interview by Jorge Perezchica
photography by Brelinda
Cameron Alsup, owner and operator of That’s The Spirit, is on a mission to redefine what it means to throw a party in the Coachella Valley. “We do basically any excuse for an event. We do large scale events, anything from Coachella, Stagecoach, Splash House, large brand activations down to luxury weddings, birthday parties, quinceañeras. I mean, you name it. We’re big on bachelorette, pool parties. Like I said, any excuse to have a party, you know, we’re here to help, you know, make that party an experience.”
But Alsup’s journey to mobile cocktail success wasn’t just about throwing drinks into the mix—it was deeply personal. “In 2021, I got sober, so I stopped partying myself. I was still, you know, heavily involved in the craft cocktail community. I was still building menus. I was still consulting for the Ace Hotel, and I knew that I wanted to break free from that corporate chain from that same world of working for somebody else.” Sobriety became the catalyst for creativity, allowing Alsup to carve a unique path: “We’re here to create the party and not to partake in the party.”
The name That’s The Spirit came to him in a flash. “I was creating a cocktail menu and a cocktail list, and ‘That’s The Spirit’ just kept on popping up. And I was like, you know what? That’s the spirit is perfect for a mobile cocktail catering company. It explains a lot about us. It’s, you know, that high energy, quality vibe, and I think that encompasses who we are as a company.”
Breaking the mold in a male-dominated, often rigid mobile bartending industry was also a priority. “I didn’t see the authenticity that I knew that we could bring to the table. We were there to break the mold on all of that. I knew I could come in to those environments and be able to bring and showcase what we do at a high level and still have fun and create a vibe for the guest and the clients.”
Cameron and his wife Erica co-founded the business, a partnership built over years of shared experience behind bars. “We had already been at the Ace Hotel, grinding, working day in and day out, right by each other’s sides. We always envisioned doing our own thing and being able to branch out and have something to call our own. This company has blown up and has exceeded our expectations far beyond, like, our wildest dreams.”
That foundation in hospitality—from dishwashing to bartending to consulting—shapes every cocktail they serve. “When you are built that way, it creates something in you that you want to just elevate the game. You always wanna do better… It really does shape you to be able to excel at the highest level because you just know the game.”
Alsup believes the perfect cocktail experience transcends the drink itself: “It’s not always just about the drink. Of course, quality beverages matter—but the real magic comes from the overall experience. It’s about connecting with the guest, understanding what they enjoy, and creating something that feels truly personal.” His signature cocktails, like the Desert Facial or Off the Coast of Mexico, blend craft with accessibility, ensuring every guest feels included.
Now entering its third year, That’s The Spirit continues to evolve. Alsup recently announced a new residency at Miralon in Palm Springs—an opportunity to connect directly with the community that has embraced his vision. “Having our own space, like a brick and mortar where people can come and see us day in and day out and be able to experience what we do… this is gonna be a fun experience for not just myself but for our team.”
Looking ahead, Alsup is excited for what’s next. “I’d be toasting to the future, of That’s The Spirit. Honestly, we’re three years into this adventure. And it’s just starting, we’re just continuing to grow and really kind of come into our own shoes.” With an upcoming bar residency and a vision rooted in authenticity, Alsup’s craft cocktail venture is more than a business—it’s a lifestyle. Asked to describe the brand in three words, “True to ourselves. Cameron says with a smile. “That’s The Spirit.”
Follow: @thatsthespirit.ps
Website: www.thatsthespiritps.com