New York City, with its vibrant nightlife and rich cocktail history, is home to some of the most talented bartenders in the world. These mixologists don't just serve drinks; they craft experiences, pushing the boundaries of creativity while honoring classic traditions. Here’s a look at 10 bartenders who are shaking things up in 2024:

Ivy Mix

Ivy Mix is a powerhouse in the bartending world, co-owning the acclaimed Leyenda in Brooklyn. With a career spanning multiple countries, she’s known for her creativity and expertise in Latin-inspired cocktails. Ivy’s skills have earned her titles like American Bartender of the Year (2015) and Mixologist of the Year (2016). Beyond Leyenda, she’s also behind Whoopsie Daisy and Fiasco! Wine + Spirits. Her influence extends to her award-winning book, Spirits of Latin America, making her a standout in New York’s cocktail scene.

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Naren Young

Naren Young is a celebrated bartender and mixologist, known for his inventive cocktail creations. He began his career in Australia, where his passion for mixology quickly made him a standout in the industry. His deep understanding of spirits and innovative approach to cocktails led him to co-found Dante in New York's Greenwich Village. At Dante, Naren's bartending skills shine through his unique cocktail menu, which blends classic drinks with modern twists, often featuring amari. His work has earned Dante global recognition as one of the "World’s 50 Best Bars”.

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Julie Reiner

Julie Reiner is a trailblazing mixologist and co-owner of Clover Club and Leyenda in Brooklyn. For over 25 years, she's been a key player in NYC's cocktail scene, starting with Flatiron Lounge and The Pegu Club. Julie's Hawaiian roots influence her craft, inspiring her to use fresh, high-quality ingredients. At Clover Club, she’s known for her award-winning, classic-focused beverage program. In 2015, she opened Leyenda, a pan-Latin bar, with Ivy Mix, celebrating spirits from across the Spanish-speaking world.

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Leo Robitschek

Leo Robitschek, the NoMad Bar Director, is a master of both innovation and precision. After revamping the drinks program at Eleven Madison Park, he brought his culinary-inspired approach to NoMad Bar, where he won a James Beard Award in 2014. Known for his "Cocktail Explosions" and a menu featuring rare spirits in classic cocktails, Leo’s attention to detail shines through in every drink, from the spirits chosen to the garnishes and techniques used.

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Pamela Wiznitzer

Pamela has been a force in NYC's cocktail scene since 2006, earning accolades like Village Voice's "Bartender of the Year" in 2014 and multiple nominations for "American Bartender of the Year" at Tales of the Cocktail. Recognized by Food & Wine as a Rising Star Mixologist and inducted into the "Dames Hall of Fame" in 2015, she’s also made Wine Enthusiast's "40 Under 40." Currently, she brings her expertise as a Beverage Consultant at The Lookup.

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Natasha David

With a distinguished career at top NYC bars such as Maison Premiere and Donna, Natasha David is a celebrated figure in the cocktail world. She also co-founded Nitecap with David Kaplan and Alex Day, creating a Lower East Side hotspot renowned for its cozy, underground vibe and exceptional drinks. Nitecap became a haven for late-night revelers and industry professionals alike before its closure in fall 2020, a heartbreaking outcome of the COVID-19 pandemic’s devastating effects on the hospitality sector.

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Sother Teague

Today, as the beverage director at Amor y Amargo, Teague is known for his innovative approach to mixology. He combines his culinary background with a deep understanding of flavors to create distinctive cocktails. Amor y Amargo, often dubbed a “bitters tasting room,” stands out by focusing on meticulously crafted stirred drinks. Instead of relying on juices and syrups, Teague showcases the nuanced interplay of spirits, amari, vermouth, and bitters.

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Jack McGarry

Jack McGarry, an Irish bartender, author, and entrepreneur, is best known as the co-founder of New York’s acclaimed The Dead Rabbit. Starting his hospitality journey at 15 in Belfast as a busboy, McGarry quickly fell for bartending. His talent shone at The Northern Whig and London’s Merchant Hotel, which won "World’s Best Cocktail Bar" in 2010. In 2013, McGarry and Sean Muldoon brought their cocktail and pub expertise to NYC, creating The Dead Rabbit, named after the Irish-American gang from Gangs of New York.

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John deBary

John deBary kicked off his bartending career at the NYC speakeasy Please Don’t Tell before it was famous. Despite having no prior experience, he impressed with his natural talent and spent five pivotal years there, shaping the craft cocktail scene. DeBary later served as bar director for the Momofuku group while managing both roles. Beyond bartending, he created Proteau, a nonalcoholic botanical aperitif, co-founded the Restaurant Workers’ Community Foundation, and wrote Drink What You Want, all while contributing to Food52 and Punch.

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Jessica Gonzalez

Jessica Gonzalez, with over 20 years in the service industry, started bartending at 18 while studying fine arts and interior design. She joined Death & Company’s opening team, where she channeled her creativity into cocktail crafting. Later, as Head Bartender at The NoMad, she helped the bar win awards, including Best Bar Program in 2014. Now based in Beacon, NY, Jessica shares her cocktail expertise through consulting for NYC bars, spirits brands, and events while continuing her creative pursuits.

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From renowned classics to bold new creations, these top 10 bartenders are the driving force behind New York’s vibrant drinking culture. Each one brings a distinct approach to mixology, making the city’s bar scene a dynamic tapestry of flavors and experiences. As they continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in a glass, New Yorkers and visitors alike can look forward to a never-ending stream of innovative and expertly crafted cocktails.