If you are seeking a night out with friends for a talk, and enjoy a cocktail in a comfortable environment, check out Elixir Bar, a Bespoke cocktail bar in a multi-concept F&B space in the heart of Orchard.
Helming Elixir Bar as its head mixologist is Vladyslav Buzko, a 24-year-old Ukrainian who relocated to Singapore less than a year ago. Since 2016, Vlad has participated in competitions such as the Marie Brizard UAE Cocktail Championship, Monin Cup 2016 UAE and Chivas Master 2017, emerging as one of the final contenders in all three competitions.
We had a chat with the handsome mixologist behind the bar’s alchemy-inspired cocktails, and find out a little bit more about what goes behind the scene and what are some of the plans he have for Elixir Bar menu.
What
inspired you to be a bartender?
I started as a waiter in my 1st year in University.
That’s when I started noticing and admiring the passion that bartenders put in
their work to make it so enjoyable and fun. Also, my experience as a cook isn’t
as fun as I realised that I enjoy communicating with the guests and yet I was
unable to do so when I’m working in the kitchen. Eventually, I decided to join
the bar-school and started working as a bartender at the age of 19 years old.
What have
you learned along the way?
Oh! I’ve learnt plenty in my career. Mostly about different types
of liquors, providing great services and also a bit of insight into the
psychology of people.
Most interestingly, I get to speak to the guest and understand the story of
his/her life.
Where have
you worked before? Who are your mentors?
Apart from my working experience in Ukraine, I’ve worked at Doha
St. Regis 5 star hotel in Qatar. I then move to Dubai and worked in Four
Seasons DIFC as a member of their preopening team. My one and only mentor was
Mario Farulla, Italian mixologist. He has a great sense of humour and service
standard.
What is
the most important skill a bartender should have?
I believe that the most important skill that a bartender should
have is social skills. It involves
being friendly, polite, funny, empathise, communicable and many more..
What's
your cocktail-making style in in three words?
Listen-Shake-Serve =)
The most important factor is to understand what your guests need. Even
if u failed once, don’t be discouraged. For example, there is no perfect mojito
that can satisfy everyone. Some might find it too sweet while others will find
it too sour or lacking of alcohol content. So, I strongly believe in
understanding each guest’s feedback and modify the drink to satisfy him/her.
Your
cocktails have very creative names. How do you come up with them?
I get the inspiration from the bar name,
Elixir bar. Therefore, my menu is based on mythology and magic potion. The link
between name and menu is what makes this place special. So, if you feel that
you need magical power or potions, come down to Elixir bar.
What
trends have you spotted in cocktails?
I think it will be liquid food and we might be having that soon!
We are looking to create interesting drinks that are infused with Asian
flavours such as Tom Yam or Chicken Rice Mocktails.
What are your plans for Elixir Bar menu?
We have just launched the new Elixir Bar menu and I’m collecting
more feedbacks from the guests at the moment. I’m thinking of adding new potions
relating to new mythological Gods in my menu.
Where do you head on
your night off?
After I finished my work, the only one
place waiting for me is my bed.
Na… I’m joking! I’ll usually visit
different bars and clubs after work. So, catch me around town!
Follow Elixir Bar on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elixirbarsg/
Elixir Bar at KUVO
321 Orchard Road, #02-01, Orchard Shopping Centre,
Singapore 238866
View in Google map
Phone: 6733-8272
Area: Orchard
Opening hours:
Sun-Thu noon-1am;
Fri-Sat noon-2am
(Nearest train Somerset)
