As we move into the season of cheer, many of us will dip our toes into the grand American cocktail tradition, if only to make a cosmopolitan or hot toddy for a holiday gathering. Cocktails are uniquely American, asserts Abigail Gullo of Loa in New Orleans, LA. She revels in their chemistry, caretaking, and craft traditions, and she bases her work on many of the classics, updating them with seasonal ingredients, fresh herbs, and unique spirits. She's been recognized as Bartender of the Year by Eater New Orleans and Tales of the Cocktail, and she's also concocted libations on The Today Show and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. At Loa, she is the mistress of mischief whose immense knowledge about bartending and respect for the history of it isn't necessarily just a thing of reverence, but a template for building a community space that welcomes all who gather.