Torres Brandy Zero Challenge

The top four National Finalists have been determined for the 2025 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.

Please help us celebrate the Finalists who will be competing in the National Final in San Diego in February…

	Aspen Bingham \| Phoenix, AZ Aspen Bingham has spent 10 years in the hospitality industry, from bartending to promoting sustainability. As the sustainability coordinator at Dii ÌINA, a culinary company focused on food sovereignty, and a sustainability student at Arizona State University, she merges her education with her craft cocktail expertise to address cultural, environmental, social, and economic sustainability. Aspen has spoken at Tales of the Cocktail, USBG National Conferences, and local events, using her craft to spark conversation and inspire change.Find her behind the bar at Casa De Julia, Phoenix.
	Lauren Ballard \| San Diego, CA Lauren has a degree in Fashion Design and more than twenty year background in the service industry. In 2023, Lauren left working in bars and restaurants full time to pursue her passion in sustainability (while supporting this passion by working in freelance bartending and hospitality). These sustainable endeavors have most recently been applied to service industry through barware swap events, as well as the creation of Guerrilla Waste Solutions, a grassroots campaign which has initiatives for eliminating waste at large format cocktail events. Most recently she created a sustainable packing list, taught a class (Mending & Garment Care for Bar-wear Longevity); and hosted a Swag Swap at Portland Cocktail Week 2024.
	Lauren Pellecchia \| Loveland, OH Lauren Pellecchia is a self-taught mixologist who has been building cocktails and experiences for over ten years. Since 2019 she has been making a name for herself in the cocktail competition world – competing nationally and internationally. She currently calls Merchants Club her home – and she’d love to mix up something special for you! When not behind the bar Lauren is travelling, cooking, and spending time with her dog, cat, and nieces.
	Marie Yoshimizu \| Bellevue, WA Marie Yoshimizu is the lead mixologist at the new InterContinental Hotel in Bellevue, Washington. While still new to the industry, she has been competing in cocktail competitions, both nationally and globally, over the last three years. With a few wins under her belt, she continues to deepen her spirits knowledge and refine her craft. Marie is always eager to grow and inspire through mixology.

The top scoring competitor from the National Final will move on to compete in the Global Final in Barcelona, Spain in March!

	Aspen Bingham \| Phoenix, AZ Aspen Bingham has spent 10 years in the hospitality industry, from bartending to promoting sustainability. As the sustainability coordinator at Dii ÌINA, a culinary company focused on food sovereignty, and a sustainability student at Arizona State University, she merges her education with her craft cocktail expertise to address cultural, environmental, social, and economic sustainability. Aspen has spoken at Tales of the Cocktail, USBG National Conferences, and local events, using her craft to spark conversation and inspire change.Find her behind the bar at Casa De Julia, Phoenix.
	Lauren Ballard \| San Diego, CA Lauren has a degree in Fashion Design and more than twenty year background in the service industry. In 2023, Lauren left working in bars and restaurants full time to pursue her passion in sustainability (while supporting this passion by working in freelance bartending and hospitality). These sustainable endeavors have most recently been applied to service industry through barware swap events, as well as the creation of Guerrilla Waste Solutions, a grassroots campaign which has initiatives for eliminating waste at large format cocktail events. Most recently she created a sustainable packing list, taught a class (Mending & Garment Care for Bar-wear Longevity); and hosted a Swag Swap at Portland Cocktail Week 2024.
	Lauren Pellecchia \| Loveland, OH Lauren Pellecchia is a self-taught mixologist who has been building cocktails and experiences for over ten years. Since 2019 she has been making a name for herself in the cocktail competition world – competing nationally and internationally. She currently calls Merchants Club her home – and she’d love to mix up something special for you! When not behind the bar Lauren is travelling, cooking, and spending time with her dog, cat, and nieces.
	Marie Yoshimizu \| Bellevue, WA Marie Yoshimizu is the lead mixologist at the new InterContinental Hotel in Bellevue, Washington. While still new to the industry, she has been competing in cocktail competitions, both nationally and globally, over the last three years. With a few wins under her belt, she continues to deepen her spirits knowledge and refine her craft. Marie is always eager to grow and inspire through mixology.

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