about our contributors

We asked our contributing friends to send us three things you should know about them. This book wouldn't have been possible without them, and we thank them all sincerely!

Abigail Gullo

I toast to a life filled with love, alcohol and clothes on the floor. I wanna be in a rock-n-roll band. But I spend too much time petting my dog, Ronnie Magic @boudinqueen

Alex Ross

Empathy is my motivation & the reason why my career in this industry has lasted as long as it has, & is as rewarding as it is. I have had over 25 years working across all aspects of hospitality & with booze brands, & I was one of the pioneers of the Australian cocktail boom from the turn of this century. But I aspire to be inspirational rather than influential. I really, really love dogs. 

Angelika Larkina

Estonian girl who loves cocktails, her family and travelling!

Brittany Fells

If horses and dogs drank, I would open a bar for them. If a drink doesn't taste right, add Blackstrap. Running a bar and music venue is not for the faint of heart.

Cari Hah

I used to be an investment banker. I love Hello Kitty and Kit Kats. I am called the tiger mom of Big Bar (and Los Angeles in general) because of my fierce pursuit of providing the best service and hospitality along with tasty, balanced, whimsical and fun cocktails.

Chantal Tseng

I love Sherry cocktails. I love literature as inspiration. I love to travel via cocktails (& in real-life)

Charlotte Voisey

I grew up in London and spent time living in both Spain and Argentina before getting firmly into the global cocktail scene.  Based in New York I love running and swimming and just about any kind of exercise I can squeeze into my every day.  I am a vegetarian.

Ezra Star

I am also an immigrant. I studied science and medicine and left to follow a career in the bar world. I am an amateur astronomer.

Grazia

I am a sensitive person, I love to discover and create new Flavors match, I don’t like laziness

Ivy Mix

I love traveling and generally want to be everywhere all at once. I love animals. I have been concerned with the changes in our climate and I want everyone to try to lessen their impact on our planet."

Jacques Galan Sheena

I am proud to be a woman. I acknowledge the accomplishments of women that came before me. I strive to empower the women around me because they are the key holders to a better future for our planet and people. 

Jenn Tosatto

I am a proud redhead Mohawked bar wench from Kansas City. I've already begun training my son, Brady, to take over the bar world in 20 years. I would not be where I am today without the love, support, and mentorship of so many amazing women in this industry. 

Jessica Lischka

I was one of two women who participated in the highest known Stigi in 2012 on Thorong La pass in Nepal on the Annapurna Circuit, elevation 17,769 ft. While not a bartender by trade, I have received a world class education by traveling to major spirit and wine producing regions such as France, Italy, Spain, Scotland, Ireland, Mexico, Peru and Japan with the Jimmy's Traveling Team over the course of several years. I have played a major part in designing the Jimmy's cocktail menu, and every once in awhile, they let me go back there and make a drink too. At Jimmy's, I started a sustainability program focused on reducing waste and increasing energy efficiency, a challenging goal for a twenty-year old restaurant in a city known more for glitz and excess than conservation. Since we began, we have reduced our landfill contribution by 66% through composting, saved 400,000 plastic straws from our oceans, and gotten countless employees and customers to think a little more about how to tread lightly on the earth. 

Jill Cockson

I am the proud mother of a thoughtful, compassionate young man who makes me laugh, and who inspires me, daily.

Josey Packard

Developing cocktails is an activity I enjoy, but the practice of bartending is what gets me out of bed in the morning.  I did my undergrad in music, so I feel a special respect for Ms. Kaye and her success in making music both her vocation and her avocation. Also, I just bought my first cordless hedge trimmer.

Joy Richard

I love creating and drinking simple, straightforward cocktails-my favorite cocktails are daiquiris and negronis (and negroni variations). I love summer weather and spending time outdoors. I reinvented myself in Charleston and you should too - follow your bliss where it takes you!

Julia Momose

If I wasn’t a bartender, I would be an interior architect and designer.

Julie Reiner

I have lived in NYC for 19 years, and have opened 5 cocktail bars.  Most of my time is spent in Brooklyn at Clover Club and Leyenda.

Karen Fu

I equate bartending much like to the striking Gwendolyn Brooks quote, “Conduct your blooming in the noise and whip of the whirlwind." Once I was an atomic blonde. I have a group of friends that's the female bartender version of Vultron.

