Manila &mdash; Adrian&rsquo;s hometown. We were inspired by his childhood memories of local snacks like toasted caramel banana and salted popcorn. These flavours, infused with the warmth and nostalgia of his upbringing, became the heart of the cocktail. For us, it is a journey, building layers of flavour that tell a story, one sip at a time.
Is the creative part of mixology something that can be learned, or do you need an instinctual palate?
While you can absolutely learn the fundamentals &mdash; techniques, flavour profiles, and presentation &mdash; the true magic often comes from intuition and experience. It&rsquo;s about understanding how different ingredients play together and having the courage to experiment.
At Jungle Ballroom, we encourage each other to let our imaginations run wild. Some of the best cocktails come from those instinctual moments when you taste something and think, &ldquo;What if I added this?&rdquo;. So, while training is crucial, an instinctual palate can elevate the craft to a different level, turning each drink into a unique storytelling adventure.

What would you say is your prized possession from this latest haul?
Honestly, it&rsquo;s not the rare gins or ingredients; it&rsquo;s the connections we made and the stories we&rsquo;re bringing back with us. Each encounter, every shared experience, and the cultures we soaked up along the way are what really make Jungle Journeys special. Those are the things that breathe life into our cocktails and create something more meaningful for our guests here at Jungle Ballroom.
Lastly, what&rsquo;s your favourite drink from the new menu?
That's a classic dilemma. We can&rsquo;t pick just one &mdash; that&rsquo;s like asking us to choose a favourite adventure! Each of our 16 cocktails brings its own unique flavour and story to the table. Our advice? Dive into the full journey and savour them all. You&rsquo;ll discover the one that speaks to your taste buds the loudest. Trust us, the adventure is worth it!

&ldquo;Each encounter, every shared experience, and the cultures we soaked up along the way are what really make Jungle Journeys&nbsp;special.&rdquo;

Jungle Ballroom's New Cocktail Menu is a Celebration of Asian Spirits

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