Featured Bartender February 2026: Libby Lingua, Highball Cocktail Bar, Phoenix, AZ

Libby Lingua is an esteemed hospitality professional with 17 years of multifaceted experience spanning restaurants, event planning, bartending, and the management of high-volume cocktail bars. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Fashion Merchandising and Marketing, a foundation that continues to inform her approach to hospitality through a strong sense of design, brand identity, and guest experience.

Previously, Libby worked for a Marriott Autograph Collection property in Phoenix, Arizona as Lead Bartender, followed by a significant tenure with Barter & Shake Creative Hospitality. During her time there, she contributed to the acclaimed UnderTow and Century Grand immersive bar concepts, scaling from Bar Manager to General Manager and ultimately Director of Operations.
In July of 2020, Libby and her longtime colleague and friend, Mitch Lyons, branched off from Barter & Shake to create their own space in Downtown Phoenix, Highball Cocktail Bar. With their inaugural independent cocktail bar and lounge, Highball stands as a testament to Libby’s vision and passion for the industry. Together with her team, she has redefined the concept of a comfortable drinking destination by combining a cozy, historic ambiance with unparalleled service to create a truly welcoming neighborhood experience.

Throughout her career, Libby has demonstrated a remarkable talent for curating guest experiences that seamlessly blend hospitality with her passion for design and style. Her keen eye for detail, trained palate, and innate understanding of aesthetics, community, and consumer needs have set her apart within the industry. These qualities have earned her a nomination for Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards Top 10 U.S. Bartender of the Year in 2024, followed by recognition as a Top 4 Finalist in the category in 2025.