@cocktailsbyc
Carlos F. Ruiz is a multi-award-winning mixologist and hospitality industry consultant, who specializes in mixology, cocktail menu development, training, inventory and cost management, for bars, restaurants, and events. A proud native of Lima, Peru, Ruiz moved to New York nearly two decades ago. It’s there, where his dream of becoming a successful mixologist was born and came true, and where he’s worked tirelessly to master his craft and rise to the top of the custom cocktail field. His mixology expertise and keen flavor profile knowledge, however, are a family trait passed down to him by his namesake, his uncle and renown chef, Carlos Ruiz, who he credits with showing him the ropes in the kitchen and teaching him the secrets of authentic Peruvian cuisine.
Since age 18, Ruiz has participated in over 30 mixology contests and earned a slew of prestigious awards, as well as a tv personality on Telemundo showcasing easy to make cocktails for any special occasion. He has been featured in a slew of magazines such as cosmopolitan, USA Today, spirit business, liquor.com and many more.
@paulalukas
Paula Lukas is an award winning bartender/ mixologist and a veteran of the NYC hospitality industry. The Bartender Spirits Awards named Paula as one of the best bartending talents to look out for globally and Advanced Mixology featured her as one of the World’s Best Mixologists . Oysterlink called her a Bartender Legend and an icon in NYC’ s bartending scene..
Paula is an independent beverage consultant who creates cocktails for many different brands. She has curated beverage programs and has bartended for several bars and restaurants including Bowery Road at The Hyatt Union Square and 92 Restaurant as well as highly acclaimed NY Times and Micheline Guide restaurants Spigolo and Nur.
Paula has received glowing press and has been featured in Chilled Magazine, The NY Post, Huffington Post, Bartenders Business , Cheers Magazine, Bartender Magazine , Food & Beverage , The Alcohol Professor , Southforker, Sante Magazine , The Pineau Academy and The Daily Beast among many others.
Paula has been both a National and Global Finalist in several cocktail competitions such as The Reid Vodka Global Regional Finals, Marie Brizard and Saint James Rhum Bartenders Society, Marie Brizard Toast To Her Story ,Novo Fogo Bar Strength Challenge and Cardenal Mendoza Golden Week Global Cocktail Competition.
She’s been a spirits and cocktail competition judge both nationally and internationally for The Bartender Spirits Awards, Chilled Magazine, Ruby Liqueur Pink Your Drink and the Marie Brizard Masters among others.
@angelmixology
My name is Angel Aguilar. Born and raised in Chiapas, Mexico. I’ve been a professional mixologist for over 15 years. I truly love and enjoy what I do. I love connecting with people and crafting cocktails to their personal taste. I look forward to opening my own restaurant soon and can’t wait to see what the future has in store.
@sipandtired
Kathleen loves to mix up and serve drinks. She has been in the hospitality industry for close to ten years now, honing her craft and focusing on what’s most important in life– making a damn good daiquiri. Earlier this year, she moved up to the Catskills, with her partner, to help open a new bar and restaurant with a bar program that focuses on local produce combined with weird science shit.
@ignited.events
Hi, I’m Jhofry, a seasoned mixologist based in the vibrant heart of New York City. For the past nine years, I’ve been immersed in the dynamic events industry, where I’ve honed my skills and passion for mixology. I’ve had the privilege of crafting cocktails that elevate any event, adding a touch of sophistication and creativity.
In 2014, I founded “Ignited Events,” a crafted cocktails company dedicated to bringing unique and innovative drink experiences to life. Whether it’s an upscale corporate event or a cozy private gathering, my goal is to create beverages that are not just drinks but memorable experiences.
Through Ignited Events, I’ve combined my expertise and creativity to offer a tailored approach to mixology, ensuring that each cocktail is a perfect blend of flavors and artistry. Cheers to unforgettable moments and amazing cocktails!
@budding_mixologist
Gregg Fleischman has spent his entire career in digital marketing for big brands and smaller start ups.
You name it, Gregg has probably marketed it. A lifelong fan of vodka and soda (with a faithful eye on a nice bottle of wine), his palate and his imagination lit up when he and some colleagues took some clients to a cocktail making night.
This was February 2020 and a passion ignited, just in time for a world wide lockdown. Like everyone else, Gregg had time to pursue hobbies, old and new. A passing hobby was now a gift.
On any given night, you’ll likely find Gregg on his comfy couch, face ina. book, glass in his hand.
