As one of the most respected authorities in the beverage field, Charles regularly shares the stage with his celebrity counterparts from the culinary world. He’s had the honor of creating cocktail pairings alongside Dominque Crenn, Stephanie Izard, Jose Andres and other visionaries. 

Charles recently shared a judging panel with Andrew Zimmern and Emeril at Eric Ripert’s Cayman Cookout, because even bartenders need to eat. His shakers have a lot of miles on them, helming the bar at marquis events like the Grammys, Kentucky Derby, Jimmy Kimmel’s after parties and quieter affairs such as the Scott Brother’s 40th Birthday, Oprah’s 25th anniversary, celebrity weddings and private performances. 

 

Regardless of the venue, Charles never strays from his light-hearted and direct take on cocktails: respect your guest, respect your craft, be present, use honest ingredients and have fun along the way! The only American ever to win World Class by Diageo, the largest and most prestigious bartending competition on the planet, Charles has racked up an impressive list of awards. Highlights include NBC’s On the Rocks reality series, where he took home top honors and $100,000 prize, 4 James Beard nominations in addition to his win, making the list of “10 of the Most Influential Bartenders” by Bon Appétit and being named “US Bartender of the Year” by Tales of the Cocktail. His passion for culture, history, traditions and the people behind the cocktails and spirits we love have taken him to more than 50 countries. 

Charles teamed up with Fortessa Tableware Solutions to create a functional and stunning line of bar tools and glassware for the home bartender and professional alike. Entertainment experts like Williams Sonoma, Pottery Barn and Crate & Barrel agreed that he had hit the mark and joined in as partners. Charles was raised by his grandparents on Chicago’s South Side and continues to carry on his blue collar roots. 

 

He’s been fortunate to have the opportunity to partner with fantastic charities over the years including No Kid Hungry/Taste of the Nation, Meals On Wheels, Habitat For Humanity, countless rescue animal organizations and many others. 

 

When he’s not mixing up cocktails, Charles is spending time with his rescue pittie, Jackson (#AdoptDontShop), scouring vintage and flea markets for buried treasure that he shares on his Instagram account @TellTailVintage and trying to keep his many house plants alive. 

 

Academy Awards, Official Mixologist 2015-2020 

Emmys, Official Mixologist 2015-2020 

Grammys, Official Mixologist 2015 

Kentucky Derby, Official Mixologist 2015-2018 

2015/2016/2017/2018 James Beard Awards, Beverage Professional semi-finalist 

2014- Diageo World Class Global Champion, only American to ever win this title 

2014- World’s Best Cocktail Menu, Tales of the Cocktail 

2013- James Beard Award, Outstanding Beverage Program 

2013- US Bartender of the Year, Tales of the Cocktail 

NBC “On the Rocks” $100,000 Winner, 

Best Bartender in America 

Bon Appétit- 10 Most Influential Bartenders of the Past 10 Years 

Wine Enthusiast- 40 Under 40 Spirits/Wine Professionals 

Crain’s Business, 2014- 40 Under 40 

And the list keeps going.