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Bartender Spirits Awards

Bartender Spirits Awards
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Cesar Perez II

Lead Bartender at The Apothecary Lounge

Originally from the bordertown of El Paso TX, Cesar recently transplanted to Chicago as The Apothecary Lounge lead bartender and brought his Chuceño “Cocktails with Culture” to the Midwest. With 16 years behind the bar and mutiple national cocktail competition wins, his understanding of flavor and balance is a wonderful addition to the Midwest cocktail scene. Cesar specializes in Mexican ingredients and ties in the stories of his family and culture in many of his signature serves.

Meet our Judges

John Chesney

Chief Whiskey Officer at Slightly Toasted and Beverage Director at Toasted Hospitality

Krys Irizarry

Beverage Director and Award-Winning Bartender and Spirits Expert

Danny Shapiro

Founding Partner and Beverage Director at Scofflaw Group, Chicago

Alexis Ortega

2026 World Class US Bartender of the Year in the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation