Lou Bernard

🍸 Across bars, events, and hospitality spaces worldwide, on-trade leaders are shaping how drinks are built, served, and scaled. These five professionals bring distinct perspectives that continue to influence modern beverage programs across formats and markets: • Lou Bernard, Founder at Mita • Molly Gajdosik, Bar Manager at Gigantic • Melissa Guadalupe, Founder at Toque & Bottle Advisory • Mak Kelly, Bar Manager at Lady Jane • Capucine Prager, Bartender at Bar Goto Together, their work reflects the range of expertise driving today’s on-trade, from creative vision and community to precision and operational strength 🌟 ✨ Follow along as we continue highlighting the leaders shaping modern bar culture . . . . . [Bartenders, on-trade, bar leaders, cocktail culture, hospitality professionals, beverage industry, spirits brands]

Easter calls for something fresh, bright, and effortlessly drinkable 🍸🐰 We asked bartenders what they are reaching for this season, and the answer leans into spirits that bring balance, character, and a sense of spring to the glass. From vibrant gins to expressive tequilas, each pick reflects how the season is being poured behind the bar. Whether it is citrus forward or floral, these are the spirits shaping Easter serves. What are you reaching for this Easter? If you are a brand, this is your moment to be discovered by leading bartenders and industry professionals. Submit your spirits to the Bartender Spirits Awards 2026 🍹 . . . . [Bartender Spirits Awards, spirits competition, spirits brands, mixology trends, premiumization, craft distilling, spirits marketing, trade exposure, industry recognition, bar program, hospitality professionals]

This one’s personal. I’ve been named one of @punch_drink ’s Best New Bartenders of 2025, and I couldn’t be more proud. Not just for the recognition-but for what it represents. Latin American culture runs through everything I do. From lucuma and ají amarillo to mezcal and cachaça to Singani and Pisco to Rum and tequila these aren’t trendy ingredients or spirits , they’re home. They’re the flavors I grew up with, and now they’re the heart of the cocktail programs I build. After 13 years behind the bar, I’m still hungry-and more focused than ever on using cocktails to tell stories, honor heritage, and represent the region that shaped me. Thank you to the Punch team for seeing me, hear me to my crew at Mita that is always there to provide more n more for me to work with and everyone in the past that had allowed me to represent and who’s shared a drink and a moment with me along the way. We’re just getting started. #BestNewBartenders #PunchDrink #LatinoBartender #CocktailsWithPurpose #HeritagelnTheGlass #MitaDC

HAPPY WORLD COCKTAIL DAY✈️ 1) @melangefoodsinc / @dorosoulfood A smoky riff inspired by a modern classic. Introducing the PAPER JET Bright citrus, bitter aperitivo, soft alpine notes, and layered mezcal smoke. ✈️ @mezcalmalbien Select Aperitivo Amaro Nonino @luxardousa Del Santo Fresh Lemon Juice 2) @mita_dc Introducing the SELVA MOJITO— our Latin American-inspired take on the classic. Bright mint, fresh lime, layered sugarcane notes, and a subtle heat from ají amarillo balanced with crisp yuzu soda. Refreshing, savory, and built for summer Sunsets At The Bar @diplomaticorum Planas Magnífica Cachaça Fresh Lime Juice Ají Amarillo Syrup Mint Leaves Pinch of Salt Topped with Yuzu Soda #MitaDC #Melange #WorldCocktailday #DCCocktails #Shawdc

For National burger 🍔 month: 20 Special with Classic burger & most popular 🍹 Green & Dirty Martini🥳 Can’t beat this deal, come in and take advantage of this amazing deal for all month of May! Bottoms up! #bestcocktails #bestdorofood #shawrestaurants #bestdeals #dceats National Burger month, best burgers in dc, best Doro soul food

