Why did you decided to get into bartending?

I started bartending because it was a perfect fit during my college years. It was like getting paid to party with my friends, a few nights a week!!

How did you go about getting your first bartending gig? Was it tough to land your first one?

Actually my first real bartending gig was not that hard. I went and applied at a night club in Ybor City. I didn’t think it would matter if I had experience or not, they just wanted a pair of boobs behind the bar! I remember it was pretty crazy. They wanted some girls to hang out outside the bar and basically show off body parts to bring people in to the bar. My best friend and I went down and actually stood outside the bar with flyers and big signs. Around 2am we would go behind the bar and work for 2 hours before it closed. We did this for a few weeks and after being yelled at and berated by the guests about what was actually in the drink, we managed to learn pretty quickly! But after a few weeks of standing outside practically naked, then going in and picking up the scraps. I said to myself, FUCK THIS!!!! Second jobs are way better.

What is your favorite drink to make?

The Bar Mat Shot but to be serious, I came up with a shot called the naughty, (what most know me as) …and I used it in a during a flair competition that won me a trip to Vegas! It became a big hit at the bars that I have worked at, drank at, and is now on most of the drink lists around town. But you don’t know what naughty really taste like until you get one from me!!

What is your least favorite drink to make?

The Sexy Alligator or the Lethal Weapon! I like to flair, have fun and hang out with the guest … not spend hours layering fucked up drinks.

What is your bartender pet peeve?

When someone comes up and asks for a beer. “A beer you say?”……….. seriously I mean really!!! Do they not know there are millions of different kinds.

What’s the most interesting/scandalous thing that’s happened to you on the job?

While working in the Virgin Islands!!! (Wow that was an experience) The guests would actually grab you to get your attention. It was a mess, I mean every Tuesday the place would fill up with locals that would act like the place was their home, don’t get me wrong there are some wonderful locals there, but man were they rude if they didn’t get their drink in time!! One time I actually had a guest grab me by the back of the head and slam me into the bar top. NEVER AGAIN!!!!!!

What’s the best line somebody has used to get a free drink from you?

Someone once came into the bar told me they knew the bar manager and that he came there all the time and would get anything he asks for. I said cool, how do you know him. He said oh, we’ve been friends for a long time… I said I am the bar manager do you mean the owner? He said uh.. ya.. ya I mean the owner. I tapped the bar owner on the shoulder standing next to him and said.. oh you mean this guy?? .. he was stumped. But you would be suprised at how many people try that!!

What’s the most memorable pickup line you’ve heard?

There’s a lot.. after 9 years behind a bar, there’s going to be a lot! But the most ridiculously memorable line used “I really like your drink.. wanna fuck!!”. ahh romance!! My reply “No, but the girls next door charge by the hour!!”

Who would YOU want to have a drink with and why?

This may sound funny… but I would like to have a drink with my Father when he was my age. I would like to know more about the man.. that now does not talk about himself and only about his children it seems.

Tell us one thing about tending bar that we might not know.

It looks like fun with all the lights and the music, but take away the “Single Serving Friends”, its pretty lonely when the lights come on! That’s why you have to surround yourself with REAL solid friends during the day!

Why did you decide to get into bartending?

I was working retail and not making nearly enough money to support myself. So, I picked up a second job as a food runner in a small restaurant in Beacon Hill. I saw the bartenders in action and admired the social setting. I saw the bar as more of a stage than anything else, where you could make money just by telling jokes and being yourself. Since I considered myself a pretty social person, this seemed like a natural fit. That, and the fact that I love wearing black.

How did you go about getting your first bartending gig? Was it tough to land your first one?

Well as I said before, I was a food runner and I moved up the ladder pretty quickly because I was such a hard worker. The kitchen staff actually nicknamed me “the machine”. When a bar shift opened up on Sunday brunch I jumped on it. It was a good shift to learn on because it was one of the only bar shifts at the restaurant where you were the only bartender scheduled. This way I learned how to do everything on my own: wait on my tables, make the service bar drinks, bus tables, etc..

What is your favorite drink to make?

I really like making our espresso martini. It is the most delicious drink we have.

What is your least favorite drink to make?

A mojito. Anything where muddling is involved is thumbs down, especially when it’s busy.

What is your bartender pet peeve?

When old people tip 10%, get with the times gramps!

What’s the most interesting/scandalous thing that’s happened to you on the job?

Well since I work in a wealthier part of town, I don’t get young, crazy girls throwing themselves at me as much as everyone thinks. One older woman said she was my fairy godmother, held my hand, and told me I was going to have a really wonderful 2008. That’s about as racy as it gets at my work..

What’s the best line somebody has used to get a free drink from you?

Oh, I don’t have the power to give away free drinks yet..

Who would YOU want to have a drink with and why?

I would like to have a drink with my grandfather. He died when I was really young and I would like to hear some old stories of his that he couldn’t have told me when I was a kid..

Tell us one thing about tending bar that we might not know.

To be a good bartender you have to be good at many things. You have to be able to multi-task, you have to have a knowledge of a variety of topics, and you have to be personable so that you can change walk-ins into regulars. There are so many bars in the Boston, you have to give people a reason to come to yours.

For more information, check out Chris’ MySpace profile.

Why did you decide to get into bartending?

It just fell in my lap, I was doing the payroll in the mornings at a restaurant and the manager said I could have any job I wanted at night so, I chose bartending because the bartenders had the most comfortable uniform.

What is your favorite drink to make?

Anything you shake, I love to shake!

What is your least favorite drink to make?

Mojitos… they are delicious but when you’re slammed and someone orders a round of those, you just wanna punch them.

What is your bartender pet peeve?

When people tell me how to make a drink… as if after 6 years I don’t know how to make their stupid little rum and diet. Grrrr.

What’s the most interesting/scandalous thing that’s happened to you on the job?

I have had married men ask me to be their mistress, (to which I replied no thank you )… I also had a girl turning 21 grab my butt and then flash me. She had quite a bit.

