Movers & Shakers: Niko Idham Kholid on Turning Cocktails into Stories

At Between The Sips in Jakarta, the atmosphere is unhurried. Guests lean in over their drinks, conversations flowing as carefully as the cocktails. Behind the bar is Niko Idham Kholid, a familiar face in Indonesia’s bar community, now in his fifteenth year as a professional bartender and co-founder of the venue.

“I value connection, creativity, and intention behind every pour,” he says. “For me, bartending is more than serving drinks. It’s about creating an experience.”

That philosophy has carried him from an unexpected start in the industry to running his own space, where every cocktail is treated as both a craft and a story.

Roots & Rise

Niko’s path into bartending was unconventional. He did not study hospitality or come from a structured training background. Instead, he learned everything on the job, techniques, spirits, service standards, and, most importantly, confidence behind the bar.

“One of my biggest challenges at the start was the lack of training,” he recalls. “I didn’t have a degree or background in hospitality, so I had to learn everything from scratch. But every shift was a learning opportunity. I stayed curious, asked questions, and kept pushing myself.”

Rather than a single mentor, he points to a series of influences. Colleagues, guests, and everyday moments shaped him. A pivotal spark came during a visit to Bangkok’s BAR US, where cocktails were served in courses like a dining experience. “It wasn’t just drinks,” he says. “It was a drinking-room experience. That visit made me realize this is what I want to do: craft unique experiences through innovative drinks.”

Breakthroughs and Memorable Moments

The most defining milestone came when he opened Between The Sips. To build a space where he could fully express his philosophy was both daunting and rewarding. “Watching guests enjoy the drinks I’d created from scratch, it was surreal,” he says. “That moment really grounded why I do what I do.”

Community has been equally important. Niko recalls the impact of a casual conversation with a bartender he had long admired. “It wasn’t formal, just a chat where I could ask all my random questions,” he says. “That kind of connection reminded me how open and inspiring this community can be.”

Craft & Creativity

Step into Between The Sips and there is a sense of deliberation in everything from the menu to the atmosphere. Each cocktail is designed to connect to a memory, an emotion, or a story.

“My signature style is about connecting each drink to a personal journey,” Niko explains. “A cocktail isn’t just about flavor. It’s about telling a story and creating a deeper connection with the guest.”

One of his proudest creations, Hues of 5.30, embodies this approach. Inspired by the bittersweet feeling of a fleeting romance, the drink represents quiet heartbreak. “It’s about those moments when something feels real but just can’t exist,” he says. The cocktail reflects the shifting colors of the sky at 5:30, layered in both appearance and taste, showing how beauty can be found even in something unresolved.

While he embraces modern techniques like redistillation, Niko is careful to balance innovation with respect for tradition. “Innovation doesn’t have to be flashy,” he notes. “It can be subtle, like telling a new story through a familiar flavor.”

The Indonesian Bar Scene

From Jakarta, Niko has a front-row seat to a bar scene in transition. Collaborations with international venues bring fresh ideas, while local bartenders are carving out their own identity.

“What excites me most is how we’re shaping trends and educating the market,” he says. “It’s inspiring to see local bartenders embracing innovation while still honoring our unique flavors and traditions. The exchange with overseas bars is creating a dynamic scene that’s gaining recognition internationally.”

He highlights peers who are raising the bar in different ways: HATS with its sorbet cocktails, The Unfinished Project’s strong sustainability focus, Club 45’s blend of cocktails and music, and Modernhaus with its mid-century, plant-inspired design. For Niko, each reflects the diversity and creativity of Indonesia’s bar culture.

Still, challenges remain. “The lack of proper training spaces is a big issue,” he says. “Most of us learn on the job without structured guidance. But there are opportunities too. The culture has grown so much that now there is more room than ever to push boundaries and make a name not just locally, but internationally.”

Future & Legacy

For Niko, the future is as much about people as it is about drinks. His vision for Between The Sips is not only to grow the bar but to provide a platform for the next generation.

“One of my biggest goals is to develop the people who have been with me since day one,” he says. “It’s not about personal success alone. It’s about creating a space where everyone can thrive and feel proud of what we’re building together.”

When asked what advice he would give to someone just starting out, he keeps it simple. “Come see me, and tell me what’s in your head. The best way to grow is by being open, asking questions, and sharing ideas. This industry is built on connection, and it all starts with showing up.”

Niko Idham Kholid’s journey reflects the heart of Indonesian bartending today. He is a craftsman who blends tradition with modern technique, a storyteller who builds drinks around memory, and a mentor who wants to see his team succeed as much as he does.

As Indonesia’s cocktail culture earns more recognition abroad, bartenders like Niko are shaping how the world sees the country’s bars and how young professionals view themselves within the trade.

That is what makes him a true Mover and Shaker: someone whose personal journey mirrors the rise of an entire industry, driven by creativity, connection, and care.