Lim himself is no stranger to the local bar scene, having started out his bartending career at KL’s best gin bar, Bar Pahit, in 2017. The economics graduate later went on to become the brand ambassador of Beam Suntory, conducting tastings and masterclasses of the brand’s portfolio and sharing his passion with consumers at large-scale events in Malaysia and beyond.
Now fulfilling his long-time dream of opening his own F&B space, Lim talks us through his journey Behind the Bar at Up & Away over a glass (or three) of their Espresso Martini.
What first drew you to the world of bartending?
Jordan Lim (JL): I joined the bar industry because I wanted to venture into F&B and start my own bar. But rather than start with zero experience, I decided to work in a bar first. That’s how my journey began at Bar Pahit.
How did the bar come to life — what’s the story behind its name and concept?
JL: Up & Away started as a concept space for people to have fun and treat as a safe haven away from the stressors of life. Hence, we focus on a no-frills cocktail program, good music, and a fun, casual environment. The name itself is from the phrase, “Up, up, and away” – depicting a sense of freedom, escape, and euphoria.
How would you describe your bartending philosophy?
JL: If I had to choose a bartending philosophy, I guess it would be about education and connection. I am a firm believer of educating consumers on cocktail culture and exchanging knowledge with industry peers, while building genuine connections.
What’s your creative process to creating a cocktail menu?
JL: I believe that for any cocktail bar, let alone cocktail menu, the golden thread that connects everything and makes the entire experience cohesive is the concept. For example, it would be a little out of place to see a rotovap machine in the backbar of a dive bar, or bras hanging from the ceiling of a 5-star hotel bar.
Hence, the very first step to creating a menu for me is to tie it back to the concept of the bar. Then the rest can come more naturally.
What drink on your menu tells the most interesting story?
JL: Personally, a cocktail on our current menu that I feel has an interesting story is the Longantini. Simply because it’s a cocktail that I first thought of several years ago at my previous workplace, right before the Covid-19 pandemic happened. So, it holds a special place in my heart.
How do you build a sense of community around the bar?
JL: Every bar does it differently, and there is no right or wrong way. For us, we just want to have a good time while listening to good music and sip on good drinks. This is true not just for our guests, but our team as well. Such energy is contagious, and so, most of our guests feel happy when they leave. I hope these positive experiences will make them want to come back again and again.
What’s one memorable encounter with a guest that has stuck with you?
JL: The first thing that comes to mind is not a particular experience, but some friendships that have blossomed over the years since I started working behind the bar. I have several guests turned close friends that I keep in touch with and see regularly after close to eight years. That’s one thing I am extremely grateful for.
What’s something you wish more people understood about the bar industry?
JL: I think for me, it’s the fact that mixology is a craft, and any craft takes practice, and practice takes time. So, next time you walk into a bar, be kind!
What’s your go-to drink order to make and to drink?
JL: Currently, I like making customers a Jungle Bird cocktail. To drink, I like a vodka or tequila soda with extra lime.
What’s one ingredient or spirit you’re obsessed with right now?
JL: Kaoliang, a light-aroma type baijiu. It’s so tasty and funky.
How do you see the local bar scene evolving in the next five years?
JL: I am hoping to see more cocktail bars with strong concepts that offer good holistic experiences for guests, not just drinks. I am also hopeful that in terms of consumers, Malaysians will be more educated about cocktail culture and appreciate good drinks even more.
Follow Jordan Lim on Instagram @jordanshakes for more on his bartending journey or visit Up & Away for your next night out. For more drink stories, head here.
Photography: Imran Sulaiman