@chickologist
Rachael Robbins left the farm for the Big Apple with her sights set on the entertainment industry. She quickly realized that stardom would have to be financed by a side job, so she started bartending.
Rachael rode the wave of the NYC’S mega club scene. She’s tended bar everywhere from chic lounges to strip clubs and everything in between. Her tipping point came when she was afforded the luxury of opening her own cocktail lounge in Jersey city (along with the Co-owner of Dullboy, one of Esquire’s top Bars in America), which she conceptualized, designed, ran the cocktail program, and operated. It was at this time when she realized that her creativity could be satiated by creating drinks, and the applause she once craved was exchanged for seeing the satisfied looks on her customers faces.
Creating cocktails and emerging herself into the world of booze soon became the mana of life. A mixologist was born.
@foreignfoodkollective
Kyran John, food and beverage photographer from Brooklyn New York, lover of all things food and drinks. I take pleasure in capturing imagery of the food every day folks love to eat and try my best to make those foods look better than real life haha!
@staynfocusimages
Nicole J. Leverett
A multi faceted graphic designer turned photographer with a focus on creating thoughtful and dynamic food, beverage and product images and videos, as well as portraits for branding.
She is a New Jersey native, wife, bonus mom, dog mom, daughter, and sister obsessed with great food, a great workout, and great images.
@elvissips
Lauren is a self-taught mixologist from Cincinnati, Ohio who has been building cocktails and experiences for over ten years. She currently calls Merchants Club in Newport, KY home.
In 2019 she started her competition journey by winning the Cardenal Mendoza Golden Week competition. She has since won the Licor 43 Bartenders & Baristas Challenge (2022 US Winner & Global Finalist), and been a Finalist in Patron Perfectionists, Woodford Manhattan Experience and Gentleman Jack Whiskey Sour Classic, to name a few. When not behind the bar Lauren is travelling, cooking, and spending time with her dog, cat and nieces.
@nikkils
Nikki Stein has spent the last 10+ years honing her craft as a bartender and hospitality professional. Born and raised in the industry, she cut her teeth in the neighborhood bars of Connecticut before moving to Massachusetts at the height of the craft cocktail revival. There, she worked in several of Boston’s favorite bars and learned from pioneers and masters of the trade.
After bouncing between Boston and Connecticut for several years, Nikki has settled in the Hudson Valley, where she seeks to combine a love of local farms and distilleries with a city-caliber cocktail program. A creative at heart, she is always seeking to expand her own palate and, by extension, those of her guests—the ever-changing landscape of the food and beverage universe keeps her passionate about learning and innovating. She has participated in several bartending competitions, relishing in the camaraderie and opportunity to meet mixologists from around the world.
@cocktailcompanions_
Hi, I’m Kate!
As so many cocktail creators did, I started finding my passion for mixology during COVID. Stuck in my tiny apartment, I got tired of the same old canned bevies every weekend so started experimenting with cocktail recipes. I loved it so much I decided to create my Instagram account to share my creations.
I also decided to start making and selling dehydrated garnishes, flavoured rimmers, and simple syrup kits to help people boost their creativity in their at home bar. We are constantly releasing new flavours and products as well as partnering with other companies to offer even more cocktail accoutrements!
@moodycocktails
Ron’s expertise as a bartender shines through in every cocktail he meticulously crafts. With years of experience under his belt, he effortlessly navigates the art of mixology, delighting his audience with his creative concoctions.
His online presence not only showcases his skills but also fosters a sense of community among cocktail enthusiasts. What sets Ron apart is not just his skill behind the bar but also his genuine connections within the industry. His friendship with Jarred from Best Cocktails is a testament to the camaraderie that thrives among professionals
@jardininfusions
Meghan Buchert is the owner and creator of Jardin Infusion Florale, a low carb, all natural, ultra premium floral mixer.
Meghan’s career spans decades of scientific innovation for the flavors and fragrance category with focus on R&D for alcoholic beverages.
@tequilaencyclopedia
Marissa Paragano, aka Tequila Encyclopedia, is a tequila educator, entertainer, and strategist. Known for her quips and short-form content, Marissa aims to make tequila education memorable and fun. Certified in Professionalization of Tequila Culture by the Consejo Regulador del Tequila, Marissa is also a member of the board of the Tequila That Cares Foundation, Tequila Matchmaker panelist, and spirits competition judge. You can find Marissa every Tuesday at 9pm ET on Instagram Live, where she co-hosts The TequiLadies, a weekly live show featuring tequila experts, insiders, and enthusiasts. Marissa is based out of the NYC area.