Kellie Thorn

I am the mother of a lovely human boy named Finnian Sandifer. I am highly involved in my community and donate my time and talents to several charity functions that benefit local agriculture and good food movements. I grew up all over the place, but I choose to live in Atlanta because I think it is one of the most culturally, racially, and economically diverse cities in the country, which makes it one the most exciting places to be. I am passionate about music, film, art, and I love potato chips and caviar. 

LeNell Camacho Santa Ana

I never let a bastard steal my joy. In the words of Helen, "I'm different--and probably unfashionable--when compared with all the other whores and madams who attempt to make a story out of their past shenanigans."

Lucinda Weed

I love to garden and use farm to bar practices as often as possible. I can't do tricks, but I can hula hoop for a really long time. 

Lynn M. House

Greatest single influence in my life was my grandmother Lillie Mae Carter.  She grew up in Bowling Green, Kentucky. She would go on to get her Masters in Education and become a world known poet.  She, like Ms. Dunham was part French as well and was a trailblazer in her field.  She inspired me to tap into my creative self and to never let my voice be silent.  I am of multi-ethnic background and equally proud of all of my heritage.  On my mother's side African, Choctaw, French and Irish.   On my Father's side African, Cherokee, and Scottish.  This marriage of cultures has had a huge influence on the flavors I draw from when crafting cocktails.   Before focusing on spirits I was a professional actor receiving degrees from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio and the British American Drama Academy in Oxford, England.  As an actor I had a career that took me across the country.  Career highlights include Off Broadway's The Iphigenia Cycle directed by Joanne Akalitis (founder of Mabou Mines) and the Goodman Theatre's The Gift Horse for which I won a Best Actress award from The Black Theatre Alliance.

Malika Saidi

Always follow your passion! As a trained physical therapist I decided to follow my true passion and chose a career in bartending. Especially in this industry, it is so important to look after yourself. I love working out as much as I can, eat well and drink responsibly! Do what you love and you'll never work a day in your life.

Mary White

Originally from Asheville, North Carolina.  I've been living down under (across NZ and Aus) for the past 4 years now. Currently residing where the sun always shines - Sydney, Australia. Like so many other people, I found myself in the groove of bartending during college - and even though I graduated with a degree in Biology, I developed a unique love for hospitality that has driven me to where I am today. Rum is my true passion/concentration, and you will find me often promoting and exploring it behind the stick at The Lobo Plantation. If I'm not there, I've probably taken up my second job as Batman. "

Meagan Schmoll

I was homeschooled until college. I own a hoodie company called Raskol Ink. that has hand drawn designs on comfortable flattering hoodies. It wouldn’t surprise me in the least if superheroes exist, and I believe most bartenders have superhero powers. The most common one is their ability to feel and influence others emotions. If these are used, for the good, a bartender can help a patron feel happier then when they first walked in. Learning about and honing this ability is one of the main reasons I wanted and why I continue the bartending profession.

Meaghan Dorman

I believe a home bar makes a home. I am a twin. I believe bubbles make everything better.

Micaela Piccolo

I feel like Aloha Wonderwell is a spirit animal for me. My job allows me to cover 14 countries in Asia Pacific, giving me the opportunity to travel and discover the world, just like Aloha. I love French cuisine. Butter. Over. Everything. I fell in love with my husband in New York City and married him 6 months later. I've been living the best life ever since.

Phoebe Esmon

I live and work in Asheville NC where, in addition to running the cocktail programs and Nightbell and Curate for Heirloom Hospitality, I run Spirit Animal Beverage Consulting and RePast: a antiques business focused on hospitality related antiques and collectibles with my partner in life and crime, Christian Raphael Gaal. I have an MFA in Book Arts & Printmaking from The University of the Arts, Philadelphia. When I am not

Robin Nance

I am a woman and I've been drinking whisky for over 15 years. I love cocktails & history so this book is right up my alley! In the end I only want to be remembered for one thing, being a good friend.

Sumire Miyanohara

I am a bartender, woman and wife!