What’s the best line somebody has used to get a free drink from you?

“Hey there what’s your name?” “Laura” “Well Laura, you are too pretty to date me, so can I have free booze?”

What’s the most memorable pickup line you’ve heard?

“Hey bartender, If I was a martini what kind would I be?”

Who would YOU want to have a drink with and why?

Zach Braff from Scrubs because he looks like he would have some great stories to tell.

Tell us one thing about tending bar that we might not know.

In my experience, no matter what you do, grenadine will NOT come out of white clothes.

Why did you decide to get into bartending?

I was a cocktail waitress and a bartender called in and they throw me behind the bar and i fell in love with it

How did you go about getting your first bartending gig? Was it tough to land your first one?

It wasn’t hard, but it’s easy for girls.

What is your favorite drink to make?

I’m a shot person so I’m always coming up with crazy shit to try so my favorite is a Sexy Leggz which I made for myself.

What is your least favorite drink to make?

Anything frozen. It takes too much time.

What is your bartender pet peeve?

People waving money in my face because they want their drinks before other people.

What’s the most interesting/scandalous thing that’s happened to you on the job?

Getting offered a couple thousand dollars to go home with a woman and her husband so they could try me out for their swingers group… money is never worth it!

What’s the best line somebody has used to get a free drink from you?

I used to have a crush on you in high school.

What’s the most memorable pickup line you’ve heard?

You wanna fuck me tonight? No joke. He really thought that would work.

Who would YOU want to have a drink with and why?

My brother. Because we have a blast together and he has always been my rock.

Tell us one thing about tending bar that we might not know.

No matter how good looking you are, more money is made with a great personality.

For more information about Leggz, check out her MySpace page.

Why did you decide to get into bartending?

Actually, I had answered a newspaper ad for a new bar – Cans – that was opening in the area. I had done some bussing in previous years and figured behind the bar was the next logical step. Mixing my social life with my monetary income seemed like a perfect avenue for me to follow.

How did you go from barbacking to bartending?

I worked hard and tough barbacking in those days (we drank even tougher). I got to the point where I was actually passed over for an open bartending slot for fear of a lacking a replacement for myself. Eventually, I got it though and have been in love ever since. It felt good coming home.

What is your favorite drink to make?

I am from Milwaukee, land of Jameson and the PRB; but we got ourselves some good drinks. In a bartending competition for a local newspaper, I came up with mixed drink called a “Dead Homie”…. it’s prepared in a pint glass, half Olde English (i know what you may be thinking at this point but stick with me), half orange juice, a splash of orange vodka (i prefer Stoli, but any will do) and top it with a bit of Chambord… garnish with an orange and a raspberry (bar cherries work too)…believe me, these will have you wobbling on your porch in no time on those hot Milwaukee summer days.

What is your least favorite drink to make?

Long islands…not because they contain so many ingredients (I don’t mind making Bloodys; even late night) but because they are just a horrible drink. Nowadays, they arent even made with actual separate liquors… just premixes… get over ‘em people. (P.S. – nothing screams “I am cheap and want to get boozed up quick more so than a L.I.”)

What is your bartender pet peeve?

If i make eye contact with you, order… I hate it when I am in the weeds and you get some guy/girl waving their money in your face only to have them turn around and ask their friends what they want when you finally get around to serving them. Know what you want when you get to the bar.

What’s the most interesting/scandalous thing that’s happened to you on the job?

Oh Christ! That one either involves whippits or nudity. We could probably leave it at that.

What’s the best line somebody has used to get a free drink from you?

“Hey, my girlfriend has the best tits in the world… I bet for a peek she would get a free shot eh? Show him honey!”
(I didn’t give her a shot…tits don’t pay my bills.)

What’s the most memorable pickup line you’ve heard?

I dunno… as bartenders i think we start to just ignore these after awhile… They get pretty pitiful sometimes. Like one girl said she would tip me on her $120 (ish) bar tab only if I made out with her. Let’s just say kissing her was not worth the five bucks I missed out on. She stiffed me.

Who would YOU want to have a drink with and why?

Hunter S. Thompson… Wild Turkey and mescal all night! That man would be right at home here in Milwaukee!

Tell us one thing about tending bar that we might not know.

Well, maybe this does not directly answer the question but Milwaukee was rated by Forbes magazine as the biggest drinking city in the nation. I mean they put us on the very top looking at everything from liquor store sales, to bar sales, to personal testimonies of drinking habits, etc. Trust me, if you have not spent a weekend in Milwaukee, you are missing something. (eh…even if you came you probably won’t remember it anyway; better off staying home!)

For more information about Milwaukee John, visit his page on MySpace.

Why did you decide to get into bartending?

It wasn’t a decision really, It just happened. I was at the right place at the right time. Why I decided to return and stay is simple: It’s really fun and the money is great.

How did you go about getting your first bartending gig? Was it tough to land your first one?

My first one was easy. I was a musician in a club. The club needed help and I needed some extra cash. The hours were perfect for my schedule so it was a prefect fit for me.

What is your favorite drink to make?

Martini’s

What is your least favorite drink to make?

Anything frozen

What is your bartender pet peeve?

Whiney bar staff and those that don’t leave their side work for others.

What’s the most interesting/scandalous thing that’s happened to you on the job?

Being offered money for sex.

What’s the best line somebody has used to get a free drink from you?

The guy told me he was an organ grinder and his monkey had been arrested for panhandling. He used all his money for bail.

What’s the most memorable pickup line you’ve heard?

Not only memorable but the most direct…”So, can I take you home and f**k your brains out.”

Who would YOU want to have a drink with and why?

Anyone who is pleasant and fun to hang with.

Tell us one thing about tending bar that we might not know.

Don’t think I will attempt this one.

To learn more about Jake, check out his MySpace profile.

Sexy… Mobile… Bartending… We want to know more…

Why did you decide to get into bartending?

