Christine Kim: U.S. Bartender of the Year and the Creative Visionary Behind Service Bar
Early Life and Roots in Silver Spring, Maryland
Every great bartender has a story, and for Christine Kim, the narrative begins in Silver Spring, Maryland, a vibrant suburban community just outside Washington, D.C. Born to a family that valued tradition, community, and education, Christine grew up in a world where food and drink were an integral part of connection. Her early years were defined by curiosity, observation, and a love for bringing people together—a trait that would later become central to her bartending philosophy.
Unlike many who stumble into hospitality by accident, Christine’s journey was both unexpected and inevitable. She attended the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, initially with ambitions that had little to do with cocktails. But while navigating campus life and part-time jobs, Christine began to discover the power of hospitality. She realized that bars were not just about drinks; they were about people, energy, and the small details that make an evening memorable.
This foundation—her Maryland upbringing and university experiences—set the stage for a career that would merge technical skill with artistic creativity, resulting in her becoming one of the most celebrated bartenders in America.
From Student to Bartender: The University Years and First Steps in Hospitality
Christine’s earliest jobs in hospitality were modest but formative. Like many college students, she took on part-time work to support her studies, gravitating towards restaurants and bars where she could interact with guests. What began as a way to pay the bills quickly turned into a passion for creating experiences.
Her first bartending position was at Lincoln Restaurant and Bar in Washington, D.C., in 2011. Lincoln was more than just a workplace—it was her first laboratory. Here, she learned the rhythms of a bar, the art of customer service, and the technical aspects of cocktail-making. Christine began to see bartending not as a side job but as a legitimate career path, one that blended her natural charisma with an emerging love for mixology.
What made Christine stand out early on was her attention to detail. She didn’t simply pour drinks; she created a story with each cocktail. Guests would often recall her uncanny ability to remember their names, preferences, and even where they had traveled from. This talent for personalization elevated her above the average bartender and hinted at the career trajectory to come.
Entering the D.C. Cocktail Scene: Lincoln Restaurant and Early Lessons
Working in Washington, D.C., during the early 2010s meant being part of a rapidly evolving cocktail culture. Craft cocktails were experiencing a renaissance across America, and D.C. was no exception. Christine immersed herself in this wave, studying spirits, experimenting with flavors, and watching industry veterans.
At Lincoln, she observed firsthand how drinks could reflect culture and politics—fitting for a city that thrives on both. She began to develop her own style, one that embraced creativity, balance, and cultural storytelling. Guests noticed, and so did fellow bartenders. Her reputation for consistency and artistry started spreading within the city’s growing hospitality community.
Christine soon moved on to work with Michael Schlow’s restaurants—including Farmers Fishers Bakers, Tico, The Riggsby, Conosci, and Casolare. These experiences expanded her knowledge beyond traditional cocktails, exposing her to international flavors, kitchen collaborations, and new techniques. Each venue gave her tools, skills, and inspiration, preparing her for the bold move that would define her career: co-founding Service Bar.
Service Bar: Founding Vision and Creating a D.C. Landmark
In 2016, Christine Kim and her colleagues opened Service Bar in Washington, D.C. What began as a passion project quickly grew into one of the city’s most celebrated cocktail destinations. The vision was clear: create a bar that combined world-class cocktails with neighborhood hospitality.
Unlike pretentious cocktail lounges that sometimes alienated casual guests, Service Bar thrived on inclusivity. Christine wanted a space where anyone—from a cocktail connoisseur to someone just looking for a good whiskey and Coke—could feel welcome. Her dual philosophy of quality and approachability became the backbone of the bar’s success.
Under Christine’s guidance as Beverage Director, Service Bar developed an innovative cocktail program that balanced experimental creativity with classic sensibility. The bar’s menu was not just a list of drinks—it was a journey through flavors, cultures, and stories. By combining unusual ingredients like kale, saline, and togarashi with traditional spirits, Christine created a repertoire that redefined what D.C. drinking culture could be.
Within just a few years, Service Bar was recognized as one of the Top 50 Bars in North America, placing Washington, D.C., firmly on the map of global cocktail destinations.
