mainLogo

Bartender Spirits Awards

Bartender Spirits Awards
  • Enter Now
  • My Account

Insights

The 10 Best Bartenders to Follow on Instagram to Learn the Tricks of the Trade

Photo for: The 10 Best Bartenders to Follow on Instagram to Learn the Tricks of the Trade

23/09/2024 From sustainable bartending to flair techniques, discover the top bartenders on Instagram who are revolutionizing the cocktail scene

Instagram has become a vital platform for bartenders and mixologists to share their craft with the world. Whether you’re looking for cocktail inspiration, learning about sustainable practices, or perfecting your flair techniques, following expert bartenders on Instagram can help elevate your skills. These professionals provide valuable insights, tutorials, and creative ideas to help you stay on top of your bartending game. Here's a list of the best bartenders to follow on Instagram to sharpen your mixology skills and boost your business.

1. Kapri Robinson (@kapri.possible)

Kapri Robinson, DC's 2017 Cocktail Queen, is the founder of Chocolate City’s Best, an organization supporting Black and Brown bar professionals. A WSET Level 3 Spirits graduate and one of Netflix’s Drink Masters, Kapri educates and advocates for diversity in the industry and has recently also joined the judge panel for the Bartender Spirits Awards 2025.

Kapri Robinson

Image Title & Source: Kapri Robinson

2. Elliott Clark (@apartment_bartender)

Elliott Clark, known as Apartment Bartender, is a Denver-based mixologist who specializes in teaching home bartenders how to create impressive cocktails. As the author of Let’s Do Drinks, Elliott uses his Instagram to share stunning cocktail photos, easy-to-follow recipes, and bartending tips for crafting drinks from the comfort of your home. His focus on accessibility makes him a great resource for anyone looking to elevate their home bartending game or sharpen their craft behind the bar.

Elliott Clark

Image Title & Source: Elliott Clark

3. Ivan Usov (@ivanusov_bartender)

A world-class flair bartender, Ivan Usov has garnered a massive following of over 302K for his incredible skills. Crowned USA Flair Champion of 2022-23, Usov’s Instagram is filled with dynamic tutorials on flair techniques, from bottle flips to gravity-defying pours. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned bartender, Ivan’s content will help you integrate flair into your bartending routine, which is great for enhancing your presentation and performance behind the bar.

Ivan Usov

Image Title & Source: Ivan Usov

Also Read: The 10 Best Bartenders to Follow on YouTube to Master the Art of Mixology

4. Danil Nevsky (@cocktailman)

Founder of Indie Bartender and Broken Bartender, Danil Nevsky is a globally renowned hospitality consultant and bartender. His Instagram page is a hub of bartending knowledge, offering tips, infographics, and insights designed to improve the standards of the bar industry. Danil has trained over 25,000 bartenders worldwide, and his posts provide both beginners and professionals with practical knowledge that can enhance their skills and business acumen.

Danil Nevsky

Image Title & Source: Danil Nevsky

5. Alessandro Palazzi (@alessandro_palazzi)

A veteran in the bartending world with nearly 50 years of experience, Alessandro Palazzi is a master of classic cocktail techniques. As a member of the Gin Guild and a hospitality ambassador, Palazzi's Instagram is dedicated to showcasing the art of mixology, customer service, and hospitality. His extensive experience makes him an ideal follow for bartenders looking to master classic cocktails and learn the nuances of high-end service.

Alessandro Palazzi

Image Title & Source: Alessandro Palazzi

[[relatedPurchasesItems-31]]

6. Bad Birdy (@bad_birdy)

LA-based Amanda Colom, also known as Bad Birdy, is a multi-award-winning bartender, CEO, and global cocktail creative. Known as "The One Woman Show," she inspires with her bold, innovative cocktails. Founder of Bad Birdy LLC and Kuduowl, she pushes the boundaries of bartending, motivating others to elevate their drinking experience.

Bad Birdy

Image Title & Source: Bad Birdy

7. Bjorn Van Tricht (@bartender_bjorn)

If you want to elevate your garnish game or improve your cocktail presentation, Bjorn Van Tricht is the bartender to follow. His page is filled with creative garnish ideas and detailed cocktail tutorials, catering to both beginners and pros. With a focus on flair bartending and intricate cocktail decorations, Bjorn’s Instagram offers practical advice for those who want to enhance their bar service with visual appeal.

