Kay Tam

TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF AND HOW YOU GOT STARTED IN THE INDUSTRY. When I was 21 years old, I enjoyed having a drink after work with friends, and we spent a lot of money. This was until one night I met a bartender, and he said his company was hiring. Since I’m a huge fan of alcohol, I went for the job and started my bartending life.

TELL US ABOUT THE LIQUID USED IN YOUR COCKTAIL AND THE INSPIRATION BEHIND YOUR DRINK. I was glad to know that I would be working with Belvedere Vodka. Belvedere Vodka is naturally smooth, with good length of finish. I decided to give the Papa Doble cocktail a twist and paired it with Pimm’s and St. Germain elderflower liqueur. The cocktail is fresh, light and has a bittersweet finish.

WHO HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST INFLUENCE IN THE INDUSTRY? First of all, I would like to thank all the people who supported me in my career. And I need to acknowledge a bartender who has been a mentor to me. He is the head mixologist at Le Comptoir, Mr Timothy Ching. I learned a lot from him, and I appreciate that he has given me a lot of chances and support. I will be forever grateful for that.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR PROUDEST MOMENT BEHIND THE BAR? I remember one Friday night last year when I was working alone at the bar, and we had a lot of guests coming in for drinks. I did my best to serve them all and no matter how tired I felt I did. I am so proud that they were happy with my service and enjoyed the drinks that I made for them.

AND YOUR MOST EMBARRASSING BAR STORY? There’s this one instance when I accidentally spilt a cocktail that I made in front of a guest, and she almost fell off her chair to avoid getting wet. I felt embarrassed not only for myself but also for the guest as we both left feeling really awkward about what happened.

IF YOU COULD DO ONE GUEST SHIFT WITH ANYONE IN THE WORLD, WHERE WOULD IT BE AND WHOM WOULD IT BE WITH? If given a chance I would do my guest shift at ICE-Q in Austria with my sister and my partner. While we were there, we would also have a nice lunch, and cocktails while enjoying the great view.

Kay Tam

When it comes to jobs, Kay has had many. She has worked in offices, as a dancer, as a Halloween performer and more. But it was her love of alcohol that inspired her to get into the business of hospitality, and she couldn’t be happier.

Horizon

INGREDIENTS: • 60ml Belvedere Vodka • 40ml St. Germain elderflower liqueur • 40ml Fresh grapefruit juice • 10ml Pimm’s No.1 Aperitif • 10ml Bergamot juice • 2 x Pieces of cucumber (muddled)

METHOD: Put all the ingredients into Perlini shaker. Add CO2, shake and once carbonated, pour into Champagne glass

GARNISH: Cherry tuiles and fresh elderflowers

GLASSWARE: Champagne glass