Behind the bar: Igor Hadzismajlovic

Igor Hadzismajlovic is the co-founder of the world’s No. 5 bar in 2015, Employees Only. After a long and successful run in New York and Singapore, the bar maven has dipped his toes into Hong Kong with his latest expansion and the fourth branch worldwide. Born in Bosnia and Herzegovina on the Balkan Peninsula in southeastern Europe, Hadzismajlovic has a long list of previous roles including a bathroom attendant and AC installer before moving into the drinks industry. In an interview with dbHK,  Hadzismajlovic talks about a margarita for the hot summer days and the branded ice cube trend in bars.

What led you to be behind the bar? 

I have always been a fan of high energy work settings and am a night owl by nature on top of that. 

Which spirit ignited your passion?

Definitely Gin with its complex nature.

What are the best and worst things about the industry?

I think probably drinking goes for both.

If you had to be a particular cocktail or spirit, which one would you be?

Negroni, Negroni, Negroni

Lime or lemon?

Lemon.

Complete this sentence: the last time I drank, I….

The last time I drank, I had many Fernet Branca shots to accompany my drinks.

What are your favourite seasonal cocktails?

A good margarita in the blazing hot summer always hits the spot.

Where is your favourite place in Asia for cocktails?

My new home, Singapore.

Name one cocktail trend which is hot in Asia right now?

Branded ice cubes have very quickly become a norm here.

Please share one of your favourite recipes? 

Provençal by Jason Kosmas

1.75 oz Lavender infused gin

0.75 oz Herbs du Provence infused dry vermouth

0.5 Cointreau 

Stirred, served up with orange peel