Birmingham bartender Eric Bennett named James Beard semifinalist

Continental Drift co-owner recognized for outstanding cocktail service

Feb. 6, 2026 at 2:39pm

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Eric Bennett, co-owner of Birmingham's Continental Drift bar, was recently named a 2026 semifinalist for the James Beard Award for Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service. Bennett, a Birmingham native who has spent nearly two decades in the industry, says the nomination caught him by surprise but represents a spotlight on the city's growing cocktail culture.

Why it matters

Bennett's recognition is seen as a win for Birmingham's entire culinary ecosystem, from fine dining to local lunch counters. The nomination highlights the city's diverse food and drink scene, which has been gaining national attention.

The details

Bennett started out as a chemistry student at Birmingham-Southern College before falling in love with the restaurant industry. He has worked on bar programs at local icons like Bettola and Carrigan's, and finally realized a career-long dream by opening Continental Drift in 2022. The bar's philosophy is rooted in a 'drift' concept, with a rotating focus on global flavors that changes several times a year.

  • Eric Bennett was recently announced as a 2026 semifinalist for the James Beard Award.
  • The finalists for the James Beard Awards are set to be announced on March 31, 2026.

The players

Eric Bennett

The co-owner of Continental Drift bar in Birmingham, Alabama, who was recently named a 2026 semifinalist for the James Beard Award for Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service.

Continental Drift

A Southside bar in Birmingham, Alabama, co-owned by Eric Bennett, that is known for its rotating global flavors and inclusive, welcoming atmosphere.

James Beard Foundation

A nonprofit organization that administers the prestigious James Beard Awards, often referred to as the 'Oscars of the food world.'

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What they’re saying

“This Beard nomination was... unexpected, to say the very least.”

— Eric Bennett, Co-owner, Continental Drift

“It's nice to be recognized and it's nice to be part of showing that Birmingham is an amazing place to eat and drink among many other things.”

— Eric Bennett, Co-owner, Continental Drift

What’s next

The finalists for the James Beard Awards will be announced on March 31, 2026.

The takeaway

Eric Bennett's James Beard semifinalist nomination shines a light on Birmingham's growing cocktail culture and diverse culinary scene, which is gaining national recognition for its innovation and community-focused approach.