Award-winning cocktail artist Carlos Ruiz is one of the most dynamic and innovative young mixologists in the country. Born in Peru, Ruiz moved to the United States when he was just 8 years old, and got his start in the hospitality and service industry at age 15. He discovered his affinity for the craft, in 2012, while working as a busboy and server at New Jersey’s acclaimed Ryland Inn. His passion for the liquid concoctions was “love at first sight.” 

 

He has held high-ranking bar management positions at award-winning restaurants. At Agricola Eatery in Princeton, New Jersey, he helped the restaurant earn a spot among the state’s top cocktail destinations and was praised by local media. And at the prestigious Crystal Springs Resort, in Hamburg, New Jersey, three of the six bar concepts he created were lauded as the best in the state. In 2015, he was named “Mixologist of the Year” by the New Jersey Restaurant and Hospitality Association. He took home 1st place awards at the Iron Shaker Cocktail Competition, Master of Moonshine, Renaissance Hotel Bar Brag Competition, Ocean Vodka Showdown, Sailor Jerry “Beat it Rummy”, Booze and Infuse Championship and many more in New Jersey, New York, Washington, D.C, Tennessee, Hawaii, respectively.  

 

He has competed internationally in The Gin Mare Mediterranean Inspiration Competition in Ibiza and the Herradura Tequila competition in Mexico, in which he was a finalist. Ruiz, has also made an impact in the Spanish community, not only nationally but internationally appearing on numerous TV shows. Ruiz’s cocktail creations have been featured in The Princeton Courier, Edible New Jersey, New Jersey Monthly, Liquor.com, What’s on Tap, Spirits Business, Tasting Panel, Cocktail Courier, and Vue New Jersey Luxury Magazine. His talent has led him to work with notable brands such as Johnnie Walker Scotch Whiskey, Ole Smoky Moonshine, Red Bull, Tabasco, Cubavera, Moet Hennessy.