The bartender

Kayla Saito

The Mulberry Group - Dessous

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO BECOME A BARTENDER?

I love creating things, I came from an art background and that had encouraged me to keep creating. I am also drawn to creating connections with people which draws me to hospitality.

WHO IS YOUR BIGGEST INFLUENCE?

My biggest influence is nature in my day to day life. Through observation of nature I am reminded of its complexity and impermanence.

The hero cocktail

Everyone’s In Love With You

Highlights the botanical intensity of Ford’s Gin, plus fresh and crisp Emperor’s Gold Melon - a sweet melon with cucumber undertones and soft white flesh from Daintree Fresh in QLD. Fresh Tasmanian wasabi leaf and root make an appearance in the form of a silky green oil to wash the gin, adding texture and a savoury leafy-green spice. Melbourne Sake gently lifts the melon, fresh wasabi, and full-bodied palate of Ford’s Gin. The whole batch is rested on Melbourne Sakés kasu, or saké lees further upping the texture game. It is then carbonated resulting in an ever-so-slightly cloudy bubbly serve.

Ingredients

• Wasabi Oil Washed Fords Gin

• Melbourne Saké

• Melon Syrup

• Water

• Saké Kasu
  

  Like this cocktail? The full recipe can be found in this year’s copy of the Top 25 Bartenders. Get your copy by clicking the button below.

The bar

Dessous

I’ve been stationed at Dessous off of Flinders Lane in Melbourne’s CBD for a bit over 4 months now. It’s a cosy basement restaurant with an incredible menu serving up heaps of cocktails and wine. Next year (2024) I’ll be moving to a new venue from the Mulberry Group located in Abbotsford.