I Putu Wirawan, Assistant Beverage Manager

I Putu Wirawan – Creative Cocktails

In this interview with I Putu Wirawan, assistant beverage manager at Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort, The Yum List learns some fun stories from behind the scenes.

What is your current position and how did you get into the industry?

I am I Putu Wirawan, the Assistant Beverage Manager at Sofitel Nusa Dua Bali Beach Resort.

I’m highly grateful for all the support from my family, my leaders, and my team who I have worked with professionally and who have helped me through my achievements.

Share with us an interesting story or memorable moment from your daily operations?

Actually, every moment has its special quirks, but one that stays on with me is when I introduced myself by my name, Wirawan, but which everyone else pronounced as “we are one”.

At work, I am able to make people feel welcomed until their cocktails are served. Indeed, when I talk to my team, I always remind them that we are one as a team – hence my name becomes useful.

What’s the best/ worst part of your job?

The best part of my job is being able to make people enjoy our blend of local culture and French elegance all through the flavours that come served in a glass of cocktail.

The worst part is handling guests who don’t know when they have had enough to drink. We must treat them with extra care.

What’s your favourite meal and drink at Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort?

I’m a meat lover so like a good steak either grill or roasted, and to drink, arak is very special to me.

The perfect day off would be…

… when I switch off my phone and am able to enjoy the conversations with old friends and family.

A day in the life of a mixologist is…

I tend to start my day with a mindset of competition, where every movement must be precisely executed to serve great cocktails and be able to win the guests’ experiences and satisfaction.

What is something you would like guests to know about Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort?

Sofitel Nusa Dua Bali Beach Resort provides the understanding of Balinese culture with a blend of French elegance all aimed towards guests’ memorable experiences.

What is your favourite food and beverage pairing?

My favourite food and drink pairing is a Balinese dish called “iawar and serapah” (mixed meat and vegetables and spices and pork blood) paired with fresh “tuak” or fermented palm wine.

What is your view on the hospitality industry in Bali?

In my perspective, Bali has a lot of opportunities to grow in terms of hospitality. The Balinese have that kind of warm attitude to welcoming tourists that make them feel welcomed. The appeal of arts and culture with beautiful sunsets to capture new experiences in your journey are wonderful assets.

What is in store for you in the upcoming months?

I am preparing to launch a new cocktail and beverage list, keeping up with the current trends. And also I am aiming to establish a strategic partnership, from other beverage brands.

Check out some of I Puti Wirawan’s craft cocktails here.