The Westin Resort Nusa Dua, Bali is celebrating a major achievement as team member Deni Alan Hartono takes the top spot in a regional mixology competition. Crafting a sustainable cocktail inspired by the Balinese coast, Deni emerged as the national winner for this year’s competition: Marriott International Sustainable Bartender Championship Indonesia & Malaysia 2026.
Organised by Marriott International, the Sustainable Bartender Championship focuses on creativity, local storytelling, and sustainable innovation. Under this year’s theme, The Future Larder, competitors from across Indonesia and Malaysia were challenged to combine future-forward ingredients with operational sustainability, commercial performance, and presentation. Out of the field, Deni claimed the title of Indonesia’s national winner, proving how an innovative bartender can triumph in a competition that redefines modern mixology.
Deni’s victory relies on his original creation, Segara Alchemy, a cocktail available at the resort’s Ikan Restaurant & Bar. The drink captures the essence of the ocean breeze while focusing on zero-waste methods, turning kitchen scraps into key flavour components. The name reflects this philosophy; segara means ocean in Balinese, while alchemy represents the transformation of overlooked ingredients.
To build the cocktail, Deni utilises a fat-washing technique, infusing Absolut Elyx Vodka with smoked cakalang oil salvaged directly from the kitchen of Ikan Restaurant & Bar. Leftover vegetable pieces are repurposed into a pickle brine, while citrus peels and the lower sections of lemongrass stalks are transformed into a homemade island tonic. The resulting drink is crisp and fizzy, offering a balance of bright citrus, delicate smoke, and subtle umami. This distinct approach solidified his position as the top winner, showing what a dedicated bartender can achieve at a sustainable competition level.
Reflecting on the result, Deni stated, “It means so much to me to have the opportunity to represent Indonesia at the Marriott International APEC Sustainable Bartender Championship.”
“This journey has inspired me to keep learning, growing, and challenging myself. Every day at Ikan Restaurant & Bar, I’m grateful for the opportunity to meet guests from around the world and create experiences that reflect the warmth of Balinese hospitality. I hope to bring that same passion and spirit when representing Indonesia on the APEC stage,” the bartender remarked.
Following his performance as the Indonesia’s winner, the local bartender will take his creation to the next stage in the competition. Deni will showcase his skills at the upcoming Marriott International APEC Sustainable Bartender Championship against the leading beverage talents from across the region. His creations are available at Ikan Restaurant & Bar, The Westin Resort Nusa Dua, Bali.
Learn more about Ikan Restaurant & Bar on Instagram @ikan.bali or visit ikanrestaurant.com.
