Macau Lifestyle
  • What's On

    Categories

    • Events Calendar
    • Macau Weekend
    • Monthly Hotlist
    • Giveaways
    • Entertainment

    Recent Stories

    Hong Kung Market 2020
    Weekender: Entering March With Food, Spa & Cultural Delights
    Macau Weekend
    Bar Stories Chapter 49 Bar in Hand on the Counter
    March in Macau: Dining, Arts, Culture & Family Events
    Monthly Hotlist
    Paulaner Wirtshaus Macau view from street
    Win a Bavarian Gastronomic Experience at Paulaner Wirtshaus Macau!
    Giveaways
  • Dining

    Categories

    • Restaurants
    • Local Eats
    • Cafes
    • Bars
    • Chef Spotlight

    Recent Stories

    The Manor Stories of the Sea Seventh Chapter Sea Urchin, fusilli Gentile red mullet bottarga, arugula ginger emulsion
    Where to Have the Best Pasta in Macau
    Dining
    Champagne tea set The St Regis Bar
    100 Years Afternoon Tea at The St. Regis Bar Macao: British Traditions & New York High Life
    Bars
    caffe b italian restaurant macau lunch dishes
    New Set Menu at Caffé B Macau: What’s for Lunch?
    Dining
  • Lifestyle

    Categories

    • Wellness
    • Weddings
    • Family
    • People

    Recent Stories

    Deolinda da Conceicao Macanese Writer
    Deolinda da Conceição: A 19th Century Influencer
    Culture
    Sheraton Fitness
    Best Hotel Gym Memberships in Macau
    Wellness
    Cartier LOVE necklace_18K pink gold
    Valentine’s Day Gift Guide for the Women in Your Life
    Lifestyle
  • Culture

    Categories

    • Arts
    • Heritage & History
    • Architecture
    • Artist Spotlight
    • Local Knowledge

    Recent Stories

    Deolinda da Conceicao Macanese Writer
    Deolinda da Conceição: A 19th Century Influencer
    Culture
    Artist Wu Yi – Tang Contemporary gallery- Macau Lifestyle WY1
    Wu Yi: A Painter’s Painter
    Artist Spotlight
    Cheong Kin Man Nighttime Facing the Camera
    Cheong Kin Man: The Story Listener in Search of New Narratives
    Artist Spotlight
  • Style

    Categories

    • Fashion
    • Jewelry & Watches
    • Beauty
    • Home

    Recent Stories

    Macau Lifestyle Morpheus Spa_Couple Spa Suite_02
    Best Facial Treatments in Macau
    Beauty
    CHLOE Mini Daria bag in Muted Brown
    Christmas Gift Ideas for the Women in Your Life
    Lifestyle
    Amalfi Coast coffee table books
    Inspiring Coffee Table Books for Your Home
    Home
  • Travel

    Categories

    • Macau
    • China
    • Asia
    • Oceania
    • Europe

    Recent Stories

    hong kong junk Day Trips Macau
    Best Day Trips from Macau
    Asia
    macau day trips ocean park hong kong
    Best Day Trips for the Whole Family
    Family
    kun iam ecumenic centre macau
    Weekend Walking Tour of Macau Peninsula’s Alternative Cultural Sites
    Culture
  • Hong Kong

    Categories

    • What's On
    • Dining
    • Things to Do
    • Hotels

    Recent Stories

    Artist Wu Yi – Tang Contemporary gallery- Macau Lifestyle WY1
    Wu Yi: A Painter’s Painter
    Artist Spotlight
    St. Regis Hong Kong, Premier Harbour Room 08
    Best Staycation Packages in Hong Kong
    Hong Kong
    Kerry Hotel Hong Kong
    Wake Up Here: Kerry Hotel, Hong Kong
    Hong Kong
  • Events
  • City Guide
  • 繁中
Bars
19 September, 2017
by Sally Victoria Benson

Mixing it Up with Master Mixologist John Nugent

Mixologist John Nugent, bartender at Lilly & Bloom in Hong Kong.