I started out serving and cocktailing but bartending always looked like so much fun. Not to mention the money…ha ha. Once I did it, I realized there’s a lot of work involved but I still have a blast!

How did you go about getting your first bartending gig? Was it tough to land your first one?

Actually, I was serving at a sportsbar and the bartenders kept quitting (the owners were having marital problems so it wasn’t being run very well). So they threw me behind the bar and said “Go ahead”. I was like, “Omigosh! What do I do?!” I learned literally by experience!

What is your favorite drink to make?

Probably the Washington Apple Martini…because it’s also one of my faves to drink! =] But I also make GREAT Bloody Marys, Lemon Drops, and Sex on the Beach…

What is your least favorite drink to make?

If I’m busy it’s sorta irritating when someone asks for a Mojito or something that takes a bit longer.

What is your bartender pet peeve?

When people snap their fingers or demand a drink when they see you slammed and they think you’re just ignoring them but really you’re BUSY!!!! If someone is rude or makes rude comments, they’ll just be waiting a tad bit longer.

What’s the most interesting/scandalous thing that’s happened to you on the job?

Um…interesting? Well, my first bartending job we were pretty much like Coyote Ugly style. We would dance on the bars! It was SO much fun!!!!

What’s the best line somebody has used to get a free drink from you?

NONE! There’s so many lines out there! They usually annoy me!

What’s the most memorable pickup line you’ve heard?

Wow…too many. Don’t really remember.

Who would YOU want to have a drink with and why?

Good question. My best friends because we all live in separate places now & hardly get to have a drink with each other!

Tell us one thing about tending bar that we might not know.

Basically it comes down to giving people the service you would want. Simple as that. I enjoy giving people a GOOD drink. It’s not just a job. I want to make sure they LIKE what they’re getting and that it taste good.

For more information about Rebecca and VIPBartenders… check out her official site or the VIP MySpace profile.

Why did you decide to get into bartending?

I saw bartending as an amazing way to meet new people, make a ton of money,and be out without having to go out! All three have rung true in the past eleven years. I actually met the love of my life while bartending – she is a bartender too!

How did you go about getting your first bartending gig? Was it tough to land your first one?

I actually went to bartending school – I know, most bartenders say “you don’t need bartending school,” but I found it to be a great tool in helping me feel more comfortable behind the bar (which is a huge asset to have when looking for your first job. The school I attended had a job bank and I searched through and found a sports bar in a pretty busy hotel.

I went on the interview and the manager said he “liked the fact that I was inexperienced because I was trainable and had no bad habits…yet!” I was hired rather easily because they needed someone to cover three dreaded lunch shifts and they knew I would take anything. So I took the job. In the beginning it sucked because I really didn’t know exactly what the hell I was doing. But as time went by, I begin to make some good money at “Happy Hour” and eventually got two night shifts as well.

What is your favorite drink to make?

It’s a toss up between a Mojito, L.I.T., Margarita, and an Apple MATTini. (The Apple MATTini is made with 5 parts Apple Pucker, 5 parts Vodka, a splash of Midori, and a splash of Pineapple…yummmm!)

What is your least favorite drink to make?

Vodka/Cran, Gin/Tonic, Capt/Coke – all too easy and so boring (although I’ll take a Jack and Diet any day of the week and twice on Sunday!)

What is your bartender pet peeve?

Let’s see, hmmm, in no specific order:
Customers snapping at me (that’s only going to get you a longer wait for your drink); the customer not knowing what they want when the bar is packed and I finally get to them; getting three drinks for a three drink order and the customer adding another then another then another; *management that doesn’t have a clue how to run a bar/nightclub*(this may the biggest of them all!)

What’s the most interesting/scandalous thing that’s happened to you on the job?

Two things: First, at my first bartending job in the hotel sports bar, a business woman ran up a $300 tab and as she was checking out, proceeded to ask me what my tip should be. I cautiously replied, “20 percent?” She came in close and said, “Honey, if anyone ever asks you again what you should be tipped you say ‘The Bill’.” She the proceeded to ask me again what my tip should be and I in turn replied, “The Bill?” Much to my amazement, she actually tipped me $300 (The Bill)! Needless to say that’s a rarity.

Second, I had sex with two women in the Deejay booth during my shift. In one of my old establishments, my fellow bartenders and I used to take turns during our shift spinning tunes for the crowd. During one of my sessions, two young women approached me and asked if they could see the inside of the booth. Feeling a little risque at that moment, I wasted little obliging their request. The rest, they say, is history!

What’s the best line somebody has used to get a free drink from you?

A woman once told me that “buying me a drink will get you laid 101 percent of the time!” Of course I had to see if this was true. Unfortunately, she disappeared before I got a chance to take her up on the offer!

What’s the most memorable pickup line you’ve heard?

I once a guy say to a woman, “Hey, I have over a million dollars in the bank, you wanna fuck?” She actually said yes and left the bar with him!

Who would YOU want to have a drink with and why?

I would love to have a drink with David Chase. I want to pick his brain about writing a television show (which I have done, but still looking for an agent)

Tell us one thing about tending bar that we might not know.

Bartending is not “Brain Surgery,” however it does take a lot of skill (social, hand-eye coordination) discipline, focus, and a knack for being witty at the right the time (and most quiet at others)!

For more information or to contact Matthew B., check out his MySpace page.

Why did you decide to get into bartending?

While waiting tables I noticed the bartenders where the most revered in the business and I wanted to have the love and respect they commanded.

How did you go about getting your first bartending gig? Was it tough to land your first one?

When I turned 21 I asked my manager who I was friends with if I could learn to bartend and he said sure. It was at Olive Garden which is a perfect place to learn without getting thrown into the fire.

What is your favorite drink to make?

Right now it’s a drink I created for my bar called “That’s Amore” Basically Vanilla Vodka, Liquor 43, Fresh Strawberry Puree and fresh basil. Shaken and served straight up. The basil cuts the sweetness and gives it a very complex flavor.

