Alba Huerta is a Houston-based bartender, entrepreneur, author, cocktail educator, and owner of the James Beard Award–winning cocktail program at Julep—which is expanding with the addition of The Parlor, a new lounge space designed for private, immersive gatherings. Born in Mexico and raised in Texas, she has spent over a decade shaping the national cocktail scene, creating more than 110 cocktails and earning widespread recognition for her work. She joins us during her recent visit to Chicago for the James Beard Awards, where she shares insights into her inspiring career trajectory, her collaborative and story-driven approach to cocktails, and her evolution from hospitality professional to industry innovator.