Kevin Takes a Hike
Kevin the Little Bartending Dog was having a banner year. His newly renamed company, Amaro Bartending, had taken off in both Portland and Palm Springs, and Kevin had developed a reputation not just for his impeccable cocktails, but for his joyful energy, thoughtful ingredient sourcing, and tiny bow ties that matched the vibe of every event he attended.
So when an inquiry popped into his inbox from a group called Everesting 29029—a corporate hiking club for high achievers who liked to summit the equivalent elevation of Mt. Everest over a weekend—Kevin’s ears perked up. The event? A lavish post-hike pool party celebration. The venue? A jaw-dropping desert villa owned by none other than Bobby Berk from Queer Eye. Kevin let out a tiny bark of joy and immediately tapped out a “We’re in!” reply with his little paw.
When the day arrived, Kevin rode in style to the Palm Springs address, his mobile bar gleaming in the sunlight. The villa was a modernist marvel perched on a hillside with a panoramic view of the Coachella Valley—palm trees swaying, a sparkling infinity pool, and guests already lounging in cabanas in their recovery robes and designer sunglasses. The host himself welcomed Kevin with a big grin and a scratch behind the ears. “You must be the famous Kevin!” he said. “You’ve got the best taste in bitters this side of the Mississippi.”
Kevin got to work immediately, setting up his citrus-forward cocktail station near the pool bar. He’d created a custom menu for the occasion, with names inspired by mountain climbs and high-altitude vibes:
Summit Spritz – Aperitivo, sparkling yuzu soda, grapefruit oleo saccharum, and a sprig of mint.
Base Camp Negroni – Mezcal, cacao-infused sweet vermouth, and a touch of mole bitters.
Oxygen Optional – A zero-proof stunner with lemon verbena syrup, green tea, and cucumber tonic.
Sherpa Sour – Bourbon, tamarind syrup, lime, and a float of spiced hibiscus tea.
He even offered a protein-packed michelada bar for the hungriest hikers, complete with house-made tomato mix, tahin-rimmed glasses, and a lineup of local craft lagers.
As the guests filled their glasses and waded into the pool, the mood became buoyant and euphoric. Stories of blisters and personal records were exchanged between sips, while the host floated on a pool lounger in mirrored shades, occasionally raising a glass to toast the joyful chaos.
Later in the afternoon, someone connected a speaker system to blast disco and yacht rock, and a spontaneous poolside dance party erupted. Kevin, not to be left out, balanced expertly on a deck chair and wagged his tail to the beat of Fleetwood Mac’s “Everywhere.” A guest handed him a tiny pair of sunglasses, which he proudly wore for the rest of the evening.
As the sun dipped behind the mountains and the sky blushed purple and gold, Kevin served his final round of drinks—an off-menu surprise: the Afterglow, a lavender-lime cooler with a splash of amaro and a single ice sphere with edible flowers frozen inside. It was a quiet, lovely farewell to the day.
When the event wrapped up, The host gave Kevin a thank-you hug (and a homemade dog treat shaped like a martini glass). “You’ve got a gift,” he said. “Come back anytime.”
Kevin packed up the bar, wagged his tail once more, and trotted into the warm desert night, knowing he’d shaken and stirred his way into yet another unforgettable celebration.