https://www.jenaellenwood.com/home daily 1.0 2023-11-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/596d74612e69cf240a104b9c/1500348035866-E3F345FMCDNTRUIR9EUA/image-asset.jpeg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/596d74612e69cf240a104b9c/1500354337605-8NK9MNDEDUJPEB0TNDSG/image-asset.jpeg Home - In Person & Virtual Cocktail Classes, Custom Cocktail Design https://www.jenaellenwood.com/about daily 0.75 2025-04-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/596d74612e69cf240a104b9c/b87dbb07-9fef-4ab3-8573-4c08c757fc64/leopard.JPG About https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/596d74612e69cf240a104b9c/bbf206f6-edaa-4422-9d6a-6cc89b7401ab/DSC_0999.jpg About https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/596d74612e69cf240a104b9c/1599590144902-MLFKDSDUKWE2L42IHAEG/IMG_3437.jpg About https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/596d74612e69cf240a104b9c/1599589695532-81G2VOV7MRJM6L5TA0J2/F6E48C6A-997D-4023-AD28-35C1C5683D98.jpg About https://www.jenaellenwood.com/contact daily 0.75 2017-07-18 https://www.jenaellenwood.com/press daily 0.75 2021-12-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/596d74612e69cf240a104b9c/1604335704536-AC8ZXQJW0DWEPIJ2W11H/Nikka+Globals+2.jpg Press NIKKA PERFECT SERVE GLOBALS https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/596d74612e69cf240a104b9c/1604337627413-0QNFZA6JO63O9KXX88LP/Marie+Brizard+1.jpg Press https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/596d74612e69cf240a104b9c/73592475-b10d-4214-8675-c7a9e9938ec5/CD2B4526.jpg.jpg Press - How a New York bartender went from making $250 per shift to $250 an hour By taking some of her activities online ― like teaching cocktail classes ― and figuring out new avenues to earn money, she’s turned her drink-making skills into a sustainable, one-woman business. “I just kind of ramped up out of fear and necessity and creativity,” she says. “I never stopped figuring out how to move forward.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/596d74612e69cf240a104b9c/1604338246877-OJL3I4CIHF2KPX1E2BEC/Irving+promo+2.jpg Press - 10 Reasons To Drink Mezcal “The concept of terroir gets brought up a lot with wine, but oftentimes is neglected in the spirit world,” says Jena Ellenwood, New York-based bartender, writer, and cocktail educator. “In mezcal you can taste the terroir—you can experience the wild yeasts, the nuances of the other plants growing around the agave, you can smell the memory of the roasting process, feel the texture of the water used to cut it and bring it down to proof, have a moment with the earth that created everything that went into that bottle.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/596d74612e69cf240a104b9c/1604417642740-BUZWZSRMBOE4AXSNC05F/Screen%2BShot%2B2020-10-28%2Bat%2B2.44.48%2BPM.jpg Press - Cognac Connection “Meet the ten bartenders who brilliantly showcased why cognac is a perfect cocktail base and won the Cognac Connection Challenge” Jena Ellenwood Still Life With Fruit https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/596d74612e69cf240a104b9c/1604418172012-2SNXLYF7VAXAJWRIDBH6/Bar+head+shot+negroni+2.jpeg Press - “When did that eureka moment happen when you realized your mission is to be a bartender?” “My parents gave me the Barbie Soda Shop when I was 4…we all should have seen this coming.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/596d74612e69cf240a104b9c/1604418626309-KY8M3TPOFFUFFBE5MCLR/1cc1410c272587b82a157d6b78a54ec1.jpg Press - @ForkReporter - Jena Ellenwood - Cocktails and Spirits “Jena has been busy creating a cocktail show “Cocktails with Jena” on YouTube and IG @Jena.Lane All music is provided by coworkers who can no longer tour or play shows and YouTube editing is done by Emily Coffin. Jena also teaches virtual cocktail classes for Raines and Dear Irving.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/596d74612e69cf240a104b9c/1617120119030-HF7YA1GPY6J4JF8C8HMU/kelp+punch.jpeg Press - PUNCH “While chefs and restaurants have spun the superfood into pasta, salad and broths, the ingredient’s potential behind the bar is just beginning to be explored in equally myriad modes. “There are so many ways to incorporate it,” says bartender Jena Ellenwood. “Infused, dehydrated, pickled, frozen in ice: I’m constantly thinking of new ways it can be used.” The ingredient, which she explains “helps pop flavors,” grows along rocky shorelines in coastal areas with cold water. “ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/596d74612e69cf240a104b9c/1604339133882-GQ1GPBDHS6I7G2DK51L4/New+York+Distilling+Festival+2015.jpg Press - Timeout NY- Bartender Tales Jena Ellenwood of Proof + Gage Have you noticed any trends in the industry recently? Teams that are woman-based. It’s not just dudes in suspenders. There have been a lot of female-led teams in the past, but in the last year, I feel like there’s been a lot of press and attention around it, which is exciting.