Nicole Massaro of JJ Bootleggers is 2025 Happenings List® Best Bartender. Congrats to Nicole for winning Philly Happening List® Best Bartender three years in a row! Other than being a favorite Philly bartender, Nicole is also a DJ, an Event Curator, and a “Nightlife Creative.”
“I’ve built my career on creating memorable experiences, whether that’s from behind the bar or behind the booth,” says Nicole.

She has created events such as Radio Disco and The Showdown DJ Battle.
Nicole has been bartending for 14 years. She enjoys the fast-paced, high-energy environment where she is always “moving, thinking, and interacting.”
“Even when it’s busy,” said Nicole, “I’m still having fun trying new things or finding little ways to elevate the experience and make someone’s night better.”
JJ’s has a variety of moonshine-based cocktails available. Nicole shared with us JJ’s most popular summer cocktail, the Electric Lemonade.
Electric Lemonade
- Add to glass with ice:
- 1.5 oz 100 proof White Lightning Moonshine
- Lemonade filled to the top
- Flavoring of your choosing*
- Garnish with maraschino cherries and a lemon or lime slice
*Flavored blueberry liqueur or watermelon pucker liqueur
JJ Bootleggers is located at 35 South 2nd Street in Old City, Philadelphia and is open from 12:00pm to 2:00am every day.

Image provided by Nicole Massaro of JJ Bootleggers