For Chong Hau of The Nest Cocktail Bar in Penang, his signature Hojicha Sour is only half the experience. Inspired by a love of smoky hojicha, the cocktail balances roasted tea notes with bright yuzu, but it's served alongside a piece of grilled tatami iwashi (Japanese whitebait). The savory bite transforms the drink, bringing out the smoky depth of the hojicha while making the citrus notes pop. It's a reminder that sometimes, the perfect cocktail pairing isn't another drink.

Shirmy Chan of Bar Terumi in KL shares the latest evolution of her Dry Vodka Martini - a study in precision, patience, and temperature control. With only the barest touch of vermouth, the spotlight stays firmly on the vodka. The real magic, however, lies in her two-step dilution process, designed to achieve the ideal balance of chill and flavor. It's a reminder that when it comes to Martinis, the smallest details often make the biggest difference. Ingredients: 60ml Vodka Spl

Boey from Round in Penang takes on one of the most famous cocktails in the world: the Vesper. Made famous by James Bond, this boozy Martini variation swaps dry vermouth for Lillet Blanc and adds vodka alongside gin for extra punch. While Bond famously ordered his shaken, Boey prefers to stir his Vesper instead, giving him greater control over dilution and letting the spirit-forward character shine through. Ingredients: 50ml Gin 20ml Vodka 10ml Lillet Blanc Lemon peels Meth

Shawn Chong of Bar Mizukami in KL demonstrates the art of the Japanese-style Dry Martini - a drink that takes minimalism to the extreme. With a striking 12–15:1 ratio of gin to vermouth (it's usually 6:1), the secret isn’t a fancy ingredient or hidden technique, but a long, deliberate stir that refines the cocktail to perfection. Call it technique, call it craftsmanship, or call it zen - the result is a Martini that’s crisp, elegant, and unmistakably Japanese (and very dry).