The future is yours to create: John Patrick Poon

With eight years behind the bar, John Patrick Poon brings a vibrant blend of Hong Kong and Filipino flair to the world of bartending. Known for his creativity, passion, and love for Negronis, he’s built a career on curiosity, connection, and pushing boundaries. Representing Hong Kong at the Campari Red Hands global final, Patrick shared not just a cocktail, but a piece of his story.

A little bit about me

Hi I’m Patrick, I’m a mix of Filipino and Hongkongese, and I’ve been in the hospitality industry for eight years now. Honestly, it all started because I thought bartending looked incredibly cool, and after all this time, I still think it’s the coolest job in the world. What began as curiosity has become my craft and passion.

What I love most about this job is the freedom to experiment and be creative. Whether it’s developing a new drink, collaborating with other talented bartenders, or just connecting with guests from all walks of life, it all brings me joy. There’s always something new to explore behind the bar.

“What I love most about this job is the freedom to experiment and be creative. Whether it’s developing a new drink, collaborating with other talented bartenders, or just connecting with guests from all walks of life, it all brings me joy.”

What makes me happy, both at work and outside of it, is seeing people truly enjoy what I’ve made. That moment when someone takes a sip, smiles, and says “wow” that’s it for me. It’s simple, but it means everything.

What drives me is doing something I genuinely love and feeling proud of it. When I’m passionate about something, it lights a fire in me to keep improving. I want to grow, evolve, and keep finding new ways to express myself through this craft.

How I approach my work

One of the most helpful pieces of advice I’ve ever received is: “Believe in yourself and trust your intuition.” It sounds simple, but in a fast-paced industry like this, it’s easy to second-guess yourself. That advice reminds me to stay grounded and confident in my instincts.

To feel like I’m growing professionally, I need to keep tasting, experimenting, and learning. I try to build my mental flavor library every day, trying new drinks, memorizing flavor profiles, asking questions. It’s all about staying curious and constantly sharpening my skills.

What motivates me at work is trust. When my employers believe in me and let me take on new challenges, it makes me want to rise to the occasion. Having that freedom and responsibility pushes me to keep giving my best.

Brands play such a crucial role in this industry. They don’t just provide products, they create platforms, opportunities, and moments that bring bartenders together. From guest shifts to events and collaborations, their support helps us all grow as a community.

My experience in Campari Red Hands 2024

Representing Hong Kong on the Campari Red Hands stage was absolutely surreal. Sometimes I still can’t believe it actually happened! Being part of something so global and meaningful made me feel deeply proud of where I come from and what I represent.

Milan had this energy that was just infectious. The people, the vibe, the history, it all came together and lifted me up throughout the finals. Being surrounded by so much beauty and positivity gave me the boost I needed to stay focused and perform with heart.

The biggest challenge during the competition? Time. It always felt like it was slipping away faster than I wanted. But I stayed focused, planned carefully, and made sure every second counted. Staying calm and present was key.

My competition cocktail was inspired by my love for the Negroni. It’s often seen as a “gentleman’s drink,” but I wanted to break that mold and create something more inclusive. That’s how Lily was born, a drink that’s elegant, balanced, and for everyone.

To bring a bit of Hong Kong into my final presentation, I leaned into the city’s diversity. It’s such a beautiful mix of cultures and flavors, and I wanted to reflect that in my cocktail by using ingredients that nod to the local palate. It’s my way of showing where I come from.

“Bartending isn’t just about the drinks, it’s about sharing your story. Your personality, your journey, your unique flavor as a person, it all matters just as much as what’s in the glass.”

What I learned from the other finalists is that bartending isn’t just about the drinks, it’s about sharing your story. Your personality, your journey, your unique flavor as a person, it all matters just as much as what’s in the glass.

Looking back, I’m most proud of Lily, and the fact that I got to share her with the world. Creating that cocktail and presenting it on such a big stage felt like a full-circle moment for me. It was a celebration of everything I love about bartending.

If I could give advice to next year’s finalists, it would be this: focus on balance first, innovation second. You don’t have to make something wild or complicated, just something real. Let your personality shine through and don’t be afraid to keep it simple.

This competition changed how I see myself as a bartender. Before, it was just a job, something I did. Now, I feel like it’s truly a part of who I am. It’s how I express myself, connect with others, and make a little magic every day.

What’s next? I’d love to keep collaborating with the Red Hands community and spreading the Campari love to more places around the world. I’m excited for what’s to come, so stay tuned!