For those in the know, Lily & Bloom’s head mixologist John Nugent needs no introduction. The Seattle, Washington native has long blazed a trail on the American drinking scene, serving as brand ambassador for notables including Tequila Ocho and Cynar, and the winner of numerous mixology competitions like Cocktail Wars and Cognac Experience Cocktail Competition. He is lauded for his innovative twists on classic concepts, but, he says, “get me an American whiskey, some decent vermouth, and we are going to have a good night.” Nugent crosses over from Hong Kong September 21–22 and takes over the Mandarin Oriental’s Vida Rica Bar for “Legendary Bar Stories Chapter 9”.

How long have you been in Hong Kong and what brought you there?

I have been in Hong Kong for only six months. I have never been to Asia, let alone Hong Kong, and I wanted to be taken out of my comfort zone. I also wanted to be a part of a long-tenured program such as Lily & Bloom.

What sparked your passion for the food and beverage industry?

I feel like a lot of bartenders/mixologists “fall into” this profession and along the way we fall in love with a bunch of little things. Learning about certain spirits, making a guest’s day, mentoring a new bartender, or just nerding out on your spreadsheet. It all fuels a fire for us for a job/lifestyle that isn’t easy.

What’s your favorite ingredient to work into a cocktail?

Get me an American whiskey, some decent vermouth and we are going to have a good night.

Tell us one cocktail that you’ll never get tired of making and why?

Red Hook—it’s a cocktail that was created just under 20 years ago, by the experts at Milk & Honey in NYC but seems like it should have been invented 100 years ago. Made with rye, Punt e Mes, and maraschino liqueur. I think it’s timeless and I love making it as a Manhattan/Brooklyn variation.

What do you love most about mixology?

Right now, it’s my bar team. It’s not always easy to come in and be on point but these guys do it, they fuel me to be better. They teach me something new every day and it’s invaluable. My team of Ghurkas and Pogis.

What’s your go-to drink?

Beer and a shot of American whiskey for after work. Negroni for cocktails usually. I’m also a sucker for a good tiki drink.

In the food and beverage world, as in all others, having truly great mentors is key. Who have been yours? And what have they taught you?

I have had a lot of influencers in my life, from the manager who yelled at me every day when I was busboy to Murray Stenson, whose bar I used to sit at nightly and just learn. Two people, however, have really helped and guide me. Joy Richard was the first person to hire and teach me to be a “pro bartender”. I owe her a lot. Mike Ryan, who runs the bar programs of Kimpton hotels, is definitely someone I consider a mentor. A person who I reach out to constantly for guidance. Don Lee and the Cocktail Apprentice Program have changed my life and makes me better every year.

Please give some advice to young budding mixologists out there.

Be fun. Be funny. Be smart. Be nice. Don’t go out every night. Integrity is hard work when no one is watching.

How would you describe your beverage/mixology/bartending philosophy in three words? How has it evolved over the years?

It’s just drinks. I try to have one connection with each guest I serve and sometimes it has nothing to do with a cocktail.

Do you often visit Macau? 

This is my first time in Macau. I can’t wait to explore!

What should we anticipate with this pop-up collaboration with Mandarin Oriental Macau? What will Macau locals get to see and taste?

Well, I get lonely so I’m bringing my chef, Chris Grare, along to make awesome bar snacks. Also, on the drinks menu, we are not providing ingredients but rather flavor profiles of each cocktail. I am hoping this makes people explore the menu and drink something they don’t usually consume.

What’s in store for Lily & Bloom for the rest of the year that we can watch out for?

A new cocktail menu, tiki nights, some really fun charity events, and the biggest Christmas party Hong Kong has ever seen. Follow mine or LB’s Instagram: @jpnuge or @lilyandbloom for updates. Our fall and winter are going to be so much fun!


THE LEGENDARY BAR STORIES CHAPTER 9

When: 7pm until midnight, September 21–22, 2017

Where: Vida Rica Bar, Mandarin Oriental Macau, 945 Avenida Dr. Sun Yat Sen, NAPE, Macau

For more details, contact +853 8805 8928 or visit www.mandarinoriental.com

Three cocktails made by mixologist John Nugent, bartender at Lilly & Bloom in Hong Kong.

