Since 2012, Bannie Kang has been somewhat redefining the art of bartending with a delicate balance of technique, creativity and heart. What began as a curiosity for flavours evolved into a full-fledged passion for mixology and hospitality. The bar, for her, became more than just a workspace – it was and has been a stage for storytelling and connection.
Bannie’s rise in the bartending world coincided with a wider shift in the industry. Today, she stands among a growing number of women who are not just participating, but leading – winning global cocktail competitions, designing award-winning bar programmes and innovating with confidence and flair. The change, she notes, is both encouraging and long overdue, as women bring a fresh perspective to an evolving field.
With a strong foundation in the basics, Bannie believes in the power of constant learning. She encourages aspiring bartenders to explore relentlessly: taste, refine and never stop asking questions. Bartending, she says, is not just about mixing drinks – it’s about understanding flavour, honouring technique and offering hospitality at its finest.
While her repertoire is vast, Bannie holds a special place in her heart for the humble highball. With its perfect balance of fizz and refreshment, the drink exemplifies her belief that simplicity, when executed with precision, can be deeply sophisticated.
She sees cocktail culture not just as a trend but as the ‘future of drinking’. “Consumers are becoming more curious and experimental, and bars are rising to the challenge,” she emphasises. The quality ingredients, refined techniques and thoughtful presentation and with movements toward sustainability, low-ABV options, and conscious creativity, the cocktail renaissance is well underway.
And what’s a perfect cocktail in Bannie’s eyes? It’s one that strikes a precise balance between complexity and clarity. Every element – sweetness, acidity, bitterness and strength – must harmonise. No ingredient should overpower the others, yet each must contribute to the overall experience. That sense of balance, she says, can only be achieved through deep knowledge of ingredients, constant tasting, and fine-tuning proportions.
Creativity, while challenging, remains at the core of her approach. It emerges from a deep respect for the classics and a willingness to break boundaries. Her inspirations are varied – food, culture, travel, and personal memories – all woven into the drinks she creates. For Bannie Kang, bartending is a lifelong journey, a craft shaped by discipline, inspiration, and the joy of connection in every glass.
– Bhavya Desai