North America’s 50 Best Bars 2025, sponsored by Perrier, were announced live on April 29 at the JW Marriott Parq Vancouver—the first time the awards were hosted in Canada. The annual list features leading bars across the US, Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean, highlighting the strength and diversity of the region’s cocktail scene.
As part of the event programming, I attended a “Meet the Bartenders” session, where award-winning bartenders and bar owners shared insights into their creative processes and hospitality philosophies.
The session featured Kevin Diedrich of Pacific Cocktail Haven (San Francisco), Claudia Cabrera of Kaito del Valle (Mexico City), Max Wolff and Achille Moga of Library by the Sea (Grand Cayman), Amber Bruce, Hugo Finan, and Keenan Hood of Keefer Bar (Vancouver), and Chris Hannah and Victoria Espinel of Jewel of the South (New Orleans).
Each bartender offered a perspective shaped by their city and the ethos of their bar, underscoring how location, culture, and collaboration continue to shape innovation in cocktail craft. The session offered a look at how these bar teams are contributing to the evolution of North America’s drink scene—from technique to storytelling and service.