What is your least favorite drink to make?

The Mojito is the most time consuming but I enjoy creating great cocktails so I don’t mind it unless I’m really busy.

What is your bartender pet peeve?

Behind the bar I hate when other bartenders don’t rinse their shakers between drinks. No one wants to taste the Appletini made earlier in their Grey Goose Martini. It drives me nuts when customers flag me down then turn to their friends to find out what they want to drink.

What’s the most interesting/scandalous thing that’s happened to you on the job?

The worst thing that has happened to me behind the bar is when I found out my barback was stealing money. I like to believe we can trust each other behind the bar.

What’s the best line somebody has used to get a free drink from you?

I’ve been offered sex for a free drink. That’s just desperate.

What’s the most memorable pickup line you’ve heard?

“Hi, would you like a drink or should we just stop wasting time and go have sex?”

Who would YOU want to have a drink with and why?

Keira Knightley because she is sooo hot and I think we’d hit it off if we met.

Tell us one thing about tending bar that we might not know.

It’s the little things that make the difference. keeping the bar top clean and refilling water and soda without being asked too is always a nice touch.

Why did you decide to get into bartending?

At the time I was a competitive Ballroom dancer and I needed extra cash to help pay for my coaching and costumes.

How did you go about getting your first bartending gig? Was it tough to land your first one?

I got a lead through my bartending school at the Coliseum Sports bar in St. James NY. I got the job right away as a Saturday day bartender.

I don’t remember the interview being hard, I just remember being overdressed like I was going to church on Sunday. I didn’t know that black on black would have been more acceptable attire.

What is your favorite drink to make?

I love making dessert cocktails. My current favorite is a Chocolate Bananna Martini with dark chocolate sauce drizzled on the glass.

What is your least favorite drink to make?

Gin and Tonic. I just don’t like the smell.

What is your bartender pet peeve?

It’s a silly pet peeve but I hate when I put down a napkin to take a customers drink order and they crumple it up. I just don’t really get that one.

What’s the most interesting/scandalous thing that’s happened to you on the job?

I am the head bartender at a Gentleman’s club on Long Island. So just about every shift I work is interesting and scandalous!!!!

What’s the best line somebody has used to get a free drink from you?

Nope, on one-liners but a slice of cheesecake is always helpful.

What’s the most memorable pickup line you’ve heard?

None, they all sound the same after a while.

Who would YOU want to have a drink with and why?

Amy Sacco, the owner of Bungalow 8. I would love to hear a womans perspective on being a nightclub owner.

Tell us one thing about tending bar that we might not know.

An attitude of Gratitude. It never hurts to slow a customer down and look them in the eye and truly thank them for taking care of you, no matter how big or small the tip. Show them you appreciate them and you will have a customer for life not just for right now.

To find out more about Michelle, check out her MySpace Profile.

Why did you decide to get into bartending?
I didn’t. I was sucked in. I became a “club-kidd” my junior year in high school, went out every night to a different club with fake IDs, a crew of 10 or more, drunk every night and was going no where fast, until about 19. I got a job as a bar back at an old folks/juke joint/hole-in-the-wall spot. They showed me the ropes in this business as they corrupted me. Ph*kerz!!

How did you go about getting your first bartending gig? Was it tough to land your first one?

Wasn’t tough, I was drafted. I was bar backing one night and the bartenders on duty told me to step up. They were probably too drunk and tired to work anymore. Looking back at it, they really did look out for me and gave me a shot at this thing. I was 20 and I was serving drinks to that 40 and up serious drinking crowd. Lots of Scotch, Bourbon and hard talk.

What is your favorite drink to make?

Without a doubt, it’s between the Long Island and B-52 layered. Both drinks give me an opportunity to show off and display my skills. I can tweak the Long Island hundreds of different ways and it gives me an excuse to pick up 4 bottles at once. The B-52 lets me slow things down at the bar and puts all eyes on me as I layer each part. SKILL!!

What is your least favorite drink to make

Frozen Daiquiris! You have to use the blender. If not, its still a little bit messy. And no matter how much liquor you put in it, they always say, “I can’t taste the alcohol.”….GET AWAY FROM MY BAR!

What is your bartender pet peeve?
Jiggers, pour control systems, and people that have never tended bar before, calling the shots. Go into the office and sit down, please.

What’s the most interesting/scandalous thing that’s happened to you on the job?
Classified. But I’ll tell you another one. I started working at a new club. On my third night a bar fight broke out. Most of the staff jumped it. I followed (I was young). Through the confusion, I ended up hitting one of our people square on the jaw. Blood and all. I felt sooooo bad and it was the running joke forever. The guy was an ex-marine so he could take a punch. If fact we are still friends because of it.

What’s the best line somebody has used to get a free drink from you?
I NEVER give away free drinks…..LMFAO!!

What’s the most memorable pickup line you’ve heard?
I gave it. I was about 21 and this group of ladies were flirting with me. All of them, well in their 40’s. One of them asked me how old I was. When I told her she screams, “WOOO, cant mess with you, you too young, I could have had you!!” I told her just as loud “Play your cards right and you still can!!” The whole bar hit the floor.

Who would YOU want to have a drink with and why?
Dean Martin, Tupac, or Keith Richards. They all do music and can hold their liquor. Interesting drunk conversation. Yes Sir!!

Tell us one thing about tending bar that we might not know.
The true craft of bartending is being lost. Very few are baptized through fire, like I was. I’ve seen fresh bartenders get run off by customers in tears. “Theres no crying in bartending!” Most today wouldn’t make it a month on weekends only where I came from.

We haven’t run one in awhile but our bartender interviews are one of the most popular features on Joe Bartender. My goal is to interview a broad variety of bartenders – covering a broad range of experience and a lot of different geographic locales.

If you’re interested, I simply send you a questionnaire and you fill it out at your convenience. If you want us to link to the website for your bar or personal site, we will gladly do it.

