If you’ve ever stepped inside Century Grand and felt as though you had crossed not just a doorway but a threshold in time, you have already encountered the work of Alexander Montoya.
As Bar Chef for Barter & Shake, the creative force behind Sunny’s Cocktail Lounge, Undertow, Century Grand, Platform 18, and Grey Hen Rx, Alexander does not simply design cocktail menus. He builds worlds. Each venue becomes its own living story, complete with setting, emotional tone, and an experience that transports guests far beyond Scottsdale.
“At the heart of what we do is hospitality,” Alexander says. “Century Grand is immersive and celebratory. Every room is built to honor a specific time period and culture, all rooted in exceptional hospitality.”
That philosophy extends directly into the cocktail program. The drinks are not just beverages. They are narrative tools. Every ingredient, technique, and historical reference is selected to tell the story of a place and a moment in time. For those who appreciate savvy sipping, Century Grand is the kind of destination where cocktails become conversation and the experience becomes the centerpiece of the night. It is exactly what makes it an ideal Valentine’s date night or Galentine’s gathering. Whether you arrive dressed to the nines with someone you love or step in with a group of friends ready to toast the evening, the energy feels celebratory, elevated, and quietly electric.
Alexander’s creative process begins with what he calls “Optimistic Creativity.”
“Inspiration can start anywhere,” he explains. “A new spirit, a candy I haven’t had in years, a song I just discovered. Anything can become the beginning of a new cocktail.”
That openness fuels everything he creates. He draws inspiration from nearly everything around him, allowing memory, culture, flavor, and emotion to guide each new concept.
“I love finding inspiration everywhere,” he says. “Staying open allows me to keep creating and finding beauty in everything.”
Inside Century Grand, each room becomes its own creative universe. Platform 18 centers on storytelling, rebellion, and extravagance, with menus designed to allow the team to act as both guides and narrators. Undertow is rooted in reverence for history, tiki culture, whimsy, and layered detail, complete with easter eggs for guests who love to dive deep into the lore. Grey Hen focuses on flavor, comfort, and ease, creating a space where guests can arrive without reservation and always find something familiar and welcoming.
“Storytelling is deeply rooted in everything we do,” Alexander says. “Hours of research go into making sure the story is told in a respectful and meaningful way. We are not just telling my story. We are telling stories of heroes and rebels people may have never heard of. We explore deep cultural connections, like those between Germany and Mexico, or the celebration of Asian influence on South American cuisine. Stories surround us. Having a medium to tell them through cocktails is a privilege.”
Behind every menu is a tremendous amount of experimentation. Since inspiration can come from anywhere, the creative process is constant testing, learning, and refining.
“Experimentation is one of my favorite phases,” Alexander says. “It’s where I learn the most, and where I get to teach the most. My optimism allows me to not get discouraged when things don’t work out.”
What excites him most in the industry today is watching people weave themselves into their work.
“I’m beginning to see so many people weave themselves into what they write,” he says. “Stories from their past, ingredients from their ancestors, jokes from their friends. I think it creates such a personal and beautiful path forward for celebrating diversity and inclusion in our industry.”
If there is one cocktail that best represents the spirit of Alexander’s approach, it is the Royal Danish Navy.
“The Royal Danish Navy represents everything we love about storytelling,” he says.
Inspired by the deep cultural history shared between Germany and Mexico, the cocktail features dill seed–infused Charanda, Jägermeister, passion fruit, pineapple, orange, epazote, and an upside-down Underberg. Underberg itself is an icon of German beer culture, and lager brewing was brought to Mexico by German immigrants in the 1880s, eventually leading to the creation of brands like Corona, Modelo, and Dos Equis. Even a single cocktail becomes a lesson in history, culture, and connection.
For Alexander, cocktails are simply the medium.
“Cocktails are the medium,” he says. “The real craft is the experience and how a guest feels when they are completely transported.”
Whether it is a romantic night out, a celebratory girls’ night, or one unforgettable evening of savoring something special together, Alexander continues to remind Scottsdale that the best nights are the ones where every detail tells a story.
Barter & Shake Sips to Try
Film Star
A glamorous tribute to Josephine Baker, reimagining the classic Vesper with only French spirits. Served with a martini and a playful bowl of caramel corn.
Westside Cowboy
A bold, Southwestern-rooted cocktail inspired by the legendary “West Avenue Cowboys,” featuring Garrison Brothers bourbon, custom cowboy tea, grapefruit, Arizona wildflower honey, and spiced pecans.
Three Star Harbor
A jewel-toned tiki showstopper built on Planetary 3 Star rum from Barbados, Trinidad, and Jamaica, layered with cream sherry, yuzu, falernum, ube, and Undertow’s famous orgeat.
Royal Danish Navy
A global story in a glass, blending dill seed–infused Charanda, Jägermeister, passion fruit, pineapple, orange, epazote, and an upside-down Underberg, finished with fresh mint.
Café Con Cubano
A grown-up take on coffee and cigars with Café Bustelo–infused vodka, tobacco bitters, cold brew, orange agricole shrub, and Borghetti coffee liqueur.
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