Know Yer’ ‘Tender
Saunter in for a drink at the Commons Bar downtown and you’ll likely be greeted by the energetic force that is Alexis Saltrese, a Florida transplant who brings the radiance of the Sunshine State to her perch behind the counter. We caught up with her for her take on being a barkeep in the ‘Boat.
How did you end up in Steamboat?
I grew up visiting my grandparents in Frisco and riding Copper Mountain every winter. Being from Florida, I remember being mesmerized by the mountains at a young age and always knew I would make the move to some sort of ski town. Luckily, an ex-boyfriend brought me to the ‘Boat.
What’s your bartending background?
I started working in restaurants at 15 and naturally worked my way up to behind the bar by college. I’ve experienced everything from your local dive bar to your crafty cocktail bar. My favorite year of bartending was when I started at The Barley here while also working at Four Points on the mountain. Pretty funny when you serve the same people all day at two different jobs.
What’s your favorite part of the job?
The family! I’ve met some of my best friends through bartending, whether as customers or coworkers. There’s something special about the bonds we make as bartenders. We really are a lot of people’s therapist.
What’s the secret to being a good bartender?
Knowing how to multitask and leave your personal issues at the door. A lot of people can make a great drink but not everyone can do that while simultaneously cleaning and taking five more orders. As far as leaving your issues at the door, nobody wants a grumpy bartender.
What are the most important skills to have?
Communication, creativity, friendliness and teamwork. We also love a bartender who can read the room and choose a good playlist.
As the mixologist, what was your favorite part of making the drink menu?
Menu building is always fun because it’s an experiment. My favorite part was crafting my own ideas and getting feedback from customers. It always feels good when people compliment one of your recipes.
Drink of choice?
Anything mezcal or spicy! However, I’m mostly known for drinking a Campari Spritz.
Favorite drink to make?
Anything with egg whites or something that’s layered. A New York Sour is a prime example.
Any hobbies outside of work?
Like most of us, I have plenty of expensive hobbies in this town. Snowboarding, paddle boarding and dirt biking have really changed my life.
What do you love most about Steamboat?
Being from South Florida I wasn’t sure how I would adapt to such a small community. Surprisingly enough, I truly love living in a small town and having such a great group of friends who have similar interests. I also love the access we have to the mountains.
Anything else we should know about you?
My dream is actually to own a bar in Steamboat someday. I have a lot of inspiration from traveling over the years and want to bring a different sort of bar experience here.
—Jordan Bastian
