JONATHAN STANYARD - 2024 U.S. BARTENDER OF THE YEAR

JONATHAN STANYARD NAMED 2024 U.S. BARTENDER OF THE YEAR

Join us in celebrating Jonathan Stanyard, crowned 2024 U.S. Bartender of the Year after an impressive competition in Denver. Discover his award-winning cocktails and his journey to the Global Finals in Shanghai.

 

Estimated Reading Time: 2 Minutes

 

Congratulations to Jonathan Stanyard, the 2024 U.S. Bartender of the Year! 

In an intense two-day competition in Denver, CO, Jonathan showcased his exceptional skills and creativity against 30 of the nation's top bartenders. The U.S. Finals featured three rigorous challenges designed to test the contestants' ability to craft elevated cocktail experiences with speed and precision. The top 10 finalists advanced to the Johnnie Walker and DIAGEO Reserve Brands challenges, where Jonathan's standout cocktails, "Apples For Whales" and "Such Great Heights," earned him the championship title. Jonathan's journey now continues as he represents the U.S. at the Global Finals in Shanghai this September.

Apples for Whales cocktail

Apples for Whales

Ingredients:

  • 1.5 oz *Apple infused Ketel One Family Made Vodka
  • 1 oz Apple Cordial
  • 0.5 oz Clarified Apple Juice
  • 1 drop of Celery-Cardamom Bitters
  • Stirred with Clarified Apple Juice Ice Cubes
  • Garnish: Bee pollen granules

Equipment:

  • Strainer
  • Mixing glass
  • Coupe glass

Method:

  • *Apple infused Ketel One Vodka: Place discards from apples (core, solids, etc) into a vessel with 12.5 oz Ketel One Family Made Vodka and let infuse in refrigerator for 48 hours. Fine strain and keep in airtight container in refrigerator until use.
  • In a mixing glass, add Apple infused Ketel One Vodka, apple cordial, clarified apple juice, celery-cardamom bitters and clarified apple juice ice cubes.
  • Stir thoroughly and pour into a coupe glass.
  • Garnish with bee pollen granules dusted on top.

Such Great Heights

Ingredients:

  • 0.75 oz Ron Zacapa Rum Edicion Negra
  • 0.75 oz *Coconut Cold Brew
  • 0.3 oz Pineapple Amaro Liqueur
  • 0.3 oz Sherry
  • Garnish: Coffee Ground Sugar Dust

Equipment:

  • Strainer
  • Shaker
  • Martini glass

Method:

  1. *Coconut Cold Brew: Combine 1:4 coconut water with freshly ground coffee beans and let saturate overnight. Finely strain through paper filter.
  2. Combine Ron Zacapa Rum Edicion Negra, Coconut Cold Brew, Pineapple Amaro Liqueur and Sherry into a shaking tin with ice.
  3. Shake thoroughly and strain into a martini glass.

For more information about the competition and updates on the upcoming global event, follow #worldclassus and #worldclass2025 on Twitter and Instagram.

Visit us online at worldclass.usbg.org and usbg.org.

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