Sylvi Roy

I am terrified of heights, but I've been skydiving five times. I have a weird fear of bridges, but flying has never bothered me. I experience so much good adrenaline every time I fly. I love the weird (yet safe) risk I take every time I walk onto a plane knowing I am going to jump out of it. I lost my father in 2012. He was my best friend, and I still -in my head- talk to him everyday, whether or not I even realize I'm doing so. He supported every creative venture I've ever taken, and I wouldn't be where I am now without him. He made me fully believe that every creative step I've ever taken is truly mine, because I chose it. Most of what I do, I do because I know he'd approve. I have a bachelor's degree in Fine Arts from Boston University. I am unbelievably proud of myself for spending four years in an intensive, vigorous program, and decided to take the summer off after I graduated, and ended up with a serving job ""for the summer."" Now, nearly fifteen years later, I feel like I have been more creative, unique, and show-stopping in the cocktail industry than ever before in my life. 

Beckaly Franks

Apparently I am too thick in the head to consider myself brave for moving to Hong Kong and opening The Pontiac.  Being said, the greatest regard I have for this journey is being part of our magical team.  Our bar is comprised of some of the most interesting and women and men from Hungary to Korea, from Montana to Costa Rica.  We are a colorful, independent, radical group of misfits who built a place to call home. I need to Rock n' Roll, period.  Metaphorically and literally.

Zhenya

1-I wrote a book for students of Bartenders FAQtory In Saint Petersburg. 2-I worked at the bar about 6 month. 3- I love cats. Too much. "

Baijie Curdt-Christiansen

I'll always choose sweet and rich cocktails over light and citrusy ones. I'm a photographer and only started bartending seriously for the past year. I'm a really weak drinker... I can get a buzz on from 2 beers!

Patience Laryea

Am very opened and transparent. Ever ready to learn new things. Very committed to my work/ choice of career.

Lisa Mulligan

I love cocktails, I love hospitality, I love to host

Helen Diaz

Strong. Lover. Mama

Cherish Royal Wilkie

I'm 22 I grew up in St Clair and moved to the city when I was 17. My favourite drink is beer. In my two years at ramblin Rascal Tavern I have learnt that no jive is too strong and being sassy is how you survive. 

Megan Deschaine

I have one sibling, a sister who is ten years younger than me and ten times cooler than me.  Despite what she thinks, she doesn't know how much I look up to her.  I'll never have nice things because I'm too busy spending all I earn on nice times.  And I'm a terrible reader.

Elizabeth Powell 

Lynnette Marrero

I love charitable work and being able to give back to my communities via the skills that I am lucky to have. I love music and had a career in entertainment before becoming a bartender. I'm a graduate of Columbia University and our extensive core curriculum gives me loads of topics to lean on to entertain guests when I am behind the bar

Ranjini Bose

I now live in New Jersey, and it's the first time I've lived anywhere outside of New York State. I have a one-year-old son named Robert, who also loves books.

Clairessa Chaput

I am the oldest of five, three brothers and a sister. I have been in the restaurant industry since I could legally work to pay my bills, fell in love with it and have yet to turn back. I was blessed with a background of strong female managers and mentors. 

Irina Markina

Never stop exploring. 

Melissa "Mellie" Wiersma

I always go out of my way to help people, I try to listen and understand what people are going through or have already experienced to better understand the world around me. I am an ally. I started as a 12 year old stuffing envelopes for AIDS walk, and have fought for LGBTQ rights since then. Pride is fun, but it's also a human rights march, I got to experience it first hand this year as a marcher in New York, but have attended in Los Angeles, Boston and in Long Beach. I am known to giggle uncontrollably, I always want to see the bright side of life and I try to share that joy with everyone around me. 

Bonnie Nag

I LOVE THE GOLDEN GIRLS!!!  My father actually got me into this show when I was a kid and it's still my favorite to date.  I like to tell people I'm a Dorothy, in my heart I wish I was a Blanche, but in reality I'm a Rose for sure! I love entertaining and making people happy, so if you're ever near Starlite come have a drink with me! I blow my own vertubenflügen as often as possible, so...

Kalliopi C. Nikou

I am from Indianapolis, Indiana where my grandparents and uncle were sponsored by a church to come over from Greece in 1956. It is Greek tradition for the first born granddaughter to be named after her father's mother, which is how I got my name, Kalliopi. Laphroaig is my weakness. I do, in fact, believe the future is female. 

