In Jakarta, a bar quietly redefines connection through craft, reflection, and heart.
The room hums softly — the clink of ice, the whisper of spirits meeting glass, a faint smile shared across the counter. At Between the Sips, nothing feels rushed. Every gesture, every pour, carries intent. It’s not just a bar — it’s a conversation, a rhythm, a reflection of life itself.
For Niko Idham Kholid, the man behind the counter, bartending has always been more than craft — it’s his way of translating life into motion. “Bartending, to me, is an art — and art isn’t just about what you see. It’s about the process behind it.”
That philosophy — the poetry in process — defines Between the Sips, a bar that feels less like a venue and more like a quiet revelation.
A Journey of Life
Niko doesn’t just make cocktails — he composes them. “For me, cocktails are like songs.” He speaks about ingredients the way musicians speak about melody.
“When a musician writes, they pour their story and emotions into the lyrics, rhythm, and harmony. When I create a drink, I approach it the same way — every element must carry meaning, feeling, and balance.”
This harmony unfolds in The Journey of Life, the bar’s current menu — a reflection of existence itself. Divided into three chapters — Behind, Between, and Beyond — it represents the past, present, and future. Each drink captures a fragment of time, emotion, or memory.
“All of it mirrors life,” Niko explains. “Every influence — music, travel, food, even small moments — becomes part of that journey. Our cocktails are built from heart, soul, midnight brainstorms, and love. It’s a process that lets you learn, grow, and discover who you are — both as a person and as a creator.” The result is a quiet intimacy — drinks that feel shared rather than served, sips that linger like stories.
The Heart Behind the Bar
When Anand Mulani first imagined Between the Sips, he didn’t want another addition to Jakarta’s fast-evolving cocktail scene — he wanted a home.
“We’re so grateful to have met Niko and Ferdi — two people who share the same passion and values. From the beginning, our goal was simple: to create a space that feels like a second home for our guests,” he says.
Service is the anchor.
“Service has always been at the heart of what we do.” The bar’s warmth comes not from loudness but intention — from the glow of the lights to the steady, confident presence of the team.
“Yes, great cocktails are important,” Anand continues, “but what we’re building goes beyond that. Over time, we’ve watched our vision slowly take shape, and we keep reminding each other to stay focused, stay grounded, and stay true to what we believe in.”
Between the Sips is shaped by conviction rather than spectacle. Every detail feels deliberate, every interaction genuine.
A Philosophy of Growth
Despite its calm, the bar is constantly evolving — learning, refining, and sharing. Anand leads with a mindset rooted in progress. “From day one, we’ve carried the same mindset: Stay humble, keep learning, and quietly perfect your craft.”
He adds, “We even set aside a budget for education and growth — whether it’s joining masterclasses, learning from mentors, or visiting other bars for inspiration. Our mission has always been to invest in our people — to help each individual grow, and to build a stronger, more connected team.”
Niko shares the same vision. “I want to develop people — not only those who work here, but also within the wider industry,” he explains. His upcoming program, Between the Sharing, is dedicated to exchanging knowledge and fostering community.
“When people grow, the whole industry becomes stronger.” Between the Sips doubles as a bar, a classroom, and a creative playground — a space where curiosity is as valued as craft.
The Essence of Connection
At its core, Between the Sips is about one thing: connection.
“There’s laughter, love, deep talks, random stories, and honest moments of joy,” Anand says. “Cocktails are just our way of bringing people together — to share life, to celebrate, and to enjoy all the little things that make the big moments special.”
This spirit flows through every corner — between bartender and guest, between idea and execution, between the pauses that give meaning to each sip.
“The bar doesn’t shout to be noticed; it invites you to listen.”
Its beauty lies in restraint — in stillness, in sincerity, in the quiet spaces between the sips where everything comes alive.
As Jakarta’s cocktail scene reaches new heights, Between the Sips offers something rare: a reminder that hospitality isn’t about spectacle but presence. It’s about raising a glass, taking a breath, and finding connection in the moments that matter.
“The magic isn’t in the drink — it’s in the moment between the sips.”
Between The Sips
Jl. Suryo No.20, Rw. Bar., Kec. Kby. Baru, Kota Jakarta Selatan, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 12180