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/596d74612e69cf240a104b9c/1500355477412-5Z5WVS9I9ZV48DR60VG4/1794512_848486001829396_5941123837219951488_n.jpg Press https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/596d74612e69cf240a104b9c/1500355706566-X8EB8J56R279BQMW7G2S/image1-3.JPG Press https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/596d74612e69cf240a104b9c/1617120835031-N4KDTQM9OI8XWPESQC6M/50-50-Birthday-Martini-Credit-Jena-Ellenwood_main_720x720-8eed55390584432e9f3f0b4727b92a15.jpg Press - Liquor.com: Split Your Vermouth to Make the Best Cocktails. Here’s Why. “New York City bartender and writer Jena Ellenwood acknowledges the potential of this particular definition of perfect. “I love a Perfect Manhattan––the dry vermouth really cuts through the weight of the whisk(e)y,” she says. “I think using both can achieve a really lovely balance, something we are always looking for in our cocktails.” In her 50/50 Birthday cocktail, too, she splits the vermouths in a 50-50 Martini between dry and the sweeter blanc style.” https://www.jenaellenwood.com/writing daily 0.75 2026-02-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/596d74612e69cf240a104b9c/13df9c5f-874b-4d96-a481-9da4b3baccb9/Screenshot+2025-01-24+at+12.43.14%E2%80%AFPM.jpeg Writing - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/596d74612e69cf240a104b9c/206485a9-8624-4725-abde-58a94dc3d02f/The+more+we+promote%2C+mentor%2C+and+loudly+and+warmly+welcome+others+into+this+industry%2C+the+faster+we+can+see+the+changes+of+our+modern+bar+world+reflected+on+the+global+stage.+The+bar+is+indeed+a+place+for+a+woman%2C+and+so+is+the+winner%E2%80%99s+podium.+-+2.PNG Writing - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/596d74612e69cf240a104b9c/a22714ea-29c2-48d4-b74c-9b7e71340731/IMG_5440.jpg Writing - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/596d74612e69cf240a104b9c/b5a74b47-69da-48a6-9753-46baee25f44b/Untitled+design+-+2.PNG Writing - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/596d74612e69cf240a104b9c/1619194588364-LKTS6PR0D2DWK2OCU8RZ/joannacarpenter-683x1024.jpeg Writing - Look For The Helpers: Joanna Carpenter “We need activism everywhere,” says Joanna Carpenter. “From fights to close the wage gap and abolish exploitative practices, to racial and gender equity, to local and national organizing around elections. I get deeply frustrated with the lack of engagement in hospitality—we could be so powerful, and we choose not to use our voices.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/596d74612e69cf240a104b9c/1617121462953-B32T8CPO1L1PSJDJ8FQE/Diamond-Dogs-min.jpeg Writing - Look for the Helpers: Diamond Dogs So often, we are told that politics and bars don’t mix. But can a bar affect positive change in the political sphere? One Queens bar owner aims to empower his neighbors to run for office and champion the candidates that he feels strongly and passionate about. His hope is to represent in political office the demographics of the community in which his bar exists. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/596d74612e69cf240a104b9c/1604339701153-XKWLTC8N7RUP91VBISSO/IMG_6946-min-scaled-e1602194731352-1024x858.jpg Writing - Look For The Helpers: Chef Run Initiatives and Chef Mike Cain Independent restaurants like Gertie need lifelines to survive this pandemic. Through the work of some creative chefs, those lifelines are anchored to a sense of purpose and provide a way to give back to the communities around them. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/596d74612e69cf240a104b9c/1604340505887-X8JNDSH2CTLK74JJ6Q7A/Michael-Toscano-Woodford-Reserve-e1600920979611-1024x934.jpeg Writing - Look For The Helpers: Michael Toscano and Woodford Reserve The first few days of shut down, we were hungry for information on how to help those in the hospitality industry struggling from the effects of Covid-19, but at a loss on where to find it. Seemingly overnight, Michael Toscano, a NY-based brand ambassador for Woodford Reserve, shifted from planning events to finding ways to support the community. