Nicolas Torres, Mixologist

A San Francisco local, Nicolas Torres has been bartending for over 15 years. With extensive experience bridging neighborhood bars and dive bars to craft cocktail venues and fine dining establishments, Torres created the cocktail program at Lazy Bear in 2014, gaining two Michelin stars within the first two eligible years. He then moved on to open True Laurel, known for its beverage program that highlights both wild and farmed local produce alongside rare, unique, and small-batch spirits and wines. Torres' close collaboration with the kitchen has led him to develop a hyper seasonal bar program, as well as championing preservation and sustainable techniques.