The modern on-trade is shaped not just by venues, but by the people who design, lead, and evolve bar programs on the ground. From high-volume nightlife and destination cocktail bars to consulting, education, and sustainability-led concepts, today’s most influential bartenders and bar directors operate across multiple layers of hospitality. The following list highlights 20 figures whose experience, leadership, and day-to-day decision-making continue to influence how drinks are built, served, and scaled. Their impact is felt not only in awards and press, but in how the on-trade adapts to changing guest expectations, operational realities, and cultural shifts.

1. Becca Petersen, Daisies

Becca Petersen brings focus and restraint to cocktail programs shaped by sustainability and clear flavor direction. Her experience across spirit-focused bars informs a practical approach to menu building that avoids excess. At Daisies, her drinks support the food program while aligning with environmental values. For operators, Petersen’s influence shows that knowing what to leave out is critical to creating cocktails that are both memorable and operationally sound.

2. Julia Momosé, Kumiko

Julia Momosé has become influential by redefining how precision, intention, and hospitality can shape modern bar programs. At Kumiko, she has shown the trade that cocktails, spirit-free drinks, and food-led service can operate at the same premium level. Her work bridges traditional Japanese techniques with contemporary bar operations, influencing how venues approach balance, seasonality, and thoughtful pacing. For the on-trade, Momosé’s impact lies in proving that restraint, storytelling, and non-alcoholic offerings are not trends, but long-term pillars of serious beverage programs.

3. Kevin Beary, Three Dots and a Dash / Bamboo Room

Kevin Beary’s influence comes from turning deep rum scholarship into commercially successful, guest-facing experiences. Through Three Dots and a Dash and The Bamboo Room, he has shown how historic recipes, rare spirits, and theatrical presentation can drive both volume and credibility. His programs demonstrate how immersive concepts, when paired with operational discipline, can sustain high footfall while maintaining cocktail integrity. For the trade, Beary represents how category focus—particularly rum—can be expanded beyond niche appeal and into mainstream on-trade success.

4. Miles Macquarrie, Kimball House

Miles Macquarrie has shaped the on-trade by blending classic cocktail structure with modern execution and consistency. At Kimball House, his approach emphasizes technique, balance, and repeatability—qualities that resonate with both bartenders and operators. His work as a recipe developer further highlights how well-built cocktails can translate across formats without losing quality. For the trade, Macquarrie’s influence lies in proving that disciplined fundamentals, when applied thoughtfully, remain the backbone of award-winning bar programs and scalable cocktail solutions.

5. Ivy Mix, Whoopsie Daisy Bar

Ivy Mix is influential for bringing agave and Latin American spirits into the mainstream cocktail conversation. Through her venture, she has shown how regional spirits can anchor a successful, guest-friendly bar concept. Mix’s work has helped educate both bartenders and consumers, expanding category awareness across the on-trade. Her influence lies in combining advocacy, hospitality, and business acumen to create lasting impact beyond a single venue.

6. Paul McGee, Lost Lake / Land and Sea Dept.

Paul McGee is influential for helping modernize tiki and experiential cocktail culture without losing its sense of fun or hospitality. His long career across major markets gives him credibility with both legacy bartenders and newer operators. McGee’s bars show how strong concepts, staff training, and consistency can turn themed venues into respected, long-running businesses. For the on-trade, his work reinforces that escapism, when grounded in quality and service, remains a powerful driver of guest engagement and brand loyalty.6.

7. Ross Hunt, unMuddled

Ross Hunt represents a practical, education-first influence on the on-trade. His background in certifications and hospitality training positions him as a connector between brands, bartenders, and operators. Through unMuddled, he helps venues improve cocktail programs with clear systems, approachable menus, and staff development. Hunt’s influence lies in his focus on long-term improvement rather than hype, reinforcing the idea that knowledge-sharing and collaboration are essential to building stronger, more sustainable bar communities.

8. Tone Arasa, True Laurel

Tone Arasa has influenced the industry by placing sustainability and seasonality at the center of cocktail creation. At True Laurel, their work demonstrates how local sourcing, foraging, and low-waste practices can shape a bar’s identity without sacrificing creativity or guest appeal. For the on-trade, Arasa’s approach offers a model for responsible sourcing that aligns with modern consumer values. Their influence extends beyond drinks, encouraging operators to think more holistically about environmental impact and operational intention.

9. Charles Joly, Crafthouse Cocktails

Charles Joly’s influence extends beyond the bar through education, consulting, and packaged cocktails. His leadership at The Aviary set new standards for innovation and presentation, while his competition success helped elevate the global profile of American bartending. Joly bridges creative cocktail development with business-minded execution, showing how bartenders can operate across bars, brands, and consumer products. For the trade, he represents the evolution of the bartender into a multi-channel professional with influence across hospitality, retail, and education.