Tags

  • Bar Stories
  • bartender
  • Guest Mixologist
  • John Nugent
  • mandarin oriental
  • mixologist
  • Vida Rica Bar

Related Posts

Gratify Wine Shop Macau Lifestyle
Bars

Sit and Sip: Macau’s Best Wine Bars

ott old taipa tavern taipa village macau lifestyle
Bars

Hold My Beer: Macau’s Best Pubs & Bars

Champagne tea set The St Regis Bar
Bars

100 Years Afternoon Tea at The St. Regis Bar Macao: British Traditions & New York High Life

sardines at three sardines macau lifestyle
Bars

The Hottest Place in Town: Small Plates & Vintage Vibes at 3 Sardines

Trending Posts

Paulaner Wirtshaus Macau view from street
Giveaways

Win a Bavarian Gastronomic Experience at Paulaner Wirtshaus Macau!

Artist Spotlight, Culture

Cheong Kin Man: The Story Listener in Search of New Narratives

Cafes, Dining

Cool Cafes in Taipa

Culture, Heritage

Historic Women in Macau: Empowering Communities Across Time

  • Editor's Picks

    Paulaner Wirtshaus Macau view from street Giveaways

    Win a Bavarian Gastronomic Experience at Paulaner Wirtshaus Macau!

    We’ve partnered with Taipa Village Macau and Paulaner Wirtshaus Macau to give away vouchers to enjoy the best of Bavarian gastronomy in Macau!

    Featured image: Chinese depiction of a woman from atlantic countries circa 18th century Source: Review of Culture Culture

    Historic Women in Macau: Empowering Communities Across Time

    We all have an idea of what being a woman during the earlier centuries meant. These prominent women in Macau proved that their gender wasn’t a hindrance.

    LondonerMainLR Hotels

    Unveiling The Londoner Macao: The Newest Jewel in Cotai’s Crown

    The Londoner Macao is a unique addition to the vibrant skyline of Macau meticulously designed, making it a true celebration of timeless British design.

    Cuppa Coffee Macau Dining

    Good Morning Macau: Best Cafes for Breakfast

    As breakfast is the most important meal of the day, here’re our favorite cafes in Macau to head to for a hearty breakfast!

    Mandarin Oriental, Macau_The Mandarin Cake Shop_Signature Cake_Pink Bloom Cafes

    That Takes the Cake! The Mandarin Cake Shop’s Cakes for Every Taste

    The Mandarin Cake Shop’s cakes will make your heart beat faster and complement any ocassion! Don’t believe us? Try it for yourself!

    hiro ramen venetian macau lifestyle Dining

    Get Warm: Best Ramen Spots in Taipa

    We have composed a list of the best ramen spots in Taipa to warm your heart and soul, the Japanese way, with a hot bowl of ramen!

    Sichuan Moon Chinese Restaurant Macau Dining

    The Most Outstanding Chinese Restaurants in Macau

    We’ve dedicated this page to the best restaurants serving Chinese food that entices even the most discerning palates from all over the world.

    Cotai Picture Wide Macau Lifestyle Macau

    10 Free Things to Do in Macau

    Glamorous and buzzing Macau has a lot to offer even for those on a shoe-string budget. Find out the coolest and free things to do in Macau.

    Coloane hiking trail Culture

    Guide to Coloane’s Hiking Trails

    Coloane is home to most of the hiking trails in town. We walked them all and came up with the most comprehensive Coloane hiking trails guide.

    African Chicken from Riquexo Macau Lifestyle Dining

    Macanese Craze: Where to Get African Chicken in Macau

    African chicken is a truly Macanese dish, even though it doesn’t sound so. We’ve toured Macau looking for the best and here they are!

    caffe b italian restaurant macau lunch dishes Dining

    New Set Menu at Caffé B Macau: What’s for Lunch?

