Vlineperol is the Instagram handle of Aline Tongkhuya, a 26-year-old bartender from Fresno, California, who serves as Bar Director at Modernist. She gained recognition for her signature cocktails, award-winning mixology skills, and commitment to bringing Hmong cultural flavors into modern bartending while mentoring the next generation of bartenders.
Have you ever wondered who creates those stunning cocktails that flood your Instagram feed? Behind many viral drinks is Aline Tongkhuya, known online as Vlineperol. She’s transforming how America thinks about bartending, one carefully crafted drink at a time.
This 26-year-old mixologist from Fresno proves that bartending isn’t just about pouring drinks. It’s about storytelling, cultural pride, and breaking barriers in a male-dominated field.
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Who Is Vlineperol (Aline Tongkhuya)?
Aline Tongkhuya was born on September 11, 1999, in Fresno, California. She grew up surrounded by the rich traditions of her Hmong heritage, which now influences her approach to cocktail creation.
Her journey began as a barback, the entry-level position where she learned the basics of bar operations. She quickly moved up through determination and raw talent. Today, she holds the position of Bar Director at Modernist, a craft cocktail bar in downtown Fresno’s Brewery District.
At Modernist, Aline leads a team of 10 bartenders and barbacks. She manages staff schedules, creates training programs, and develops seasonal drink menus. Her role extends beyond mixing drinks to building a culture of excellence and hospitality.
Vlineperol’s Award-Winning Career
Aline’s talent has earned her recognition in prestigious cocktail competitions. Her awards include:
- Top 40 of Patron Perfectionists 2023 USA: A national competition celebrating exceptional bartending talent
- AOI 2023 USA Top 3 by Italicus RDB: Recognition for her skills in Italian-style cocktail creation
- Tanteo Tequila MSO West Region Winner (2022): Victory in the western regional mixology competition
These achievements place her among America’s top bartenders. Her mentor, Kenny J Freeman, a notable figure in the bartending community, helped shape her technical skills and creative approach to mixology.
According to a June 2024 interview with CBS47, Aline emphasized The Modernist’s commitment to “creating a culture that celebrates intentional cocktails and welcoming hospitality.” This philosophy drives every drink she creates.
The Art Behind Her Signature Cocktails
What makes Vlineperol’s cocktails different? Each drink tells a story rooted in cultural identity and seasonal ingredients.
Aline brings traditional Hmong flavors into contemporary cocktails. She incorporates ingredients like lemongrass, Thai basil, and galangal, creating bridges between her heritage and modern mixology techniques.
Her approach to cocktail creation involves multiple steps:
- Researching historical cocktail recipes and adapting them with modern techniques
- Sourcing local, seasonal ingredients from California farms
- Testing flavor combinations that honor both tradition and innovation
- Creating visual presentations that make drinks Instagram-worthy
Her signature creation, the Vlineperol cocktail (named after her handle), showcases her ability to balance smoky, sweet, and savory notes in one glass. The drink has become a must-try for visitors to Modernist.
Sustainability in Modern Bartending
Aline doesn’t just focus on taste. She champions sustainable bartending practices that reduce waste and support local economies.
Her sustainability efforts include:
- Using locally sourced ingredients from Fresno-area farms and producers
- Minimizing waste through creative use of citrus peels, herbs, and other typically discarded items
- Creating seasonal menus that align with California’s harvest cycles
- Training staff on eco-friendly bar practices
This commitment reflects growing consumer demand for environmentally conscious dining experiences. A 2023 survey by the National Restaurant Association found that 63% of consumers prefer restaurants that source food locally, and bars are following this trend.
Breaking Barriers in a Male-Dominated Field
Women make up only about 30% of bartenders nationwide, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data from 2024. Female bar managers and directors are even rarer.
Aline’s success challenges stereotypes about who belongs behind the bar. She openly discusses the challenges women face in bartending, from being overlooked for promotions to dealing with customers who question their expertise.
But she doesn’t just talk about change. She creates it through mentorship. Aline regularly trains aspiring bartenders, with special focus on encouraging women and people of color to pursue careers in mixology.
Her story resonates on social media, where she shares both glamorous cocktail photos and honest discussions about industry challenges. This authenticity has helped build her following and influence.
