Emma Janzen is an intrepid traveler and drinks journalist with a photography problem. She is the author and photographer of Mezcal: The History, Craft & Cocktails of the World’s Ultimate Artisanal Spirit and co-author of three James Beard Award-winning books: The Way of the Cocktail with Julia Momosé, The Bartender’s Manifesto with Toby Maloney, and The Bartender’s Pantry with Jim Meehan. She most recently co-wrote and photographed The Classic Cocktail Sessions, with Toby Maloney. In addition to judging agave spirits for the Agavos Awards and the New Orleans Spirits Competition, she is also the USA Midwest Academy Chair for The World’s 50 Best Bars, a member of the 2026 Raise the Bar mentorship program, and has been included in the Drinks International Bar World 100, an annual list of the industry’s most influential people, since 2023. Right now, she splits her time between home in Chicago and the world’s coolest barstools.
Find her: Instagram