Hot Bartender, Cool Drink: 99 Restaurant, Centerville

In between pouring drinks, she answered 5 questions for us.

What do you wish people knew about bartending?

Just to have a little patience—if they’re made correctly, some drinks can’t be made quickly.  A Guinness or a Martini takes more time than just uncapping a beer bottle.  I want you to enjoy your drink, even if it might take an extra minute or two!

Is this your career, or is it just paying the bills?

I’m a single mom, so the hours work for me.  Hopefully it’s not my long-term career, but I like it right now.

Bartenders talk to a lot of people every day—tell us about the most bizarre person or experience from work.

This guy used to come in a lot—he always rode his bike in and wore a Viking helmet, even while he was eating and drinking.

What one quality separates a regular bartender from an unforgettable one?

An unforgettable bartender remembers drinks and names.  We also give out bartender cards with our names on them.  We just want to be able to make connections with our guests and keep them coming back!

People come to you to let off some steam and relax—what is your favorite spot in town to do the same?

I like Bobby Byrne’s, both in Hyannis and Mashpee. I like the Seaside Pub.  It’s Cape Cod—it’s a different pace, and the bartenders try to support each other by visiting each other whenever we can.

In the hot summer months, Sara adds berry flavor to the classic Martini:

Raspberry Martini

2.5 oz. raspberry vodka

0.5 oz. Triple Sec

Splash of freshly-squeezed lime juice

Splash of cranberry

Shake very very well and serve straight up in a Martini glass.