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/596d74612e69cf240a104b9c/1604340661983-B5MNBVX2V4R9NG88GP7D/ThirstGroup-1024x617.jpeg Writing - Look For The Helpers: Thirst Group While we are finding creative solutions to help those in need, what about the protections that were supposed to be in place in case of disaster? According to the Insurance Information Institute, insurance companies have $847 billion in reserves, an estimated $380 billion that could go to pay the claims of establishments who are struggling—establishments that were under the impression that “business interruption insurance” included events such as COVID-19. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/596d74612e69cf240a104b9c/1604340860571-MVGB1TE7GWXNG356EHGR/crop%3Bjpeg_quality%3D60%3Bprogressive.jpg Writing - Bartenders Share Their Most Epic Quitting Stories There is not a single one of us in the food and beverage industry that has not fantasized about ripping off an apron mid shift and taking a Half-Baked inspired exit. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/596d74612e69cf240a104b9c/1500349194939-TPICMAE8QYS0VOPW2DV0/tmg-facebook_social.jpg Writing https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/596d74612e69cf240a104b9c/1500349267476-DSEG4FP8CCFLAGNXLA7D/tmg-facebook_social.png Writing https://www.jenaellenwood.com/jena-ellenwood-cocktails daily 0.75 2022-07-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/596d74612e69cf240a104b9c/1604342657139-HQVNB00N27IKKCQO4H7W/Nikka+Globals+6.jpg Cocktails - Nikka Globals https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/596d74612e69cf240a104b9c/dc363f19-c5f6-4bf2-a49a-520dd9e20d58/07_2022_Greenmarket_Cocktails_Seven_Serpents_Photo_Chelsea_Kyle_Cocktails_Jamie_Kimm_Props_Summer_Moore_1920x1280-700x461.jpg Cocktails - Make it stand out Seven Serpents “Courtesy Jena Ellenwood, cocktail educator at Dear Irving and Raines Law Room, New York City This cocktail pays tribute to the Aztec goddess of corn and sustenance, Chicomecóatl, which translates from Nahuatl to “Seven Snakes.” This article originally appeared in the June/July 2022 issue of Wine Enthusiast Magazine https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/596d74612e69cf240a104b9c/1604341418507-O3XNKKF9S5HUJW0IDPIF/safe_image.php.jpeg Cocktails - Kiss Me With Those Red Lips Resounding Live’s Dracula “the production encourages audiences to “spend the night out at home,” and they’ve enlisted award-winning NYC bartender Jena Ellenwood to help curate custom cocktails (and nonalcoholic beverages) for each of their shows” American Theatre Magazine https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/596d74612e69cf240a104b9c/1500350938190-ZKMVDXR07PSPHNZ0CTV8/image8.JPG Cocktails - Knickers In A Twist featured in Paper / Photo credit: Jennifer Lim https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/596d74612e69cf240a104b9c/1500350772507-J0ZNU82J27DNOO94HV2K/image5.JPG Cocktails "Knickers in a Twist" featured in Paper / Photo credit: Jennifer Lim https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/596d74612e69cf240a104b9c/1604343103889-SCLKCY9VE63Y84DMUZ05/Golden+Hour+3.jpg Cocktails - The Golden Hour https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/596d74612e69cf240a104b9c/1604341787771-48N7K2EFFF1LTD01PFWV/island-oasis_main_720x720-96cd9d38339f4d28a8451e61cadd670d.jpg Cocktails - Island Oasis “This festive cocktail was created by bartender and cocktail educator Jena Ellenwood, who came up with it for a relative’s summer wedding.”As told to Liquor.com https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/596d74612e69cf240a104b9c/1604341996472-0WSK11M4UTSPV8CCPBAH/50-50-Birthday-Martini-Credit-Jena-Ellenwood_main_720x720-8eed55390584432e9f3f0b4727b92a15.jpg Cocktails - 50/50 Birthday Martini “New York City bartender Jena Ellenwood created this drink for a virtual happy hour co-founded by writer and spirits entrepreneur Jackie Summers, digital marketing pro Daniella Veras and Cocktail & Sons CEO Lauren Myerscough.” As told to Liquor.com https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/596d74612e69cf240a104b9c/1500350236939-OA8WCM50SQ520I432JRY/image1-3.JPG Cocktails - Smokey Buffalo Manhattan Cocktail of week, Papermag.com https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/596d74612e69cf240a104b9c/1604342534311-FQS5YDMGAQIN7PDIZJ0D/HERE%27S+TO+D+2.jpg Cocktails “August 22nd is Dorothy Parker’s birthday. So, in 2015, Allen Katz, one of the founders of NYDC and Michael Lomonaco, chef and partner at Porter House and Center Bar decided to pay tribute to her and create drinks and a fun experience in her honor.” Boozebusiness.com “a special gin-based cocktail menu created by female mixologists around NYC. Stop by anytime between August 21st and August 27th for cocktails like the "Honey, I'm Under The Host" with Dorothy Parker gin, KAS Krupnikas, Carpano Antica sweet vermouth and Fernet Branca, created by Jena Ellenwood” Gothamist https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/596d74612e69cf240a104b9c/1604420047090-HSFWW4JFUOAIU63MUG8C/Berry-shrub_main_720x720-050e505bd488496cbe6d65c19d111615.jpg Cocktails “My vinegar choice usually depends on the other ingredients —fruit or herbs that I want to highlight,” says bartender and cocktail educator Jena Ellenwood, describing how she selects vinegars for use in shrubs. Liquor.com https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/596d74612e69cf240a104b9c/1500350999290-QMW55M5D09MHTQM8CZIH/Bloody+Mary+Mixdown.jpg Cocktails 2017 Bloody Mary Mixdown, Manhattan winner. 