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The top four National Finalists have been determined for the 2026 Torres Brandy Zero Challenge, a program of the USBG. In this challenge, Torres Brandy called on Bar Owners, Bar Managers, and Bartenders to transform the hospitality sector by contributing sustainable projects and solutions with a positive impact for companies, people, and the planet. The Torres Brandy Zero Challenge is the first international competition to present an award to the world's most sustainable cocktail bar project.
The top scoring competitor from the National Final will move on to compete in the Global Final in Barcelona, Spain in April!
Help us celebrate the Finalists who will be competing in the National Final in Miami on February 23:
Lauren Ballard is a Sustainable Solutionist and freelance bartender who finds creative, eco-friendly alternatives and greener solutions to solve everyday challenges in service industry and beyond. In 2024, I founded Guerrilla Waste Solutions, which aims to tackle excess waste at industry events through creative & conscious initiatives. I also host swap and eco educational events and workshops and speak at seminars and on panels, nationally and internationally, educating in Sustainability and beyond.
@lbstylist | @guerrillawastesolutions
Aspen Bingham is a hospitality expert with ten years of experience in bartending and sustainability initiatives. As the sustainability coordinator at Steam Corn Punk, she focuses on food sovereignty, blending her education with cocktail skills to address sustainability's various dimensions. Aspen promotes community collaboration, has spoken at major events like TOTC and USBG.
I’m Loni Lewis, a sustainable bartender and environmental advocate based out of Savannah Georgia. For the past 20 years I have immersed myself in hospitality gaining expertise in both front of the house, back of the house and distribution. Additionally I hold a B.A in Exonomics and a WSET 2 in spirits. Behind the bar I focus on sustainability in everything from choosing spirits for the back bar to cocktail creation. As one of the co-founders of Guerilla Waste Solutions, I focused on helping remove waste, by creating a circular system focusing on reuse. In the past as a bar manager, consultant, educator and competitor, I keep conservation in mind by supporting and championing gradual changes that help individuals and companies become more environmentally conscious. My goal is to help beverage professionals and businesses form small lasting habits that create tangible change in our profession and spreading knowledge about the different pillars of sustainability.
@lonisliquidlaugh
Alexis Ortega is a hospitality professional and bartender with nearly two decades of experience in the industry. Hospitality is his life, rooted in care, consistency, and creating meaningful moments for guests. Alexis draws constant inspiration from travel, culture, and the way food and drink connect people across the world.
@Lexiortegaa