Celebrating Women in Bartending: International Women’s Day

Celebrating Women in Bartending: International Women’s Day

March 8th marks International Women’s Day, a time to celebrate the contributions of women in every industry—and the world of bartending is no exception. Throughout history, women have shaken up the cocktail world, making significant strides in what was once a male-dominated space. Today, we spotlight some of the most influential female bartenders, past and present, whose contributions continue to inspire the next generation of mixologists. (Presented in no particular order).

Ada Coleman (1875 - 1966)

A true icon in bartending history, Ada Coleman served as head bartender at The Savoy Hotel in London for an incredible 23 years! Appointed in 1903, she became one of the first women to hold such a prestigious position. She is most famous for creating the Hanky Panky, a gin-based cocktail she mixed for comedian Charles Hawtrey. Her clientele wasn’t limited to regular guests—Coleman frequently served celebrities like Charlie Chaplin, Marlene Dietrich, and even the Prince of Wales, all with her signature professionalism.

Joy Perrine (1946 - 2019)

Joy Perrine was a trailblazer, especially in the world of bourbon cocktails—a spirit often considered a "man’s drink" during her time. Starting her career in Kentucky in the 1970s, she defied the gender norms of the era by becoming a renowned expert in bourbon mixology. Her name is now immortalized in the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame, a testament to her pioneering role in elevating women in bartending, particularly in bourbon, where few women dared to tread.

Audrey Saunders

Regarded as one of the most influential figures in modern mixology, Audrey Saunders trained under the legendary Dale DeGroff. She went on to open the renowned Pegu Club in New York City, which quickly became a destination for cocktail aficionados. Saunders is credited with being one of the driving forces behind the craft cocktail renaissance, setting a high standard in the industry with her innovative approach. Over the years, both she and her bar have won countless awards, solidifying her legacy in bartending history.

Monica Berg

Monica Berg became the first woman to win the Altos Bartenders’ Bartending Award in 2019. Originally from Norway, Berg bypassed her country’s legal drinking age by moving to Greece to hone her bartending skills. By the time she returned to Norway, she was already an accomplished mixologist. Today, she co-owns Tayēr + Elementary in London, a bar consistently ranked among the best in the world. Berg’s innovative approach to cocktails and her passion for mentorship have earned her a place among the industry’s top talents.

Olya Sabanina

Olya Sabanina is a flair bartender and social media sensation. With a following of over 37,000 on Instagram, she has captivated cocktail enthusiasts with her creativity and skill. Hailing from Russia, Sabanina frequently competes in international bartending competitions and is admired for her ability to combine showmanship with mixology. Her influence on the younger generation of bartenders is undeniable, and she continues to push boundaries with her innovative cocktails.

Celebrating Our Own: Women at The Gallery

At The Gallery, we are fortunate to have incredibly talented women on our team who embody the spirit of excellence and creativity that these bartending legends have pioneered.

Rebecca Johnson

Rebecca (or "Becky" as we call her) has been with us for over two years. Although she joined with limited cocktail experience, her infectious positivity and eagerness to learn quickly made her an invaluable part of our team. Starting as a waitress, Becky’s hard work paid off as she transitioned to the bar, creating several Gallery Originals that have been featured as cocktail specials. Her journey is a testament to what passion and dedication can achieve.

Lily Ferreira

Lily has been with The Gallery for almost a year and a half, bringing with her experience from another cocktail bar in town. Lily’s talent extends beyond her bartending skills—her deep knowledge of cocktails combined with her ability to connect with customers makes her a versatile team member. She seamlessly transitions between bartending and waitressing, consistently delivering outstanding service. We’re proud to have her on board, as her presence behind the bar makes it feel like home for both her and our guests.

The Future of Women in Bartending Female bartenders of the past broke down barriers, proving that bartending is an art form that women can excel in just as well as men. Today, we see more women entering the industry, bringing fresh ideas, creativity, and a passion for innovation. At The Gallery, we’re proud to celebrate women in bartending—both the pioneers and the emerging stars like Rebecca and Lily.

This International Women’s Day, we raise a glass to these trailblazing women who have shaped the cocktail world and those who continue to do so.