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BARTENDER Magazine’s 26 for 26: Graham Essex

Published: November 4, 2025
Author: BARTENDER Magazine® Editors

About Graham Essex

Graham Essex is an award-winning bartender and mixologist who is born and raised in the heart of Chicago. Graduating college with a degree in Social Studies and Education, he is passionate about spreading knowledge on the history of cocktails and spirits to anyone who will listen. Through working with chefs, top-tier mixologists, and rigorous study, Graham creates cocktails that evoke senses of whimsy and comfort to those who experience them. Outside of his time spent behind the bar, Graham works as a spirits judge for the Beverage Testing Institute where he blind tastes and evaluates spirits for large publications and private consultations. When he isn’t pursuing all things spirits, you can find him doing crossword puzzles.

Name: Graham Essex

Location: Chicago, IL

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