[Photos by Simon Lim]

His obvious passion for his profession is expressed on Centro's new cocktail menu, which he designed himself. "There's a philosophy about the drinks I make...I regard cocktails as an expression of culture."

When it comes to China's drinking culture, there isn't a drink more synonymous with local culture than baijiu. While not to everyone's taste, Bruce defends the firewater: "Of course it's a good drink, it's the traditional taste of China, it's part of who we are."

Bruce lives by the mantra that the customer is a barman's best friend and when asked what tricks he has up his sleeve for more obnoxious clientele, he answers with unsettling sincerity:"If the customer is not happy, then there is a problem and it is up to us to solve that problem."

Awwww. You can't help wanting to give this guy a big wet kiss.

Addison Kong
Redmoon

[Photos by Simon Lim]

Having worked as a bartender on a cruise liner for some years, and then moving straight to Redmoon to ply his trade, Addison was late to sample the infamous mix of Chivas and Green tea, only to do so on the recommendation of a friend. "I bought a bottle of Chivas and a bottle of green tea, went home, mixed the two and drank them. I learned the hard way."

Addison has not touched the blend from Paisley since and is happy he's never been asked to mix it with green tea by a customer. "At the moment, the favorite cocktail among Chinese customers here is the mojito. It looks great, so people see it and want to try it. After that it's the Redmoon, our very own sake cocktail."

Addison believes that the palates of the Chinese are heavily influenced by advertising. "Chivas advertisements are everywhere. Now vodka companies are spending huge amounts on advertising in China, so it will become very popular. Also, Russia is our neighbor, so the Chinese are familiar with vodka already. All these things will help the popularity of cocktails, vodka being the basic ingredient for so many different kinds."