5 top mixologists: Blending artistry with soul at MGallery Collection
Sip your way into a world of creativity with MGallery’s master mixologists, where every cocktail blends refined craftsmanship with the spirit of its destination.
13 January 2026
less than a minute
MGallery’s cocktail bars are celebrated worldwide for their artistry and expertise. At the heart of the experience are highly skilled mixologists at the cutting edge of their profession. From refined aperitifs in Toulouse to spice-infused creations in Saigon and avant-garde fusions in Manila, each cocktail is inspired by local culture, seasonal ingredients and the hotel's unique story, transforming MGallery bars into signature destinations.
What is a mixologist?
Picture the moment a bar comes alive: the shimmer of glass, the scent of fresh herbs and citrus, the quiet drama of ice meeting metal. The mixologist, focused and precise, bringing each creation to life. Smoke, sparkle and subtle theatre stimulate the senses, immersing you in a world of imagination and storytelling.
A modern mixologist is an alchemist of flavour. Combining technical mastery with contemporary trends, they have a sophisticated understanding of balance, aroma, temperature and dilution, often experimenting with new and unexpected flavour combinations. Across the MGallery Collection, mixologists reinterpret local landscapes – mixing Mediterranean thyme with citrus, Vietnamese herbs with gin or French violets with dry vermouth – to craft meaningful and memorable concoctions.
Where a bartender serves, a mixologist imagines, crafting signature cocktails inspired by local culture, seasonal produce and the gentle theatre of the bar.
5 mixologists embodying the MGallery experience
MGallery mixologists are master craftsmen, shaped by six to 12 months of intensive training at the JERRY Mixology Academy – inspired by Jerry Thomas, the pioneer of modern bartending. They hone their skills to the highest standards, going far beyond the industry norm, and emerge as innovators celebrated on international stages for their creativity, precision and flair.
From designing signature drinks to leading immersive masterclasses or unveiling inventive creations during World Cocktail Month, they work tirelessly to elevate the MGallery hotel experience, transforming everyday moments into extraordinary memories that linger long after the last drop.
COCKTAIL BAR IN TOULOUSE, FRANCE
Colour, terroir and the poetry of flavour
Bar Le 46 — La Cour des Consuls Hotel & Spa - MGallery Collection
Toulouse, with its pink-stone façades and slow southern charm, sets the tone for this elegant cocktail bar where artistry shapes every detail. Le 46 is known for artisanal cocktails inspired by the region’s fields, orchards and markets. Guests settle into an intimate hotel bar as seasonal ingredients take centre stage: violet, prune, saffron, sun-warmed citrus. Modern mixology here is grounded in French terroir yet infused with bold, contemporary expression.
Mathis Lault
The artist of the Garonne
Mathis treats each glass as if it were a canvas. Before he mixes a drop, he sketches a concept, shaping flavours visually then transforming them into liquid form. His cocktail mixologist style is deeply influenced by the southwest of France, weaving natural colour, aromatics and texture into work that has earned him awards and a reputation as one of Europe’s top mixologists.
ROOFTOP COCKTAILS IN HO CHI MINH CITY, VIETNAM
Skyline rituals and stories in every sip
Social Club Rooftop Bar — Hôtel des Arts Saigon - MGallery Collection
Set high above the city’s electric sprawl, this rooftop cocktail bar blends French-Vietnamese elegance with contemporary flair. Aromatic notes drift from bespoke concoctions and each drink arrives with its own story. Expect ingredients like soursop, kumquat and a hint of cinnamon reinterpreted with modern finesse. It’s a place where a bar mixologist can unleash creativity amid panoramic skyline views, daily DJ sets and the glow of an open-air infinity pool.
Tan Dat Nguyen
The storyteller of Saigon
Dat believes great cocktails start with simplicity. He mixes classic technique with modern detail, delivering drinks that are refined yet warm with hospitality. Guests know him for his smile, his intuitive palate and his gift for weaving a personal tale into every creation. His approach reflects a master mixologist who balances craft with genuine connection.
