The history of women in mixology, the art or skill of preparing mixed drinks, is rich, though sometimes overlooked. Women have been essential to developing cocktails and the art of bartending despite often being excluded or pushed to the background. In Charleston, many women mixologists and bartenders have changed the beverage program we see at bars today.
The Cocktail Bandits
Johnny Caldwell and Taneka Reaves, better known as the Cocktail Bandits, have transformed the mixology world since 2016. With previous partnerships with Red Bull and Patron, amongst others, and the launch of their cocktail book, Caldwell and Reaves have carved out their niche in the mixology scene. “For women entering this industry, my main advice is to learn as much as possible,” shared Caldwell. “You gain confidence when you understand your craft. I can discuss cognac and tequila; I can hold my own in any conversation.”
Kall Me Tipsy
The scientific aspect of mixology is akin to chemistry. Monae Mitchell, also known as Kall Me Tipsy, is one who truly understands the chemistry in mixology. Mitchell didn’t start out as a bartender. As a student, she majored in biology at Winthrop University and enjoyed STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) subjects. She worked in various labs, mixing compounds and delving into the art of chemistry. Since no one in her family trusted her to cook, Mitchell brought cocktails to family gatherings. “I treated it as my chemistry lab for mixing drinks,” Mitchell shared. She would later pick up a serving shift at the Blue Note Bistro, and the rest is history. “I earned my bartending license in college to work behind the bar,” she explained. Mitchell then realized she could merge her love of science with her natural role as the “beverage bringer” and transform it into something bigger, leading to the launch of her cocktail bartending services venture, Kall Me Tipsy. Mitchell operated in a male-dominated environment, but what if your entire staff were female-led? It would make a difference.
Better Pour
Walking into O-Ku on King Street, the first thing you might notice is that the entire bar staff is composed of women. “The camaraderie behind the bar, the skill set, it’s just different,” said Stephanie Funderburk, area director for the Indigo Road Hospitality Group. With her nine years of experience in the industry, Funderburk learned the ropes in supportive roles behind the bar, working up to her current role as AD. Funderburk has experience creating and crafting a bar program from scratch, having developed a few cocktails at O-Ku. “I have now fallen into a teaching role. I can guide and show my head bartender the ropes,” Funderburk explained. She always had a vision to excel, but her foundation came from Megan Deschaine. Funderburk expressed gratitude towards Deschaine for showing her the ropes in the bartending world.
Deschaine is the mother of a 2-year-old and has grown up serving as a parental figure to her cousins and younger sister. Whether she wants to acknowledge it or not, Deschaine has paved the way for many women mixologists and bartenders in Charleston. That maternal instinct has her always looking out for others. “The term mixology used to carry a significant air of pretension — unnecessary arrogance and ostentation. I would set myself apart with new clients, catering or cocktail classes. I have the skills to create quality beverages. I understand the nuances, flavors and methods to manipulate those flavors,” Deschaine explained. She has launched her bar service company Better Pour, which offers cocktail classes and teaches people how to create unique cocktails. Her Better Pour partner in crime is Caroline Woodruff.
Dose the Party Stream
Woodruff has a vintage Airstream trailer that she has restored for hosting events, called Dose the Party Stream. It’s the only mobile cocktail lounge, allowing people to hang out both inside and outside of it. “You must have a sense of humor when creating an atmosphere and specialty cocktails for your guests. I love what I do and enjoy using my skills to teach my guests,” Woodruff shared.
The women highlighted here have changed how mixology is perceived in the Charleston bartending industry. Many more women are producing bar programs and crafting new cocktails for everyone to enjoy.
By Maurice J. Frazier