Altos Bartenders’ Bartender 2024 Winner: Kate Boushel’s Journey to Bartending Stardom
Boushel’s journey to becoming Altos Bartender’s Bartender 2024 winner is rooted in her ambition to make the world a better place through politics. Growing up in southern Saskatchewan, she was instilled with an appreciation for good food and drink by her parents. This early exposure laid the foundation for her future career in hospitality.
While growing up, Kate Boushel’s aspirations were firmly rooted in politics and public relations. She envisioned herself as a voice for change in those fields. However, fate had different plans as she found herself drawn into the vibrant world of hospitality, eventually emerging as one of North America’s most influential bartenders.
Boushel’s journey into bartending was serendipitous, marked by a detour from her initial academic path into the realm of hospitality.
Despite her early ambitions, her innate passion for connecting with people and her love for fine beverages led Boushel to embrace bartending as her true calling.
Her professional trajectory took flight as she honed her craft in bars and restaurants across Montreal, simultaneously immersing herself in the competitive world of mixology.
During her tenure at the Atwater Cocktail Club, Boushel’s talents truly shone, catapulting her into the role of Beverage and Education Director for Groupe Barroco.
What sets Boushel apart is not just her prowess behind the bar but her unwavering commitment to fostering inclusivity and equality within the hospitality industry.
Drawing upon her background in politics and PR, she has championed initiatives to create a more equitable and supportive work environment for bar staff while advocating for underrepresented communities across North America.
Beyond the confines of her own bars, Boushel’s influence extends far and wide, earning her recognition as a beacon of modern mixology and a driving force in Canada’s burgeoning bar scene.
Her dedication to elevating standards and amplifying diverse voices has earned her the prestigious Altos Bartenders’ Bartender Award for 2024.
As the matriarch of Montreal’s vibrant bar culture, Kate Boushel’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of passion and perseverance. Through her tireless efforts, she continues redefining the role of bartenders, not just as purveyors of drinks but as catalysts for positive change in their communities.