IMARO MAGAZINE | MAY 2026 ROCKSTAR MIXOLOGIST

Crafting Experience, One Pour at a Time

There is an art to creating a cocktail but for Theresa Bell, it’s never just about what’s in the glass. It’s about movement. Energy. Story. Theresa Bell embodies a unique expression of the theme, where performance meets precision, and creativity is poured into every experience she creates.

Born in Jacksonville and rooted in Atlanta for the past 15 years, Theresa’s journey is layered with evolution. With a background in performing arts, her foundation was built on rhythm, presence, and expression, skills that would later translate seamlessly behind the bar. Because for Theresa, mixology is performance. Every pour is intentional. Every flavor is curated. Every cocktail is an experience.

Her career began in hospitality as a server, but her trajectory quickly shifted. Driven by curiosity and a commitment to growth, she moved beyond service into creation, designing cocktail menus, studying flavor profiles, and immersing herself in the deeper world of spirits.

Her journey has taken her across the globe, where she has trained with master distillers whose craft spans generations. These experiences expanded her palate and sharpened her ability to blend tradition with innovation, creating cocktails that feel both rooted and unexpected.

This is Hybrid & Hustle in its most refined form, where Theresa moves beyond the title of mixologist to embody a creator, edu- cator, leader, and curator of experience, all seamlessly working together to define her craft.

Her versatility is reflected in her achievements, earning top Georgia mixologist honors, securing top three finishes at the Georgia Food and Wine Festival, receiving the Bacardi Rum Shakers Award in 2023, and being featured in publications like Thirsty Magazine and Gentlemen’s Jack Magazine.

But beyond accolades, her impact is felt in the spaces she leads. Currently, Theresa oversees and manages the beverage program at Fellowship, where she leads teams of over 20 staff members. Her role extends beyond operations, she is shaping culture, mentoring talent, and redefining what excellence looks like behind the bar. Her approach is both technical and intuitive.

She understands balance, not just in flavor, but in leadership. She brings structure to creativity and creativity to structure, ensuring that every detail, from ingredient to presentation, aligns with a larger vision.

Photos by Skyy Wonders | Shot on Location at FELLASHIP.ATL

And still, she continues to evolve, traveling, learning, and experimenting, constantly pushing boundaries with out-of-the-box ingredients and unexpected combinations. For Theresa, mastery is not a destination but a continuous pursuit. She is not simply serving drinks, she is crafting moments, creating connection, and designing experiences that linger long after the glass is empty.

Inspired by her journey, Skyy Wonders, Editor-in-Chief, developed a few questions that explore the artistry, discipline, and intention behind her craft.

SKYY: With your background in performing arts, how has that foundation influenced the way you approach mixology as both an art and an experience?

THERESA: I always loved being very creative and coming up with movement and choreography. My passion is to create so with that passion it has made my art of mixology become a reality. I’ve always been a creative and I love stepping outside of the box and I use my creativity to make my mixology an art experience.

SKYY: You’ve traveled the world learning from master distillers, how have those global experience from master distillers, how have those global experiences shaped your creativity and flavor perspective?

THERESA: Being well traveled and learning from master distillers have extended my knowledge of flavor. Learning about different flavors that you wouldn’t traditionally put in cocktails has made my cocktail creation definitely one of a kind. Learning how to pair flavors together has definitely been an advantage from traveling.

SKYY: As someone who leads and trains large teams, how do you balance creativity with consistency in a high-level beverage program?

THERESA: I continue to challenge myself and compete in cocktail competitions. This keeps me sharp on my knowledge and also keeps my creativity flow flowing. I also continue to educate myself so that I am giving the best training possible.

SKYY: What inspires your “out-of-the-box” approach to ingredients and cocktail creation?

THERESA: I do my research and I always stay up on the trends. I also like to challenge trends and step outside of the box by pairing flavors that you put in food into my cocktails.

I also get inspiration from my fellow mixologists. We are constantly challenging each other. Someone may do something that I didn’t think of and vice versa.

SKYY: For those aspiring to step into the world of mixology, what does it truly take to move from passion to mastery?

THERESA: For those aspiring to step into the world of mixology, I just say go for it. Never stop learning and also be open to being a student. There’s no such thing as you know too much. There are always new and inventive ways on how to approach cocktails and also how to approach new presentations. If you have a passion for something, go for it and always give 150% and be the best.

SKYY: Would you be interested in giving our readers a recipe for a refreshing cocktail?

THERESA: Yes, of course. I would share one of my personal recipes for refreshing cocktail. Created by me. Check out my “Cucuamintini”.

“Cucuamintini”

1 ½ botanical cucumber, mint vodka (I prefer Kettle One)

3/4 of an ounce of a St. Germain

3/4 of an ounce fresh lime juice

3/4 of an ounce of simple syrup

Muddle two sliced cucumbers, and two mint leaves.

Add all ingredients to a shaker and vigorously shake for 10 seconds. Double strain into a martini glass and top off with a splash of soda.

Theresa represents Hybrid & Hustle through artistry, discipline, and continuous evolution. She has transformed her passion into a craft, her craft into leadership, and her leadership into impact.

It is a pleasure to have her as IMARO Magazine’s May 2026 Rockstar Mixologist, and we look forward to following her continued journey as she elevates the culture of cocktail creation.

Want to follow and learn more about Theresa, follow her on IG at @Theresathebartender.

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