For the past seven years, Punch has been spotlighting rising talent in the bartending community through its Best New Bartenders (BNB) program, formerly known as Bartender in Residence. The mission of BNB is to promote and recognize the next generation of bartenders who are not only making thoughtful cocktails, but also moving the industry forward. This year, we’re pleased to partner with Astral Tequila, a brand that puts sustainability and social responsibility at the heart of its tequila-making process and whose values align with the BNB commitment to progress and positive impact.
The individuals listed below have been selected as this year’s finalists. Each brings a distinctive point of view to their drinks, paired with a genuine desire to create a more sustainable industry on both sides of the bar. Check back in July, when we will name the 10 Best New Bartenders of 2025 from this talented group.
Tone Arasa | True Laurel, San Francisco, California
Dan Bareswilt | Alter Ego, Tampa, Florida
Lou Bernard | Mita, Washington, D.C.
Molly Gajdosik | Gigantic, Easthampton, Massachusetts
Kenzo Han | Firstborn, Los Angeles, California
Ben Hopkins | Pitt’s and Agi’s Counter, Brooklyn, New York
Matthew Izaguirre | Coral Club, Nashville, Tennessee
Mak Kelly | Lady Jane, Denver, Colorado
Jakob McCabe-Johnston | Kimball House, Decatur, Georgia
Jillian Moore | My Loup, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Dominique Muñoz | Polite Provisions, San Diego, California
Kevin Nguyen | Camélia, Los Angeles, California
Kat Parsons | Viridian, Oakland, California
Becca Petersen | Daisies, Chicago, Illinois
Capucine Prager | Bar Goto, New York, New York
Sam Pritchard | Kampar, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Logan Rodriguez | Smithereens, New York, New York
Ricardo Rodriguez | Lita and La Otra, Aberdeen Township, New Jersey
Mel Tate | Dovetail Bar, New Orleans, Louisiana
Benjamin Zapien | Dear Irving on Broadway, New York, New York
