Ed

DIRECTAMENTE DESDE LA CANCHA BAJO TECHO DE RIO GRANDE I’m thrilled to be joining the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation’s Cocktail Apprentice Program (@cocktailapprenticeprogram ) Red Coat Class! As one of the newest members of the #cocktailapprenticeprogram , I will be paired with a Grey Coat mentor to contribute to behind-the-scenes work for Tales of the Cocktail happening, July 19-24, 2026, in New Orleans. Follow the @tales_of_the_cocktail 🔗 link in bio to see the entire #CAP2026 class roster and to learn more about our apprentice program. #totc2026 #totc #TalesoftheCocktail2026 totcf CAP2026 CAPRedCoat2026 LET’S GET IT, Also, shout out to @carlianno.lopez por la fotaza

24 HRS IN NEW YORK, BONUS TRACK 24 hrs in New York running down and up the stairs, waiting for trains, eating food, and doing things outside the bar industry (except for @superbuenonyc , of course). During this trip I re-learned something about myself and life in general: 1. Never apologize for being human— we will all make mistakes, but accountability and working towards being better is important for growth. 2. Explore art— explore those old buildings that hold so much history, re-learn history by visiting its halls, let those things inspire you in pursuit of a better version of yourself. 3. We are only a speck in this vast universe— while in the larger scale of things it might not matter, you are part of someone else’s universe, someone else’s world, and how you choose to lead or behave will have an influence on that. Select which version you want to be for yourself and others. It will create something beautiful in your inner universe. 4. The importance of active listening— in this time and age, we want to be the loud one in the room, the one with the quick response, without letting others finish to know where they are going. We want to take space, but rarely allow it for others. Active listening has become, for me, a lost art, and it’s a very important one. The fact that friends who I haven’t seen for months looked for ways to keep me safe and to honor my sobriety made me realize that they were listening, they were watching, and they were validating things that are important to me. I am deeply thankful to @shammaimai and @lanadelrum_ for showing me that. 5. If atoms and particles can move across this vast space we call the universe, so can you! 6. To be strong is to be kind. 7. Your land will always be there for your return. IN SUMMARY: MAKE THE UNCERTAINTY BEAUTIFUL

Rounding out our amazing cohort, EDNA “ED” LOPEZ @ed.kepler , is an emerging hospitality leader, bartender, and general manager based in San Juan, Puerto Rico, currently working at Jungle Bird. Her capstone project will focus on providing tools and support for hospitality professionals navigating mental health and substance abuse challenges. She aims to integrate mental health programming into professional development spaces such as industry conferences, bar programs, and staff training, while helping ensure these resources are accessible, de-stigmatized, and sustainable. 🇵🇷🌟 Ed loves drawing, reading manga, watching documentaries, enjoying music, and traveling. Curious by nature, she enjoys learning about subjects both within and beyond the hospitality industry. She hopes to learn tattooing, complete her degree in social work, and one day launch a brand that celebrates and honors the resilience and hard work of service industry professionals. Ed’s mentor is NATASHA SOFIA @natasha_sofia , a dynamic leader in the hospitality and spirits industry with more than 19 years of experience. Born and raised in Puerto Rico, her career began at the age of 15, working in various bars and restaurants and later participating in the openings of iconic establishments such as La Factoría and Piña Colada Club. Her passion for mixology and storytelling led her to New York, where she honed her craft in renowned bars including Madam Geneva and Empellón.🇵🇷>🗽 Currently, as the Global Advocacy Director for Mijenta Tequila, Natasha promotes community and culture through her work, combining creativity and strategy to generate meaningful impact. Named Best U.S. Brand Ambassador in 2025 by @tales_of_the_cocktail , she is recognized for her innovative approach to brand growth, event execution, and advocacy for important causes. Balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship, she is committed to normalizing motherhood in the hospitality industry while highlighting the value of authenticity and hard work. Her projects also reflect her dedication to showcasing the richness of Puerto Rican and Caribbean culture. #raisethebar #puertoricanlove #mentorshipmatters #mentalhealthmatters #advocacy

@pdxcw 2025 edition VOL. 3, TRACK 1 The king of chaotic order. First PDXCW being sober. I won’t deny, it gave me anxiety but I’m extremely thankful for all my friends who support me during this journey. Got to say, this year I saw a lot of growth in our community. The amount of love and respect I have for this people is incredible. Especially, I’m damn proud of @r8ket_man and @malort_mami for bringing the Latino party to life… for making everyone see that this is necessary, VISIBILITY IS NECESSARY! We deserve to have a space and a chance for our culture to flourish, to engage in those conversations about what’s affecting our communities. I’m proud to have seen you work against all odds and come out with a win. Thank you as always to my moms, dads, power rangers and chaotic monsters @livethelushlife @bleachrtr @mcmoberly @shanandthecity_ Finally, keep being political. Keep advocating. Keep moving forward!

