Mastering the Classics: The Foundation of Cocktail Crafting with Tim Philips-Johansson

Meet Tim Philips-Johansson, a renowned mixologist with over 20 years of experience, a World Class champion, and Johnnie Walker’s global brand ambassador. Tim’s passion for cocktail making has taken him around the world, and now he’s here in Vietnam for a special Guest shift night at Layla - Eatery & Bar on June 16.

In this interview, Tim shares his fascinating journey, talks about the ever-evolving mixology scene, and offers tips for those looking to break into the field. Whether you’re a cocktail enthusiast or just curious about the craft, Tim’s stories and advice are sure to inspire.

What led you to the path of mixology and how have you managed to keep your spirit young and remain creative and innovative over your decade-long career ?

When I started bartending over 20 years ago, it wasn't really considered a profession. I fell into the world of cocktail mixology because I wanted to explore my creative side. I enjoyed the artistic aspect of making cocktails and the mechanical process involved in a very social, stressful environment.

On this path, classic cocktails have always been my greatest source of inspiration.

I'm inspired by classic cocktails and the challenge of creating incredible drinks with very few ingredients. The absolute basics of making cocktails lie in the perfect execution and understanding of classic cocktails.

Take Daiquiri as an example. The drink incorporates only 3 main ingredients - rum, lime juice, and sugar. What makes those three simple ingredients from boring to barnstorming is the quality of them as well as the consistency and sharpness of the producer’s technique.

Since your championship at World Class 12 years ago, how has the mixology landscape changed?

Winning World Class is just as challenging now as it was 12 years ago. The top tier of bartenders remains incredibly competitive.

Today, a World Class champion could come from any of 20, 30, or even 40 domestic champions around the world. When I competed twelve years ago, there were only about ten countries or ten bartenders with a realistic chance of winning.

As Johnnie Walker’s global brand ambassador, could you share your creative process for crafting Johnnie Walker cocktails?

At Johnnie Walker, we’re fortunate to work with a vast array of flavors. Johnnie Walker's Black Label is particularly inspiring because it offers such a diverse flavor profile.

This high-quality blended whisky allows for extensive experimentation with its fruity notes or its spice and peat elements. Its bold and intense flavors can be contrasted or complemented with various ingredients, from herbal and sweet to rich and spicy.

What inspired the theme of your cocktail menu at Layla - Eatery & Bar?

The cocktails we were showcasing at Layla - Eatery & Bar are a celebration of blended whisky's versatility. They’re fun, flavorful, and varied, showing that a single bold-flavored ingredient can create a diverse cocktail menu.

Each drink features Johnnie Walker Black Label at its heart, but each has its own unique character, suited to different tastes and occasions.

Could you walk us through one of your favorite signature cocktails for the Guest shift and what makes it unique?

My favorite is Moonlight.

It’s a traditional whisky-base cocktail, stirred over a large ice cube like an Old Fashioned, with elements of coffee, maple, and very bitter vermouth, finished with grated dark chocolate on top. This combination creates a rich, bitter, and addictive cocktail that keeps you coming back for more.

As a mixologist, when you're off duty and enjoying time at a bar with friends, how do you approach savoring a drink?

There's a saying that actors can't watch movies without critiquing the acting, which can sometimes ruin the experience for them. Similarly, as a professional bartender, I often find it hard to enjoy cocktail bars purely for pleasure because I associate them with work.

I prefer more casual environments where I can relax and enjoy something simple, like a whiskey highball with Johnnie Walker Black Label and soda or ginger ale.

Are there any Vietnamese ingredients you are familiar with or particularly fond of?

Absolutely. Vietnamese cuisine is incredibly rich, diverse, and delicious. Local chillies or Vietnamese mint, which has a fantastic spicy character, would work wonderfully in cocktails. These ingredients can add a unique twist and highlight the vibrant Priceless flavors of Vietnamese cuisine.

What are some common mistakes you see aspiring mixologists make, and how can they avoid them?

You should know why the classics are the classics, and I think this often gets brushed over.

It's easy for young bartenders to memorize the recipes for the top 50 classic cocktails, but they often don't take the time to perfect these drinks. I spent the first ten years of my career glossing over the classics, and the next ten years really focusing on them.

I learned much more from mastering the classics than I did during my more free-spirited, creative years. Aspiring mixologists should understand why these classics are timeless and strive to perfect them.

What advice would you give to aspiring bartenders who want to excel in competitions like World Class?

Looking back, I wish I would have asked more people for advice. Listening to those who have been in your shoes can give you valuable insights, even if it's just a small tip. Competing in World Class, even if you don't think you'll win, is a great learning opportunity as you gain so much experience by observing and asking questions.

You actually learn more from the competitions you lose than the ones you win. So, keep challenging yourself, don't be afraid of losing, and you'll keep getting better. Even if you don't win this year, it might be next year or the year after.

18+ Drink Responsibly.
Please do not share with those under legal drinking age.

Flavors Vietnam 2024, a partnership between Vietcetera and Mastercard, is a five-month long celebration of Vietnam's F&B scene. An annual occurrence since 2018, this year's theme is focused on “Crafting shared culinary experiences.”

Flavors Vietnam 2024 kicks off with Flavors Bar Week, in collaboration with the World Class Cocktail Festival by Diageo. It will feature a series of events at nearly 50 bars in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City from July 1st to July 14th.

With the spirit of “Celebrating a vibrant drinking culture bursting with flavor,” Flavors Bar Week 2024 will offer unique Bar Walk journeys with special drink menus and discounts for Mastercard Cardholders, promising attendees unforgettable and sparkling moments.

Special thanks to all sponsors of Flavors Vietnam 2024: Mastercard, Diageo (Owner of Johnnie Walker, Don Julio, The Singleton, Tanqueray, Ron Zacapa Centenario, Bulleit and Ketel One), Kamereo and InSpace Creative..

Join us and learn more about Flavors Bar Week 2024 here.