Back in 2020, I brought Singani into the mix at Roy Boys. That’s where the connection with the Bolivian Pop up started… and where everything began. From that first pop-up, I built a menu inside Roy Boys—and this cocktail became the staple for the next three years. The Angry Llama. Fast forward—Roy Boys closed and the pop up move to different direction and I stepped into Mita as Beverage Director. Opening in Shaw again meant everything. I spent four years in this neighborhood, and the love has been real since day one. Now…. Back in the old building! Today, I’m Beverage Manager at both Mita and Melange—both here in Shaw. And Melange just happens to live inside the old Roy Boys space. Full circle. After so many messages this past year—and especially these last few weeks—I decided to bring it back. Not as a throwback… but as part of what’s next. The Angry Llama returns. Now on both menus— @mita_dc @melangefoodsinc A collaboration between neighbors. A continuation of the story. Same body Elevated, Evolved. Some things don’t come back… they grow. Shaw, thank you for always showing love ❤️

Not again #viral #fyp #bartenderlife #cocktailinspo

New cocktails 🍹 menu dropping just in time for the weekend… PULL ⬆️ this weekend @melangefoodsinc also home for @dorosoulfood & @moyatacodc - all at same place! 📍2108 8th NW #bestdrinks #bestdorofood #shawrestaurants

The secret is officially out… 👀✨ I’m beyond excited to be teaming up with Chef Elias @eliastad @melangefoodsinc @dorosoulfood @moyatacodc — the same space that once was home to Roy Boys. Going back to where it all began hits different. The energy, the memories, the grind… it’s all still in these walls. But this isn’t just a comeback — we’re building something new. New vision. New vibe. Same heart. And the best part? I get to do it with people who turned this building into family the team : @kevin_c3456 @yopjay @snapthoughts @kingandress__23 @8l_hugo_l8 A real full-circle moment… a throwback, but elevated. Catch us Tuesday behind the bar 4pm-10pm — back like it’s 2019, but with a whole new feel. 🍸🔥 ( no we are all still in our currents jobs / tittles ) “What doesn’t challenge you doesn’t change you.” See y’all soon

Philly this past weekend was something special 🔥 Had the honor of being invited to The Chef Assembly @thechefassembly to speak on a beverage panel—talking trends, culture, and where we’re taking this industry next. Nothing better than being in a room full of people who care about what we do and push it forward every day. Grateful for the invite, the convo, and the love 🙏 We keep building.

This past Sunday we had the honor of celebrating International Women’s Day at MITA surrounded by incredible talent, energy, and community. A huge thank you to Chef Amy, Lucy Valenti, and Princess Johnson for sharing their craft, their stories, and their time with us. Your passion and dedication to hospitality and the culinary world continue to inspire us all. And to everyone who joined us and showed love and support — thank you. The energy in the room was truly special and deeply felt. While International Women’s Day may be one day, Women’s History Month continues, so let’s keep celebrating, supporting, and uplifting the amazing women who shape our communities, our kitchens, and our bars every single day. With gratitude from all of us at MITA. #CultureSunday #WomensHistoryMonth #InternationalWomensDay #MITADC #WomenInHospitality

Culture Sundays — International Women’s Day As we celebrate International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month, we honor the women who shape hospitality, lead kitchens, craft cocktails, and inspire the next generation. Join us at MITA on March 8th for a special evening bringing together incredible talent behind the bar and in the kitchen. Featuring guest bartenders Lucy Valenti @lucymvalenti of @residentsdc and Princes Johnson @yopjay of Allegory @allegory_dc , alongside Chef Amy Brandwein @chefamybdc of Centrolina @centrolinadc collaborating with our own Chef Tatiana Mora @tatianamorarangel . The evening will also highlight women-led brands including @zacaparumusa , @yolamezcal and @condesagin through a special cocktail program. An evening of collaboration, creativity, and community—celebrating the women who continue to move our industry forward. 📍 MITA – Washington, DC 🗓 March 8 ⏰ 5PM – 10PM Reservations available through link in Bio. #InternationalWomensDay #WomensHistoryMonth #CultureSundays #WomenInHospitality