In this episode, we sit down with Kat Parsons, a bartender whose journey started behind the counter at Starbucks, where she fell in love with crafting drinks. With a mix of ambition and a "fake it till you make it" mentality, she navigated the bar world with a hunger to learn, working her way into some of the best bars in the industry. The first time she set foot in Oakland, she knew this was where she wanted to be—drawn in by the energy, the culture, and the people. We talk about her approach to bartending, her journey through Speed Rack, and how it made her a better bartender, competitor, and part of a national community of badass women in the industry. She shares the story behind her Babyface Assassin cocktail, an ode to Steph Curry, and how she kept regulars engaged and cared for during the pandemic. Plus, we dive into the importance of having a dream team behind the bar, checking in on each other, and why there should never—ever—be anything on the backbar, especially your drink.
From Starbucks to Speed Rack—How Kat Parsons Became a Force Behind the Bar
On this episode of The Walk-In Club Podcast, we sit down with Kat Parsons, whose path from making frappuccinos as a teen to becoming a respected bartender in Oakland is a testament to passion, persistence, and putting in the reps.
We explore:
🍸 How she faked it till she made it—and learned everything she could along the way
🏆 Why Speed Rack was a game-changer for her career, from skills to friendships
🍹 The story behind her Babyface Assassin cocktail, inspired by Steph Curry
💡 How she kept regulars engaged during the pandemic when bars shut down
🤝 The importance of a dream team behind the bar and checking in on each other
Kat’s story is about hustle, learning, and community—whether you’re a bartender, an industry vet, or someone who just loves a good drink, you’ll want to hear this one.
🔗 Follow @killerkittenkaratechoppin for more cocktail inspiration and industry insights.
Checkout everything Speed-Rack HERE!