3rd place nationally. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/596d74612e69cf240a104b9c/1604342596387-QDJ8WER1653C79VPX3P8/BMM+6.jpg Cocktails - 2017 Bloody Mary Nationals https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/596d74612e69cf240a104b9c/1500352450545-KV9UMMZ6K6XPEC96ALHI/image-asset.jpeg Cocktails "Aren't We A Pear?" Signature Cocktail / Breiner Wedding https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/596d74612e69cf240a104b9c/1604343224579-DGXRBMV78DH70A3CSACB/_MG_9329.jpeg Cocktails “"The honest truth is heading into our wedding party we wanted to keep things simple - no fuss just our family, friends, good food and plenty of drinks. It is possible that in our quest for simple we were overlooking a few things! Thankfully we had Jena who brought a fun spin of details to our special day that we are forever grateful for. She designed a station next to the bar for our guests to add fun things to their drinks: beautifully cut citrus, and sprigs of herbs. When we said we did not want to buy vases for flowers she came up with the idea of saving our empty High Life bottles to use instead - this was a big hit and then could be recycled after! She also helped design our signs for our take away gifts - stainless steel straws - that read "save the seas use one of these" . Her eye for design, attention to detail, and knowledge of us as a couple had all of our guests (even still) talking about the additions she created for our party.” Liz & Josh https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/596d74612e69cf240a104b9c/1604343381758-MGZ0RBWVRCUFETA6XAAB/Shannon%27s+wedding+drink.jpg Cocktails “For our wedding, Jena designed a sparkling bourbon lemonade - called "The Beyonce" - complete with swizzle straw and mint garnish. They were not only conversation starters, but easy to make and easy to drink (very important considerations when your guest list includes a table full of bartenders).” Shannon & Jeff https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/596d74612e69cf240a104b9c/1604343488418-7CXZEJDNHMKW1LP7BJMS/image1.jpeg Cocktails “Jena's welcome cocktail for my winter bachelorette in the Catskills was so perfectly curated it should have had its own press event. Coconut hot chocolate, bourbon, Cointreau, ginger, and vegan marshmallows in a plaid mug labeled Burnt & Mellow - I do!” Shannon https://www.jenaellenwood.com/cocktail-events-design daily 0.75 2025-01-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/596d74612e69cf240a104b9c/1606763199597-96Q3524HNKH582D1NBQ6/10760583152_IMG_0752.JPG Cocktail Events & Design - Custom Cocktail Design: Looking for a unique cocktail recipe for a special occasion? Let Jena create a custom recipe just for you! From wedding cocktail design, to special birthday gifts of drink recipes created just for the person of honor, to corporate events, theater concession design, bachelorettes, baby showers, and everything in between— contact Jena for custom cocktail recipes and non alcoholic options that are guaranteed to make your event memorable! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/596d74612e69cf240a104b9c/1606762677725-0D6E4HCQFLWG1K2MKGN0/Harvest+Sour.jpg Cocktail Events & Design - Create A Custom Cocktail Class or Event: Have something special in mind? Jena will work with you to create a fantastic custom cocktail class in NYC (or virtually) for your business or for your friends and family! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/596d74612e69cf240a104b9c/1606762567643-80UYWIW8N979VVKKBKVH/Jena_Lane+logo+jpeg.jpg Cocktail Events & Design - Give The Gift Of Cocktail Expertise: Want to give the gift of a virtual cocktail class? Gift cards for both Themed and Custom classes are available! https://www.jenaellenwood.com/read-me daily 0.75 2025-05-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/53dbbca5e4b090699000a2b6/1408024912028-NID23B61L4HJ0B3VYYKL/image-asset.png Read Me Photography by Julia Robbs