From construction worker to world-class bartender—that’s the story of Michito Kaneko, who quit his job 13 years ago to pursue a career in the world of mixology. Three years ago, Kaneko opened The Lamp Bar in his hometown and in 2015, the Nara native beat 54 other competitors in the Diageo Reserve World Class Bartender of the Year finals in Cape Town, the culmination of years of hard graft. 

Kaneko will be hosting two bartending sessions at Zuma in Central, between 7pm and 11pm on January 18 and 19, where he will shake up seven signature cocktails, three of which will continue to be available as part of a cocktail pairing menu available from January 18 to 31. 

Highlights on Kaneko’s menu include: 

• Vin Zacapa (cranberry, raspberry vinegar, Angostura bitters and Ron Zacapa 23)
• Japanese Sensory (Atsukan syrup, fresh lemon juice, Tanqueray No. 10 gin, sesame salt and houjicha powder)
• El Julio 75 (Don Julio Reposado, champagne, grapfruit peel, agave syrup and sea water)

The cocktails are available at the bar for HK$110 each, while the cocktail pairing menu of three drinks and accompanying snacks will be priced at HK$650.

Zuma, 5-6/F, The Landmark, 15 Queen's Road Central, Central, Hong Kong; +852 3657 6388