Stories
Yelena Anter
My Story
Cocktail Vision
- Nationality: Russian
- Occupation: Mixologist/Founder of Cocktail Vision
- Workplace: Cocktail Vision
- Favorite Cocktail: Strong One!
- Favorite Spirit: Bourbon Whisky
What inspired you to become a bartender?
Just look pretty, sell as many frozen drinks as possible, and sell an extra shot or two of booze,” my boss instructed me. This is where my mixology journey began, like all great things, in sleazy obscurity. At the age of twenty-one, I was hired as a bartender for a daiquiri bar on The Las Vegas Strip. Originally from a small village in Russia, I had no clue what comprised a Rum and Coke or Gin and Tonic, except perhaps the Coke. It fascinated me how different a blue, red, or yellow slushy tasted, depending on what spirit was added to it. I was instantly hooked on the entire scene.
Tell me about your bartending journey and how you got to where you are now:
My twenties flew by with increasing sophistication and decreasing crushed ice, at the same time “high-end” cocktails became mainstream. I found myself and the industry evolving away from those simple, sweet ole’ days selling yard-long slushees taking nothing away from that quintessential Vegas experience. I also found myself closer to my Russian roots of resourcefulness and stylistic restraint. With extremely limited options for ingredients, I was accustomed to improvisation and creativity ever since I was a child. Artisanal mixology is, after all, best achieved by combining well-chosen ingredients sparingly in a shaker instead of dumped into a blender.
What stamp would you like to leave on the industry?
I find my purpose in leading people through a well-provisioned cocktail journey, as does a seasoned expedition guide through the jungle. The spirit safari, if you will, begins upon opening the menu — better yet, the spirit story book. What enchanted libation will you be experiencing tonight? “Peachcraft” or “Voodoo Brew”? Each masterpiece is custom-built, uniquely garnished, and lovingly poured to evoke the senses and help carry you away on an unforgettable cocktail adventure. I achieve my inner zen in the joy shown on the faces of others while sipping my creations and enjoying the journey I’ve thoughtfully curated for them.
Can you explain your personal process for creating a cocktail?
Whether recreating a beloved classic or fashioning a novel libation, I approach the craft of mixology as a chef would create an entree. Intimate knowledge of ingredients and their synergy is key. Traveling the world, I’ve been blessed to have experienced a wealth of cultures, their unique cuisines, and their rainbow of distillates. Classically trained in art, I understand the essence of good orchestration — a perspective I use to build and integrate the flavor components of a cocktail.
What is the most important part of what you do and what does it mean to you?
My special power, where I am a superhero, is my mental library of flavors I’ve cataloged over the years. My second superpower is my ability to imagine the interaction of those thousands of flavor combinations in my head. This knowledge and imagination allow me to create unique, complex, and balanced cocktails.
What do you think will be the future of the F&B industry?
Gone are the days of footlong slushys and sugary shots. The modern consumer has a sophisticated palette and prefers a creative, balanced, and visually enticing cocktail. We are visual! Our experience starts as we fall in love at first sight! I believe the mixology word is progressing into the realm of thoughtfully created craft cocktails and high-end serving vessels, as well as eye-catching unique but purposeful garnishes; Creative rim designs, and unexpected combinations of ingredients that elevate and/or change the flavor profile of the drink.
Table-side presentations, as well as interactive cocktail experience, is essential nowadays to capture consumers’ attention and loyalty.
Anything that would you like to add?
I am very proud and grateful to be a part of our wonderful liquid community.
Thank you for this opportunity to share my story and hopefully inspire others.
Get creative, shake it up—life’s too short to have boring cocktails!
Most bizarre client request:
Can you warm up my bear and show me your feet?