If you’re interested, let me know via the comments, the MySpace or at joebartender@gmail.com.

For examples of what we do, here are a few of my favorite past interviews:

Bartender Interview: Jeffrey Morgenthaler

Bartender Interview: Andi Jayde Marx

Bartender Interview: Cheryl Charming

Bartender Interview: Mark “TikiTender” Woods

Bartender Interview: Murray Alexander

Why did you decide to get into bartending?

I was hanging out in bars often enough that I decided to start getting paid for it.

How did you go about getting your first bartending gig? Was it tough to land your first one?

I was already working as a waiter in a catering hall, when I was given a shot behind the bar. My first gig was at the neighborhood bar that my friends and I called “our home away from home”. It wasn’t all that difficult to land my first job, but it was definitely nerve racking with limited drink knowledge.

What is your favorite drink to make?

Martinis

What is your least favorite drink to make?

Red Devil, Margarita

What is your bartender pet peeve?

A messy bar counter ( the mess patrons make when doing Irish Car Bombs, Dr.Peppers,etc.)>

What’s the most interesting/scandalous thing that’s happened to you on the job?

I don’t know if this classifies itself as most interesting/scandalous… My fellow bartender and I convinced every girl in the bar to do a Blow Job shot at the same time. So we lined them down the entire length of the bar, which was horseshoe shaped, and watched as these girls did the shots simultaneously. Some spit, some bite (breaking the glass in their mouth), and some swallow.

What’s the best line somebody has used to get a free drink from you?

I put the bathrooms in this joint. So why don’t you hook me up. (wink,wink)

What’s the most memorable pickup line you’ve heard?

Baby, I don’t care what you call me, as long as you call me yours.

Who would YOU want to have a drink with and why?

John Jameson and his son because of their most beautiful creation… Jameson Irish Whiskey.

Tell us one thing about tending bar that we might not know.

I am always right. If you don’t like it… tough.

For more information about Bob, check out his MySpace page or visit the Bartenders Academy of NY.

Anthony Caporale is becoming an internet superstar thanks to his awesome video podcast Art of the Drink. Art of the Drink is most popular bartending podcast thanks to Anthony’s killer drink demonstrations (and his keen eye for casting beautiful women to assist). We decided to pick Anthony’s brain about bartending, podcasting and the fine art of making Long Island Teas.

A bartending podcast is a brilliant idea. What led you to start up Art of the Drink?

All credit for the video podcast goes to my videographer, editor, and all-around co-creative guy, Dave McCoy. I’d released the “Art of the Drink, Volume 1: Bar Essentials” DVD, and Dave approached me with the idea of following it with a weekly podcast to help build awareness of the product and set up the upcoming DVD volumes. I didn’t know much about podcasting and thought it just sounded like a lot of work (which it is!), but we knocked around several different format ideas and eventually he convinced me we should give it a try.

What kind of response have you had to the podcast? To me it seems like the #1 bartending related podcast out there.

Quite honestly, the response has been overwhelming — our viewers now number in the hundreds of thousands, which blows my mind. Lulu.TV named AOTD the Best Instructional Vlog of 2006, which made the New York Times Online, and Taste TV just selected us for a Tivo test release that will go out to 3 million subscribers. One of the things we checked early on was whether or not there was anyone else out there doing a bartending podcast, and the only thing we found was Tiki Bar TV which is really a comedy cast. We wanted to focus on drink-building techniques, history, and product knowledge, which is what I really love and where the DVD comes from.

Backing up a little bit… why did you decide to get into bartending?

I grew up in a family that didn’t drink, so bars always seemed like dark, mysterious places to me. When I was old enough to start going to bars — correction, when I got my first fake ID, I was always uncomfortable and felt like an outsider. I decided I would learn everything I could about the scene and make it mine. So in college, when my friends and I formed a group called the Cocktail Club that threw Happy hour parties every Friday afternoon, I was always the bartender. It was actually one of the toughest gigs I’ve ever worked.

How did you go about getting your first bartending gig? Was it tough to land your first one?

This is probably a story I share with thousands of other bartenders. I’d just graduated from college with an engineering degree that I wasn’t too thrilled about using right away. I’d always been much more of a performing arts person, but figured engineering would pay the bills. So, I got a job serving at our local Darryl’s concept chain restaurant and loved it. There’s a reason all actors wait tables: you’re on stage all night, and bartending even more so. The bar manager had a huge crush on the service manager, who I got along with great, so she put in a word for me and in less than 6 weeks I was training behind the bar. Dumb luck. I did eventually end up using that engineering degree for a while, but I’ve never stopped tending bar or loving it.

What is your favorite drink to make?

In high-volume bars when I’m working point, I like making Long Island Teas because they look really complicated next to all those rum-and-cokes you’ve been making, and if you can bang them out in a few seconds it really impresses people. Plus, I’m from Long Island, and pride myself on my LIT’s — if you make it fast and you make it right, guests go nuts.

What is your least favorite drink to make?

Red Corona. If you need sugar syrup to drink a barely-hopped pilsner, just hang it up.

What is your bartender pet peeve?

I can’t stand other bartenders that are three-deep and lazing around the bar chatting or flirting and not even breaking a sweat to clear the line. Standing around behind the bar in general is a big problem for me. I’ve always said bartenders should have only two gears: overdrive and out drinking.

What’s the most interesting/scandalous thing that’s happened to you on the job?

I’m gonna lay low on this one, but let’s just say you wouldn’t have been able to see it if you were sitting at my bar at the time.

What’s the best line somebody has used to get a free drink from you?

You’re the best bartender I’ve ever seen! That’s really the only one that works.

What’s the most memorable pickup line you’ve heard?

Girl (leaning forward with cigarette): Do you have a light?
Guy: Sorry, I don’t smoke.
Girl (throwing cigarette over her shoulder): Me either.

Who would YOU want to have a drink with and why?

