From neighborhood favorites to the craftspeople behind Raleigh’s top cocktail programs, meet this year’s Best Bartender nominees, cast your vote and see them in action at The Cocktail Classic.
Raleigh’s 2025 Best Bartender
Meet your 2025 Best Bartender. Willco’s Nolan Ruhmke grabs the coveted crown from last year’s winning mixologist Kaylah Thomas of Gussie’s.
Meet Your People’s Choice Bartender
Discover Il Matrimonio—the award-winning old-fashioned riff from Sous Terre’s Sean McKinney, crowned Raleigh’s top cocktail at the Cocktail Classic.