Erin "Pink Gin" Mosley

Three ways I am inspired by Annette Kellermann: 1. Annette was not afraid to challenge convention. She was a record-holding long distance swimmer and the first woman to attempt the England Channel in 1905. She was arrested for showing off her gams on the beach in 1907 and was the first fully nude movie star in 1916. She invented the one-piece swimsuit and started her own business. I started a company teaching programs that help people ""channel"" their own unique and badass selves. Take a jump off that high board! 2. Annette could do high kicks well into her old age. I began taking aerial and circus art classes when I was 43 after decades of (mostly) staying grounded on office chairs and barstools. You're never too old! 3. Annette loved to travel and speak. I love to travel and speak!

Evgenya Prazdnik

I am the pioneer of modern Indian mixology. I believe the future is female. I have an endless passion to perfection.

Victoria Elizabeth Wiley

I like martinis, I need coffee in the morning, and please...take me to a good cantina!

Monica Berg

I love traveling, champagne and books, I like fermentation, being outside and yoga and I really really really dislike injustice and discrimination! 

Anu Elford

I'm always changing my hair, looking for new projects, and playing with dogs. 

Chabi Cádiz

(1) Mary Poppins says: ""In every job that must be done, there is an element of fun. You find the fun and - SNAP - the job's a game"". And I love to play everyday and work in this hospitality/bartending/spirits/workforpeople industry <3 (2) Ray Bradbury ( my favorite writer) says “We are cups, constantly and quietly being filled. The trick is, knowing how to tip ourselves over and let the beautiful stuff out.” So, I like to drink, write and read. More if i can make it at the same time :) (3) Le Corbusier says: "" I prefer drawing to talking. Drawing is faster, and leaves less room for lies"". Sometimes I just don't know what to say. Draw, take photos and make cocktails helps me a lot to express what I have in mind, if you want to know more, follow me on Instagram @chabicadiz ;)

Alyssa Shepherd

I love herbs!!

Jemima McDonald

I studied Social Work and have worked in the field for a few years now, but bartending is my full-time love. I've travelled to around twenty-two countries so far. I love intersectional- feminism, vegan food, talking about serial killers and rock & roll music!

Ándrea Pentabona

I have worked in the industry since I was 16 but truly started my career in Boston among wonderful hospitality professionals that have truly challenged, taught and inspired me. I am married to a super awesome guy who supports my career and is the primary parent of our two year old so I can pursue my passions. I participated in the Vagina Monolouges and the global movement to end violence against women, V-Day, for 7 years and met so many strong, resilient women and men who were working to address the women violence face. Those experiences shaped my view of the world and how important it is to name violence and teach upcoming generations how to end the cycle. 

Rebecca Sturt

Been in the hospitality / spirits industry for over 22 years. A huge fan of travelling the world and getting lost. My blood group is Negroni+.

Fátima León Cruz

Proud mexican. Passionate about history, raw material and what provides the land. Maxicana.
cocktail Lover

Clairessa Chaput

I am the oldest of six, five brothers and one sister. I have been working in restaurants since I was 16. My first job was a hostess at an Abdow's Big Boy. I won the title of Ms. Speedrack New England in 2017 and made top 8 in National Finals. This was my second time participating, not even making top 8 in my region the first year I attempted. 

Kate Durgin

I enjoy collecting stray animals. Been known to "mistake" Porsches for my Uber.  Spend most of my free time trying to be an amateur boxer. 

Madeleine Rapp

Kind. Weird obsession with maps. Loves hockey.

Mimi Burnham

I am a playful person by nature, and enjoy creating cocktails that are classic based and whimsical, but balanced in flavor. Living and working in New York City is competitive and very fast paced, and I enjoy creating an experience for my Guests, where we can share a laugh- or not- and I try my best to craft a cocktail for them that will give them a moment of happiness after their very busy day. This is the pride of most Bartenders that I know, and we enjoy the interaction with our Guest, as it  helps us All find our balance... 

Erica Hodgkinson

I love strong women who enjoy drinking tequila. i love drinking tequila with friends. Lastly, i love traveling. 

Stefanie Carr

Charity work makes my heart sing. Everything or nothing type a gal. Sweats the small stuff. Stefanie, with one F, Stefanie.

Allison Widdecombe

I'm from Hawaii, I like my beer and i love love love to cook.

