Alyssa Heidt
Alyssa Heidt, the Beverage Creative Director at Four Seasons Hotels, draws inspiration from her extensive global travels to craft imaginative beverages that weave their compelling narratives. With a passion for hospitality that knows no bounds, Alyssa's creative journey has taken her to renowned establishments worldwide, where she has honed her craft and developed a deep understanding of cocktail culture.
Alyssa's professional journey began in 2011 when she discovered the joy of mixing drinks while bartending part-time during her university years. Determined to pursue her passion, she joined The Violet Hour, Chicago's pioneering craft cocktail-revival bar, under the guidance of Toby Maloney, known for his work at Milk and Honey NYC. For five years, she immersed herself in studying classic cocktail techniques, mastering the art of mixology.
In 2017, Alyssa ventured to Taiwan to bartend at Ounce Taipei, broadening her horizons and embracing new perspectives. Returning to Chicago, she joined the esteemed Alinea Group, working alongside Michelin-starred Chef Grant Achatz. Here, Alyssa played a vital role in designing non-alcoholic cocktail pairings for Next, contributed to the cocktail line at the acclaimed Aviary and The Office, and delighted guests with bespoke concoctions at The Office's intimate speakeasy setting. Her expertise was acknowledged through her contributions to two notable books: The Aviary Cocktail Book and Zero: A New Approach To Non-Alcoholic Drinks, where she shared her insights and learned modern culinary techniques from world-renowned chefs.
In 2019, Alyssa embarked on a new adventure, relocating to Norway to spearhead the opening of a luxury American-style hotel in Oslo. Her talent and dedication were quickly recognized, earning her consecutive nominations for Norway's best bartender. Her latest venture, Marlow, was celebrated as the Best New Opening in Norway by the prestigious Bartender's Choice Awards.
Blending her profound knowledge of classic and modern cocktails and her affinity for the culinary arts, Alyssa has discovered her passion for large-scale cocktail development.
Alyssa Heidt's exceptional expertise, combined with her relentless pursuit of excellence, allows her to curate extraordinary drinking experiences that leave a lasting impression on guests worldwide. Her imaginative approach to mixology and her ability to tell stories through her creations make her an invaluable asset to our work here at the World Taste & Smell Association and #DeliciousForAll.
