Craft, Curiosity, and Connection: Meet Rosalyn Cannon of Lorem Ipsum

There’s something magnetic about bartenders who can turn a simple drink into a story. The art of mixology is more than just technique—it’s about curiosity, experimentation, and understanding people. Rosalyn Cannon, bartender and mixologist at Lorem Ipsum, embodies all of these qualities, blending skill with intuition to create drinks that reflect not only flavor, but feeling.

Rosalyn’s journey into the food and beverage world began at just 18 years old. By the time she turned 24, she was already bartending, discovering that her curiosity about spirits, ingredients, and guest experiences naturally pulled her deeper into mixology. “Mixology just came with curiosity and wanting to find out more about the food and beverage space,” she explains. That desire to learn has been her compass ever since.

A Personality Guests Don’t Expect

For all her time behind the bar, there are still parts of Rosalyn that surprise people. “I’m really into Asian television—like, really into it,” she laughs. It’s a detail that might not come up during a busy shift but says a lot about her appreciation for culture, storytelling, and detail—all things that influence her approach to cocktails.

Equal Parts, Endless Possibilities

Rosalyn describes her cocktail style in three words: equal part drinks. For her, it doesn’t matter what the spirit base is—she believes in the elegance of balance. “Some of the most popular drinks are equal parts, and they’re delicious,” she says. That simplicity isn’t about limitation; it’s about honoring proportion and allowing flavors to meet in harmony.

When it comes to ingredients, her interests shift with the season and her mood. Recently, she’s been drawn to Asian-based spirits and tea infusions, exploring how tinctures and simple syrups can carry nuance into a cocktail. “I have my reasonings or obsessions—tomato, tomahto,” she jokes. But beneath the humor is a dedication to flavor exploration, one that keeps her drinks layered and inventive.

Inspiration That Starts With the Guest

While some bartenders draw from travel or mood boards, Rosalyn finds her deepest inspiration in the people across the bar. “I pull my inspiration from the guest. I try to tap into their taste profiles and gravitations. I just love finessing drinks based off the patron, and maybe past experiences with them to get them to try something new.”

This guest-centered approach is what makes her not only a skilled mixologist but also a great host. For Rosalyn, the bar isn’t just a workspace—it’s a place to create connection.

The Battle Cocktail: Feminine, Fun, and Fearless

As one of the competitors in this year’s Battle of the Babes Cocktail Competition, Rosalyn is taking a refreshingly simple approach. “I just wanted to make a fun, approachable drink that is feminine to a certain degree. I wanted something well-balanced—sour, bitter, spirit-forward, and sweet or savory, all at the same time.”

Unlike past years, she’s focusing less on stress and more on enjoyment. “I got a little wrapped up last year, but I’m not going to let that happen this year. I’m just going to enjoy the process.” Her mindset mirrors her cocktail philosophy: let the flavors, the experience, and the moment speak for themselves.

When guests sip her creation, she hopes they simply like it—and want more. “If they enjoy certain elements or taste certain profiles over others, that’s fine. As long as they like it and want more, my bartending wish has been answered.”

The Role of Women in Hospitality

Rosalyn lights up when talking about her place in hospitality. “I’m just a people person, and the more I’ve dedicated myself to the craft, the more interesting the patron has been. I love being around people and creating good energy.” Bartending allows her to channel that energy into something tangible—a cocktail that makes someone smile, an interaction that brightens their evening, a space where people feel welcome.

Still, the industry hasn’t always been easy. “You want people to take you seriously and respect what you do,” she explains. For women in hospitality, being objectified is an ongoing challenge, with some guests failing to see beyond appearances. Rosalyn pushes back against those stereotypes by focusing on education and the guest experience, determined to be known not just as a “pretty face” but as a serious craftsperson.

Her inspiration comes from the women she works alongside. “I work at one of the coolest craft cocktail bars in Charlotte, and my coworkers are very smart, very educated, and knowledgeable women. They make it fun, safe, and collaborative. It’s a really great environment to be in, and I appreciate them.”

Why This Story Matters

For consumers, Rosalyn’s story is a reminder of how much personality and artistry goes into every cocktail. Supporting women bartenders isn’t just about celebrating their drinks—it’s about showing up for the culture they’re building in hospitality. A cocktail becomes more meaningful when you understand the heart and effort behind it.

For businesses, there’s a lesson, too. Creating spaces where bartenders feel safe, respected, and empowered directly impacts the guest experience. When women like Rosalyn thrive behind the bar, they bring energy, creativity, and loyalty that elevate the entire venue. The result is better drinks, stronger guest relationships, and a reputation that sets a bar apart in a competitive landscape.

About HoCo

At HoCo, we believe hospitality should be more than just service—it should be a space for connection, creativity, and community. By supporting women like Rosalyn, we’re helping create an industry where talent is valued, stories are celebrated, and businesses thrive. From event production to brand strategy, HoCo helps hospitality businesses build legacies.

Join Us at the Battle of the Babes

You can cheer on Rosalyn at the 5th Annual Battle of the Babes Cocktail Competition on September 28, 2025, at Merchant + Trade. It’s an evening filled with unforgettable cocktails, fierce competition, and the chance to celebrate women in hospitality.

Tickets include: 8 cocktails, heavy hors d’oeuvres, a swag bag, and rooftop views of Uptown Charlotte.