Minakshi Singh started bartending at events and parties and fell in love... but legally, she couldn't bartend in an actual bar. It was the '00s in India, and despite that obstacle, she forged a career in the spirits industry and opened several bars. Starting with Cocktails and Dreams Speakeasy, she followed with Sidecar (awarded as one of Asia's Best), The Brook, The Old House (in Nepal) and the later cofounded the India Bartender Show, creating the premiere gathering for bartenders and spirits folk in the nation. (Women are now allowed to work in bars in several Indian states... but not all!) Live music plays a big part in her venues, and she loves to rock. Check out her playlist here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/43XOfGjnoKvsRlxvhah8hk?si=_349LflpTO63rWQOaN1P6w

Nathan Elliott can be found behind the bar at Scotch Lodge in Portland, Oregon, which just racked up James Beard semifinalist nomination but has been deeply appreciated by its community since opening in 2019 (Esquire magazine has already recognized it as one of their best bars as well). Nathan got into bartending the old fashioned way - trying to support his music habit. From his start playing in a No Doubt cover band in junior high, he made it all the way to LA and an official music industry break playing bass and singing with the group National Product. Once the tours ended, he stopped just picking up shifts and went for the full time bar thing, mastering craft cocktails and letting the music become a beloved hobby. Rock out with him here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/55WvNsHNR8JEn8FVTKBJ9d?si=guRfyMnVSq-z5psFvx8a2w

Ricky Ramirez didn't mean to own a bar, it just kind of happened. And even though he sort of wishes he took a little more time diving in, The Mothership in Milwaukee, WI seems to have done ok, racking up a James Beard Semifinalist nod this year. Ricky grew up with religious parents in the Latin community so screaming in metal bands and becoming a bartender was not really an expected outcome (or was it?), but after pouring too many craft beers he switched to craft cocktails and created an inclusive community space for his neighborhood. Check out his playlist here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1GwK1VgttSQWOcF1uDKKJY?si=meAp7hT3QriH3XDHiRSBMw