World's Best Mixologists Of July 2022
Bartending has always had a certain mystique and prestige, even to those already skilled at being seen as masters of their craft. Because of this, many mixologists keep pushing their limits and skills to the next level with their craft cocktails.
In this month’s roundup, we’ve featured the best personalities in the bartending industry who passionately go beyond the bounds of their skill. If you missed last month’s roundup, you could read it here.
Please follow our Instagram account @advancedmixology to check out amazing professional bartenders showcasing their bar tricks. If you want to avail yourself of our exclusive rebate program, please sign up for our VIP Club for FREE as our way of saying thank you for patronizing us all these years.
Meet our Sponsors
1. Elayne Duff
Based in Upper Eastside, New York, Elayne Duff @duffontherocks is the founder and chief cocktail officer of the well-known company Duff On The Rocks. This highly-respected mixologist and educator has over 15 years of experience in the beverage and alcohol industry.
Elayne has worked with several brands, including Don Julio Tequila, Cîroc Vodka, Tanqueray Ten, and Bulleit Bourbon. She has established a strong reputation in formulating and enforcing thriving and prosperous programs to propel the brand’s growth, advocacy, and customer loyalty.
As an educator, Duff has inspired numerous aspiring bartenders to pursue their passion by setting clear goals, being patient, and being mindful of one’s health to succeed!
2. Natasha Mesa
The next featured mixologist is an award-winning bartender who recently won the 2019 Grand Final of Brugal 1888’s inaugural Nearly Neat Competition, Natasha Mesa. Her winning cocktail, Juliaz Cocktail @mixtresspdx, became Brugal 1888’s official signature cocktail.
Also, Natasha is the house mixologist at Bit House Collective Saloon in Portland, Oregon, and the creator of Team Tasha. Aside from being a professional drink builder, Natasha is a wine cocktail and food/chocolate enthusiast.
3. Jacopo Rosito
Jacopo Rosito serving a cocktail - Image by Beverfood
Jacopo Rosito @jacopo_rosito is an inspirational and celebrated mixologist who has received several awards, such as the Manager of the Year 2019 (Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club) and the Manager of the Year by the Saucy Awards 2016.
Jacopo has always been known to put a lot of creativity into his recipes, and he believes that the secret to making a great cocktail is establishing balance in the drink’s flavors. His commitment to quality and innovation makes him one of the most respected mixologists in the industry.
Currently, he is the Director of Operations at 54Mint San Francisco and the business manager of Montesacro Pinseria Soma and Montesacro Pinseria Marina.
Jacopo is also the former head bartender and manager of the Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts in Miami. His unique approach to mixology has garnered respect among his peers and colleagues in the bartending industry.
4. Paul McGee
Paul McGee @bagchatter is Lost Lake's co-owner and beverage director, one of America’s best tiki bars. He is a nationally renowned bartender with a deep passion for tiki cocktails and has consistently been named Chicago’s best bartender by famous publications like the Chicago Tribune and Eater.
Known as a nationally renowned bartender, Paul has been making cocktails since 1984 and started at 14 when he learned to make Fuzzy Navels, Long Island Iced Teas, and Sex on the Beach.
According to him, bartending is all about hospitality. He advises the newer bartender generation to always cater to guests’ tastes when making a good drink and ensure everyone is enjoying their time.
5. Jeffrey Morgenthaler
Based in Portland, Oregon, Jeffrey Morgenthaler @jeffmorgen is an award-winning bartender, author of Drinking Distilled, and co-author of The Bar Book. This world-renowned mixologist began working behind the bar in 1996 at 24 and has honed his skills, from neighborhood taverns working his way up to fine restaurants.
In 2022, Jeff and his longtime buddy, Benjamin Amberg, planned to launch a bar and restaurant with this thought in mind, “love letter to the West Coast.”
6. Jim Meehan
As one of the best bartenders in the world, Jim Meehan @mixography has worked in the hospitality industry for the past 20 years and has played a pivotal role in developing the modern cocktail scene.
Apart from being a bartender, he is also an accomplished author (The PDT Cocktail Book and Meehan’s Bartender Manual) and designer.
His Meehan’s Bartending Manual was awarded as 2018’s Spirited Award for Best New Cocktail or Bartending Book and 2018’s James Beard Award for Beverage Book. Also, he is the Best Bar Mentor in 2015’s Spirited Award.
Jim is a frequent guest on trade shows and training, where he discusses all things about cocktails and bartending. In addition to his many professional accomplishments, he is also a husband, father, and avid French Bulldog Whisperer.
7. Anne Louise Marquis
Anne Louise Marquis @campariannesoda is a self-made woman who started her career in 2006 when she worked as a bartender for several high-end bars and restaurants. These known establishments are the Eva Restaurant, Davenport Roadhouse, Petrossian Restaurant & Boutique, Royalton Hotel, and the Mondrian Hotel.
After that, she became known and started representing Pernod-Ricard Absinthe (2012-2014) and Grand Marnier. At present, she is the national portfolio brand ambassador for Campari America.
In addition, Anne Louise Marquis is a name you should hear more often. This is because she has been the 2019 "Trade Marketer of the Year" at Campari America and was awarded best brand ambassador by Tales Of The Cocktail in 2018—not to mention her frequent hosting/presenting for industry events!
8. Michael J. Neff
Known for his countless awards, Michael J. Neff @cocktailwhisperer is considered one of the best bartenders in the world! He's been active since 1995 and has learned great recipes from different sources like New York Times Sunday Magazine and Wall Street Journal—just to name a few.
Michael and his friends founded multiple bars, such as the Ward III, a classy Tribeca restaurant and lounge, and The Rum House, one of New York’s prime cocktail bars.
Additionally, he hosts a podcast, The Cottonmouth Club Presents, which talks in-depth about spirits and cocktails. If you're looking to learn from one of the best in the business, Michael J. Neff is your man!
9. Matthew Biancaniello
Another bartender you should look up to is Matthew Biancaniello @eatyourdrink. Matthew is one of the world’s top bartenders who has recently become a Youtube content creator. His channel, Liquid Journeys, takes viewers on an adventurous expedition of cocktails from “farm to the glass.”
Matthew was the former bartender of the Roosevelt Hotel Library Bar in Los Angeles, so he is no stranger to Hollywood life. He is famous for using only farm-fresh and organic ingredients in his cocktails.
10. Josh Suchan
You’ll never believe the academic history of our final featured mixologist! Josh Suchan @ice_and_alchemy, the founder and chief consultant of Ice & Alchemy bar consulting firm in Los Angeles, is an Architecture graduate of the University of Oregon.
In 2008, Josh tried to find career opportunities during the recession and fell in love with the bartending and hospitality industry. Recently, he launched several Virtual Mixology Classes, which played a pivotal role in his business during the several Covid-19 lockdowns.
His bar consulting firm aims to provide extraordinary cocktail menus, comprehensive training, and systematic documentation for its subscribers. As one of the best cocktail builders, Josh advocates for creating the best concoctions in the world.
Conclusion
As bartenders and mixologists strive for excellence with their craft cocktails, we can only anticipate even more delicious and innovative drinks being served in bars everywhere.
What new trends in bartending have you seen lately? Are there any particular craft cocktails that you’re a fan of? Let us know in the comments below!
And if you’re interested in being featured in our monthly roundup, don’t hesitate to contact us at info@advancedmixology.com. Our marketing specialist will be happy to reply and send you the details. Cheers!
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