WRAP OF PRCW 2025 SUCK AT EDITING THIS TYPE OF THINGS, still, better late than never. Dentro de lo caótico que fue correr la semana, agradezco la comunidad hospitalaria that keeps showing up. Agradezco tanto por todas esas cervezas sin alcohol, por los matres inflables, por los pastelillos y alcapurrias, por todos esos programas de cocteles sin alcohol, por las marcas que ayudaron a auspiciar, por la oportunidad de estar en el panel de “Letters to a young bartender”(gracias, @johndrinksrum ) por los amigos que hicieron eventos cabrones en sus respectivos espacios ampliando la versatilidad de lo que podemos hacer, por los nuevos que incluimos en nuestros círculos familiares, por aquellos que siguen colaborando con nosotros y por aquellos que brindan su sazón en los take overs. Gracias tanto a @kokylo y @tigresatropical por crear “Sangre Nueva” y proveer un espacio para la nueva generación de bartenders que está representando. Agradezco a todos que nos querían visitar y por la paciencia de los regulares. Honestamente es un privilegio poder seguir coincidiendo con ustedes. Gracias tanto a @planterayrum @citadellegin @chinola @adriennedesire @sebasschin_ @eric_maldonado2 @tonyholdscamera @canitasanturcepr @rondelbarrilito @santurcebrewery @tressantosmezcal @lifewelive.vid @apex_millennial @ketelone @ketelbandido @attaboy134 @capt.creamcheese @jackdanielspuertorico Gracias a @prcocktailweek y a todo su equipo Pero primordialmente, gracias a mi equipo de @junglebirdbar , adicional a @satofino_ @identidadcocktailbar @barpenultima @173grados por tanto

Reflections on Puerto Rico Cocktail Week with @ed.kepler , rising bar star of @junglebirdbar , which has become one of the most important, impactful and influential Bars & Bar Teams in the @prcocktailweek program 🇵🇷 we caught up with Ed Kepler after Letters to a Young Bartender to chat.

Mañana 11/13: “Letters to a Young Bartender” en Español, 2da Edición ✍🏽 starting at 3:30 pm, colleagues will be sharing wisdom they wish they’d had when they were mere up-and-comers, things the would like to tell their younger selves, as well as the new blood in this industry. Habrán cocktails & sandwichitos de mezcla pal corillo ✨ nos vemos mañana 💥 📕: link in bio 📲: +1 (939) 250-0543 ⏰: Jueves a Lunes 5:00 pm a 1:00 am #somossatofino #industrypeeps #prcocktailweek #letterstoayoungbartender #cocktailbar #hospitality #puertorico #restobar #condadoesensanturce #🇵🇷

¡LLEGÓ LA NAVIDAD! 🎄 Queremos darle la bienvenida a nuestro Boricuas en la diáspora y a todo @prcocktailweek con una fiesta navideña, pa’ que se la lleven en el corazón. Lléguenle luego del @prcocktailweek welcoming party, que aquí estaremos con Pasteles, Lechón, Arroz con Gandules, Coquito & Ron! 🇵🇷 ¡Puertas abren a las 8PM! — ¡Nos vemos mañana! #PRCW #JungleBirdPR #StayTropical

ART, TEXTURES AND OTHER THINGS @letshopscotch @portlandartmuseum

TOTC 2025 edition Vol. 3 Side B Track 2 Solamente voy a escribir: Mi corillx está cabron. @milagrotequila @chicharronesconlimon killed it con el evento Mixing with Mexico y el corillx de jefas detrás de la barra @gina_barbachano @elimartinez_bll @fridalucia___ @pibacantina @solo_maria_paula_ @jimeab1 @annybarrera_ .@delmagueymezcal with @mezcalmeeks @cannolinights @mistuh_fotay @barsnack.nyc at @annasnola . @fordsgin with the Negroni Sessions. For those that IG don’t let me tag: @christopherksang @mrfleming2nd @sundaynegroni @peatandpowderdc @andie.circus Keep on editing as I go but… y’all keep on grinding, keep on representing!

TOTC 2025 Vol. 3 Side A Track 1 Mi habilidad de poner las fotos fuera de tiempo es TOP NOCH. Mientras tanto, el calor latino se sintió. Son tantas las fotos, las memorias, las risas y las danzas que habrán algunas que solo las conservaré para mi. Ver a mi corillx y a mi gente abrirse las puertas, reclamar espacios y ser fue la cosa más increíble de este año. Aquí la primera parte de esas caras lindas que me encontré. Also, el límite de instagram de solo tag a 20 personas es fucking lame. Also, huge shout out a las marcas que trabajaron este año. Thank you @anotherroundanotherrally @aztnass @gundomonkey for the beautiful time down at @caneandtable . Being able to spend time with everyone from our classes and the people responsable of making and advocating for @appletonestate was incredible. SIDE A TRACK 2 coming soon! Al igual que el diario de Eddy D Btw corillx, no se me quiten. No dejen de sentirse orgullosos de dónde vienen. No dejen de hablar su lengua. No dejen de querer quienes son. Aquí no estamos para negociar nuestro derecho para existir. Let’s see if instagram stops me: @gee.andthetins @lanadelrum_ @yumberto @manolo_lopz @twistedtea @delmagueymezcal

BARRA MÉXICO 2025 Vol. 1 SIDE B Los retratos de la gente linda que me rodea, haciendo lo que más aman mientras representan su cultura. Gracias eternas por dejarme estar en su casa y por permitirme disfrutar con ustedes.