ETHAN
LESLIE
LEONG
Three Decades of Crafting Experiences Through Food, Spirits & Hospitality
Mixologist · Chef · Gin Composer · Hospitality Entrepreneur
“Never stop learning. Never stop creating.”
ABOUT ETHAN LESLIE LEONG
For more than three decades, Ethan Leslie Leong has built a career at the intersection of food, spirits, hospitality and creativity.
An award-winning mixologist, chef, distiller and gin composer, Ethan is the founder of Maison Ikkoku and one of Singapore's early pioneers of the bespoke cocktail experience. His career has taken him from professional kitchens and international flair competitions to luxury brand collaborations, global drinks development, hospitality consultancy and some of the world's most distinctive cocktail experiences.
Today, Ethan continues to create, innovate and challenge conventional ideas of what a drinking experience can be.
THE JOURNEY
Ethan's journey in hospitality began in 1990, when he started his career as a commis cook. His early years in professional kitchens gave him a strong foundation in ingredients, flavours and culinary techniques, eventually leading him to become a head chef with experience in both Eastern and Western cuisines.
In 1996, Ethan made a defining career move from the kitchen to the bar.
What began as a new challenge soon became a lifelong passion.
Within a short period, Ethan began making his mark on the international bartending scene. In 1997, he represented Singapore as a finalist in the International Flair Competition in Birmingham, United Kingdom. The following year proved to be another defining moment in his career, earning championship recognition at the Europa Bartender Competition, alongside the Best Newcomer accolade and the title of Bartender of the Year.
His early success established Ethan as one of the emerging personalities of Singapore's evolving cocktail and nightlife industry.
In 2000, he showcased his flair bartending skills during the Grand Opening of Cirque du Soleil's Saltimbanco while working with China Jump Singapore.
Driven by a belief in continuous learning, Ethan later completed his Bar Management certification at SHATEC in 2001.
FROM BARTENDER TO HOSPITALITY LEADER
Ethan's career quickly expanded beyond cocktail making.
Between 2001 and 2006, he took on leadership roles across Singapore's nightlife industry, including Bar Manager at The Liquid Room, Operations Manager at Centro 360 Group and General Manager at Club Happy.
His experience eventually led him into hospitality consultancy, where he worked with and advised a diverse portfolio of internationally recognised F&B, nightlife and lifestyle concepts.
Over the years, Ethan's consultancy experience has included projects associated with:
Ministry of Sound
Hed Kandi
Fashion TV
Café del Mar
Buddha Bar
Bice
Aurum
Clinic The Club
His multidisciplinary background has allowed him to work across multiple aspects of hospitality, including food and beverage concept development, bar operations, cocktail programmes, events, interior concepts and guest experiences.
MAISON IKKOKU
In 2011, Ethan founded Maison Ikkoku Cocktail Bar in Singapore.
The concept was built around a philosophy that was still relatively unfamiliar to many consumers at the time: the bespoke cocktail experience.
Rather than simply choosing from a traditional cocktail menu, guests could interact with the bartender and have a drink personally created around their preferences, personality and desired flavour profile.
Maison Ikkoku became one of the early pioneers of personalised and bespoke cocktail experiences in Singapore.
Over the years, the brand evolved through different concepts and locations, while continuing to focus on craftsmanship, personalisation and the relationship between bartender and guest.
Today, Maison Ikkoku continues its journey as an intimate cocktail destination in Tanjong Pagar, Singapore, presenting a new chapter centred around creativity, craftsmanship and the Five Elements Philosophy Cocktail experience.
BEYOND THE BAR
Ethan's work has extended far beyond the traditional cocktail bar.
Throughout his career, he has developed bespoke cocktail experiences, drinks programmes and hospitality concepts for international luxury brands, corporations and lifestyle companies.
His collaborations have included projects with brands such as:
CHANEL
Cartier
Rolex
Chopard
Häagen-Dazs
Singapore Airlines
Google
Meta
TikTok
Twitter
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars
Omega
Martell
Crabtree & Evelyn
Huawei
Visa
GIC
Temasek Holdings
Deutsche Bank
Standard Chartered
Novartis
Japan Tobacco International
Acqua di Parma
Givenchy
Franck Muller
Ethan has also worked with luxury fashion and lifestyle brands including Montblanc, GUESS, Giorgio Armani, Diesel, Polo Ralph Lauren, Viktor & Rolf, agnès b. and Penhaligon's.