Cocktail Philosophy: Innovation, Balance, and Storytelling in a Glass
Christine Kim’s bartending philosophy rests on three pillars: innovation, balance, and storytelling.
- Innovation: Christine believes cocktails should surprise and delight. She constantly experiments with syrups, spices, and house-made infusions to push boundaries while maintaining harmony in flavor.
- Balance: No matter how complex the drink, balance is key. Christine’s cocktails never overwhelm with sweetness or bitterness—they dance on the palate, achieving precision that comes only with years of practice.
- Storytelling: Perhaps her greatest strength is her ability to embed meaning in her drinks. Whether drawing from global influences or local traditions, Christine crafts cocktails that tell a story—whether it’s the Griselda Blanco, with its bold Latin flavors, or the Blood Orange Sour, infused with spices that reflect cultural intersections.
For Christine, a cocktail is not just a beverage. It is an experience, a memory, and an emotional connection in liquid form.
Signature Creations: From the Blood Orange Sour to the Griselda Blanco
Among her many innovations, several cocktails stand out as hallmarks of Christine Kim’s artistry.
- Blood Orange Sour: A bold blend of bourbon, blood orange syrup infused with spices like Japanese togarashi and Chinese five-spice. This cocktail showcases her ability to merge tradition with global inspiration.
- Griselda Blanco: A mix of reposado tequila, mezcal, coconut syrup, grapefruit, and cardamom bitters. Inspired by Latin American influences, it is a perfect example of Christine’s adventurous yet balanced approach.
- Green Leaf: Using Tanqueray Lemon Dry, kale, saline, and black pepper, Christine created a cocktail that merges health-conscious ingredients with sophisticated flavor profiles.
- Ocopa Cocktail: A Peruvian-inspired drink with pisco, clarified lime, elderflower, and kinome leaf. This cocktail embodies her talent for cultural storytelling.
Each drink is more than just a recipe; it is a reflection of Christine’s imagination, discipline, and cultural curiosity.
Recognition and Awards: From Local Favorite to National Spotlight
Before her breakthrough in 2025, Christine had already established herself as one of D.C.’s most influential bartenders. Service Bar consistently earned praise in local publications, industry magazines, and cocktail competitions.
But it was the Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards—the world’s most prestigious cocktail awards—that propelled her to national fame. In July 2025, Christine Kim was named U.S. Bartender of the Year, cementing her place among the very best in the industry.
This recognition was not just a personal achievement but a win for the entire D.C. bar scene. Her victory spotlighted Washington, D.C., as a serious player in America’s cocktail renaissance, putting the city alongside New York, New Orleans, and Los Angeles in terms of innovation and talent.
The 2025 Spirited Awards: Winning U.S. Bartender of the Year
The moment Christine’s name was announced at the 2025 Spirited Awards in New Orleans, the room erupted in applause. For years, she had been admired for her humility, creativity, and leadership. Now, she stood on stage as the official U.S. Bartender of the Year.
What set her apart from other finalists was not just technical skill but her approach to hospitality. Judges highlighted her ability to combine cutting-edge cocktail craftsmanship with genuine warmth and accessibility. Christine’s bartending wasn’t just about making great drinks—it was about making people feel at home.
The award validated years of dedication, countless hours behind the bar, and her relentless pursuit of excellence. It also positioned her as a role model for the next generation of bartenders, particularly women entering an industry that has often been male-dominated.
A Champion of Community: Elevating D.C. and Beyond
Christine’s leadership extends beyond Service Bar. She is deeply committed to building community—both within Washington, D.C., and the broader cocktail industry.
- She mentors young bartenders, helping them find their unique voices.
- Service Bar frequently hosts pop-ups and collaborations to support local businesses.
- Christine uses her platform to highlight issues like sustainability, inclusivity, and wellness in hospitality.
Her recognition at the Spirited Awards gave her an even larger stage to elevate D.C. bars and advocate for the industry at large. Many in the D.C. community credit her for shining a national spotlight on the city’s cocktail culture.
Women in Bartending: Breaking Barriers and Inspiring the Next Generation
The bartending world has historically been male-dominated, but Christine Kim has been a trailblazer for women in mixology. She joins the ranks of Ivy Mix, Julie Reiner, and Lynnette Marrero as one of the female leaders reshaping the industry.
