Hot Bartender, Cool Drink: Island Merchant

In between pouring drinks, he answered 5 questions for us:

What do you wish people knew about bartending?

I wish people knew what they wanted to drink before they ordered.  Dinner bartending is different from late-night bartending. During dinner, I can talk and help you figure out something to drink, but when I’m rushing around later in the night, it’s helpful if you know what you want—everyone gets their drinks faster that way.

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

It’s not my career—I’ve also worked at Fuller Electric for about 5 years.

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

A girl got naked on the bar—it was terrible, so bad.  The restaurant was closed.  She came in with her boyfriend and wanted a drink.  I told her we were closed and started cleaning up.  Then she said, “What’s it worth to you?”  I turned around and she was on the bar.  She did not get her drink that night!

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

Unforgettable bartenders have an art to their work.  They’re really good at talking to people.  You have to be an entertainer.

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

I come here.  Everyone has become family.

May’s heavy rains helped the flowers bloom their brightest.  Mix up a bunch of Morris’ cocktail and consider yourself an avid gardener:

The Burton Flower

In a glass with ice, pour:

1.5 oz Absolut Wildflower (a.k.a. Absolut Boston)

0.5 oz. ginger liqueur

Good splash of pineapple juice

Stir lightly and give yourself a green thumbs up.