Michael J. Neff is a Master Bartender, cocktail maker, and hospitality advocate with nearly three decades of experience behind the stick and behind the scenes. From New York to LA, Omaha to Houston, his creative vision has shaped some of the country’s most beloved bars—including Ward III, The Rum House, Holiday Cocktail Lounge, The Cottonmouth Club, and Bar Loretta.

A global educator and bar industry strategist, Neff brings expertise in concept development, team-building, storytelling, and spirits program execution. He’s been featured in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, GQ, and Esquire Korea, and hosts The Cottonmouth Club Presents podcast. His pandemic-era livestreams became a digital refuge for bartenders everywhere.

He is currently leading bar development at Brooklyn Gin’s new distillery in Red Hook, Brooklyn. He might be blending a whiskey there, as well. Stay tuned.