Award-Winning Mixologist Francisco Brings Chiang Mai-Inspired Cocktails to Hanoi for World Cocktail Day

World Cocktail Day in Hanoi is set to become an unforgettable celebration as award-winning mixologist Nipichthorn “Francisco” Junkaew takes over Garbo, the cinematic cocktail bar at Meliá Hanoi, for an exclusive two-night guest shift inspired by the vibrant flavors of Chiang Mai.

A Special Cocktail Experience in Hanoi

Taking place on May 14 and 15 from 4 PM until midnight, the event titled “Garbo’s Signatures Reimagined in Chiang Mai Flavors” promises a sophisticated blend of old-Hollywood glamour and Northern Thai ingredients. Francisco will reinterpret Garbo’s signature cocktails using Thai herbs, spices, citrus, and aromatic botanicals, offering cocktail enthusiasts in Hanoi a rare opportunity to experience Chiang Mai’s unique flavor profile through expertly crafted drinks.

Known for its stylish cinematic atmosphere, Garbo has built a reputation as one of Hanoi’s most distinctive cocktail destinations, drawing inspiration from classic films and legendary Hollywood stars.

Signature Cocktails Inspired by Hollywood Icons

To mark World Cocktail Day, Francisco and Garbo have collaborated on three limited-edition cocktails, each inspired by iconic films and timeless screen legends.

Black Glamour

Inspired by Greta Garbo and the 1936 classic Camille, this elegant creation combines Johnnie Walker Black Label, cacao-infused Averna Amaro, coffee, and tonka bean tincture. The cocktail is finished with Chiang Mai stout cacao and cava air foam, delivering a luxurious and dramatic flavor profile.

Call Me By Your Name

Paying tribute to Humphrey Bogart’s legendary role in Casablanca, this cocktail blends Chiang Mai tea-infused vodka with clarified pomelo juice, creating a refreshing and refined drink with subtle citrus complexity.

Chiang Mai Confidential

A nod to Ginger Rogers in Top Hat, this herbaceous cocktail combines neem leaf-infused gin, Lillet Blanc, and soda water. The result is a light yet aromatic serve that showcases the earthy elegance of Northern Thai ingredients.

Each cocktail will also be paired with a limited-edition coaster inspired by the film and Hollywood icon behind the drink. Guests can scan a QR code on the coaster to unlock the cinematic story connected to each creation, adding an immersive storytelling element to the cocktail experience.

Who is Francisco Junkaew?

Francisco has become one of Thailand’s rising stars in the world of luxury mixology. He was crowned winner of the Thailand Hotel Bartender’s Championship 2025 and secured second runner-up position in the World Class Thailand 2025 national competition. He also claimed victory in the Zacapa “Above the Clouds” Challenge.

With more than eight years of experience in luxury hospitality and beverage innovation, Francisco played an important role in the pre-opening of Meliá Chiang Mai before stepping into the role of beverage manager.

Today, he leads the beverage program at MAI The Sky Bar, a spectacular 360-degree rooftop venue overlooking the Ping River and Chiang Mai skyline.

Speaking about the collaboration, Francisco shared that the guest shift is an opportunity to reinterpret Garbo’s cocktails through the flavors and atmosphere of Chiang Mai while preserving the mystery and glamour of classic Hollywood.

Meliá Hotels & Resorts Expands Luxury Lifestyle Experiences

Meliá Hotels & Resorts continues to strengthen its reputation for immersive luxury hospitality experiences across Asia and beyond. The brand operates more than 100 hotels and resorts across leading leisure and business destinations worldwide, combining wellness, lifestyle, and personalized service.

Its parent company, Meliá Hotels International, currently manages more than 380 hotels across over 40 countries and is widely recognized for its commitment to sustainability and innovative hospitality concepts.

The event also highlights the growing partnership between global hospitality leaders and Thailand’s tourism and lifestyle sectors, supported by Asset World Corp Public Company Limited, one of Thailand’s leading integrated lifestyle real estate groups.

Why This Cocktail Event Matters

As cocktail culture continues to evolve across Asia, collaborations like this showcase how regional ingredients and storytelling can transform the modern bar experience. Francisco’s takeover at Garbo not only celebrates World Cocktail Day but also introduces Hanoi’s cocktail scene to the bold aromas, herbal notes, and refined elegance of Northern Thailand.

For travelers, cocktail lovers, and luxury lifestyle enthusiasts visiting Hanoi this May, Garbo’s Chiang Mai-inspired guest shift promises a memorable evening where cinema, culture, and craft cocktails come together in spectacular style.