The world of cocktail YouTube channels is brimming with creativity, passion, and endless inspiration. While big names often dominate the spotlight, there is a growing wave of small but mighty creators bringing fresh perspectives to the art of mixology.
These hidden gems craft unique recipes, share insider tips, and experiment with innovative techniques that deserve your attention.
Whether you are a home bartender looking to expand your skills or simply love discovering new content, this list highlights small cocktail YouTubers to watch in 2025. From classic recipes to daring concoctions, these creators are shaking up the scene in all the best ways. Cheers to discovering your next favorite mixologist!
Kill-Divill: Rum & Cocktails
Meet the creator behind Kill-Divill: Rum & Cocktails—a passionate rum enthusiast and cocktail hobbyist who brings a fresh perspective to the world of mixology. With a love for craft and local spirits, this creator is on a journey to share what they know about rum while continuing to learn along the way.
Their mixology adventure started in college, pouring pitchers of beer and crafting simple drinks at a local dive bar. Years later, a decision to cut back on Coca-Cola sparked a deeper appreciation for rum—first enjoyed neat, then creatively mixed into cocktails. What began as a backyard experiment in their self-made “Rum Bar” soon became a neighborhood sensation, with friends declaring their drinks better than what they could find at traditional bars.
When the pandemic hit and life slowed down, their wife encouraged them to channel their passion into something new: a YouTube channel. Thus, Kill-Divill: Rum & Cocktails was born, showcasing unique recipes, approachable techniques, and a genuine love for all things rum.
Whether you’re a seasoned mixologist or just dipping your toes into the world of spirits, this channel is a must-watch for anyone who appreciates a great cocktail and an even better story.
Watch Kill Divill here.
Gnome's Tavern
Welcome to Gnome's Tavern, the ultimate destination for spirit enthusiasts and cocktail lovers, hosted by none other than the Gnome himself! This channel brings you an exciting lineup of shows that cater to every aspect of mixology and spirits appreciation.
Tavern on Tap: A top-tier show renowned for its in-depth spirit reviews, helping you find the best bottles to add to your collection.
Cocktail Corner: Your go-to series for crafting incredible cocktails using the spirits you love, with creative recipes that are easy to follow and sure to impress.
But it’s not just about the drinks—Gnome's Tavern is where fun meets flavor. Whether you want to sharpen your cocktail skills, discover new spirits, or master the art of drinking while playing games, this channel has you covered.
Achievements and Awards: The Gnome has built a legacy of excellence with numerous accolades, including:
1st Place: 2022 Death by Chocolate Breast Cancer Cocktail Contest
2nd Place: 2022-2023 Malortigra Cocktail Contest
Top 8 Finalist: 2023 Bourbon Fest
Best Overall Cocktail: 2024 Garden to Glass, featuring the Jittery Raptor, showcased at the African American Museum’s Spook and Spirits event
Distilled Spirit Medals:
Gold: King Cake Rum
Silver: Banana Rum
Bronze: Silver Rum
Whether you’re here for award-winning cocktails, expert reviews, or just a good time with the Gnome, Gnome's Tavern promises a unique and unforgettable journey into the world of spirits and mixology. Pull up a stool and join the fun!
Watch the Gnome here.
Mike’s Hard Reviews
Meet Michael, the creative mind behind Mike’s Hard Reviews. At 26, this semi-professional private events bartender and mixologist from the U.S. (they/them) has turned a self-taught passion into a channel that blends education, history, and artistry. Starting during the COVID pandemic, Michael transformed their love for mixology into a thoughtful and engaging project that goes beyond crafting great cocktails—it’s about preserving the legacy of the craft and inspiring future bartenders.
Mike’s Hard Reviews is more than a cocktail channel; it’s a platform with a mission:
Showcasing Bartending as a Craft: Through entertaining and educational content, Michael highlights the intricacies of mixology, proving their expertise while making the art of cocktails accessible to everyone.
