Jena Ellenwood is a globally award-winning bartender, cocktail educator, and writer based in Astoria, NY. Her cocktails have been featured on menus at Dear Irving in Manhattan, The Sparrow Tavern in Queens, highlighted for events such as Cartier’s annual gala and in publications like Liquor.com , Time Out , PUNCH, Paper Mag , iHeartRadio and Wine Enthusiast. Her writing can be found in Food & Wine, Vine Pair, Bon Appetit, Thrillist, The Vintner Project, SPILL, and The Crafty Cask, among other publications. Jena is an Executive American Whiskey Steward, a Cicerone Certified Beer Server, BarSmarts grad, and holds a certificate in Scotch from the Edinburgh Whisky Academy. She is the co-founder of Spirited Ladies and part of the Ada Coleman Project database.

She teaches cocktail classes in NYC for Dear Irving, The Raines Law Room, & The Astor Center.

Jena is also available to create custom cocktail classes and experiences. Recently, Jena had the honor of designing a custom cocktail event for Cartier at their 5th Ave Mansion, featuring custom cocktail design inspired by their jewelry lines.

She has also hosted virtual classes and happy hours for companies such as Macy’s and The American Friends of the Louvre, as well as surprise birthday parties and Zoom family functions.

Contact Jena to host your own virtual cocktail event or inquire about custom cocktail design and in person events!

 “While I thought it would be hard to recreate the bar atmosphere over a webinar, Jena does an amazing job showing how to make some fabulous cocktails I would only ever order at a bar. Her knowledge of spirits and the history is truly only that of an aficionado. Jena has an amazing ability to connect with her audience and feel like you are sitting across from her at a bar, not in front of my computer. The class was over and all my friends immediately said we needed to do another!” Laura V., Macy’s

Want something extra special? Jena also creates custom signature cocktails for weddings and special events. She makes a legendary Bloody Mary.

“Jena developed the cocktails for my wedding and we could not have been happier with them. Not only were they an absolute hit and all of our guests loved them, but Jena created them with the bartender in mind so they could be made quickly and keep the line moving! One of the drinks involved a raspberry shrub and was as light and summer-y as the vibe of the party. My husband requested a more tropical, rum based concoction and Jena absolutely nailed it with a roasted pineapple base! I have no idea how she even comes up with the flavor combinations she does but they work 100% of the time. Not only an amazing palate, but a wonderful, thoughtful, and innovative mixologist.” Hana and Jeff