Beate Kiser got into the nightlife game and landed her first bartending gig at an early age. Since her start, she's risen to the top her field, where, after a four-year stint at her first gig, she landed at one of downtown Manhattan's trendiest restaurants. She talked with BlackBook about her ideal customer, the best compliment she's ever received, and her favorite part of the job. Also, see below for her top ten favorite spots to grab a cocktail in New York City.

After getting his start at some New York City hot spots, Charles Hardwick is now shaking, stirring, and pouring at a slick pan-Asian lounge in Manhattan's Flatiron District. He talked with BlackBook about New York nightlife, the secret to running a good bar, and his favorite part of the job. Also, see below for his top ten favorite spots to grab a cocktail in New York City.

Camille Austin was so fantastic as a 2010 Midnight Mixologist, that we just had to ask her back this year. Here is the bartending beauty on Miami nightlife, her go-to ingredient, and that pompadour. Also, see below for her top ten favorite spots to grab a cocktail in Miami.

If STK in West Hollywood broke the barriers of the traditional steakhouse formula by losing it’s overly masculine vibe, then Nadia Underwood, the peppy gal behind STK’s see-and-be-seen bustling bar is doing the same for the stereotype of the often brooding mixologist. Underwood is like your favorite neighborhood bartender, only with a serious education in mixing alcohol. The easygoing Chicago native (and die hard Bears fan) thinks L.A. is all smiles behind the bar, as long as thirsty customers keep their cool. These things take time, after all.

As a bartender at a Miami art space, Cricket Nelson is a long way from the farm she grew up on. But the professional pourer has brought the principles she learned growing up—namely a dedication to fresh ingredients—to the mixology game. Here she is on the perfect setting to enjoy a cocktail, her ideal customer, and Miami at night. Also, see below for her top ten Miami hot spots.