Cocktails have always held a special place in my heart. They are more than just drinks—they are a form of art, a language of creativity, and a way to connect with people. I still remember the first time I watched a bartender craft a cocktail with effortless precision, the way each ingredient was carefully selected and balanced to create something extraordinary. That moment sparked a lifelong appreciation for the world of mixology and the talented individuals who bring it to life. From the cozy corners of hidden speakeasies to the grand stages of global competitions, these bartenders have shaped the craft cocktail scene with their passion, creativity, and dedication. Here are some of the top bartenders and mixology experts you should follow for inspiration this National Cocktail Day.

1. Eryn Reece

With a career spanning over two decades, Eryn Reece has established herself as a formidable presence in the bartending community. Her journey began in Portland, Oregon, and led her to New York City, where she has been instrumental in the success of esteemed establishments like Death & Company and Mayahuel. Reece’s expertise has earned her accolades, including the title of Speed Rack National Champion. She has been featured in publications such as Imbibe and The New York Times. Beyond her bartending prowess, she co-founded LUPEC NYC (Ladies United for the Preservation of Endangered Cocktails), advocating for female bartenders in the industry.

2. Ivy Mix

“Ivy has inspired the nation to rethink womens’ role behind the bar” — Ivymix.com

Ivy Mix is a pioneering bartender and entrepreneur, co-owning the award-winning pan-Latin bar Leyenda in Brooklyn. Recognized by major outlets like Eater and GQ, Leyenda is one of the best bars in America. Ivy also owns Whoopsie Daisy and Fiasco! Wine + Spirits, a wine bar and bottle shop in Crown Heights. In 2020, she published Spirits of Latin America, which won multiple awards. A champion for women in bartending, Ivy co-founded Speed Rack, a national cocktail competition that has raised nearly $2 million for breast cancer charities. Her bartending journey began in Guatemala and Mexico, where she developed a deep knowledge of agave spirits.

3. Jacopo Rosito

Hailing from Florence, Italy, Jacopo Rosito developed a deep passion for mixology in the city’s historic bars. His career took off at the prestigious Four Seasons Hotel Firenze, where he played a key role in making the Atrium Bar an internationally recognized destination. He later moved to the U.S., refining his skills as Head Mixologist at 54 Mint in San Francisco. Now serving as Beverage Director at Four Seasons Hotel Miami, he continues to push creative boundaries, combining his Italian heritage with inventive techniques to create unforgettable drinking experiences.

4. James Grant

“We make drinks, but we serve people.” — James Grant

James Grant is a highly experienced bartender with over a decade in the service industry. Known for his expertise in building and managing sophisticated cocktail menus, James also excels at training bar teams to ensure top-tier service. Originally from Melbourne, he now calls Edmonton, Alberta, home, where he works at Little Hong Kong. In 2021, James earned the prestigious title of Diageo World Class Canada Bartender of the Year, one of the highest honors in bartending. Following his national success, he represented Canada at the World Class Global Finals in Madrid, Spain.

5. Paula Lukas

Paula Lukas initially stumbled into bartending as a way to earn extra income, never planning for it to become a career. Starting as a server, she quickly became drawn to the energy behind the bar. Before bartending, Paula explored roles in corporate work, sales, and real estate, but a desk job never suited her. With a background in professional theater, she was drawn to the creativity and human interaction that bartending offered. For Paula, bartending is not just about making drinks—it’s about creating connections, and that’s what she loves most.

6. Tom Walker

Tom Walker is a renowned bartender, speaker, and drinks writer with over 15 years in the food and beverage industry. Originally from Redcar, England, he began his career as a glass collector in Newcastle before honing his craft at Edinburgh’s Bramble, one of the World’s 50 Best Bars. His expertise in classic cocktails and Scotch whisky led him to London, where he became a senior bartender at The Savoy’s American Bar. In 2014, he won the Bacardi Legacy Global Cocktail Competition with his Maid in Cuba cocktail. Now based in New York, he has worked at top bars like Attaboy, Fresh Kills, and Donna Cocktail Club.

A Personal Love Letter to Cocktails

For me, cocktails have always been more than just drinks. They are stories, expressions of culture, and moments of connection. My love for mixology started at a small neighborhood bar, watching a bartender carefully measure, shake, and pour with precision. I remember the warmth in his voice as he explained why a dash of bitters could change everything. Since then, I’ve fallen in love with the art of crafting drinks, each sip carrying its own history and emotion.

Following these incredible bartenders has deepened my appreciation for cocktails and the love they pour into every glass. This National Cocktail Day, let’s raise a glass to the artists behind the bar and celebrate the passion they bring to the world of mixology. Cheers!

To get even more inspiration check out Seven Leading Organizations Advancing Neuroscience and Promoting Brain Health and 5 Creators Reviving Discarded Materials Through Upcycling.

 

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