His work has ranged from intimate cocktail experiences and product launches to large-scale corporate events, international collaborations and experiential activations.
A CULINARY APPROACH TO MIXOLOGY
Ethan's background as a chef continues to influence the way he approaches cocktails.
To him, cocktail creation shares many similarities with cooking.
Ingredients must work in harmony. Flavours must be balanced. Texture, aroma, temperature and presentation all contribute to the overall experience.
This culinary foundation has become one of the defining characteristics of his work.
Whether developing a bespoke cocktail for an individual guest or creating an entire drinks programme for an international brand, Ethan approaches every project with the same philosophy:
Understand the ingredients. Understand the guest. Then create an experience.
GIN COMPOSER & DISTILLER
In recent years, Ethan has expanded his exploration of spirits through distillation and botanical composition.
As a gin composer, he works with botanicals, flavours and aromatic profiles to develop bespoke gin recipes and personalised spirits.
His approach combines culinary understanding with mixology and distillation, allowing clients and brands to explore the creative process behind building a spirit from the ground up.
From selecting botanicals to understanding flavour structures and aromatic balance, Ethan's work in gin composition represents another evolution of his lifelong relationship with flavour.
EDUCATION & MENTORSHIP
Throughout his career, Ethan has remained passionate about sharing knowledge and developing the next generation of hospitality professionals.
He conducts mixology masterclasses, corporate workshops and hands-on cocktail experiences for both professionals and enthusiasts.
His sessions have been hosted for international corporations, financial institutions, technology companies and private groups.
Beyond teaching cocktail techniques, Ethan believes in sharing the broader principles behind hospitality, creativity, flavour development and guest experience.
He has also been invited to serve as a speaker, panelist and judge at various industry events and competitions.
COMPETITION JUDGE
Having competed internationally during the early years of his career, Ethan has since returned to the competition stage in another capacity — as a judge.
Over the years, he has been invited to judge national and regional cocktail competitions, including international bartender competitions, flair competitions and Asia-Pacific cocktail challenges.
His judging experience includes competitions associated with:
International Bartender Competition
Bar Pro Flair Competition
Bombay Sapphire World's Most Imaginative Bartender Challenge
National Cocktail Competition
National Mocktail Competition
Moutai Sling Cocktail Competition
Asia-Pacific Cocktail Competition
Ethan continues to contribute to the growth of the industry by supporting and evaluating emerging talent across the region.
MEDIA & RECOGNITION
Ethan's work and career have been featured across local and international media.
His story, concepts and hospitality projects have appeared in publications including:
The Straits Times
The Business Times
TODAY
Forbes
Robb Report
Singapore Tatler
Prestige
Epicure
Men's Folio
City News
SG Magazine
Hive Life
Over the years, Maison Ikkoku and Ethan's work have also received industry recognition, awards and invitations to collaborate with international brands and organisations
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS & ACHIEVEMENTS
1990
Began his culinary career as a commis cook.
1996
Made the transition from professional kitchens into the bar and hospitality industry.
1997
Hosted a 13-week cocktail television programme in Singapore, bringing the art of cocktail making to a mainstream television audience.
Represented Singapore as a finalist in the International Flair Competition held in Birmingham, United Kingdom.
1998
Won the championship title at the Europa Bartender Competition.
Received the Best Newcomer recognition.
Named Bartender of the Year.
2000
Performed flair bartending during the Grand Opening of Cirque du Soleil's Saltimbanco while working with China Jump Singapore.
2001
Completed Bar Management certification at SHATEC.
Began taking on senior leadership positions within Singapore's nightlife industry.
2011
Founded Maison Ikkoku Cocktail Bar, Bar Stories & Drink Culture.
Established one of Singapore's pioneering bespoke cocktail experiences.
2012
Performed “The First Flying Cocktails in the World” at iFly Singapore.
