Behind the Bar with Zee Wong

March 4, 2025

Zee Wong is a home cocktail enthusiast from Perth in Western Australia.

How did you get started as a mixologist?

My cocktail journey began with gin. All I knew was gin and tonic, sometimes a martini, but mostly gin and tonics. Eventually I came across a copy of Mr. Boston Official Bartender’s Guide Book at a second hand bookstore and the drinks just kept flowing from there.

How would you describe your personal style as a bartender?

Experimental and small scale. I like the classics, but I also like to discover flavour pairings that work well in a classic cocktail canvas. Being a home cocktail enthusiast, all the things I do are really suited for small scale productions.

What keeps you passionate about mixology?

The infinite possibilities of unique flavour experiences out there. Cocktails make people happy, and I’m happy making people happy.

What inspires your creativity when crafting new cocktails?

I have the good fortune of being able to travel and experience unique culinary offerings, visit local distilleries/breweries, and spend time in cocktail bars. I take all these experiences and bring them back to my tiny little kitchen to tinker with, eventually coming up with drinks that bring back memories of my travels.

What’s your favorite Fee Brothers product to work with, and why?

Fee Brothers West Indian Orange Bitters. They’re versatile and delicious.

What advice would you give to someone aspiring to become a better mixologist?

Be curious and try everything.

What is your signature drink, and what makes it special?

Classic gin and tonic. Because it is where my cocktail journey started. I grew from my humble days of adding 1 shot glass of Gordon’s to 1 whole bottle of Schweppes, to learning how to balance a gin with an appropriate amount of soda paired with a complementary garnish/bitters of choice.