COCKTAIL LOUNGE IN PHUKET, THAILAND
Island freshness meets after-dusk radiance
AKOYA | Star Lounge — V Villas Phuket - MGallery Collection
Suspended above the Andaman Sea, this hotel bar in Phuket glows under the evening sky. It’s the ideal setting for mixology that pushes beyond convention. Savour celestial-inspired infusions, local botanicals, vibrant tropical fruit and techniques shaped by our team of stellar mixologists. Guests come for sunset, stay for the live music and celebrity DJs, and leave remembering the gentle heat of chilli or the fragrance of kaffir lime drifting from their glass.
Mongkol Lek Saengchud
The island visionary
Known simply as Lek, he embraces the beauty of world cultures and Phuket’s own rhythms. His top bartender influences come from travel, art and the natural world. Lek “thinks outside the glass”, reimagining classics and crafting mixology drinks that honour Thai heritage while feeling thoroughly modern.
COCKTAILS BY THE SEA IN BODRUM, TURKEY
Coastal energy and bold Mediterranean craft
Lobby Bar, Pool Bar & Beach Bar — The Bodrum Hotel Yalikavak - MGallery Collection
In Bodrum’s turquoise-edged glamour, the hotel’s trilogy of bars offers three moods: refined, sunlit and seaside casual. Across them all, the mixology leans into Aegean botanicals, honey, citrus and herbaceous spirits. The result is a tapestry of flavour that feels unmistakably Mediterranean. Whether you want a slow aperitif in a coupe glass or a refreshing poolside creation, every drink is shaped with a sense of place.
Yalçın Uysal
The Aegean alchemist
Inspired by the movie Cocktail, Yalçın channels cinematic passion into his craft. Forever experimenting, he explores new techniques, premium ingredients and innovative methods. His bartender mixologist journey reflects relentless refinement as he strives to surprise guests and elevate each bar beyond expectation.
IMMERSIVE MIXOLOGY IN MANILA, PHILIPPINES
Avant-garde artistry through a hidden door
Ruby Wong’s Godown — Admiral Hotel Manila - The MGallery Collection
Perhaps the most theatrical space in the collection, this speakeasy-style bar blends heritage, mystery and contemporary creativity. Guests enter through a concealed passageway into a dim, cinematic room where unexpected flavours like annatto oil, pandan and homemade calamencello shape a dynamic menu. A striking setting for artisanal cocktails in Manila, a mixology event or simply an evening of discovery.
John Ardy Silva
The innovator of Manila
John is widely celebrated as one of the Philippines’ famous mixologists. His inventive, boundary-pushing style mixes technique learned in global competitions with deeply rooted Filipino influences. From handcrafted garnishes to unexpected flavour combinations, his creations leave a lasting imprint on guests.
FAQs
A bartender ensures service runs smoothly, preparing drinks quickly and consistently while looking after guests at the bar. A mixologist focuses more deeply on recipe development, flavour balance, technique and storytelling. While both roles overlap, mixology is centred on creativity, craftsmanship and the sensory experience behind each drink.
Yes. Many MGallery properties offer bespoke mixology services for private or corporate occasions. Mixologists can craft personalised menus, design signature cocktails for the event and tailor the experience to match the theme, mood or destination.
Becoming a mixologist involves hands-on experience, curiosity and continuous learning. Most start behind the bar, developing core skills before exploring advanced techniques such as infusions, fermentations and flavour pairing. Training, tastings and mentorship help shape a personal style, as does learning to balance creativity with hospitality.
Several key trends are shaping modern cocktail culture:
- - NoLo (no and low alcohol) cocktails for alternative experiences that don't compromise on taste.
- - More sustainable practices, from zero-waste garnishes to locally sourced produce.
- - Culinary-inspired molecular techniques like clarification, foams and rapid infusions.
- - Premium spirits and bespoke equipment, enhancing depth and precision.
- - Local anchoring, which grounds menus in the identity of the destination.