The future is yours to create: Li “Ahe” Jiaxi

Li “Ahe” Jiaxi is a passionate bartender from Kaohsiung, Taiwan, known for his joyful spirit and thoughtful creativity behind the bar. A proud member of Roma Roma, an Italian-style pizzeria bar, Ahe brings warmth, curiosity, and storytelling into every cocktail he creates. His work reflects a blend of Taiwanese heart and Italian inspiration, making each drink a connection between cultures and people.

A little bit about me

Hi, I’m Li Jiaxi, but most people call me Ahe. I’m originally from Kaohsiung, Taiwan. When I was a student, I chose to study food and beverage, and that’s when I first discovered the world of bartending. From that moment, I knew I wanted to become a great bartender, not just someone who makes drinks, but someone who makes meaningful experiences.

My favorite part of the job is getting to meet and talk to people every single day. Every conversation brings something new, a story, a lesson, a laugh. These connections help me grow, not just professionally, but as a person. When guests become friends, the bar becomes more than a workplace, it becomes a space full of real life and emotion.

“These connections help me grow, not just professionally, but as a person. When guests become friends, the bar becomes more than a workplace, it becomes a space full of real life and emotion.”

What makes me happiest, both in my role and as a person, is being able to turn my ideas and dreams into something I can share with guests. When I serve a cocktail that I’ve created with my own hands, and I see someone’s smile or hear their reaction, that’s everything.

What drives me is simple: staying happy and noticing the small things in life. That joy gives me energy. It fuels my creativity and helps me turn everyday moments into something special in each drink.

How I approach my work

One piece of advice that really stuck with me is, “Slow is the key to going fast.” It reminds me to take my time, stay aware, and not rush the process. When I move more slowly and with intention, I can see more clearly what I truly want, and I move forward with more purpose and confidence.

To feel like I’m growing professionally, I need new experiences. Competitions and brand training help push me, they challenge me and introduce me to new ideas. But it’s not just about bartending. Music and music festivals also give me a reset, they help me find my rhythm and reconnect with my passion.

Employers can motivate me by supporting my ideas and giving me the space to create. I also love when they help share my creations with others, it makes me feel seen. Even organizing something simple like an outdoor activity can bring a fresh wave of inspiration. It shows they care not just about work, but about our energy and creativity too.

I absolutely believe brands are important supporters of the industry. They help us learn, grow, and connect with the wider world. From training to competitions, I’ve gained so much from working with brands. If we can continue to build partnerships with local events and other creative communities, it’ll only make the bar scene even more exciting.

My experience in Campari Red Hands 2024

Representing Taiwan on an international stage was such a proud moment for me. I love my country deeply, and this was my first time competing at an international level. For me, it was proof that all those years of hard work and passion were leading somewhere meaningful, and I truly enjoyed every second of the experience.

The energy in Milan was incredible. Thanks to Campari, I got to experience Italy’s culture and food in such an authentic way. Milan was full of warmth and passion, it helped me relax and just enjoy the moment. On stage, I felt excited to share what I had created, and that energy helped me perform from the heart.

The biggest challenge during the competition was finding a way to create something new while still honoring the classics. I kept asking myself: when we drink a classic today, what makes it special? Is it the flavor, the way it looks, or how it makes us feel? That question guided me through the creative process and helped me stay grounded in the storytelling.

My competition cocktail was called Bitter Rocket, a journey from Earth into space. I imagined Campari as something with deep roots but infinite potential. I used porcini mushroom mezcal to represent the soil, lavender honey for the forest, and olive juice with sherry to symbolize the ocean. The base was inspired by a Negroni tree, but I added a twist to express something futuristic. For me, the drink was both a tribute to tradition and a vision of what’s to come.

“I learned the power of joy and authenticity. We all came from different backgrounds and cultures, but their smiles, passion, and sincerity touched me deeply. It reminded me that this industry isn’t just about cocktails, it’s about connection.”

I brought a piece of Taiwan’s bar culture to the final through my own energy and spirit. I come from Roma Roma, a relaxed and lively pizzeria bar where every day feels full of smiles and community. On stage, I carried that feeling with me, the friendliness, the good vibes, and the deep connection to people. That’s what I wanted the judges and audience to feel.

From the other finalists, I learned the power of joy and authenticity. We all came from different backgrounds and cultures, but their smiles, passion, and sincerity touched me deeply. It reminded me that this industry isn’t just about cocktails, it’s about connection. Their presence gave me the strength to believe more in myself and the path I’ve chosen.

Looking back, I’m most proud of being part of the very first Campari Red Hands Asia final. Winning a Campari award while working at an Italian-style pizzeria bar, it still feels like a dream! I’m incredibly grateful to my wife, Ula, who was also my teammate throughout the competition, and to the Roma Roma crew who supported me from start to finish. This isn’t just my achievement, it’s something we all share.

If I could give one piece of advice to next year’s finalists, I’d say: stay happy, enjoy every moment, and don’t let stress take over. Italy is full of beauty and inspiration. Take it all in, stay true to who you are, and have fun with it. That’s what will stay with you forever.

This competition definitely changed how I see myself as a bartender. I used to think being a bartender was just about making drinks. But now, I realize we are connectors, between ingredients, cultures, and people. Each cocktail is a way to tell a story and bring people closer together.

As for what’s next, just like my name “Ahe,” which means joy, I want to bring more happiness to people’s lives through my drinks. I’ll keep creating cocktails that carry the heart of Taiwan and the soul of Italy. I hope people can taste that, and also feel the love and passion behind it.