Quynh Thai is the Bar Manager of Snuffbox in Ho Chi Minh City. She makes us two cocktails, one with Cognac and Lime Juice and the second with Lillet and Brucia.
Quynh introduce yourself
My name is Quynh Thai and I began bartending seven years ago in my home town of Nha Trang. Originally I wanted to be a chef, but fell in love with bartending because it made me happier and my soul sing. I moved to Ho Chi Minh two years ago to work at Snuffbox and have since become the Bar Manager here.
The classic you want to show us
Sidecar
50ml of Martell Cognac
30ml of Cointreau
25ml of Lime Juice
5ml of Simple Syrup
The bar you dream of
Everybody comes to Ho Chi Minh looking for something different and I would like to open an authentic American speakeasy in my home. I’d create a bar in my place where I would invite guests and they could enjoy live jazz and soul music along with the cocktails.
What do you do in your time off
I love to travel and often go to the highlands of Vietnam. I also enjoy reading books and I’m actually planning on writing one myself.
The spirit you like the most
I like American whiskies because the flavour is sweet and smooth. I really love to work with oriental spices and they work especially well with these in a cocktail.
What makes a good cocktail
For me, the most important thing in a drink is balance.
What ingredient do you enjoy using in cocktails
As I enjoy herbal flavours myself, I’d have to say any and all herbs.
The signature cocktail you want to show us
Once for the Road
45ml of Macallan 12 years Sherry Oak Whisky
10ml of Suze for Bière
15ml of Lillet Blanc
15ml of Prucia
15ml of Elderflower Syrup
Where do you think we need to go to interview another bartender
The Firkin bar right here in Ho Chi Minh City
Great article! I recently visisted Vietnam but never got the chance to go to Ho Chi Minh City and visit bars! You’re making me wanna go back to Vietnam!
And btw the Japaneese Plum liquer she uses in her signature drink is called Prucia not Brucia (Brucia let me to some weird google search results)😊.
All the best
Sophus
Thank you. Prucia Done 😉
Cheers