Featured Bartender May 2025: Juanjo Pulgarin, Maple and Ash, Chicago, IL

Juanjo Pulgarin is a seasoned bartender with a passion for bartending and hospitality. Born in Colombia and raised in Spain, Juanjo embarked on his bartending journey a decade ago in the charming coastal bars of eastern Spain.

In 2018, Juanjo ventured to the United States, where he spearheaded the launch of Vajra, an acclaimed Indian restaurant. His exceptional skills behind the bar garnered him a nomination for the prestigious Jean Banchet awards in 2019.

Throughout the challenges posed by the pandemic, Juanjo remained resilient, lending his expertise to establishments such as Victor, La Josie, and currently Maple and Ash, where he serves as the head bartender. With a dedicated team by his side, Juanjo is committed to furthering his career and contributing to the vibrant culinary scene of Chicago.

Today, Juanjo is the lead bartender at Maple & Ash and serves as Beverage Director at Vajra, where he helps bring global talent to Chicago through guest night events with some of the world’s top cocktail bars and bartenders, including Tlecan & Eli Martinez, Joshua Monaghan, Ismael Martinez, Cafe de Nadie, Kaito Del Valle, Sabina Sabe, Limantour and more!

Juanjo also won the 2025 Rémy Martin Bartender Talent Academy Cocktail Competition and will be heading to France to compete in the global finals later this year!