New York's Best Bartender 2015: East Village

Been a bartender for: 2.5 years

Signature drink: Smoke Signals

The best thing about being a bartender is: Being able to be as creative as you want and making the perfect cocktail for the patron in front of you.

Been a bartender for: 7 years

Signature drink: Bulleit Old Fashioned

The best thing about being a bartender is: All the different people I get to meet and the insane bar stories I've collected along the way.

Been a bartender for: 11 years

Signature drink: Anything from my drink menu I created

The best thing about being a bartender is: Taking someone from an introvert to the life of the party—in four drinks or less.

Been a bartender for: 23 years

Signature drink: Spanish Fly

The best thing about being a bartender is: Taking care of people and giving them things they never knew they wanted. With a background in photochemistry, I approach cocktails through a science lens. I never know what's trendy/cool, but I do know what sounds delicious. It’s like a magic trick.

Been a bartender for: 5 years

Signature drink: Bamboo Cocktail

The best thing about being a bartender is: For me, the best thing about bartending is the amount of hospitality given out during the course of a shift. I love it when friends come in and everyone is hanging out together or when you meet someone for the first time and you make them feel special.

Been a bartender for: 9 years

Signature drink: Mezcal Hug

The best thing about being a bartender is: Regulars, high five garnishes, boomerangs and the USBG.

Been a bartender for: 12 years

Signature drink: Martinis

The best thing about being a bartender is: Meeting people and the energy of the night.

Been a bartender for: 15 years

Signature drink: All things agave

The best thing about being a bartender is: A chance to save the world, one cocktail at a time.

Been a bartender for: 4 years

Signature drink: The Dowey Laugh

The best thing about being a bartender is: Getting to meet all different kinds people, listening and laughing with them.

Been a bartender for: 13 years

Signature drink: Campfire Old Fashioned

The best thing about being a bartender is: I live for service. I love being a part of my guests experience.