In 2018, Punch launched the Bartender in Residence (BIR) program with a simple mission: Elevate and amplify rising talent in the bartending community through a combination of editorial coverage, social media, live events and more. Since its inception, we’ve produced over two dozen events and spotlighted more than 40 bartenders who have gone on to create their own programs, advocate for a more inclusive industry and launch a variety of nonprofits, all while producing inspired original cocktails.
In 2023, we reimagined the program and gave it a new name, Best New Bartenders, to better capture how the series has evolved—from an intimate takeover of our office test bar for the New York trade community to an editorial franchise with national reach, and a growing family of alumni who are defining the future of bartending.
We are now on the lookout for the Best New Bartenders of 2025, those talented individuals who are moving drink culture forward, both behind the bar and beyond it. Does this sound like someone you know? Nominate them! Does this sound like you? Nominate yourself! Apply by April 28, 2025.
