Hilton Head’s best bartenders take a step out from behind the bar to tell us a little about themselves.
What was your first drink?
Probably a screwdriver. You’re not going to ask what age, are you?
What inspired you to bartend?
It’s a good social environment. I’m not the kind of person that goes out and drinks. This is kind of my social interaction.
What inspires you now?
The people that I meet. It is the same job day in and day out, but it’s different people every single day. Some of the best friends that I’ve made are from this restaurant.
Most popular?
The Cadillac Margarita – it’s our house margarita topped off with with a Grand Marnier floater.
Favorite drink to make?
Dirty martinis.
To drink?
Right now it’s beer, but it changes.
What do you like to experiment with?
Margaritas. We make spicy margaritas with jalapenos; we use different types of tequila, like jalapeno-infused tequila. There’s Chipotle vodka made by Hangar 1 that’s good in a margarita, even though it doesn’t have tequila in it. It’s like a vodka margarita.
What’s your favorite part about being a bartender?
Meeting different people. You never know who’s going to walk through the door. Just meeting new people and listening to their stories – why they’re on Hilton head, why they’re on vacation, where they’re from and what they like.
Favorite type of crowd?
Definitely people that like to have a conversation.
Best time of the day?
9 p.m. – at 9 o’clock at night the staff usually gathers around and we do a group shot. We’re kind of like a family.
What has bartending taught you?
Organization and time management. It’s like a toolbox. You put your screwdrivers back where they’re supposed to be and when you have to look for that tool, you know exactly where it is at. It’s the same with liquor.
Tips?
Treat every person the same, no matter how they’re dressed or how they act, even if they are drunk. You need to treat them all the same.
