Hey Bartender

sion Lounge since May of this year.

“I love it,” stated Sorenson about bartending at Mission Lounge. “It is a completely different experience. I would rather be well rounded in bars and figure out the different scenes. Their craft cocktails are pretty amazing. They are really outstanding.”

The Jalapeño Pineapple Margarita is a top seller that is made with a silver Tequila, Jalapeño Margarita Mix, lime, and pineapple juice, garnished with fresh pineapple, sliced jalapenos and the glass rimmed with Tajin. Although it has a bit of a spicy kick the combination is delightful and, according to Sorenson, it flies off the shelves all weekend long.

They have 18 beers on tap like Nitro Merlin, Modelo, 805, Lagunitas IPA, and a few local options from Dust Bowl like Taco Truck and Hops of Wrath.

In the fall guests may prefer something a bit warmer like a tasting of the three different whiskey flights, the Japanese, Special Reserve, and Premium that are also year round customer favorites.

Another top seller at the Lounge is the Triple Berry Bliss that is made with fresh berries, a strawberry puree, lemonade, sweet and sour that is muddled together creating a juice, vodka, and a press that is served in a small fish bowl. The juice is premade daily.

A new cocktail creation that has a really pretty presentation has vodka with whole berries not muddled and topped with edible flowers. It is tasty; a true berry bouquet in a glass.

Sorenson shared that it is true that a bartender is also a therapist and she has enjoyed mastering the skills of making drinks and having an in-depth conversation with her customers. Highlights for her have been meeting new people and the experience she is getting at the Mission Lounge.

“I have never seen so many people traveling,” said Sorenson. “They really take care of their staff here and they give you adequate training. They want you to evolve and succeed. They are really into keeping their staff happy.”

There have been people from all over that have pulled up a seat at the Mission Lounge like from Washington, Oregon, Canada and as far away as Ireland. “I meet a lot of veterans,” she said. “We are close to the cemetery. They tell me their stories. I really like listening. We get a lot of interesting people in here.”

With the Kitchen at the Mission right next door, guests can enjoy amazing food and a comfortable relaxed environment with a variety of beverages at the Mission Lounge.

“I get a lot of people say this is not what they were expecting and that they will be back here because they love the atmosphere,” expressed Sorenson. “It is a hidden gem.” ●