Michael Gabrillo

Michael got started in the industry all thanks to his brother, whose passion and enjoyment behind the bar inspired him to follow in the same footsteps. He now works at Mak Mak, and has created a cocktail that reflects his strong sense of nationalism.

TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF AND HOW YOU GOT STARTED IN THE INDUSTRY. My name is Michael and I was born in the Philippines. I work at Mak Mak, a Thai restaurant in Landmark. I started working in this industry as a bar back in 2010.

TELL US ABOUT THE LIQUID YOU HAVE BEEN CHALLENGED TO MAKE YOUR COCKTAIL WITH AND THE INSPIRATION BEHIND YOUR DRINK. I was looking for a drink that signifies both strength and sexiness. This is why I had decided to go with a classic called the Godfather with a twist. I decided to call it El Dictador, because to me the name itself, epitomises pure strength and grit. Adding to the fact that the Dictador bottle is coated with a matte black finish, which itself is smooth with an essence of ruggedness and sex appeal. For me, the aftertaste of the rum has a balance of smoky, caramel, spice and reminds you of the great Colombian weather mainly Cartagena, home of beautiful women and beaches.

WHAT IS THE BEST PART OF YOUR JOB? The best part of my job is knowing and meeting different kinds of people as well as entertaining my guests and making their drinks with a lot of love.

WHAT DO YOU PREFER, A SUPER ELABORATE GARNISHED DRINK OR A DRINK THAT STANDS ON ITS OWN? I prefer a drink that stands on its own because I want to focus more on achieving the right amount of balance and quality.

WHO HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST INFLUENCE IN THE INDUSTRY? First and foremost it is my brother Kersee. I wouldn’t be here without him. But the two people who push me to keep getting better are James Barker and Ryan Nightingale.

WHAT PIECE OF ADVICE CAN YOU GIVE TO ANYONE LOOKING TO JOIN THE INDUSTRY? Love what you do, and always have the hunger and the desire to try and learn something new every day.

Michael Jay Gabrillo

El Dictador

INGREDIENTS: • 60ml Dictador Rum 12 Years Old • 30ml Disaronno Amaretto liqueur • 2 x Dashes of chocolate bitters

METHOD: Using a smoke gun, smoke a small amount of beechwood and trap the smoke inside an empty bottle. Proceed by adding all of the ingredients into a mixing glass, including ice, and stir to chill. Pour the mix into the bottle with the smoke and gently shake for about 60 seconds. Pour into an Old Fashioned glass and enjoy

GARNISH: Orange peel and burnt cinnamon stick

GLASSWARE: Old Fashioned

ICE: Ball