Carter Brumley
Megan McClinton is a master of the craft. The craft cocktail that is. McClinton — owner of the popular bottle shop Tricks of the Trade Spirits & Supplies — has become a prominent figure of the Fort Worth bar scene over the last 10 years, finding her footing with various roles in lounges, tasting rooms, and bars across the city before setting out to open her own shop.
“I had the idea in my head for the store for a while, and the beginning of the pandemic really solidified the decision,” says McClinton.
Being a bartender wasn’t always the plan. McClinton holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in photography from the University of North Texas and a Master of Arts in photographic studies from the University of Westminster in London. After stumbling into the service industry to help pay for school, McClinton found she was attracted to the idea of creating an experience.
“I just enjoyed facilitating an evening for people,” she says. “Whether it’s a cocktail menu or curating my senior exhibition, it’s more about putting something together for someone to experience.”
While many may be familiar with McClinton’s delicious DIY cocktail recipes, her influence behind the bar has largely flown under the radar.
When she’s not working or acting, as she jokingly suggests, a “professional appreciator” of Fort Worth’s fine arts scene, McClinton invests her time in collaborative efforts across the industry and broader community.
“The bar community is very supportive of each other,” says McClinton. “It’s like a second family.”
Before beginning her current career, McClinton briefly worked in the nonprofit sector where she gained valuable knowledge about fundraising. She skillfully leverages her experience and expertise to support causes she cares about.
From 2017-2019, McClinton headed the Ultimate Cocktail Experience charity event in the Dallas-Fort Worth area to benefit Trigger’s Toys. More recently, McClinton was recruited to join the committee for Craft, a bartending competition that raises funds for the Chron’s & Colitis Foundation.
“It’s a fun event that raises money for a great cause while bringing together a lot of bartenders who can show off their skills,” says McClinton.
As an East Texas native, much of McClinton’s success comes from familiarity with her community.
“The business in general is based on relationships,” she says. “Knowing people in the community and having had time to build those relationships flow into how I’ve structured my business.”
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As part of her commitment to getting involved in her community, McClinton volunteered with Campari Day of Service in 2018.
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On her days off, McClinton enjoys spending time with her 4-year-old son, Oliver.
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To show off her skills, McClinton competes in the nationwide Epsolón Tequila’s Cocktail Fights.
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McClinton and her team are always scouting the best ingredients. Recently, Tricks of the Trade hosted a Westward Whiskey tasting.
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Before opening her own shop, McClinton was a familiar face at Blackland Distillery.
DIY Desert Flower Margarita
Ingredients:
1.5 ounces Banhez Joven Mezcal
½ ounce Combier Liqueur Fleur de Sureau (Elderflower)
½ ounce Liquid Alchemist Prickly Pear Syrup
½ ounce fresh lemon juice
1 pinch of salt
Directions:
Rim rocks glass with Halo del Santo.
Combine all ingredients in a shaker tin, add ice, and shake.
Strain over fresh ice in your prepared rocks glass.
Garnish with a lemon wheel.
