The 18th Amendment Bar Geelong’s Venue Manager is the crème de la crème of bartenders.
It’s no secret: We love cocktails and we adore the mixologists and bartenders who create them. A science and an art, the industry is now seeing greater experimentation and talent than ever before when it comes to cocktail creation.
Knowing when to add a specific ingredient, understanding the flavour profile, figuring out the nuances of each liquor, spice, fruit and blending them into one amazing drink is a skill on its own.
But a flair for true innovation is what separates the great and the good.
One local going above and beyond in the scene is Indra Saryani, the venue manager at Geelong’s famed 1920s Prohibition-style cocktail bar, The 18th Amendment.
Keep your spirits high with the 18th Amendment Bar’s cocktail delivery service
Indra is regarded among drink aficionados for his extensive cocktails and spirit knowledge as well as his perfect technique and creative flair and has just been named as one of the top 25 Bartenders in Australia by Drinks World, a print and digital publication covering the global drinks industry, including contributions from the most highly respected local identities supported by international experts.
Having first been named in the Top 115 bartenders in Australia in the seventh edition of the T25 Bartender Awards alongside esteemed colleague Damien Kos-Beckwith, Indra is being recognised on a national scale for his contributions to the industry as voted by his peers.
“I am truly honoured to be listed alongside my fellow nominees in Drinks World T25 Bartenders Australia 2021,” Indra shares.
“I’m grateful to receive this accolade from my industry peers and thank them for their amazing support.
“I’m proud to be representing The 18th Amendment Bar Geelong who has given me the opportunity to shine.”
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His passion for inventive and immaculately crafted cocktails runs deep, having worked at the likes of Mrs Hyde, Quban, and of course, The 18th Amendment Bar in Geelong with previous experience at 28 HongKong Street in Singapore – Asia’s No.1 Cocktail Bar.
Having never been afraid of testing industry boundaries, Indra has also been one to throw his (successful) shaker in the ring of several cocktail competitions across the country, including The Perfect Blend comp, Opihr Oriental Spiced Gin Competition, the Southern Comfort Showdown, and of course the Camorra Cup Competitions, where he was even dubbed champion back in 2016. He’s even taken his skills international with Licor 43’s Most Passionate Bartender competition in The Canary Islands in Spain. Spain, let that sink in.
Impressing the judges with his creative takes on classic cocktails, Indra demonstrates his unique style and creative vision time and time again, often using local ingredients from here in Geelong.
Under the wing of Australian hospitality veteran, Gorge Camorra, Indra has helped ignite our love for Camorra’s famed speakeasy that celebrates cocktail culture while educating the consumer, presenting the classics with a contemporary and theatric twist. Allowing his staff to bring their own flair to the venue, Camorra has helped elevate Indra’s passion and skills for cocktail creation over the past five years, which in turn, has seen the venue itself earn a slew of awards and recognition within the industry. Most recently, the bar was named finalists in numerous awards at the prestigious Australian Bartender Magazine Bar Awards, the top awards in the country.
Onboard since day one, Indra is not only one of the most talented bartenders but is also known for his playful and affable demeanour. With an encyclopaedic knowledge of cocktails and spirits and a thorough understanding of impeccable customer service, Indra ensures the bar’s high standards are maintained, promising every visit is met with a warm and welcoming smile.
“Really proud of 18th Amendment Bar Geelong’s Venue Manager Indra Saryani making it into the Top 25 Bartenders in Australia,” Gorge Camorra shared to socials this week.
“Well done mate, we’re so lucky to have you leading the team. And congratulations to the other talented people that are on the list with him.”
Keep an eye out for the ‘Creating the T25 Cocktails-Australia Book’, featuring Indra’s own drink with Tullamore Dew Irish Whisky and make sure you get on down to the 18th Amendment Bar for a cocktail from the very best.
The 18th Amendment Bar is located at 82A Little Malop St, Geelong. Find out more here.
