Jenna of Bar Hermanita: Funk, Flair, and Flavor
Every great bartender has a story, but few carry the mix of humor, grit, and cultural pride that Jenna Reynolds of Bar Hermanita brings to her craft. At just five years into the industry, she has already carved out a space for herself by blending technical precision with imaginative flair—and a little bit of nerdy fun. For Jenna, mixology is more than just a job. It’s a journey through flavors, traditions, and personal history that culminates in experiences meant to surprise, delight, and challenge the palate.
Finding Hospitality Through Life’s Challenges
Jenna’s entry into the hospitality industry wasn’t glamorous. After the devastating loss of her mother, she left school and needed a way to support herself. A family friend offered her a spot at their bar, and what started as necessity quickly transformed into passion. While bartending paid the bills, it also unlocked a creative spark. Her love of cooking became the foundation for her approach to cocktails—layered, thoughtful, and always designed to take guests on a sensory adventure.
In her words, “If you get everything a cocktail has to offer in one sip, it’s not done. It should be a journey.”
That perspective has become her guiding philosophy, shaping the way she thinks about both her craft and her career.
Bugs, Humor, and Personality
Behind the serious technical skills lies a playful personality. Jenna adores bugs—yes, bugs. She not only loves them, but gives them names and even crafts soap-opera-style storylines for her friends on Snapchat. Her quirky humor keeps things light and fun, an energy that shines behind the bar and makes her cocktails all the more memorable.
Hospitality thrives on personality, and Jenna proves that bartenders don’t have to fit a single mold. Guests aren’t just coming for drinks—they’re coming for connection, and bartenders like Jenna show how individuality can become one of the most valuable ingredients in a bar program.
Funky, Eldrich, Technical
Jenna describes her cocktail style in three words: funky, eldritch, and technical. It’s a fitting description for someone who blends precision with creativity, bringing both rigor and whimsy to her work. While she gravitates toward bitter and savory profiles, she’s also committed to creating drinks that unfold sip by sip.
Her influences are vast. From time spent studying abroad in China—where she developed a love for Asian ingredients—to her current role at a Yucatecan-inspired bar, Jenna’s cocktails reflect global traditions and her own Native American roots. She thrives on unexpected pairings and unusual combinations, drawing from food traditions, cultural histories, and her own creativity.
The Competition Cocktail
For the Battle of the Babes Cocktail Competition, Jenna is preparing something that honors both the past and the future. By merging traditions of Yucatán with her Native American heritage, she’s crafting a drink that speaks to cultural pride while pushing innovation. It’s not just about flavors—it’s about storytelling.
Her goal? To create a cocktail that unfolds across a dozen sips, each revealing a new element. Nostalgia, excitement, complexity—every part of the drink reflects her belief that cocktails should be more than beverages. They should be experiences.
Breaking Barriers and Proving Herself
As a younger woman who joined the industry later than some, Jenna faced discouragement early on. She recalls being told she “didn’t have what it takes” or “wasn’t ready” before entering her first big competition. But when she finally made it to World Class, the support and love she received validated her talent and determination.
Her story highlights an important truth about the industry: too often, potential is overlooked because of age, gender, or preconceived notions. For businesses, this is a reminder that investing in diverse perspectives and nurturing talent can unlock creativity that pushes a bar program forward. Guests, too, play a role by supporting establishments that empower women and younger professionals to showcase their skills.
Inspirations and Industry Heroes
Jenna credits her confidence and growth to strong women in her orbit. Her friend Eliza Hoar encouraged her to embrace a leadership role, inspiring her to accept her current Beverage Director position. Another bartender, V, showed her a grace and creativity that Jenna strives to emulate. For her, inspiration comes not from distant icons, but from the women she connects with in real time—proof that mentorship and community are vital in building the next generation of hospitality leaders.
What Guests Can Expect
At this year’s Battle of the Babes, Jenna is most excited about making connections with other women in the competition. She sees it as a safe space to create, free from the pressures of judgment, where creativity can shine. Guests can expect her signature nerdy, bubbly fun—a vibe that brings nothing but smiles and laughter. And if you’re lucky, you might even see her signature move: dropping a dozen tiny plastic ducks into a Ramos Gin Fizz with theatrical flair.
Supporting bartenders like Jenna is a chance to engage with hospitality in a deeper way. It’s not just about drinking something delicious—it’s about experiencing a piece of culture, creativity, and individuality poured into a glass. By attending competitions, visiting bars led by women, and spreading the word about their work, guests help shift the industry toward equity and innovation.
Jenna’s story is a reminder that empowering bartenders to infuse their work with personal stories and cultural perspectives creates richer guest experiences. A cocktail program isn’t just a list of drinks; it’s a reflection of the people behind it. By supporting voices like Jenna’s, businesses can stand out in a competitive market and build stronger connections with their guests.
The Battle of the Babes Cocktail Competition
At HoCo, we believe in elevating the hospitality industry by supporting the individuals who power it. From consulting services that strengthen operations to events that spotlight diverse talent, HoCo is dedicated to creating a more vibrant, inclusive, and innovative future for hospitality.
The best way to see Jenna’s creativity in action is to be there in person. The 5th Annual Battle of the Babes Cocktail Competition takes place on September 28, 2025, at Merchant + Trade in Uptown Charlotte. With panoramic views, bold cocktails, and extraordinary women behind the bar, it’s an evening of energy, artistry, and community you won’t want to miss.
Your entry includes eight cocktails, heavy hors d’oeuvres, a swag bag, and an unforgettable night celebrating women in hospitality.
