With her business, Mixing It Up with V, the bartender is a staple at local events.
Originally from Mississippi, Victoria Thomas relocated to Jackson Hole after finishing school at Ole Miss. She had seen the destination in an issue of Backpacker Magazine and was immediately intrigued; she recalls fitting everything she could in her mustang before driving west. In the years since, she cut her teeth in the Jackson bartending scene—acquiring tricks and techniques that would propel her to today, when she owns Mixing It Up with V, a beverage catering service. Today, Thomas enjoys that her role grants her the flexibility to play with a variety of liquors and spirits, all while adding a special touch to private events.
How would you describe your business and what it offers?
We cater to events of any size. We don’t use mixers—instead we muddle all the fresh fruit and juice all of the fruit. So, no mixers and no added sugar. We let sugar come from the booze, which already has plenty. We’re also more than happy to craft a specialty cocktail based on what spirits the hosts prefer.
What is your favorite drink to make?
My blood orange margarita, because it’s such a crowd pleaser. My personal favorite to drink, on the other hand, would be my vodka gimlet, which is made with freshly muddled lime and vodka or gin to your taste. Strain it up into a martini glass and it’s just the perfect cocktail all year long.
Locally, where are some of your favorite places to get a cocktail?
I love Bin22—it’s been one of my favorites for many years. And Glorietta Trattoria and the Million Dollar Cowboy Steakhouse make great cocktails as well.
What essential tools would you recommend for an at-home bar setup?
I would say mixing glasses are very important—I prefer 16-ounce glass mixing glasses that are heat treated, so when you’re muddling into them you don’t have to worry about breaking the glass. And then, I love my muddler, but I prefer not to use a wooden one. You can always grab a nice one off of Amazon. And a strainer. Those are some of the biggest tools in my bar bag.
What advice would you give to the at-home bartender?
One thing to always have on-hand is fresh lime juice—that really makes a difference, instead of adding a mixer or whatnot. It also gives you the flexibility to make many different drinks. And then if you’re looking to make a Manhattan at home, I definitely recommend Luxardo cherries. They’re a bit spendy, but they are top notch.
In what situation should people reach out to you?
I do parties from as small as six people up to 200. If you’re looking for something to change up your dynamic, and have some great specialty cocktails, give us a call.
To Inquire about Thomas’s services for your next event, sending her an email at mixingitupwithv@gmail.com or call 307-690-2483.
Mixing It Up With V’s Presidential Strawberry Mojito
Ingredients
- 3 lime wedges (half a lime)
- 2 strawberries, sliced
- 5 mint leaves
- 1.5 ounce rum
- 1 ounce fresh lime juice
- Agave nectar (optional)
- Splash of Prosecco
- Strawberries and mint, for garnish
Instructions
- In a mixing glass, add the lime wedges, mint leaves and strawberries.
- Add ice and muddle.
- Fill the mixing glass to the top with ice.
- Add rum and lime juice, as well as the optional agave nectar. Shake and strain into a martini glass.
- Float the top with Prosecco.
- Garnish with strawberries and mint leaves.