Alton Brown. He teaches cooking the way I’d like to teach bartending. Which, by the way, needs to be broken up the same way “cook” and “chef” have been: some people just like to go to work and make drinks, which is totally fine, but some of us like to create new drinks, develop menus, and push the envelope. Right now, both of those things are referred to as “bartending” even though they’re as different as being a line cook versus being a chef. “Barchefing” sounds awful — any better ideas?

Tell us one thing about tending bar that we might not know.

I think people need to be much more aware of alcohol’s historical context and critical role in allowing us to climb out of the trees and caves and build the world we live in today. If it weren’t for alcohol’s ability to preserve drinks, we probably wouldn’t have been able to get past the hunter-gatherer stage and start storing supplies, building villages, and eventually filming Art of the Drink. People need to relax and realize that alcohol isn’t evil, and the luxury of looking down on it from a moral high horse wasn’t even possible until the very recent advent of things like clean municipal drinking water supplies and Coca-cola.

Other than Art of the Drink, what are you up to now?

I’m currently designing the bar in the John W. Engeman Theater in Northport on Long Island, NY, and will continue on as Director of Beverage Operations once we open on June 16th. We’ll be producing year-round, Broadway-quality theater with professional NY actors. Unlike most theaters that just offer wine and beer during intermission, we’ll have a full-service, high-level bar that will be open before and after the shows, probably 6:00P to 2:00A, so you can hang out and talk about what you just saw, listen to some live music, enjoy some awesome new drinks, and basically make a whole night of it. Plus, that’s where we’ll be producing Art of the Drink. Come see me there!

For more information, check out Anthony’s Myspace profile or visit Art of the Drink.

We have a huge collection Bartender Interviews. Check them out.

Why did you decide to get into bartending?

I had been working as a server for quite some time, and I always thought how much more fun it would be to be behind the bar. I was right!

How did you go about getting your first bartending gig? Was it tough to land your first one?

Well, I was serving for a year at the bar that I work at now, and a few bartending positions opened up. My managers offered me some daytime shifts to get me started, and over time I have worked my way up to the good shifts. It was hard and sort of frustrating at first being stuck with day shifts, but I am so glad I stuck it out because now I only work Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights and it is great!

What is your favorite drink to make?

I enjoy making shots- red snappers, undertows, grape lemon drops it doesn’t matter. I am always trying to come up woth new shots and I love it because it lets me get creative.

What is your least favorite drink to make?

Anything Frozen! At my bar we have an extensive list of margaritas, all of which can be ordered frozen. They just takes so long to make, especially if you are busy and someone orders different kinds of frozen margaritas because we only have one blender.

What is your bartender pet peeve?

I really hate when someone yells my name from the other end of the bar. If you see that I am busy and want me to get you your drinks, then come down to my end of the bar! Don’t yell at me and expect me to stop what I am doing to come all the way to the other side and take care of you. Also I hate it when these same people ask the other bartenders that are right in front of them to walk down and get me. They are busy too, and can pour you the same drink that I would!!

What’s the most interesting / scandalous thing that’s happened to you on the job?

I think that every night working behind the bar is interesting. As a bartender you get to see a lot of drunk people making fools of themselves (not that we don’t all do the same thing when we are out drinking) but it is definitely funny to people watch sometimes.

What’s the best line somebody has used to get a free drink from you?

This one night I was getting some shots for one of my regulars, and some guy heard my friend use my name. So he came up to me and acted like he knew me too and said "Hey Kristi, we need one more shot over here" referring to the ones I had just made for the group of my friends. I made him one and later we realized that no one knew this guy, and he had been trying to drink on my friends tab the whole night!

What’s the most memorable pickup line you’ve heard?

"Hey baby, do you have a mirror in your pants, because I can see myself in them"- seriously where does a line like that EVER work?!

Who would YOU want to have a drink with and why?

I would like to sit down and have a drink with some of my college professors. Some teachers I have had recently have been so uptight – I’d really like to take them out and see them let loose.

Tell us one thing about tending bar that we might not know.

A lot of people think that bartending is so easy, and shouldn’t be considered a "real" job. Well, it is definitely not easy! We bust our asses when it’s busy and still have to stand around when its slow – and as for not being a "real" job, I bet we make more money in a year than most people who work nine to five jobs everyday. And I guarantee we have way more fun doing what we do!!

Why did you decide to get into bartending?

I was jealous of all the attention and admiration that the bartenders got at the restaurant I worked at. I don’t have to lie to kick it!

How did you go about getting your first bartending gig? Was it tough to land your first one?
I hounded the managers and gave them no choice. No, as soon as I made up my mind about wanting to get behind
the bar, it was easy.

What is your favorite drink to make?

I don’t have a favorite to make but who doesn’t like bottled beer orders when you are 3 deep all around the bar?

What is your least favorite drink to make?

Anything that I have to look up the recipe!

What is your bartender pet peeve?

When people say “Hey man, hook this one up and I’ll take care of you.” When I hear that, I go grab my tip jar, slam it down in front of them and say, “You first!” They can fill it up with money and it won’t get their drink any stronger, just less mixer. Also, when people ask about bottle flair. Yes, I know some tricks with a bottle but when I’m flirtin’ with the weeds, leave me alone.

What’s the most interesting/scandalous thing that’s happened to you on the job?

A group of 5 girls came in and two of the 5 start arguing about who is the better choice for me to take home. My suggestion was “Why not the both of you?”

What’s the best line somebody has used to get a free drink from you?

“Blowjob for a shot?”

What’s the most memorable pickup line you’ve heard?

See above! One of my favorite lines that I use is “After closing, I double as a designated driver. I’ll
make sure you get home safe in the morning.”

Who would YOU want to have a drink with and why?

Osama bin Laden, so I could kill that bastard and collect my reward. That’s the Marine in me!

Tell us one thing about tending bar that we might not know.

My buddy Ray once told me that when you are busy, the more people you take care of, the more opportunity you have for tips, so if you have to take time to look up recipes, you lose time with other guests. Only during busy times will someone hear “Don’t know how to make it, pick something else!”