By winning the U.S. Bartender of the Year title, she shattered stereotypes and opened doors for aspiring female bartenders who see in her a reflection of what’s possible. Christine is vocal about representation, often emphasizing the importance of diversity and inclusivity behind the bar.
Her career is proof that skill, creativity, and passion—not gender—define greatness in bartending.
The Hospitality Mindset: Why Christine Kim Stands Apart
What truly distinguishes Christine Kim is her hospitality mindset. Many bartenders can make great cocktails, but Christine elevates the experience through human connection.
- She remembers guest names and preferences with an almost photographic memory.
- She curates not just drinks but moments—offering travelers local recommendations, greeting regulars like family, and making first-time visitors feel welcome.
- She treats bartending as a craft of both art and empathy.
This rare blend of technical mastery and emotional intelligence is why Christine is beloved not just by critics but by the countless guests who have sat at her bar.
Media Features and Cultural Influence
Christine Kim’s work has been widely featured in Eater, Chilled Magazine, District Fray, StarChefs, Tales of the Cocktail, and Haute Living. These profiles consistently highlight her artistry, leadership, and influence on the cocktail scene.
In an industry increasingly concerned with sustainability, wellness, and inclusivity, Christine has emerged as a thought leader. She participates in panels, interviews, and collaborations that go beyond cocktails to address the future of hospitality.
Her influence also extends digitally, where her creations are celebrated across Instagram, Reddit communities, and bartender forums, inspiring home mixologists and professionals alike.
Personal Life and Inspirations Outside the Bar
Though much of her life is spent at Service Bar, Christine Kim finds inspiration in travel, food, and cultural exploration. She often draws from global cuisines, borrowing spices, herbs, and traditions to fuel her cocktail creativity.
Outside of bartending, she values family, community, and balance—principles that keep her grounded in an industry known for long hours and constant energy. These values inform her leadership style and her vision for hospitality as a whole.
Looking Ahead: Christine Kim’s Vision for the Future of Mixology
Christine’s story is still being written. With her 2025 award, she now has the platform to influence mixology on a national and international scale.
Her future goals likely include:
- Expanding Service Bar’s reputation globally.
- Mentoring the next generation of bartenders.
- Advocating for mental health, sustainability, and diversity in hospitality.
- Potentially authoring a book or developing a cocktail series that captures her unique philosophy.
Christine is no longer just a bartender—she is a cultural ambassador for cocktails.
Legacy in the Making: A Name That Defines Modern Bartending
Christine Kim’s rise from a Maryland student bartender to U.S. Bartender of the Year is a testament to dedication, creativity, and vision. She embodies what modern bartending should be: inclusive, innovative, and deeply human.
Her story is not just about making drinks—it is about making connections, building communities, and leaving an indelible mark on the world of hospitality. As she continues to shape Service Bar and inspire others, Christine Kim stands as a symbol of excellence and a legacy in the making.
Christine Kim’s Journey: From Silver Spring to U.S. Bartender of the Year
Christine Kim’s journey into the world of cocktails began in Silver Spring, Maryland, where her love for community and hospitality was rooted. While studying at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, she discovered bartending as more than just a part-time job—it was a craft that allowed her to connect with people on a deeper level.
Her first role at Lincoln Restaurant and Bar in D.C. in 2011 gave her a foundation in mixology, and soon she was working with celebrated chef Michael Schlow’s restaurants, where she expanded her knowledge of global flavors and techniques. But Christine’s vision was larger. In 2016, she co-founded Service Bar, creating a space that fused world-class cocktails with neighborhood warmth.
Her signature drinks, from the Blood Orange Sour to the Griselda Blanco, showcase her fearless creativity, blending global influences with balance and precision. Guests praise her for more than her cocktails—her ability to remember names, preferences, and stories has made her an icon of genuine hospitality.
In 2025, Christine was honored as U.S. Bartender of the Year at the Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards, a recognition that not only celebrated her artistry but also spotlighted Washington, D.C.’s vibrant cocktail scene.
