World-acclaimed mixologist and bartender Francesco Lafranconi stirred up six new concoctions for Hilton Shanghai’s drink menu. His job sounds like a dream, getting paid to drink (and the more he drinks, the more he gets paid). However, this rather intricate art of muddling different flavors and cultures into one glass comes is actually hard work. Lafranconi advises beginner bartenders to really do their homework, to have fun in “a place that allows you to share your creativity but also invest your time to study the product knowledge” because “once you have the confidence understand the flavors, everything will fall into place perfectly”.

Along with masterminding impeccable cocktail recipes, Lafranconi also likes studying the senses to unravel the mysteries of how the brain processes olfactory information. One of his biggest passions is travel - not only staying in luxurious five-star hotels, but also immersing himself in the local culture and food. As he says, he “needs to be fed with knowledge”. When asked who he would go for drinks with, he said, “I need somebody that is very inspirational. I try to learn something from everybody so I like to have constructive conversations with people. I like to sit with people that can teach me something.” With that, Oscar Wilde came second place to his wife, whom he lauded as “the best tester”.

Lafranconi was overwhelmed by the warm hospitality he received in Shanghai and by the grandeur of this metropolitan maze. “There are buildings as far as I can see all around me. I feel like a little ant. I definitely think that from now on, Shanghai’s going to have a special place in my heart. Hopefully I can find a way to share my passion and knowledge with the emerging beverage industry and maybe I can raise the bar in this city. If it’s meant to be, it’s meant to be.”

Penthouse Bar On 39 at Hilton Shanghai. 250 Hua Shan Lu, near Yan'an Road. Tel: 6248 0000