Eric Hausser is the Beverage Director and Head Bartender at Beatnik on the River and GoodFunk in downtown Chicago. With more than 20 years of hospitality experience, he has curated spirits selections and developed beverage menus for concepts ranging from Michelin-starred restaurants to stylish neighbourhood bars.

Eric approaches beverage programming with an ethos of “intention without pretension,” creating drinks and experiences that are elevated yet approachable. His extensive experience gives him a strong understanding of how spirits must perform in a working bar—from quality, mixability and value to packaging, operational practicality and guest appeal. He brings this balanced creative and commercial perspective to the Bartender Spirits Awards judging panel.