Preserving Cocktail History: With a historian’s lens, Michael delves into the origins of recipes, ensuring the faces, stories, and inspirations behind the drinks remain part of the cultural conversation.
One standout example of Michael’s dedication is their most-viewed video, “How Racism has Ruined Mixology.” This thought-provoking piece combines historical context with modern-day implications, illustrating how systemic issues have shaped—and in some cases hindered—the world of cocktails. The video is a prime showcase of what Mike’s Hard Reviews is all about: presenting history with integrity, encouraging learning, and preserving the voices of crucial figures in mixology’s past.
Michael’s approach to bartending is rooted in understanding the "when and why" of ingredients, not just memorizing recipes. Their channel functions as both a personal challenge to refine their skills and a resource for others to appreciate the artistry behind every drink.
To Michael, every cocktail is a masterpiece in its own right. By respecting the craft while keeping it fun and approachable, Mike’s Hard Reviews ensures no one goes thirsty—and everyone leaves a little more knowledgeable about the spirits and hospitality world. Don’t miss this channel if you’re ready for compelling stories, innovative drinks, and a fresh perspective on mixology.
Watch Mike here.
The Rusty Bartender
(Probably Not Deserving, But Adding Myself Anyway)
Hey there, it’s Ben – or as I like to call myself, The Rusty Bartender. Now, I know what you're thinking: "Who does this guy think he is?" Well, let me tell you – I’ve been shaking and stirring drinks for over 25 years (mostly without injuring myself) in bars in Northern Ireland and Australia...... and I’m probably not quite deserving of being on this list, but hey, it’s my list and I’m adding myself anyway!
Not only do I make cocktail videos, but I also share my experience on starting a mobile bar business which i currently operate in Australia. Because, let’s face it, who better to teach you how to create a cocktail or run a mobile bar than someone who’s been juggling both for a few years (and survived)? Plus, I'm Irish, a fact that 30% of my watchers can attest to by watching with subtitles on.
Will I win any awards for my cocktail creations? Probably not. Will you learn something new? Well, I can promise you that you’ll at least see some creative, if not entirely perfect, drink-making techniques. So grab a glass, join me on this unpolished adventure, and let’s have some fun – because who needs perfection when you have booze, right?
Watch me here.
Cocktail Underground
"Empowering Home Mixologists and Bar Adventurers Alike"
Cocktail Underground is your go-to destination for bridging the gap between ordinary and extraordinary beverages. Whether you’re looking to level up your home bar game or find your next favorite cocktail bar, this channel has you covered. With a refreshingly unpretentious vibe, it’s perfect for anyone who loves great drinks without the snobbery.
One of the standout features is their series "One Drink Three Bars," where the host orders the same cocktail at three different establishments and compares the results. It’s like a drink review, bar crawl, and a subtle callout for inconsistency, all rolled into one.
If you’re ready to mix, sip, and explore, you’ll find no shortage of inspiration here.
Website: https://www.cocktailunderground.com/
Watch Cocktail Underground Here.
Wax Seal Productions
"Crafting Cocktails with Creativity and a Literary Twist"
Hosted by the ever-imaginative Travis, Wax Seal Productions is more than just a cocktail channel—it’s a celebration of creativity and flavor. From custom cocktail designs for bars, restaurants, and events to literary-inspired drinks based on books, films, and shows, this channel brings a unique twist to the world of mixology.
Travis doesn’t just stop at shaking and stirring. The channel also dives into taste testing spirits and foods, shares cocktail tips and tricks, and highlights interesting cocktails worth exploring. Plus, as proud members of the Shaken & Stirred Cocktail Designers, they’re serious about creating unique flavor profiles you won’t find anywhere else.
Wax Seal Productions also doubles as an intellectual property management and content creation company, blending literary arts, cocktail design, and creative coaching into a seamless experience. So, whether you’re a cocktail enthusiast or just someone who appreciates a good story in liquid form, Travis has something special for you.
Watch WSP here.
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