Jerrold Khoo is the bar manager of Jigger & Pony in Singapore. He makes us two cocktails, one with Bourbon and Yuzu Marmalade and the second with Gin and Melon Liqueur.
Jerrold introduce yourself
I’m Jerrold Khoo and I’m the bar manager of Jigger & Pony in Singapore. I started here 7 years ago as an apprentice after my graduation in interior design. For me, being behind the bar is like being on stage as a musician. I enjoy this energy and the fact that I can create drinks for people. Plus, my studies in design help me to conceptualise a drink and the stories and ideas behind my cocktails. My other passion alongside design and bartending is music, so I am currently studying music at the same time as bartending. Life is all about doing what you like.
The classic you want to show us
Yuzu Whiskey Sour
45ml of Bulleit Bourbon
20 ml of Lemon Juice
20ml of Egg White
5ml of St Germain Liqueur
2 Teaspoons of Yuzu Marmalade
The bar you dream of
My dream bar would be a bar that transports me to another dimension like the movie Spirited Away or being in a Wong Kar Wai film. It would have a retro feel from the ’80s or ’90s with funky disco jazz music. I believe food and drinks go together, so of course, the bar would serve food too. It would be for around 80 people and based in Singapore, then I’d like to open in other South-East Asian countries like Vietnam, Bangkok and KL.
What do you do in your time off
I do my washing and take care of my clothes and shoes, as I find it quite relaxing. As I said before I learn music, so I also practice the keyboard and sing, because I can already play the drums and guitar. Otherwise, I spend time with people I care about and cook for them.
The spirit you like the most
I really like gin, because there are a lot of varieties and the flavour makes people happy. It’s easy to work within a cocktail and I try to stick to London dry gin for classics, but if I need something more floral, I go for Hendricks or Monkey 47. I also like to use Nikka Coffee Gin, as it’s very similar to No.3 gin.
What makes a good cocktail
A good cocktail has to be simple, but intriguing with a good story behind it. You need to be able to taste all the ingredients and it should be the right balance between a geeky drink and an accessible one.
What ingredient do you enjoy using in cocktails
I think it would be aromatic ingredients like St Germain elderflower. It’s easy to get here and it works with everything. It’s my secret weapon to brighten up any drink and consumer alike, thanks to its flavour.
The signature cocktail you want to show us
Madame President
30ml of Monkey 47 Gin
20ml of Kaffir Dry Vermouth
20ml of Orchid and Bitter Melon Liqueur
1 Campari Lollipop
Where do you think we need to go to interview another bartender
In Bangkok, go to Q&A and ask for Ataporn. In Manila, look for Lester who owns the Spirits Library and in Taiwan go to TCRC in Tainan.