Ten Recipes From the Best New Bartenders of 2026
Get to know the future of bartending through these signature drinks, from a spicy lychee Margarita to a stilton dirty Martini.
- story: Punch Staff
- photo: Shelby Moore
Introducing the Best New Bartenders of 2026
This is the future of bartending.
- story: Punch Staff
- photo: Shelby Moore
We Asked: “What’s Your Best Advice for Young Bartenders?”
Industry leaders share their tips and their hopes for the future of bartending.
- story: Punch Staff
- photo: Valerie Durham
Introducing the Final Nominees for Best New Bartenders 2026
These talented individuals are driving drink culture forward. In June, we’ll announce our 10 Best New Bartenders.
- story: Punch Staff
- photo: Shawn Campbell
Arianna Hone’s Drinks Have a Bigger Mission
The Utah bartender uses cocktails to tell stories of migration and place.
- story: Chloe Frechette
- photo: Khloe Arledge
Alicia Perry Is All About Unpretentious Hospitality
With her all-are-welcome approach, the San Diego bartender prioritizes accessibility and playfulness in her cocktails.
- story: Chloe Frechette
- photo: Kimberly Motos
Napier Bulanan’s Cocktails Go Heavy on Nostalgia
Informed by Filipino hospitality, the Oakland bartender makes drinks that are “a love letter to my culture.”
- story: Chloe Frechette
- photo: Carolyn Fong
Britt Fox’s Cocktails Begin With “People and Places”
Whether it’s grower Cognac or pechuga-style brandy, the Washington, D.C. bartender puts spirits first.
- story: Chloe Frechette
- photo: Farrah Skeiky
For Paige Walwyn, They’re Classics For A Reason
The veteran of Existing Conditions and Clover Club has charted her own path in Chicago with a repertoire of "cocktails that people will drink two of."
- story: Chloe Frechette
- photo: Morgan Ione
Michael Aredes Isn’t Afraid to Take Risks
With a penchant for unlikely flavor combinations, the New York bartender has built a canon of adventurous cocktails.
- story: Chloe Frechette
- photo: Shannon Sturgis
Jef Tate Is Making the Culinary Cocktail His Own
Over just a few years, the Chicago bartender went from selling drinks at house parties to becoming the beverage director of one the city's best bars.
- story: Chloe Frechette
- photo: Morgan Ione
Lydia McLuen Takes an Analytical Approach to Cocktails
The Portland bartender has put her studiousness to work in creating rigorous, highly polished cocktails.
- story: Chloe Frechette
- photo: Leah Nash