    To treat its patrons and attract new guests, our favorite casual Italian restaurant, Caffe B Macau, recently launched new lunch sets. From Mediterranean classics to chef’s innovative twists, the new set menus have all the chances to become your favorite middle-of-the-day meal in town. One winter afternoon, we headed to Nam Van Lake to visit Caffe B and see what’s up for lunch. 

    AJ Hackett Macau Skywalk giveaway Macau Lifestyle Local Knowledge

    Everything You Need to Do in Macau at Least Once

    Take a dive into this article and find out what to do to spend your precious time in Macau and maximize it to enjoy the city at its fullest!

    ramen pro macau lifestyle Dining

    Delicious Ramen Spots in Macau

    A hot bowl of Japanese ramen would surely satisfy any noodle craving. Slurp away at these ramen places in Macau!

    Collage of Calcada do Amparo Area Wall Paintings Macau Lifestyle Arts

    Colorful Macau: Best Street Art Hotspots

    Looking for something different to discover in the city? Explore the lesser travelled paths of Macau to find stunning local street art.

    The Moss Natural Life - handmade soaps sustainable shopping macau Wellness

    Sustainable Shopping in Macau

    If you are looking for places to shop for packaging-free, eco-friendly and sustainable items in Macau, here is a good list to embark on your journey.

    quarter square coffee on table exterior Dining

    The Ultimate Guide to Macau’s Best Coffee Shops

    Coffee makes the world go round and even if you don’t fancy it, it definitely brings people together so here are the best coffee shops in Macau!

    The Cheesecake Factory Macao pancakes Cafes

    Great Places for Pancakes in Macau

    Looking for pancake places around Macau? Hunting for butter-browned, soft and fluffy pancakes? We think you’ll be satisfied with our list!

    10-things-to-do-in-coloane-chapel-francis-xavier Culture

    10 Beautiful Catholic Churches in Macau

    Other than the glitz of the casinos and hotels, the beautiful Catholic churches show a different, historical side of Macau.

    Zics Macau Brand Source Facebook page Fashion

    Macau Fashion Brands: Celebrate Local Design

    Discover some Macau fashion brands that are making waves due to the fabulous designers behind each of their fresh and genius creations.

    The Ritz-Carlton Bar & Lounge Gin Collection Bars

    Best Places for Happy Hour in Macau

    After a long day at work, you need a relaxing place to unwind. We have the best places in Macau for happy hour deals on drinks and snacks!

    Macau Youth Street Dance Association single shot x Macau Lifestyle Arts

    Macau Youth Street Dance Association: Jarvis Mo on the Local Dance Scene

    We speak to Jarvis Mo, the president of the Macau Youth Street Dance Association, about the street dance culture in Macau, and more!

    Waffles with Coffee at Rooftop Macau Exterior Macau Lifestyle Cafes

    Best Waffle Spots in Macau

    Best shared with your friends or perhaps on a first date, here are the best waffle places in Macau for your next catch up session.

    Mighty Green Featured Cintia and Guilherme Lifestyle

    Mighty Greens: The Powerful Micro-Greens Making Their Way Across Macau Restaurants

    Guilherme Martins and Cintia Milk, behind Mighty Greens has an indoor farm in Macau producing nutritious tiny plants called “micro-greens”.

    Maria do Leste Bloody Mary from St Regis Macao Updated Photo 2020 Bars

    Shaken or Stirred: Macau’s Best Cocktails

    The world of mixology often proves to be as diverse and surprising as the one of gastronomy. Exercising talent and immense creativity, Macau’s bartenders keep creating signature cocktails that impress us with both flavors and presentation. If you are tired and bored with mojitos and negronis and need tips on what else to try, check out our guide to Macau’s best cocktails. 

    Macau Lifestyle Morpheus Spa_Couple Spa Suite_02 Beauty

    Best Facial Treatments in Macau

    With so many world-class spas in Macau, we recommend that you indulge in a facial treatment that will make you feel good at the start of 2021!

  • About
  • The Team
  • Advertise
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Contact Us

COPYRIGHT © 2021 • MACAU LIFESTYLE

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Receive Macau Events Agenda, the Hottest Giveaway Offers and the Latest Article Updates!

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.Ok