From Bartender to Social Media Influencer
Aline’s Instagram handle @vlineperol has become her brand identity. She uses the platform to showcase cocktails, share bartending tips, and connect with other mixology professionals.
Her content strategy includes:
- Behind-the-scenes videos showing cocktail creation processes
- Educational posts about spirits, techniques, and flavor profiles
- Personal stories that connect her Hmong heritage to her work
- Collaborations with other bartenders and beverage brands
This social media presence transformed her from a local Fresno bartender to a nationally recognized name in mixology. It also opened doors for speaking engagements, including her October 2024 appearance on “The Good Bottle Podcast,” where she discussed her journey and cultural influences.
Cultural Identity Meets Modern Mixology
Aline’s Hmong heritage isn’t just background information. It’s central to her identity as a bartender and the drinks she creates.
In podcast interviews, she explains how she weaves traditional flavors into modern cocktails. This approach honors her family’s culinary traditions while introducing new audiences to Southeast Asian ingredients.
This cultural fusion represents a broader trend in American dining. Consumers increasingly seek authentic cultural experiences, and bartenders like Aline deliver exactly that.
The Future of Bartending According to Vlineperol
Where does Aline see bartending heading? Based on her interviews and social media posts, several themes emerge.
She believes the industry will continue moving toward:
- Greater diversity in who gets opportunities behind the bar
- Increased focus on sustainability and local sourcing
- More cultural fusion in cocktail creation
- Recognition of bartending as a serious culinary art form
Aline’s own career trajectory supports this vision. She continues to push boundaries while mentoring others who want to follow her path.
Lessons from Vlineperol’s Success
What can aspiring bartenders learn from Aline’s journey? Her story offers several takeaways.
First, start where you are. Aline began as a barback, not a head bartender. She built skills systematically and earned each promotion.
Second, embrace your background. Her Hmong heritage could have been irrelevant to her work. Instead, she made it a signature element that sets her apart.
Third, focus on craft over shortcuts. The time she invests in perfecting recipes and techniques shows in competition results and customer loyalty.
Fourth, use social media strategically. Her online presence amplifies her work and creates opportunities beyond the bar.
Final Thoughts
Aline Tongkhuya represents the future of American bartending. Her success shows that talent, cultural pride, and hard work can break through industry barriers.
At 26, she’s already achieved what many bartenders spend careers pursuing. She’s won national competitions, built a social media following, and earned respect from industry veterans.
But her impact extends beyond personal success. Through mentorship and visibility, she’s opening doors for others. Young women, people of color, and anyone passionate about mixology can see themselves in her story.
The next time you see a beautifully crafted cocktail on Instagram, there’s a good chance it reflects the influence Vlineperol and bartenders like her are having on the industry. They’re not just mixing drinks. They’re reshaping what American bartending looks like and who gets to participate in it.
FAQs
What does the name Vlineperol mean?
Vlineperol is Aline Tongkhuya’s Instagram handle and online brand name. While the specific meaning hasn’t been publicly explained, it serves as her professional identity in the bartending world and has become synonymous with her signature cocktail style.
Where does Vlineperol work?
Aline Tongkhuya works as Bar Director at Modernist, a craft cocktail bar located at 719 Fulton Street in the Brewery District of downtown Fresno, California. She leads a team of 10 bartenders and barbacks while developing seasonal cocktail menus.
What competitions has Vlineperol won?
Aline has won multiple prestigious awards, including Top 40 of Patron Perfectionists 2023 USA, AOI 2023 USA Top 3 by Italicus RDB, and the Tanteo Tequila MSO West Region Winner title in 2022. These competitions recognize excellence in mixology and bartending skills.
How does Vlineperol incorporate her Hmong heritage into cocktails?
Aline brings traditional Hmong ingredients like lemongrass, Thai basil, and galangal into modern cocktails. She blends her cultural culinary traditions with contemporary mixology techniques, creating drinks that honor her heritage while appealing to diverse audiences.
Can I learn bartending from Vlineperol?
While Aline primarily trains staff at Modernist, she shares bartending tips and techniques through her Instagram account @vlineperol. She’s also appeared on podcasts and media interviews where she discusses her approach to cocktail creation and the bartending profession.
