Bartender Christine Wiseman – Winner of Altos Bartenders’ Bartender 2023

Christine Wiseman  @dramawise, Bar Lab Hospitality’s Global Beverage Director @barlabhospitality (The Broken Shaker)), has won the most prestigious award in the bar world — awarded by a vote among colleagues and head bartenders from venues included on this year’s list of North America’s 50 Best Bars.

An outgoing, one-of-a-kind personality and beloved mentor to the community, Christine was nominated by her peers for pushing the boundaries of what it means to be a great bartender. She always collaborates in an enriching way with each of the head bartenders and is a fan of dosing ingredients to reduce the collection of bottles, speed up the service and guarantee greater uniformity.

Christine has been recognized as a semi-finalist for the American Bartender of the Year (2018 and 2019, Spirited Award), a finalist for the American Bartender of the Year 2020 and 2022, and as an Imbibe 75 Person to Watch in 2023.

For Chistine, this award means a great deal because it is the only one voted for by the bartenders of 50 Best Bars. She has long admired the people who have received this award and is honored to now join this incredible group.

Importantly, she couldn’t have done it alone. Bar Lab Hospitality has one of the best teams in the business and is a fundamental part of Christine’s success. And she is confident that winning this award will propel her to continue to improve as a mentor and leader. It has also given her the opportunity to reflect. “I think everyone sees me for who I am, someone who leads with her heart, gives her all for those around her, and creates safe spaces for people who need and want it,” says Christine.

The live Altos Bartenders’ Bartender 2023 award ceremony will take place for the first time in Mexico at Hacienda Los Picachos in San Miguel de Allende, on May 4, 2023, at 6:30 p.m. CT/8:30 p.m. EDT.

The tally of the North America’s 50 Best Bars list and the awards ceremony will also be broadcast to the public. Those unable to attend are invited to join from anywhere in the world via of the Facebook and  TV 50 Best Bars in YouTube. 

Let’s take a moment to remember 2022, when the very first Altos Bartenders’ Bartender Award  from North America’s 50 Best Bars was won by Masahiro Urushido @masanyc of Katana Kitten @katanakitten_nyc , in New York.

“Christine is a mixology force of nature whose exuberant cocktails electrify her legions of fans in the United States and beyond. She is known worldwide for her work at the celebrated Broken Shaker bars, where the energetic atmosphere is a constant beacon of hospitality.”

– Mark Sansom, Director of Content at 50 Best

Why Christine Wiseman is the winner of Altos Bartenders’ Bartender Award 2023

Christine began her working life in the hospitality and culinary industry as a chef and worked her way up the restaurants in her home state of West Virginia. She bartended at Virtue Feed & Grain in Alexandria, Virginia, where she trained with craft mixologist Todd Thrasher.

In 2012, Christine moved to Los Angeles to work at Ink, Chef Michael Voltaggio’s newly opened restaurant @mvoltaggio. There she perfected her art using fresh California ingredients and mastering innovative techniques. She has worked in bars and restaurants in Los Angeles, and directed Break Room 86’s innovative drinking show @breakroom86.

In Miami she launched the first Broken Shaker and joined the parent company, Bar Lab Hospitality, where she became Global Beverage Director. Wiseman is now responsible for cocktail creation and team building for Broken Shaker of New York, Los Angeles, Miami and Chicago, as well as Hoja Taquería, Margot Natural Wine Bar, MaryGold’s, Higher Ground, Mesiba, Lilistar, Jolene Sound Room, Bedford Bar and Exchange Restaurant.

Fun, colorful and sometimes dazzling, Wiseman’s cocktails often combine unexpected ingredients with familiar and enticing flavors. Her mission: to create unforgettable experiences as well as a pleasant atmosphere in the bars.

Since the creation of the Altos Tequila and Tahona Society, House of Tequila-Pernod Ricard has supported the bartending community with various opportunities throughout their careers with wellness and networking initiatives.

On behalf of the team, congratulations to Christine Wiseman on winning the Altos Bartenders’ Bartender Award. “We can’t think of a more deserved award in recognition of her career. Thanks to North America’s 50 Best Bars for this incredible initiative,” said Carlos Andrés Ramírez @carlosandresramirezc, Director of Global Advocacy & PR House at Tequila-Pernod Ricard.