Hosted a bespoke cocktail press conference for Mediacorp.
Invited to conceptualise the entire cocktail programme for the Spider Room at Avalon, Los Angeles.
Created “The Jewel of Pangaea”, one of the world's most expensive cocktails, priced at S$35,000 per glass at Pangaea Singapore, Marina Bay Sands.
Won Champion at the Bacardi Singapore Cocktail Search.
Invited as a guest speaker for Creative Mixer 4.0 at LASALLE College of the Arts.
Appointed spokesperson and ambassador for GC Smart Luxury Swiss-made timepieces.
2013
Conceptualised the cocktail programmes for Art Bar at Butter Factory and Nuvo Restaurant & Bar.
2014
Appointed personality and ambassador for Urban Homme Face & Body Studio for Men.
Designed and developed global drinks programmes for Häagen-Dazs outlets worldwide.
Provided cocktail bar services for the Malaysian Petroleum Club at KLCC, Malaysia.
Invited as a mentor and motivational speaker for Manhunt Singapore.
Travelled to Manila and Jakarta as an ambassador promoting the art of cocktails for the Singapore Tourism Board.
2015
Developed menus and conducted training for Atmosphere Kanifushi Resort in the Maldives.
Maison Ikkoku won the Best Cocktail Bar Award at the HungryGoWhere Eat-lection Awards.
Appointed Brand Ambassador for Martell in celebration of Martell's 300th anniversary and Singapore's SG50 celebrations.
Opened FORT by Maison Ikkoku, a contemporary French-Japanese restaurant and cocktail bar, where Ethan served as Executive Director, Chef, Mixologist and Interior Designer.
Featured as one of Fujifilm's SG50 personalities.
Provided canapé and cocktail services for the 14-day Étourdissant Cartier High Jewellery Exhibition.
2016
Launched FORT Catering and secured projects with Kenzo x H&M and Crabtree & Evelyn.
Invited as a VIP speaker at the Macau International Clubs Show, presenting “The Art of Mixology”.
Collaborated with Singapore Fashion Runway for “Fashion with a Cause”.
Maison Ikkoku received the Best Cocktail Bar Award at the HungryGoWhere Eat-lection Awards for the second time.
Invited as Celebrity Mixologist to develop a drinks programme for the Crabtree & Evelyn Christmas Tea Collection media launch.
Maison Ikkoku hosted the wedding solemnisation of actor Henry Golding and Liv Lo.
Designed and developed festive drinks programmes for Häagen-Dazs outlets worldwide.
Conducted menu development and training for OBLU by Atmosphere Resort in the Maldives.
Maison Ikkoku was recognised among the world's notable cocktail bars during its fifth anniversary year.
Collaborated with Singapore Airlines for a month-long cocktail experience at Changi Airport's Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 Premier Lounges for Business and First Class passengers.
2017
Collaborated with floral artist Dan Takeda, combining flower design and mixology.
Provided hospitality services and cocktail experiences for Deutsche Bank and Western Bulk.
Participated in Singapore Tourism Board's Passion Made Possible events featuring ELL Spirits and Cocktails.
Created a cocktail experience for the Formula 1 after-party, Boudoir Blanc.
Worked on a photoshoot featuring the Top 10 Miss World Singapore contestants.
Hosted mixology workshops for Thales NSEA and Huawei.
Provided canapé and cocktail catering for Epicor Software.
Hosted a cocktail and canapé reception for the U.S. Embassy.
Hosted corporate events for Novartis, KB Association and other organisations.
Provided cocktail catering for Michelin-starred restaurant Saint Pierre.
Hosted the “Learn Culture Through Food” cooking and cocktail workshop with The Style Atelier.
2018
Launched Maison Ikkoku The Gallery, combining contemporary art, dining and cocktails.
Hosted mixology workshops and corporate experiences for:
Schroders
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Asia
Omega
Google Asia Pacific
Standard Chartered Private Equity Singapore
Provided hospitality services for Deutsche Bank and Edelman Singapore.
Hosted a corporate event for Pallion and ABC Bullion.
Conducted a wine appreciation and creative dinner for the International Wine & Food Society Singapore.
