Travel is a perk for those of us on the drinks beat. However, I know few writers who are on the road as often as Emma Janzen, reporting from some of the greatest bars around the world. She is not merely a drinks writer, she can straight up say she is a Global Drinking Culture Reporter. In fact, when I sent these questions to her, she was typing between destinations, and I’m sure we’ll find out soon where she was off to and what she observed there. 

In the meantime, she has won TWO each of James Beard Awards and Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards for writing and has been published in numerous publications including The New York Times, PUNCH, and The World’s 50 Best Bars. She is the author of Mezcal: The History, Craft & Cocktails of the World’s Ultimate Artisanal Spirit. She has co-authored The Way of the Cocktail with Julia Momosé, The Bartender’s Manifesto with Toby Maloney, and most recently, The Bartender’s Pantry with Jim Meehan, as well as contributions to other compendiums including The Oxford Companion to Spirits & Cocktails compiled by David Wondrich (who has also been in the Brass Tacks hotseat). She currently serves as the Midwest Academy Chair for The World’s 50 Best Bars and has been included in the Drinks International Bar World 100, an annual list of the industry’s most influential people, since 2023. (Here’s Emma’s website for links to all those things and more info.) 

When I needed assistance with the list of bars and cocktails from Latin America for Signature Cocktails, it was a no-brainer whom to call upon. I’m just thrilled she was able to make the time and help me with those connections!