Melissa Jeanette Markert Location: Brooklyn Melissa is a bartender and beverage consultant based in New York City. She has worked for some of the best bars in the world, including The Dead Rabbit and Katana Kitten. Melissa is an expert cocktail developer and is professionally trained in developing and evaluating beer, wine, and spirits. Her broad knowledge of the beverage hospitality industry makes her a sought-after consultant for businesses seeking to enhance their beverage programs. Experience Melissa is a New York City bartender who honed her craft at some of the world's most esteemed bars, including The Dead Rabbit and Katana Kitten. Her expertise in cocktail and spirits development has enabled her to create recipes for globally recognized brands and beverage programs. Melissa has led beverage activations at high-profile events such as New York Fashion Week and the Tribeca Film Festival, showcasing her ability to bring innovation and creativity to any occasion. She is professionally trained in evaluating beer, wine, and spirits and has used this education and experience as a consultant on liquid development for top-selling brands. Additionally, she is highly skilled in educating and training others in the complexities of the beverage hospitality industry. She has hosted classes and seminars at prestigious events such as Tales of the Cocktail, the leading international trade conference for cocktail and spirits industry professionals. Education Melissa is professionally certified in tasting wine and spirits (WSET II Certified with Distinction, BAR 5-Day Bar Ready), making her an expert at describing the flavors, textures, and technicalities of the beverage world to both trade and consumer. About Food & Wine Food & Wine, a Dotdash Meredith Brand, is an award-winning online resource for anyone passionate about the culinary world. With rigorously tested recipes and the most trusted restaurant, drinks, culinary travel and home coverage, we inspire and empower people everywhere to discover, create, and devour the best in food and wine. Learn more about us and our editorial process.