Almost anyone can make a drink, but it takes an extra splash of something special, a dash of finesse and a twist of originality to make one well.
Katie Barto, bartender at All Saints Public House, has adhered to this philosophy throughout her 14 years as a bartender (two-and-a-half of them behind the bar at All Saints).
Barto’s secret ingredient: a whole lot of heart in every pour.
“There’s a lot of technique that goes into it, and putting a little extra love into everything really makes a difference in a drink,” Barto says. “I like to keep things fresh and interesting.”
Just as she puts her whole self into every drink, Barto also makes it her personal goal to make her customers’ day and zero in on the perfect drink for them.
“It’s about asking questions and trying to figure out what would best suit each customer,” Barto says. “At the end of the day, you want what’s right for the person across from you.”
Drink It:
One in a Melon: A blend of house-salted watermelon cordial, mint, tequila and Cocchi Americano, this balanced drink is just the right level of bright, sweet and refreshing—perfect for summertime.
Pickle Martini: Barto’s take on a hot and dirty, the pickle martini is made up of house-made pickles and pickle brine and finished off with a green chili vodka. It’s sweet and tangy with the green chili vodka kicking in at the end to add a little spice.
1261 W. 76th St., Cleveland, 216-675-0028, allsaintspublichouse.com
Katie Barto's Mission is to Make You the Perfect Drink: Best of the West
Sometimes a little extra love is all it takes to elevate a drink from good to great, according to All Saints Public House Bartender Katie Barto, who earned the top spot in the bartender category. Here are two to try. By Sarah Webb
