Set high above the cerulean waters of Labuan Bajo, TA’AKTANA, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, continues to chart new territory in Indonesia’s emerging cocktail scene. This July, the refined coastal retreat invites connoisseurs and the curious alike to Maiga! Bar for the fifth edition of its celebrated Cheers to Community series, featuring none other than globe-trotting cocktail luminary Nico de Soto.
On 9 and 10 July 2025, the acclaimed French talent—whose creations are as much about philosophy and memory as they are about taste—will unveil a two-day exploration of inventive libations, elevating Labuan Bajo’s status as a destination not just of staggering natural beauty, but of exceptional, forward-thinking hospitality.
Must Have Book: Bali: The Little Black Book
A Rare Invitation to Create and Connect
The festivities begin with an exclusive masterclass on 9 July, where Nico, recently named among the Top 10 International Bar Mentors at Tales of the Cocktail 2025, will share the inspirations and intricate techniques behind his globally lauded drinks. More than just a lesson in mixology, it’s a window into his deeply personal process—one shaped by a decade of travels through over 100 countries, from the bustling markets of Southeast Asia to the minimalist temples of Japan.
For Labuan Bajo’s blossoming F&B community, it’s a rare chance to glean insights directly from the founder of Paris’ Danico (ranked #49 on The World’s 50 Best Bars 2024) and New York’s Mace (#71 on the Top 500 Bars 2023). His approach is distinctly borderless, marrying local gems like pandan, clarified coconut, and fig leaf with sophisticated global techniques.
An Evening of Inspired Indulgence
The following night, 10 July, guests will gather under Maiga! Bar’s elegant wooden canopy for a bespoke cocktail experience, where Nico’s signature concoctions take center stage. Highlights of the evening include:
- Clear: Ketel One Vodka, vanilla, strawberry, king coconut water—refreshing yet nuanced.
- Computer World: Johnnie Walker Blonde Whisky, pandan, whey, soda—a playful reimagination of tropical familiarity.
- Land of Confusion: coconut-washed whisky with caramelized banana and liquorice—an unexpected, silky delight.
- Big Fun: a soulful nod to Indonesia, blending fig leaf vodka, jamu coconut syrup, pineapple, lemon, and cashew whey.
Each cocktail is a story in a glass, capturing the intersection of memory, place, and meticulous craft—exactly the kind of thoughtful, layered experience travelers now seek.
