World's Best Mixologists Of September 2022
When it comes to bartending, there is no room for error. The best mixologists must work quickly, using up-to-the-minute techniques to pour drinks and serve customers at a time.
But the best mixologists are more than just talented bartenders — they are artists who put their spin on cocktail creations. As we move into September, let us recognize some of the best talents you can find internationally. If you missed our August roundup, you could check it out here.
Follow our Instagram account @advancedmixology to see amazing cocktails and professional bartenders showcasing their bar tricks. And 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. Pamela Wiznitzer
Pamela Wiznitzer @pamwiz, a Hall of Femme honoree, was fired from a corporate marketing position during the 2008 recession and took a job at a sports bar to make ends meet. Currently, Wiznitzer serves as the beverage consultant for The Lookup, a rooftop bar in New York City. Forbes named her one of the top female mixologists in America!
For over a decade, she has worked in the spirits industry and has been featured in publications such as The New York Times, Glamour, Shape, and Travel & Leisure. She can also be seen as a bartender in residence on the interview series The X Change Rate, which she co-hosted with RuPaul's Drag Race.
In addition to her television work, Pamela maintains strong relationships with other women in hospitality (one of her early mixology mentors, Julie Reiner, is also a Hall of Femme honoree!) and imparts wise advice on cocktail making to those just starting.
2. Kathy Casey
Chef Kathy Casey @kathycaseychef owns Kathy Casey Food Studios-Liquid Kitchen in Seattle, a global agency specializing in food, beverage, and concept development.
She is a savvy spotter of what's hot on the culinary and cocktail scene. Her cocktail show, Kathy Casey's Liquid Kitchen, airs on Small Screen Network/YouTube, and her radio show, Dishing with Kathy Casey, airs on KOMO News.
Kathy owns Dish D'Lish, a “Food to Go Go” concept and product line. In addition to the Rel'Lish Burgers and Lucky Louie Fish Shack concepts. Kathy is also the CCO of 1915 KCHouse Concepts, a women-owned airport food and beverage operation.
3. Naren Young
Naren Young @forkandshaker is a mixologist and Cynar enthusiast who founded Dante in 2015, a bar in New York's Greenwich Village. He currently serves as Managing Partner and Service Director there.
Young got his start in Australia, where he was born and raised. When he was 14 years old, he started working in restaurants when his passion for mixing drinks drew him to the bartending industry. He then rose to prominence for his encyclopedic knowledge of spirits and inventive methods for combining them into one-of-a-kind aperitifs and digestifs.
Naren Young and his business partner Linden Pride purchased the iconic New York establishment Caffe Dante in March 2015—a Lower Manhattan neighborhood hangout frequented by locals and celebrities alike. Caffe Dante reopened as Dante, with Young's cocktail menu as the focus.
4. Jackie Summers
While everyone has an inspiring story, few in the industry can match Jackie Summers @theliquortarian, a.k.a. Jack from Brooklyn.
Summers is a James Beard Award finalist, public speaker, and serial entrepreneur. He is also the creator of the award-winning Sorel Liqueur and the founder of JackFromBrooklyn Inc.
He was named one of the world's “100 Most Influential Bar Industry Figures” by Drinks International Magazine, one of the “50 Most Influential People in Brooklyn Food” (Brooklyn Magazine), and the Association of Food Journalists' 2019 Award winner for “Best Food Essay.”
In addition, Jackie has written for the Plate, Epicurious, Wine Enthusiast, and Edible Brooklyn, among others.
5. Suzu
One of the most well-known and well-liked bartenders in San Francisco, Suzu @suzuvroom was born in the Bay Area but spent his childhood in Tokyo.
His cocktails tell a story because of his Japanese ancestry, creating recipes for 15 Romolo, Tradition, Benjamin Cooper, and Bon Voyage. He has served as the opening bar manager and creative cocktail force at many San Francisco craft cocktail establishments and trendy hotspots.
Suzu has competed in cocktail competitions in London, Seoul, Budapest, and Guadalajara and is one of the best. He was named a National Finalist in the “Most Imaginative Bartender 2020” and “Bacardi Legacy 2018.”
