Bali's Mixologists Elevate Indonesia's Cocktail Culture

Bali is establishing itself as a creative hub for bartending excellence, with award-winning mixologists transforming the island into a destination for sophisticated cocktail experiences. These skilled professionals are moving beyond traditional mixology, blending local ingredients, cultural inspiration, and international techniques to redefine what cocktails mean in Indonesia.

Originally published in NOW! Bali

Panji Wisrawan: Tea Meets Cocktails at AfterTea

Panji Wisrawan stands at the forefront of Bali's bar revolution. The 2019 Campari Bartender Competition winner has reimagined the cocktail experience by merging it with tea culture at AfterTea by Chontea, a concept-driven slow bar with locations in Seminyak and Ubud.

Wisrawan, a graduate of Nipaka L'ecole Hôtelière in Denpasar, previously served as Head Mixologist at Pinstripe Bar in Ubud. His new venture introduces "Tea-tail" experiences—a fusion of premium tea ceremonies and craft cocktails that appeals to guests seeking refined, mindful drinking.

The concept transforms the traditional tea ceremony into a refined cocktail indulgence, drawing inspiration from Japan's micro-seasons and celebrating the changing essence of each period.

AfterTea's current menu, Geshi no Yoru (Night of the Summer Solstice), reflects the summer season's aromatic warmth. The minimalist Japanese-designed space features sleek wood furnishings that create an intimate atmosphere for curated tasting journeys.

Signature offerings include The Gyokuro Path, featuring Japan's prestigious gyokuro green tea known for its umami depth and sweetness. Other standouts include the Sencha Tea-Tail, Hōjicha Tea-Tail, and creative twists on classics like the Teagroni and Teapresso Martini.

Wisrawan's personal favorite—the Ceremonial Matcha Tea-tail No.3—combines Okumidori ceremonial matcha with tequila blanco, passion fruit, house-pickled jalapeño, white chocolate, and coconut water, delivering both sophistication and unexpected flavor complexity.

Bili Wirawan: Artistry at Mozaic Ubud

Bili Wirawan, the award-winning mixologist at Mozaic Ubud, brings international experience to Bali's bar scene. His bartending journey began at The St. Regis Aspen Resort in Colorado, USA, before he returned to Bali to work at luxury establishments.

Wirawan represents a growing trend of Balinese bartenders gaining prestigious international experience and returning home to innovate. His work at Mozaic Ubud demonstrates how Bali's mixologists are attracting talent from around the world while maintaining deep roots in the island's culture.

Why Bali Is Becoming a Cocktail Destination

Bali's rise as a mixology hub reflects several factors: a thriving tourism industry supporting high-end hospitality, access to unique ingredients, and a new generation of Balinese bartenders combining local knowledge with international training.

• Award-winning bartenders are creating concept-driven venues rather than generic bars
• Fusion of local culture—tea ceremonies, seasonal awareness—with craft cocktail traditions
• Balinese professionals gaining global recognition and returning with refined techniques

As these mixologists continue pushing creative boundaries, Bali is positioning itself not merely as a tourist destination, but as a legitimate source of cocktail innovation within Southeast Asia and beyond.

For more information on AfterTea, visit chonteaandco.com or @aftertea.chontea on social media.