10. Daniel Bareswilt, Alter Ego

Daniel Bareswilt’s influence comes from proving that quality cocktails can thrive in high-energy, high-volume nightlife settings. His programs focus on speed, minimal bottle pick-ups, and ingredient sustainability while maintaining flavor and balance. This practical approach resonates with operators who need cocktails to perform under pressure. For the on-trade, Bareswilt demonstrates that thoughtful design and operational discipline can elevate drink quality even when cocktails are not the main draw of the venue.

11. Lou Bernard, Mita

Lou Bernard has shaped the on-trade by using cocktails as a vehicle for cultural expression. His work highlights Latin American ingredients, techniques, and spirits in ways that remain approachable to a broad audience. Bernard’s programs show how authenticity and representation can strengthen a bar’s identity while expanding guest curiosity. For operators, his influence lies in demonstrating that cultural storytelling, when done respectfully and clearly, can differentiate a beverage program without compromising commercial viability.

12. Molly Gajdosik, Gigantic

Molly Gajdosik brings a thoughtful balance of classic cocktail structure and playful creativity to the bar world. Their varied hospitality background informs an approach that values curiosity, adaptability, and strong service flow. At Gigantic, Gajdosik helps keep historical cocktails relevant while introducing fresh, accessible originals. For the on-trade, their influence reinforces the importance of versatility and openness, showing how bars can honor tradition while remaining inviting and flexible for modern guests.

13. Kenzo Han, Firstborn

Kenzo Han influences the on-trade by expanding how tea, Asian spirits, and seasonal ingredients are used in cocktails. Their background in classic bartending and tea culture allows them to create menus that feel both grounded and exploratory. At Firstborn, Han demonstrates how cross-cultural techniques can coexist without becoming gimmicky. For the trade, their work highlights the growing opportunity to integrate global ingredients thoughtfully while maintaining clarity, balance, and strong guest communication.

14. Melissa Guadalupe, Toque & Bottle Advisory

Melissa Guadalupe is influential for translating cocktail expertise into large-scale, operational beverage strategies. With decades of experience, she understands how drinks function in high-volume, high-visibility environments such as conventions and national events. Her work supports the on-trade by demonstrating how cocktail quality, speed, and consistency can coexist outside traditional bar settings. For operators and brands, Guadalupe’s approach highlights the importance of structure, training, and logistics in delivering compelling beverage experiences to large and diverse audiences.

15. Mak Kelly, Lady Jane

Mak Kelly’s influence lies in combining community leadership with creative cocktail execution. As bar manager, they have helped shape Lady Jane into a space that balances technical drinks with inclusive hospitality. Kelly’s events and programming show how bars can act as cultural hubs while still maintaining high beverage standards. For the on-trade, their work reinforces that strong identity, staff representation, and guest trust are just as important as what’s in the glass.14.

16. Capucine Prager, Bar Goto

Capucine Prager represents a refined, minimalist approach to modern cocktail creation. Her experience across international markets and high-level bars has shaped a style rooted in precision and calm confidence. At Bar Goto, she works within intentional limitations, proving that simplicity can still deliver depth. For the on-trade, Prager’s influence highlights how disciplined menus and restrained techniques can stand out in an industry often driven by excess.

17. Ricardo Rodriguez, Lita / La Otra

Ricardo Rodriguez has helped elevate regional cocktail culture by bringing serious beverage programs to smaller markets. His food-driven approach ensures cocktails complement cuisine while remaining approachable. At Lita and La Otra, Rodriguez balances experimentation with guest comfort, supporting long-term growth in emerging scenes. For the trade, his influence shows that thoughtful cocktails can succeed outside major cities when they are grounded in hospitality and local relevance.

18. Mel Tate, Dovetail

Mel Tate influences the on-trade through a culinary approach that prioritizes balance and layered flavor. His cocktails introduce global ingredients while remaining accessible to guests with varying comfort levels. Tate’s willingness to meet guests where they are reflects a hospitality-first mindset. For operators, his work underscores the importance of flexibility—creating drinks that can educate without alienating and innovate without losing sight of guest satisfaction.

19. Natasha Mesa, Mixologist

Natasha Mesa’s influence comes from her performance behind the bar, competitive success, and strong community presence. Her speed, technical skill, and leadership have made her a recognizable figure within Portland’s cocktail scene. Mesa represents how individual bartenders can shape local trends while maintaining operational excellence. For the on-trade, her career highlights the value of visibility, mentorship, and consistency in building both personal and venue-level credibility.

20. Tom Walker, Scape Goat/Mae’s Room

Tom Walker has shaped global cocktail culture through competition wins, consulting, and education. His experience across top bars and major brands gives him a broad understanding of both creative and commercial demands. Walker’s work connects classic technique with brand strategy and large-scale hospitality. For the trade, his influence lies in showing how bartenders can move fluidly between bars, media, and consulting while maintaining technical credibility.