Continued the “Learn Culture Through Food” cooking and cocktail workshop with The Style Atelier.
2019
Received four awards from the Singapore Legendary Bar Awards:
The Legendary
Bar Entrepreneur
Best Working Flair
Best Showmanship
Collaborated with Michelin-starred Chef Jeremy Gillon for a cocktail pairing dinner at JAG.
Provided cocktail bar catering services for Rolex and Chopard.
Hosted mixology workshops for:
Google
Twitter
Facebook
Japan Tobacco International
Thales NSEA
Freemont
Hosted a creative dinner for Steris Solutions.
Co-starred with actor Henry Golding in the Hennessy Odyssey short film.
2020
Hosted a mixology workshop for TikTok.
Launched SLING, a Singapore Sling specialist concept.
Introduced cocktail delivery services during the pandemic.
Launched online cocktail masterclasses.
2021
Judge for the National Cocktail Competition.
Judge for the F&N Mocktail Competition.
2022
Maison Ikkoku featured in Bloomberg Crypto.
Hosted the Blockchain Fest Welcome Party.
Hosted a Mixology Masterclass for Meta.
Judge for the National Cocktail and Mocktail Competition.
Judge for the Moutai Sling Cocktail Competition.
Judge for the Asia-Pacific Cocktail Competition.
Hosted an AMA for the Asian Television Awards Official NFT project, Glitzy Tribe.
Maison Ikkoku hosted TOKEN2049 Welcome Party.
Hosted cocktail and canapé press events for Crypto.com and created the signature cocktail, “Fortune Favours The Brave”.
2023
Hosted the TOKEN2049 Welcome Party.
Judge for the National Cocktail and Mocktail Competition.
Judge for the Asia-Pacific Cocktail Competition.
Hosted a Mixology Masterclass for Japan Tobacco Company.
Launched Ern Ern Steak & Fries.
Launched Maison Ikkoku 2.0 with a new interior, refreshed concept and seven in-house distilled gin offerings.
2024
Hosted the Asia Blockchain Fest Welcome Party.
Hosted Mixology Masterclasses for Temasek Holdings and GIC.
Judge for the National Cocktail and Mocktail Competition.
Judge for the Asia-Pacific Cocktail Competition.
Expanded the Gin Composer concept, offering bespoke botanical gin development and personalised spirit creation experiences.
2025
Launched the new 85 Amoy concept.
Created cocktails inspired by scent profiles for Acqua di Parma and Givenchy Fragrance.
85 Amoy hosted the Franck Muller product launch.
2026
Opened the new Maison Ikkoku in Tanjong Pagar, Singapore — an intimate 15-seat cocktail bar.
Hosted a Mixology Masterclass for Visa.
Judge for the Asia-Pacific Cocktail Competition.
Introduced Maison Ikkoku's Five Elements Philosophy Cocktail experience, where A.I. technology meets the ancient philosophy of the Five Elements to create a personalised cocktail journey.
THE PHILOSOPHY
After more than three decades in the hospitality industry, Ethan remains guided by one simple belief:
Never stop learning, Never stop creating
From his earliest days as a commis cook to international competitions, luxury collaborations, entrepreneurship and spirit development, his journey has been defined by curiosity, resilience and an ongoing pursuit of creativity.
For Ethan, a cocktail is more than a combination of ingredients.
It is a conversation.
It is a memory.
It is an experience shared between the person creating it and the person drinking it.
And after more than 30 years in hospitality, the journey continues.
CHANEL COCKTAIL
OMAKASE
MIXOLOGY MASTERCLASS
Häagen-Dazs x Ethan Leslie Leong
Gc Smart Luxury Swiss Watch Ambassador
Singapore Tourism Board Ambassador
agnès b. Cocktail
Dan Takeda x Ethan Leslie Leong
Penhaligon's x Ethan Leslie Leong
Martell 300 Years Ambassador
Making Häagen-Dazs Cocktail
Lobster Bisque Linguine
Mixology Masterclass
Flower Cocktail
Mixology Masterclass in St Regis Singapore
Cocktail Catering For Rolex
