Kate Chernoff

There is more than a splash of showgirl in Kate Chernoff’s blood. That could be owing to her decade-long career as a synchronized swimmer or, perhaps, to the influence of her radio DJ father.

Whatever the secret sauce is, this Edmonton native, currently of Vancouver’s Keefer Bar and the recipient of our inaugural Hotshot Award (2023), exudes savoir faire behind the bar. It is the major reason that, while working at the Courtney Room, in Victoria, she scooped the title of 2025 World Class Canadian Bartender of the Year before going on to compete at the global level. This followed two back-to-back finishes in the top four.

Representing Canada on the international stage was, she says, “one of the scariest things I’ve ever done.” Nevertheless, this natural-born performer presented drinks with a rich narrative and a studied technicality. A standing-room-only crowd of fellow Canadians and colleagues cheered her on at the Toronto finals, drawn by her technical prowess as well as her bubbly charisma (and bedazzled Oilers jersey).

Sequins and her lightspeed charge to the top notwithstanding, Chernoff’s presence is calm and earnest. Her style is backed up with an intense commitment to technique and execution.

What fills her cup coming off these accomplishments and the influx of attention? The “endlessly cool professional opportunities,” she says, that she has encountered since her big win. That, and her favourite cocktail, a Pornstar Martini.

Favourite Post-Shift Sip: Guinness, washed down with a round of billiards.

–Rebecca Felgate