Kimberly Patton-Bragg

1) I am an education addict - always reading, learning, and absorbing info - so this lady's call to empower through education really spoke to me. 2) I love wine and wine cocktails and I like to think I know more about both than the average Joe (male pronoun intentional). 

Kate Gerwin

1. When I got the invitation to do this, I teared up a little. 2. As awful as they are, I still love circus peanuts.  3. I used to have a donkey named Neehaw. 

Cecily Kllanxhja

I love what I do and the people I share it with. I love the Denver Broncos. My last meal would be a bottle of Del Maguey Tobala.

Katerina Babich

I'm from Russia. I adore a good sense of humor, to create a new and travel! My stature is almost the same as Edith Margaret Garrud:)"

Lauren Clark

Freelance drinks writer and founder of drinkboston.com -- bars, bartenders and imbibing in Beantown. Author of Crafty Bastards: Beer in New England from the Mayflower to Modern Day. Marketing Manager for the wine & spirits importer Haus Alpenz.

Irina Akhmerova / Ирина Ахмерова

I work in a retro Oh, damn bar of 6 years. I have finished P.A.B (The St. Petersburg association of bartenders). I have the diploma the certified IBA. I participated in the international competition WCC. I have taken 3rd the place on the northwest in 2015. I love the profession and bar in which I work.

Mary Stout

1) I have over 15 years in the alcoholic beverage industry and held a variety of roles. 2) I have an equal love for wine and spirits and love combining them. 3) I take inspiration from the strong women I am surrounded by and want to crash though every glass ceiling I encounter.  "

Nicole Lebedevitch

I am excited to do my job everyday because I love it! I like drinks that remind me of being somewhere.....they have flavors that take me back to an island where I vacationed, to the tree in CT where underneath I used to read books....every time I mix a drink I hope to evoke a memory in the person who is sitting across from me. 

Caitlin Sullivan Lone Star/Deep Ellum

Pulling pranks on people is one of my favorite hobbies.  I in no way know all the words to every song written but, I sing them like I do, always a fail. I drink milk with ice.

Joey Tai

I love hospitality and the Spirit and liquor industry, I am passion about my work. And I will love to continue learning more in life though this industry and also mentoring the new generation in the industry. 

Rhachel Shaw

I am an avid fan of pinball. Can't get enough of it. I try to play at least once a week if not more. Before I became a bartender, I used to work in film/tv as a set dresser/prop person. I am a lady of many nicknames. Among them are the following; Ray Charles, Rha Sha-Shaw, Ray Ray, Shroosh, and Shheelllyyyy!

Sabrina Kershaw

Accidentally landing in this industry was the best thing that could have happened to me. Agave based spirits and whiskey are my favorite spirits. My mother is my hero.

Emma Hollander

Strong, Independent, Persistent. 

Andrea Tateosian

I used to throw javelin in college, my dad is my favorite dance partner, and my secret shame is an unhealthy addiction to Smartfood popcorn and all other crunchy, cheesy snacks.

Jess Mili

Born and raised in Toronto, Canada. Winner of Bols Around the World 2017. 

Diana Morell

I’m Colombian, seamstress and an uncompromising mixologist. My middle school carries Salavarrieta’s name. I feel strongly close to Salavarrieta's life, like her i’m committed to my country my people and their independence.

Rosa Ortiz

One of the things that really connected me to Ribeiro is her strong will. I consider myself to be, sometimes stubborn, but very strong willed. My Latin background has also had a huge influence in my life and my culture definitely shows it self through my cocktails and work ethic. Another detail I consider important about myself that I was raised by a single mother. She inspires me everyday and shows me that a woman has many talents and can do whatever she sets her mind to. She definitely showed me how to find strength in myself and made me feel proud to be a woman. 

Jess Knight

I work for a strong, intelligent, kick butt woman. Working for her excites, inspires, and fills me with pride. I have never stopped learning.  Almost everything I know behind the bar is from my drive to continually grow.  I'm always experimenting, trying new things, and I'm not afraid to fail because failing is a part of learning.  We shouldn't let egos get in the way of growth.

Anita Oltuszyk

1. I like talking. A lot! 2. Friends from my bar call me Auntie 3. I think everybody person has his/her own story and I'm really excited about knowing these histories!