For more information about Christopher, visit his MySpace Page.

Why did you decide to get into bartending?

When I was in college in San Marcos I started out as a door guy at Rocky Larue’s. Every night I realized that the bartenders were making 75 times the money I was and did 1/8 of the job. So I figured I better weasel my way into the money as soon as possible. That was in 1999 and it took me 7 years to get a diploma because I was always working.

How did you go about getting your first bartending gig? Was it tough to land your first one?

I lied!! This new guy showed up in San Marcos and bought one of the existing bars. I told him that I had been bartending for a few years and was looking for a gig. He took my word for it an threw me behind the bar at CJ’s Cocktails and Dreams. He soon realized that I was no bartender and took the time to train me the right way. Thanks CJ!

It was very tough to land my first one. After trying to move up at several bars and being turned down at others, I figured making shit up was the only way I was going to make it through college.

What is your favorite drink to make?

Never really thought about it— I enjoy four bottle pours if I am in a flair mood, but a good old well whiskey shot can gain quite a bit of respect if you ask me.

What is your least favorite drink to make?

Sex With an Alligator—I have told people to leave when ordering this.

What is your bartender pet peeve?

Don’t snap your fingers at me or I will break them.

What’s the most interesting/scandalous thing that’s happened to you on the job?

Probably when Southwest Texas State University hosted a conference for Texas teachers. They all ended up at the bar I worked at and stayed until about 5:00am. We closed at midnight— I won’t go into detail, but it got baaddddddddd. I have never looked at teachers the same since then.

What’s the best line somebody has used to get a free drink from you?

One of my old girlfriends used to hang out at the bar a lot and most of the girls knew who she was. This one girl came up to me and said “if you give me a free shot, I will go tell your girlfriend that a smoking hot chick hit on you while she was in the ladies room and you completely turned her down” (it worked)

What’s the most memorable pickup line you’ve heard?

Never really had a most memorable, but I heard “ can I feel you hair” too many times to count. I used to have hair to the middle of my back.

Who would YOU want to have a drink with and why?

Hunter S. Thompson, because there is no telling where we’d end up or what might happen in between

Tell us one thing about tending bar that we might not know.

Don’t call us chief, bro, bud, buddy, barkeep, slick, boss, haus, big guy, or any of the other nicknames you think are cool. Just don’t speak until spoken to. It’s very simple.

Tags: bartending, austin, red eyed fly, red river

]]> http://www.joebartender.com/bartender-interviews/bartender-interview-stover/feed/ 1 http://www.joebartender.com/bartender-interviews/bartender-interview-jeffrey-morgenthaler/ http://www.joebartender.com/bartender-interviews/bartender-interview-jeffrey-morgenthaler/#comments Thu, 11 Jan 2007 14:55:44 +0000 Joe Bartender http://www.joebartender.com/drink-recipes/bartender-interview-jeffrey-morgenthaler/ Jeffrey Morgenthaler is a bartender, blogger and designer who will soon be famous for establishing Repeal Day as the nations drinking holiday. He tends bar at El Vaquero in Eugene, Oregon. "The food is eclectic and focuses mainly on Mexican-style tapas," says Jeffrey. "There are two of us who run the show behind the bar, seven nights a week. We’re passionate about mixology and make what I think are the very best drinks in town."

Why did you decide to get into bartending?

I actually didn’t make a conscious decision to get into bartending. I was 24, in college, and I needed a summer job. I had no idea it would turn into a career, I thought I would be an architect by now.

How did you go about getting your first bartending gig? Was it tough to land your first one?

Through the campus job center, I found – and was hired for – two jobs on the same day. One was bussing dishes in a little mom-and-pop restaurant. The other was bartending during the day at a neighborhood tavern. I’m naturally very shy and wanted to overcome my fear of speaking in public, so I decided I’d be a bartender for the summer. It ended up being a perfect fit, so I stayed there for four years.

What is your favorite drink to make?

I love to make any drink that someone feels strongly about having. Like all bartenders, I get mainly run-of-the-mill orders, so when someone comes in and wants me to make them a really fantastic Manhattan because they love Manhattans, that gets me pretty excited and I pour my heart into the drink.

What is your least favorite drink to make?

I don’t really have one. Sure, when we’re completely slammed and I get that order for a third round of six mojitos, it’s a bit of a hassle. But for the most part, people in our bar try to treat themselves to a drink that is of a standard they won’t find anywhere else. We love making drinks, any drink.

What is your bartender pet peeve?

I think my biggest pet peeve is when people make it hard for me to slow down their intake, or cut them off completely. Making the decision to stop taking someone’s money isn’t something we like to do in any business, but I am both legally and psychologically responsible for you if you leave my bar and hurt yourself, or – God forbid – hurt another person. I wish it were easier for people to realize that I’m trying to do the right thing.

What’s the most interesting/scandalous thing that’s happened to you on the job?

The first bar I worked in was a pretty rough-and-tumble place, and it was located in a pretty tough part of town. The bar was packed one night and someone came up to the bar to tell me that I had a problem at one of the tables. I went over to the spot to find this older guy, drinking beer alone from a pitcher, and vomiting under the table every few minutes. The truly shocking part was that he didn’t understand why I was kicking him out.

What’s the best line somebody has used to get a free drink from you?

A guy came in recently and told me that he just wanted to see the bar where his wife had gone on a date with another man, thereby ending their marriage. I even remembered the two. I felt heartbroken, as if I hadn’t made their time at my bar so enjoyable she would have just gone home. I poured the guy a huge shot of really expensive scotch and put it on my card.

What’s the most memorable pickup line you’ve heard?