Bjorn Van Tricht

Image Title & Source: Bjorn Van Tricht

8. Renato M. Tonelli (@sustainable_bartender)

Renato M. Tonelli, known as the Sustainable Bartender, is an advocate for eco-friendly practices in the bartending world. As the 2023 World Class US Bartender of the Year, Renato’s Instagram provides innovative ideas on how to create sustainable cocktails using locally sourced or leftover ingredients. His page is essential for bartenders and bar owners looking to implement sustainability into their cocktail menus while maintaining quality and creativity.

Renato M. Tonelli

Image Title & Source: Renato M. Tonelli

9. Tomek Malek (@tomekmalek)

Four-time WFA Roadhouse World Champion, Tomek Malek is a flair bartending legend. His Instagram page offers tutorials on advanced flair techniques and bartending tips, making it a fantastic resource for bartenders who want to incorporate performance into their service. With over 60 wins in 180 international competitions, Tomek’s expertise in flair bartending can help boost your showmanship and engage customers.

Tomek Malek

Image Title & Source: Tomek Malek

10. Salvatore Calabrese (@cocktailmaestro)

Salvatore Calabrese, also known as the Cocktail Maestro, brings years of experience in bartending, vintage spirits, and bar consulting to his Instagram page. Known for his expertise in mixing classic cocktails with precision, Salvatore’s videos offer step-by-step guidance on how to perfect your drink-making techniques. His page is perfect for those looking to refine their cocktail-making skills and understand the history behind their favorite drinks.

Salvatore Calabrese

Image Title & Source: Salvatore Calabrese

Also Read: What Will a Profitable Cocktail List in 2025 Look Like? 

11. Natalie Migliarini (@beautifulbooze)

Natalie Migliarini, creator of Beautiful Booze, is a cocktail stylist and author. She combines her love for cocktails and travel, sharing visually stunning content. From bartending at Instagram's live event to writing her book Beautiful Booze, Natalie has become a go-to source for home bartenders looking to refine their craft.

Natalie Migliarini

Image Title & Source: Natalie Migliarini

12. Svetoslav Chochev (@svets_cocktail_lab)

A finalist in numerous prestigious cocktail competitions, Svetoslav Chochev is known for his creative cocktail recipes and drink presentation. As a brand ambassador for Diageo and a finalist for Best Mixologist 2024 by Bar Magazine UK, Svetoslav’s page is ideal for bartenders wanting to explore new ingredients and mixology techniques. His posts are both educational and inspiring, offering new ways to experiment with flavors and ingredients.

Svetoslav Chochev

Image Title & Source: Svetoslav Chochev

13. Rich Woods (@the_cocktailguy)

A finalist for the Fortnum and Mason Content Creator of the Year award in 2024, Rich Woods, also known as The Cocktail Guy, combines innovation with artistry. His Instagram page is brimming with creative cocktail recipes, garnish tutorials, and insider tips for bartenders looking to expand their craft. Rich's focus on unique ingredients and cocktail presentation makes his content perfect for bartenders looking to stand out in the competitive cocktail industry.

Rich Woods

Image Title & Source: Rich Woods

14. Vivian Cromwell (@thetipsymuse)

Vivian Cromwell, founder of The Tipsy Muse, is a photographer and cocktail expert. She shares her passion for cocktail creation through beautifully curated food and drink pairings. Her platform offers recipe development, spirits education, and engaging visual content, making her a leading voice in the spirits world.

Vivian Cromwell

Image Title & Source: Vivian Cromwell

15. Amy Traynor (@moodymixologist)

Amy Traynor is the creator of Moody Mixologist, an award-winning cocktail blog. Her feed features expertly crafted cocktails and stunning photography. As a SAVEUR Best Drinks Blog Award winner, she continues to inspire with modern flavors and visually captivating drinks.

[[relatedPurchasesItems-31]]

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned bartender, following these industry experts on Instagram can provide you with invaluable insights and creative inspiration. From flair bartending and sustainable practices to mastering cocktail garnishing, these bartenders offer a wealth of knowledge that will help you elevate your craft and keep up with the latest trends in the mixology world. Stay ahead of the competition by learning from the best in the business.

Header image sourced from Tomek Malek (Facebook).

Related Links: 
2024 U.S. Bartender of the Year, Kapri Robinson Joins 2025 Bartender Spirits Awards Judging Panel 
Introducing Anna Thorn, Director of Bar & Spirits at Hogsalt to the 2025 Bartender Spirits Awards 
Mike Ryan, Global Beverage Director, Acurio International Joins 2025 Bartender Spirits Awards Judging Panel

International and domestic spirits brands are invited to register, to take advantage of the super early bird pricing that is on till October 31, 2024. Here is how to enter.