The second edition of New York Bartender Week (NYBW) will take place November 17–23, 2025, uniting the state’s bar community for a week of storytelling, craftsmanship, and cocktail tourism. Produced by Hanna Lee Communications, this annual festival aims to boost economic development while celebrating the creative talent driving New York’s drinks scene. This year’s festival has drawn record participation, with 130 bars and 31 local spirits brandsfrom across the state confirmed to take part. Each venue will present a New York State-themed cocktail made with at least one locally produced spirit. From inventive riffs on classics to original creations, the week promises a wide range of flavors that reflect the diversity and energy of New York. Participating bars are invited to join at no cost, setting their own prices for cocktails throughout the week-long celebration. The goal is simple: to spotlight the Empire State as one of the world’s most dynamic destinations for cocktails, hospitality, and local craftsmanship.
A major highlight of the 2025 edition is the launch of the Bar Star Awards, created to honor the inspiring personal stories of bartenders and barbacks across New York State. Each nominee was invited to share their journey into the bar world — what inspired them to choose hospitality and the challenges they’ve overcome along the way. The winning stories will be announced during the Kick-Off Gala on November 16, held in New York City. The awards were evaluated by a distinguished panel of U.S. and international drinks journalists, including Adam Reiner, Austa Clausen, Gary Sharpen, Jake Emen, Kara Newman, Kirk Miller, Leah van Deventer, Paul Clarke, Robert Simonson, Sandrae Lawrence, Sean Flynn, Shay Waterworth, and Tony Sachs. Their selections highlight bartenders whose creativity and perseverance exemplify the best of New York’s bar culture.
“Bartenders and barbacks are the heart of our industry,” says Hanna Lee, Co-Founder of NYBW and President of Hanna Lee Communications. “Through the Bar Star Awards, we are proud to honor their resilience, creativity, and personal stories that inspire their peers and their communities.” Co-Founder Michael Anstendig, Editor-in-Chief at Hanna Lee Communications, adds, “Bartending is more than a job — it’s a form of storytelling, community building, and cultural exchange. These awards give the profession the recognition it truly deserves.”
New York Bartender Week (NYBW) is a first-of-its-kind celebration of the state’s bar culture and professionals. The festival’s mission is to promote cocktail tourism, locally produced spirits, and economic growth while spotlighting bartending as an art form and a vital career path. The 2025 edition will also form part of Worldwide Bartender Week, expanding NYBW’s reach beyond the Empire State and reinforcing New York’s position as a global leader in hospitality. For more information and the full list of participating bars and spirits brands, visit New York Bartender Week on Instagram or hannaleecommunications.com
