NY Bartender Week Spotlights Local Bars and Distilleries
The celebration embraces NYC along with many cities throughout New York State
The Big Apple is in foodie heaven right now, with 630 restaurants participating in New York City’s Restaurant Week. But what if you prefer to take your nourishment in liquid form?
Cocktail lovers’ prayers have been answered with the announcement that the city will get its first-ever New York Bartender Week, a celebration of libations from November 18-24, 2024.
The week celebrates the bar community both in New York City and throughout the state, spotlighting the talents of the people behind the stick, along with New York’s distilleries. The most interesting part of the week is the focus on the stories behind the cocktails and the people who craft them.
Bartender Week also intends to grow, expanding to other cities in the U.S. and globally in 2025.
Hanna Lee, founder of Hannah Lee Communications said that she co-created Bartender Week to show love for the city and state that she loves. “This annual event will inspire New Yorkers and visitors alike to expand their travel destinations and explore the amazing hospitality scene across all of New York State. We will also encourage consumers to visit their favorite local bars and support their beloved bartenders and bar teams. Our mission is to bring bars, tourism, and economic development together to spotlight our wonderful state and the people who make it special. It is also to salute bartending as a noble career path and celebrate its craft.”
The week kicks off on Monday, November 18 with a gala featuring top bars from New York City and beyond with each bartender celebrating New York through their cocktails.
The rest of the week, bars across New York City and New York State will offer promotions and special drink menus celebrating local ingredients. Bartenders at participating bars, restaurants, and hotel lounges will present cocktails with at least one ingredient produced or grown in New York State.
The week will also include ticketed seminars and panels led by industry professionals.
Bartender Week will close out with the “Excellence in Storytelling Awards” ceremony. These awards invite bartenders, barracks, and bar owners to share their personal stories through short stories and essays. The stories will be judged by a panel of journalists, with the finalists announced on Tuesday, October 15 in the following categories:
● Best Bartender Story
● Best Bar Back Story
● Best Bar Owner Story
● Best Bar Chef Story
● Best Bar General Manager Story
● Best Restaurant Owner Story
● Best Beverage Director Story
● Best Hotelier Story
● Best Hotel General Manager Story
● Best Hotel F&B Director Story
More details (including submission instructions) will follow on Instagram at @newyorkbartenderweek.
New York Bartender Week is the first in what is intended to become a global celebration of bartenders. In 2025, the concept will expand into Worldwide Bartender Week. Several destinations have confirmed participation including Washington D.C., Knoxville, New Mexico, Colombia, India, Philippines, and Kenya.
Too bad it's that week. We are traveling early for Thanksgiving and spending time with family. I'd much rather be in NYC, having fun with 630 restaurants!