BARTENDER Magazine’s 27 for 27: Robinson Rivera

Born in Bayamón, Puerto Rico, Robinson Rivera is a passionate hospitality professional and Bar Manager at a popular tropical cocktail bar in La Placita de Santurce, San Juan. His journey in hospitality began in 2016 at a 24-hour convenience-store sports bar before he transitioned into the cocktail world, starting as a barback and working his way up to managing a four-person, employee-run team.

Deeply rooted in his Latino and Caribbean identity, Robinson sees hospitality as a powerful way to connect people across cultural, political, and industry boundaries. His passion for representing Puerto Rico and its vibrant hospitality community has led him to participate in Latino-led industry events, cultural celebrations, and national bartending education programs.

Influenced by his studies in anthropology, Robinson brings a unique perspective to hospitality, recognizing the important role that culture, education, and shared experiences play in bringing people together. For him, being a bartender is about much more than creating great cocktails. It’s about fostering meaningful connections, celebrating cultural identity, and making the industry more accessible to others.

Robinson strongly believes that education and representation come with responsibility. The knowledge and experiences gained through industry programs should be brought back home, shared with others, and used to create opportunities for the next generation of bartenders.

As he continues to grow as a hospitality leader, Robinson remains committed to championing Puerto Rican cocktail culture, supporting his local community, and helping build a more inclusive and connected hospitality industry.