In the dynamic world of gastronomy, few stories are as colorful and spirited as that of Kate Schröder. At just 26, Kate has already crafted a journey that’s taken her from the heat of the kitchen to the artistry of the bar. Driven by passion and an unyielding sense of creativity, she’s not just navigating the industry—she’s redefining it.

A Snapshot of Kate’s Story

Katharina Schröder, better known as “Kate” among friends and colleagues, grew up in a quaint village near Darmstadt, Germany. Her love affair with food began early, leading her to dive headfirst into a culinary apprenticeship right after the 10th grade. Kate’s career took off with a bang, gaining hands-on experience at the prestigious 2-star restaurant Kastell, under the guidance of Thomas Kellermann. From there, her culinary adventure continued to the idyllic Tegernsee, where she fell head over heels for patisserie at the Althoff Seehotel Überfahrt.

Next on her whirlwind journey was Vienna, where Kate sharpened her pastry skills in the Patisserie Masterclass at the Judenplatz Hospitality School. To make ends meet, she worked as a waitress and barmaid through a temp agency – an experience that sparked her fascination with the bar scene. It was during this time that she crossed paths with Günter Reykofsky, whose “Bar and Art” event not only inspired her but also revealed the intriguing similarities between crafting cocktails and desserts. With her head buzzing with new ideas, Kate was ready for the next chapter.

After completing her studies, she returned to her roots in Hessen , taking on the role of Head Pastry Chef at Burg Schwarzenstein in the scenic Rheingau. However, life threw a curveball when health issues forced her to step away from the kitchen – a heartbreaking moment for someone so passionate about their craft. But instead of letting this setback define her, Kate pivoted, determined to stay in the industry she loved.

The Leap from Kitchen to Bar

Two years ago, Kate’s life turned upside down when illness forced her to give up her work in the kitchen and patisserie. For someone whose heart beat for gastronomy, it felt like the end of the world. But Kate, ever resilient, wasn’t about to let that stop her. She made a bold move into the world of mixology, quickly discovering that her passion for creativity found a new home behind the bar. Today, she’s thriving as the Head Bartender at Flora Bar in Graz, where she’s crafted a personal concept that’s as unique as she is—using only 100% Austrian products to mix her magic.

A New Direction: Hotel Management

Kate’s dream has always been to one day run her own establishment, a goal that’s been with her since her early days as a culinary apprentice. Her illness forced her to rethink this dream, but she wasn’t ready to let it go. Instead, she enrolled in a distance learning program at the German Hotel Academy in Cologne to study Hotel Management. Last fall, an unexpected opportunity came her way: a role as Assistant Manager at Hofgut Hohenkarpfen, where she could learn firsthand what it takes to run a successful business. It was a tough decision, but one that she knew would pay off in the long run.

Kate’s Philosophy: Life Behind the Bar and Beyond

Kate’s journey has been shaped by many people, each leaving a unique imprint on her personal and professional life. While it’s impossible to list them all, she treasures the lessons learned from every mentor, colleague, and friend who’s helped her along the way.

For Kate, the real magic of working behind the bar lies in the connections she makes with people. Unlike the kitchen, where interactions are limited, the bar allows her to build relationships with guests – turning regulars into friends, and sometimes, friends into family. The camaraderie with colleagues and the shared passion among like-minded professionals at competitions and events is what truly enriches her life. In the bar community, Kate has found a space where learning, laughter, and collaboration flourish, making every day a new adventure.

Favorite Spirits and Cocktails

Kate has a particular fondness for Tequila and Whiskey, whether sipped neat or mixed into a cocktail. Her love for whiskey was passed down from her father. She also holds a special place in her heart for apple wine, a beverage that always evokes a sense of home and warmth, no matter where she is.

The Competitive Spirit

Kate views competitions as a fantastic opportunity – not just to see how she measures up, but to meet incredible people and discover fresh ideas. Competitions offer a platform to make an impact, and she especially admires events like the Lady Amarena Cup by Fabbri, which champions gender equality in the hospitality industry. When it comes to winning, Kate’s strategy is simple: stay true to yourself. She believes in authenticity over theatrics, and her motto, “Simple is sexy,” guided her to victory at the Black Forest Bar Cup in 2021.

Hobbies That Make Time Fly

Music is Kate’s ultimate escape—whether she’s dancing around her apartment with headphones on or soaking up the sun by the window. She finds peace by the sea and relaxation in the tattoo chair, where the process of getting inked is almost meditative. Road trips, exploring new places, and spending quality time with friends also rank high on her list of passions. For Kate, these moments of joy and discovery are what make life truly rich.

Kate @work

A Special Bond with Padre Azul

Kate’s first encounter with Padre Azul was at the Rolling Pin European Bartenders Cup, where her drink Kontrast won the Padrecito Group. This victory sparked a lasting connection with Hans-Peter Eder, and since moving to Graz last year, Kate has officially joined the Padre family. The brand has become so meaningful to her that she’s even had it tattooed—literally making it a part of who she is.

Kate and Padre Azul Founder HP Eder (right)

Kate Schröder’s story is a testament to resilience, creativity, and the unbreakable spirit of someone who refuses to be defined by circumstances. Whether in the kitchen, behind the bar, or in the director’s chair, she brings her unique blend of passion and personality to everything she does—transforming the ordinary into something truly extraordinary.

Upcoming Event

Kate will be rocking the Austro Spirits Liquid Market in METAStadt Vienna from September 5 to 7. If you’re in the mood for innovative cocktail creations, you shouldn’t miss this opportunity, as you can not only sample her sparkling drinks, but also see Kate herself in action. With her unmistakable style and charm, she brings the magic of Padre Azul tequila directly into your glass – an experience that is guaranteed to be memorable!