Mint/820 • Portland, Oregon

Lucy Brennan's knack for using offbeat drink ingredients like avocados and beets inspires other Portland bartenders, making the city one of America's most exciting cocktail towns.

Brennan has a loyal following for her cocktail classes, taught once a month at 820. "I've had people take my class three or four times," she says. "Then they throw their own cocktail parties and try to impress me."