A conversation with The Royale's Heather McGhee

We recently caught up with Heather McGhee of The Royale (3132 S. Kingshighway), whom we first met at a local cocktail competition with Switchgrass Spirits, where she wowed us with her talent, drive, determination, and creativity. She shared about her career behind the bar and beyond.

What initially drew you to the world of cocktails, and what was your first big break in the industry? There’s something so rewarding about the visual of a well-made drink: fill lines, foam, garnish, the bubbles… Bartending is an art form. I love the mix of both science and unbridled creativity, along with just being able to share a part of your story in every drink. I’m super proud of putting on the cocktail studies at The Royale last winter and spring, it was a big step in getting out of my comfort zone and the first time that bartending was so much more than a clock-in-and-out job. That was when I started getting obsessively nerdy. Plus, learning the history and evolution of the industry has given me a strong knowledge base to draw from. As they say, “Ye gotta know the rules to break ‘em.”

As a female mixologist in a historically male-dominated industry, what challenges have you faced, and how have you overcome them? I think the hardest part for me has always been feeling a little dismissed or having my experience and knowledge discounted when it was going against the opinion of a man. I used to take this a little more personally and withdraw, but in the last several years, I strive to advocate for myself at every opportunity. To be frank, it’s made me more obnoxious, a little louder, more resolute.

What has been the most rewarding moment of your career so far? By far, it was successfully hosting the “Show Me Your Garden” cocktail contest. When I started planning it, I had only been an audience member at a contest before, so I threw myself into competing to figure out how to organize it. I got to work with great local distillers, phenomenal bartenders, and the amazing Missouri Botanical Garden—it was just a massive learning opportunity.

You’ve collaborated with bars and brands across the region. How do these partnerships shape your growth and creativity? Working in tandem with someone else’s ideas to achieve a shared vision is just the best. I love these kinds of prompts, because they force me to step out of my typical box and try things I might not have thought of before.

What’s one of the biggest obstacles you’ve encountered in your career, and how did you push through it? Stagnation. I really wanted to grow with this [previous employer], but it wasn’t happening, and I wasn’t happy and kinda just floated through for a while until I moved on to a new place. It wasn’t easy, but sometimes the best thing really is just a fresh start, and I found my creativity and drive again.

Have you had a mentor or strong support system that has helped you navigate the industry? If so, how has that influenced your journey? What I really appreciate about the STL bartending industry is the community. I feel like I’ve reached out to so many different people over the years for advice or some hard talks. Everyone is so open and supportive and just wants everyone to succeed. We’re all competitive, but we’re encouraging. It’s downright heartwarming.

What advice would you give to other aspiring female mixologists looking to make a name for themselves? Form your network, figure out what you want to learn, and reach out to people who can help. Push your boundaries, take any opportunity to advance your education, and then keep doing it.

You’ve won a number of local cocktail competitions and competed nationally. Cocktail competitions require a mix of skill, creativity, and confidence. How have these experiences shaped you as a bartender? Competing is, uh, something—I loathe public speaking. What I’ve learned about myself is how much I love what I do and how sharing that is so much more powerful than the nerves. The other great thing about competitions is the competitors; you think you’re pushing boundaries, and then you see what the other folks are doing. It keeps the game strong. It’s the best learning opportunity ever.

Is there a particular win that meant the most to you? I think the Carciofo Amaro Loves Gin Competition at The Gin Room is the one I’m most proud of—and was in shock by. The competition was so strong—everyone’s drinks were amazing. My favorite part was the MacGyver round, throwing something together with provided ingredients and just working through that build with a bunch of people watching your process on the fly. It was a mental game at first, but then I just found my groove. It was strange to feel so comfortable at an unfamiliar bar.

What’s next for you? Are there any upcoming projects, competitions or career goals you’re excited about? I’ll be competing at the Merryvale Antigua contest at Platypus in a couple weeks, and we’re getting ready to start dropping details regarding our Show Me Your Garden 2025 Contest, which I’m super excited about. One of my biggest goals for this year is studying and practicing to hopefully compete in Nikka Perfect Serve. I love the omakase concept and think it will help me continue refining and polishing my skills.

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RECIPE: What’s Up Doc?

Asked about her favorite cocktail, McGhee gushed about the What’s Up Doc? and shared the story of the libation’s trials and tribulations. What started as a fun idea turned into a month-long process of experiments, recipe changes—and, finally, walking away. (“I had to not think about it for a minute,” she says.) Eventually, McGhee “came back to it, changed some ratios and ingredients, and bingo! Below is the hard-earned recipe for the resulting sweet and spicy cocktail. Enjoy!

INGREDIENTS: