Beyond the Bar: How Shantelle Pace is Crafting Up Cocktails Through Online Mixology

Shantelle Pace isn’t just shaking up cocktails; she’s shaking up the entire mixology game by creating engaging content for her ever-growing audience. But just like her drinks, her story is far from traditional.

In 2021, Pace made the bold move to transition from working in corporate America to bartending, a decision that was equal parts gutsy and liberating. “After a year working from home because of COVID, they [were] trying to get us back into the office,” she recalls. “I [was] just like, ‘Fuck that. I’m not going to live my life in a fluorescent box.’” With the support of her then-boyfriend, now-fiancé Colby, she swapped conference calls for cocktail strainers and never looked back.

Pace’s journey from behind a desk to behind the camera started with private bartending. She then started bartending at Ginger Street, a now-closed restaurant, before transitioning into content creation in 2023.

“I have no problem using a hundred-dollar bottle of whiskey and putting it in a cocktail because that’s how I drink.”

Now, with a following of over 80,000 on Instagram and 139,000 on TikTok, Pace has solidified herself as an online mixologist with a sharp wit and original background. “I have a more unique perspective on alcohol, simply because of how restrictive it is [in Utah],” she explains. “To people in California or New York, Utah is a weird place … It’s a whole different world. And I’m that person for other people, where they’re exposed to a world that shocks them.”

Her approach to content has evolved to include both education and entertainment. “What I’ve found is that people want to know the history and the basics of cocktails,” she says. “Viewers don’t really care about cocktails that you created because they can’t take that to a bar in Wisconsin.”

Of course, being in the social media spotlight comes with its challenges. Pace is learning how to handle the pressure. “It ebbs and flows,” she says. “I think that when it’s ebbing, I’ve been learning to take a step back and stop scrolling because social media can make me think I’m a shit person. When I get like that, I get offline. I’ll read some more books and get inspired in a way where I’m not comparing myself to someone else.”

At the end of the day, Pace loves what she does. “I love being seen. If you don’t love being seen, you wouldn’t pursue something like this, and I’m okay with being seen,” she declares. “That doesn’t mean that I don’t get nervous or that I don’t feel weird or embarrassed sometimes. But I enjoy content creation. I have a fun time doing it.”

“That’s why I named my brand ‘She the Bartender.’ I want to make a space where women are represented even more.”

She’s also here to challenge outdated ideas. “We don’t have to stick to dumb stereotypes,” Pace says. “I have no problem using a hundred-dollar bottle of whiskey and putting it in a cocktail because that’s how I drink. Just because this product is great by itself, I will sip it, I will appreciate it — but then I’m going to be figuring out what I should pair it with.”

Through it all, her brand stands as a testament to representation in the industry. “When I was learning how to make cocktails on the internet, it was all men. After a while, I wondered, ‘Why am I not seeing any women pop up?’ That’s why I named my brand ‘She the Bartender.’ I want to make a space where women are represented even more.”

Pace proves that when she sets her sights on something, she makes it happen — from bartending for the cast of The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City to crafting the perfect espresso martini (with Five Wives Vodka, no less). And lucky for us, what she’s currently making happen involves some damn good drinks. 

Those curious about the cocktail craft can find Shantelle Pace as @she_thebartender on both TikTok and Instagram.

Rosé Americano

• 1 oz Campari
• 1 oz Waterpocket Distillery Toadstool Notom Amaro No. 1
• 5 oz sparkling Rosé
• 3 Dashes orange bitters
• 1 bunch of breakfast radishes
• 3 drops saline (optional)
• Orange to garnish

In a tall collins or double rocks glass, combine the Campari, Waterpocket Notom Amaro, orange bitters and saline drops. Fill the glass with cubed ice. Slowly pour the sparkling rosé over the top and gently stir to blend the ingredients. Garnish with a fresh orange slice.

Read more about beer and spirits here:
Mike Brown: The Local Leader of Local Drunks: Sunyin Marci
Lessons in Mixology and Alcohol History: Alexi Fisher’s Cocktail Collective