Get ready to raise a toast to New York City’s vibrant bar scene! Power couple Michael Anstendig and Hanna Lee, founders of the renowned PR and marketing agency Hanna Lee Communications, are launching the inaugural New York Bartender Week this November. This exciting event promises to be a celebration of all things cocktails, highlighting the exceptional talent and creativity that define the city’s bar culture.
Hanna Lee Communications, celebrating its 20th anniversary, is known for championing those working in the ever-evolving beverage and hospitality industries. Their deep-rooted passion for the bar community led them to create an event that celebrates their collaborative spirit and the exceptional professionals who bring us unparalleled cocktails.
“We wanted to create something truly special to honor New York City and its incredible bar scene,” says Lee. “Bartenders are the heart and soul of a bar, crafting unique and memorable experiences with every cocktail they create. They are storytellers who weave together a sense of community and build lasting memories for patrons.”
New York Bartender Week will run from November 18th to 24th, and it’s a multifaceted event encompassing trade and media gatherings, consumer festivals, and even tourism initiatives. More than 180 bars across New York State, from chic cocktail lounges to cozy neighborhood pubs, will be participating, each showcasing their unique style and creativity.
At the heart of the event lies a profound appreciation for storytelling. Anstendig, who also serves as the firm’s editor-in-chief, explains, “Bartenders are gifted storytellers. They tell the narratives behind the spirits they use, the cocktails they craft, and the memories they create for their patrons. They are also keen listeners, offering a haven for sharing stories, both joyous and challenging.”
To participate, bars are encouraged to feature New York State-produced spirits in their cocktails. This initiative not only highlights the exceptional distilleries flourishing within the state but also profundoes a sense of local pride and support.
Adding another dimension to the event is the upcoming “Excellence in Storytelling Awards,” scheduled for 2025. These awards will provide a platform for bartenders, bartenders, and bar owners to share their personal stories and inspire the next generation of hospitality professionals.
Beyond the delicious cocktails and lively atmosphere, New York Bartender Week is a celebration of community and shared passion. It’s an opportunity to discover hidden gems, meet the talented individuals crafting your favorite drinks, and appreciate the art of mixology. From private galas to media symposiums, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
The spirit of New York Bartender Week extends far beyond a single week. Anstendig and Lee envision expanding the event to other cities in the future, spreading the joy of cocktails and camaraderie across the nation. They believe that storytelling is the thread that weaves together the world of beverages, connecting people, places, and products in a meaningful and engaging way
Interview between Time.news Editor and Michael Anstendig
Time.news Editor: Today, we’re thrilled to have Michael Anstendig, co-founder of Hanna Lee Communications and editor-in-chief of the agency, to discuss the upcoming New York Bartender Week. Michael, can you tell us what inspired you and Hanna to create this event?
Michael Anstendig: Thank you for having me! The inspiration for New York Bartender Week came from our deep-rooted passion for the cocktail culture here in the city. Over the years, we’ve seen how bartenders truly act as the heart and soul of their bars, transforming ordinary nights into unforgettable experiences. We wanted to create an event that honors their craft, celebrates their creativity, and showcases the incredible talent we have in the city.
Time.news Editor: That sounds amazing! New York City has such a diverse bar scene. How do you plan to encompass the variety of styles and personalities within this event?
Michael Anstendig: Absolutely! New York’s bar scene is an eclectic mix of chic cocktail lounges, cozy neighborhood pubs, and everything in between. For New York Bartender Week, we reached out to over 180 bars across the state to participate. Each establishment will highlight their unique approach to cocktails, incorporating local ingredients and signature drinks, which allows us to showcase the diversity and creativity that defines our bar culture.
Time.news Editor: You mentioned storytelling being at the heart of this event. Can you elaborate on how storytelling plays a role in the bartending experience?
Michael Anstendig: Bartenders are not just drink-makers; they are storytellers. Each cocktail they craft has a narrative behind it—whether it’s the inspiration from a personal experience or the ingredients that represent a specific culture. When patrons ask for recommendations, they’re not just choosing a drink; they’re selecting a story to experience. We aim to highlight these narratives during New York Bartender Week, allowing bartenders to share their tales, engage with guests, and foster a sense of community.
Time.news Editor: Sounds like an immersive experience for attendees! What types of activities or events can visitors expect during the week?
Michael Anstendig: We’ve got a fantastic lineup planned! There will be trade gatherings for industry professionals, consumer festivals where cocktail aficionados can taste and learn, and tourism initiatives that invite visitors to explore different parts of our bar scene. Expect mixology competitions, interactive workshops, and exclusive tasting events. It’s a week where education meets celebration!
Time.news Editor: That sounds like a lot of fun! With the event running from November 18th to 24th, how can people get involved or find out more details?
Michael Anstendig: We encourage everyone to check out our website for a full schedule of events, participating bars, and ticket information. Whether someone is a cocktail enthusiast or just looking to discover new spots around the city, there’s something for everyone. We’d love for people to engage with us on social media as well; sharing their experiences and the stories behind their favorite drinks will be a central part of the celebration!
Time.news Editor: It sounds like it’s going to be a remarkable week celebrating New York’s bartenders and their invaluable contributions. Thank you so much, Michael, for sharing your insights today. We can’t wait for New York Bartender Week!
Michael Anstendig: Thank you for having me! We’re looking forward to seeing everyone there, raising a toast to our city’s remarkable bar scene!