Bali's Bartending Scene Has a New Star—and His Cocktail Tells a Story
Bali has never been short on world-class cocktails, but one local bartender is proving that the island's next great drink isn't just about flavour—it's about purpose. Deni Alan Hartono of The Westin Resort Nusa Dua, Bali has been crowned the Indonesia champion of the Marriott International Sustainable Bartender Championship Indonesia & Malaysia 2026, earning his place at the upcoming APAC Finals with a cocktail that's as thoughtful as it is delicious.
His winning creation, Segara Alchemy, is inspired by Bali's coastline and the idea that sustainability can be every bit as exciting as mixology. Instead of relying solely on premium ingredients, Deni reimagines overlooked kitchen by-products into something elegant, proving that creativity often begins where waste ends. The cocktail's name says it all: Segara, the Balinese word for ocean, paired with Alchemy, the art of transformation.
So, what does Bali's award-winning cocktail taste like? Think crisp bubbles, bright citrus, delicate smokiness, subtle umami, and a refreshingly clean finish that echoes an afternoon by the sea. One of its standout techniques involves gently washing Absolut Elyx Vodka with smoked cakalang oil sourced from the kitchen at Ikan Restaurant & Bar, creating remarkable depth while giving new life to ingredients that might otherwise go to waste. It's sustainable bartending without sacrificing style—or flavour.
The championship, organised by Marriott International under this year's theme, The Future Larder, challenged bartenders to rethink cocktail-making through innovation, operational sustainability, commercial viability, and storytelling. Deni's concept stood out not only for its technical execution but for its genuine connection to Bali and its coastal identity. With the national title now under his belt, he'll go on to represent Indonesia against the region's finest bartenders at the Marriott International APAC Sustainable Bartender Championship.
If you're curious to sip the cocktail before it heads to the international stage, Segara Alchemy is available at Ikan Restaurant & Bar at The Westin Resort Nusa Dua, Bali. It might just be the island's most meaningful drink of the season—a cocktail that proves sustainability never has to come at the expense of a great night out.