6. Kate Gerwin
Kate Gerwin @alchemistkate was born in California's wine country and grew up deeply appreciating the region's wines. While working for notable wineries such as Flora Springs Winery, Quivera Vineyards, Chalk Hill Winery, and Helen Turley & Associates, she studied winemaking.
Kate has become a leader in the cocktail movement, mentoring bartenders and establishing a USBG and LUPEC chapter in New Mexico. She enjoys writing a regular column for Local iQ Magazine about mixology trends and spirits. She has also consulted for and opened over 17 restaurants and bars.
She is now the head consultant for world-renowned mixologist Tobin Ellis of Las Vegas' BarMagic. She is still researching her craft, competing in national competitions, and spending time behind the stick at her Albuquerque bar, Imbibe.
7. Charlotte Voisey
A British bartender, mixologist, and spirits ambassador, Charlotte Voisey @charlottehdovoisey was at the forefront of London's cocktail revival in the early 2000s. Her focus on classic cocktails with subtle twists won her the “U.K.'s Bartender of the Year” in 2004 and a silver medal at the “IBA World Female Bartending Championships” in 2006.
Tales of the Cocktail named Voisey “Best American Brand Ambassador” in 2007 and 2009. She received the inaugural “Mixologist of the Year” award from Wine Enthusiast Magazine in 2011, and the James Beard Foundation has recognized her talents.
As a result of her enthusiasm for spirits and cocktails, Charlotte shares her knowledge with audiences of all ages. She also attends Tales of the Cocktail, Aspen Food & Wine, Las Vegas Nightclub & Bar Show, EPCOT Food & Wine, the WCR Conference, and Roots.
8. Juyoung Kang
Bartender Juyoung Kang @girlnamedju has been shaping the country's cocktail scene for years, from his hometown of Philadelphia to Los Angeles and Las Vegas. Kang has received widespread acclaim for her innovative mixology techniques and impressive resume.
In 2017, Wine Enthusiast magazine named her one of their “40 Under 40 Tastemakers,” Eater Las Vegas and the Nevada Restaurant Association awarded her “Bartender of the Year,” and GQ magazine and Bombay Sapphire named her “Most Imaginative Bartender.”
After operating for four years as the Lead Bartender at The Dorsey, located within The Venetian Resort in Las Vegas, she is now working her magic at Resorts World Las Vegas and speaking at Bar & Restaurant Expo.
9. Paula Lukas
Paula @paulalukas27 was born in New York City and raised in New Jersey, but she has always felt at home in New York. She participated in musical theater productions as a young child and adolescent, which she felt was responsible for her getting restaurant jobs—her stage being the bar!
She has appeared in various publications, including the New York Post, the Huffington Post, Food and Wine, Drinkwire.com, and Gotham Magazine. She was also chosen as one of Chilled Magazine's featured mixologists. Her travels have taken her to many different countries worldwide; she finds it inspiring to meet other bartenders from other cultures.
Paula is now the Bar Manager and Head Bartender of Nur, a modern Middle Eastern restaurant that has received universal praise. Her creative flair and access to the establishment’s vast array of spices and herbs allow her to create a variety of specialty cocktails.
10. Zachery Faden
Zachary Faden @spiritscurator is the Director of Spirits Curation and Education at the Museum of the American Cocktail. He has a background in history and has worked as a bartender, supervising drink programs throughout Washington, DC.
Faden won the “2017 Tales of the Cocktail Official Cocktail Competition” and finished second in 2018. He was also included in the “Top 100 Bombay Sapphire's Most Imaginative Bartender Competition” in 2018 and 2019. Furthermore, he was a “Woodford Reserve's Manhattan Experience” regional finalist in 2018, 2019, and 2020.
Daniel Meyer's Setting the Table and his philosophy of “enlightened hospitality” influenced Zachery's approach to the restaurant business. He believes listening and empathy are more important than food and drink knowledge.
“I am not in the food and beverage business; I am in the people business. I am ultimately trying to create experiences and make people happy,” he explained.
Conclusion
The world’s best bartenders constantly evolve and push the envelope to create new and innovative cocktails. These world-renowned cocktail masters are leading the pack in September 2022, and we hope they have inspired you to follow your dreams.
If you know someone who has what it takes to be included in our monthly roundup, email us at info@advancedmixology.com. One of our marketing specialists will contact you and send you the details. Cheers!
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