MR. Cengis Murati

Cengis Murati is an internationally experienced beverage professional, educator, and bar leader with over a decade of experience in high-end hospitality across Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and North America.

He began his career in Belgrade, where an early fascination with classic cocktails and speakeasy culture led him to pursue bartending through self-education, volunteering, and disciplined hands-on practice. This foundation allowed him to progress from barback to Head Bartender, developing strong technical skills and a deep respect for preparation, consistency, and service standards.

Cengis went on to work with globally recognized hospitality brands and luxury venues, including Zuma Dubai, which was ranked among the World’s 50 Best Bars, as well as Zuma Abu Dhabi and Bangkok. During this period, he advanced to Senior Bartender and Training Teacher, contributing to team development, menu creation, and international pop-up openings. He later became the youngest Chef de Bar in Zuma’s history at the Bangkok location, overseeing daily operations, structured training programs, and seasonal menu development.

His career expanded into group-level leadership roles as Corporate Bar Manager, Beverage Director, and Mixology Teacher, leading beverage programs across multiple venues and markets. His work spans bar openings, cost control, menu engineering, supplier partnerships, and large-scale staff training, consistently delivering programs aligned with World’s 50 Best Bars standards of quality, consistency, and guest experience.

Driven by a commitment to education, Cengis founded APBA Bartending School (ASEAN Professional Beverage Academy) to deliver practical, professional bartending education rooted in real service environments, global best practices, and the operational standards of the world’s leading bars.