For a couple of weeks I was working as a cocktail server at a gay nightclub. The DJ, who was a friend of mine, announced over the PA, "Our new cocktailer Jeff will be happy to get you anything you need." I glared across the floor at him and he repeated, "ANYTHING." Just then a table of men in their fifties motioned me over and one of them asked, "Can I get a pint of YOU?" I looked at him and deadpanned, "You’re seventy-five years old, is that the best you can do?" His friends erupted in laughter as I walked back to the bar.

Who would YOU want to have a drink with and why?

Paul Harrington was a brilliant bartender and wonderful writer ten years ago. His book, Cocktail: The Drinks Bible for the Twenty-First Century is often the first place I turn for drink information. Sadly, he seems to have dropped off the face of the planet. I’d love to have a Sidecar with Paul and not only pick his brain about classic cocktails, but also about being a writer. It’s a dream of mine to write my own book and inspire a generation of bartenders as he has done.

Tell us one thing about tending bar that we might not know.

It’s five hours of fun, sandwiched between three hours of cleaning!

For more bartending wisdom from Jeffrey, check out his awesome blog JeffreyMorgenthaler.com.

Can you tell us a little bit about where you work?

I work at the largest nightclub in the USA… located in a popular Spring Break destination town: Club La Vela in Panama City Beach, Florida. I’ve worked at many clubs in NY & South Florida & this is by far the best one to both work & party!

Why did you decide to get into bartending?

I’m a social butterfly by nature and love meeting new, different people from all over; plus I love the club scene. So, bartending just seemed like the perfect job for me right now. You get people at their best! They’re out having a great time and it’s a way for you to celebrate with them… only you’re not spending money… you’re making it instead!

How did you go about getting your first bartending gig? Was it tough to land your first one?

Not really — My first job was at a very laid back resort tiki bar that’s form of training was giving you a Bartending for Dummies book! So I used that experience as a way to train myself for bigger, better jobs. I bought a jigger and mixing tin, filled an old liquor bottle with water and practiced free pouring an ounce over and over again until I got it perfect consistently! After that, I made a few flash cards with popular drink recipes, memorized them, and was ready to go!

What is your favorite drink to make?

Absolut Stress! the reaction I get from people tasting it for the first time is always great!!!

What is your least favorite drink to make?

I don’t think I have a least favorite… hey what ever makes you happy… I’m happy to make!

What is your bartender pet peeve?

The preconceived notion that bartenders are uneducated "party-sluts". Just about every bartender I know has some kind of college degree and/or is extremely cultured… enough to have a conversation with anyone… which is a neccessity in our business! And there’s a big block of BAR between us and everyone else — so we don’t have to be or are not always as into the party scene as we may appear to be.

What’s the most interesting/scandalous thing that’s happened to you on the job?

Hmm… according to everyone I work with… the answer to that question would be when a famous person tracked my manager down and begged him to let me off early…. but I don’t agree! I’d have to say the most interesting thing was when MTV wanted to follow me and another bartender from Club La Vela around for a couple weeks. Even though it didn’t end up going through to the end… it was still really cool and I made a great friend out of it.

What’s the best line somebody has used to get a free drink from you?

Wow — there’s so many! I don’t really think any of them are good enough to give a drink to… but the attempts are entertaining.

What’s the most memorable pickup line you’ve heard?

Well, they’re all flattering, none really "memorable"…. but anything said in a cute, witty, manner always grabs my attention & warrants a smile!

Who would YOU want to have a drink with and why?

I’d have to say Matt Perry! I think he is hilarious! He reminds me of one of those comic actors from the old black and white movie days… ya know… before the "talkies!" So I’d love to see how he is when he’s out letting loose and having a great time!

Tell us one thing about tending bar that we might not know.

When you’re behind a bar… it’s like you’re on display. It’s up to you to decide how you want to portray yourself. People can sense insecurity better then anything else… and they will prey on it as soon as they get the chance. So whether it be an interview or a shift…. just shine like the great bartender and person you know you are… and you will be! I basically taught myself how to bartend — but because of my confidence in myself, personality and acquired skills…. look where I am now! Having a blast, too!

For more information about Andie, check her out on MySpace!

Why did you decide to get into bartending?

I got into bartending because I love entertaining people, throwing parties and just showing people a good time.

How did you go about getting your first bartending gig? Was it tough to land your first one?

The Legion is the only bartending gig I’ve had thus far. It was real tough to get a bartending job in Fargo. Almost every bar starts you out at bar back or bouncer for a year or two and then moves you up so I ended up applying to all of the bars in Fargo with no response and then I finally got a call back from the Legion. I figure it’s a good place to get the experience needed.

What is your favorite drink to make?

My favorite drink to make is also my favorite drink to take which is Liquid Cocaines.

What is your least favorite drink to make?

I’ve learned to hate making Bloody Marys. It seems like people only order it when your super busy.

What is your bartender pet peeve?

Beggers!

I can’t stand to hear people begging other people for drinks, smokes, to go half on pull tabs or whatnot.

What’s the most interesting/scandalous thing that’s happened to you on the job?

I can’t think of any specifics but I guess the most interesting thing is the stories that I hear from the vets. You learn American history real fast around drunk veterans.

What’s the best line somebody has used to get a free drink from you?

I’ve never had any specific lines, usually its just the regulars who ran out of money and want to borrow a few bucks. They are usually nice about it but they still don’t get any money from me

What’s the most memorable pickup line you’ve heard?

I can’t think of a pick up line at the moment but I got a pretty good rejection line. A guy about 50 years old or so tried hitting on a 20-something hippie girl and she told him she wouldn’t talk to him because he looked like a "CHIMO" which I found out later meant Child Molester.

Who would YOU want to have a drink with and why?

I would love to have a drink with Quentin Tarentino, and Sean Daley (Slug of hip-hop group Atmosphere) because I’m sure I would hear some amazing stories out of those two and I know Slug can drink like a champ.

Tell us one thing about tending bar that we might not know.

Limit outside time with fellow employees outside of work otherwise the drama takes over.

For more information or to contact Dan, check him out on MySpace.

Tags: bartender, interview, american legion, north dakota, fargo