By Erin McMeen
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What is your favorite drink to make for yourself?
Brenton Thompson (Northside Bistro): I tend to drink a lot of whiskey and whiskey cocktails at home. I like to make variations of Old Fashioneds and Manhattans, but it really depends on the season and what I have in my fridge. I have definitely made an Old Fashioned with grapefruit and artificial sweetener, and it was delicious.
Eleanore Taft (Baroncini): I tend to keep it simple when it comes to myself, I like whiskey and scotch. I like smoky things, like mezcal, too.
Ernie Zaleckas (Joseph’s Steakhouse): Usually an Old Fashioned or a Dirty Martini.
Melissa Sinclair (Motley Cow Café): It’s kind of ironic because as much as I am interested in craft cocktails, I’m kind of just a beer and whiskey girl. Old Overholt [rye] is a longtime favorite.
Milton LeBron (Hudson’s Southside Tap): My favorite drink to make myself is probably a very bitter, Cedar Ridge Apple Brandy Ginger Ale. I know this sounds odd but it’s truly a smooth and refreshing drink.
What is your favorite drink to make for someone else?
BT: It depends on the age of the person and their personal preferences. Are they a perfumey person or a smoky person? I prefer to introduce people to new wines, it’s less of a commitment on both ends. But it’s really more about listening rather than having a firm idea of what you want to serve them.
ET: It depends on how much time I have. I think it’s really fun to make a Ramos Gin Fizz with meringue, but if you’re short on time it can be tedious. I like the process of figuring out what someone enjoys, and making them something that is a perfect fit for them. It’s almost like music. I can find something in every genre that I’m going to like, you just have to be introduced to it in the right way. Showing someone something new is a cool process and I like making things with my hands.
EZ: It depends on their tastes. I feel like in Iowa City a lot of people are looking for the end. They aren’t necessarily looking for the in-between of experiencing the drink, they are just looking to get drunk. And price point is a huge factor in a college town. But I really like the process of making a Manhattan, though it all depends on what they want.
MS: It depends on what the weather is like, and what their interests are, but I usually just like making classic cocktails with a twist. When it’s rainy or cold out I like making a nice Hot Toddy or a Beautiful, something that is really warming and nice. I try to steer people in the direction of pairing with what they are eating too, it’s so much better for the food.
ML: Although its one of the more time consuming and highly individualized drinks to make, when a Bloody Mary is made well and to the liking of the customer, the reaction can be priceless. I feel as a bartender we whip up drinks with pride and hope for a reaction of sorts. A well-made Bloody Mary will induce a reaction every time.
What do you drink when you go out?
BT: I usually want to try new beers or new wine, so when I go out I tend to go to places that have changing drink menus.
ET: I lean toward liquor-heavy drinks: Manhattans, Martinis, Negronis. I like bitter, too, so Palomas or Salty Dogs. But most of the time I will get a whiskey on the rocks and a glass of water.
EZ: I keep it simple, gin and tonic or vodka and water.
MS: If I’m looking for a new or interesting cocktail I will usually go to Forbidden Planet, and sometimes I just crave a Cobra Kai. Otherwise, I’m kind of a Northsider, so a lot of the time I just go to the Fox Head and get a whiskey and a beer back.
ML: When I go out I tend to drink whiskey. More often than not my tried and true go-to is Jameson Irish Whiskey.
Where do you like to go when you have a night off?
BT: I love bars where I can read; I love bar-reading. The taps at Sanctuary are always fun. I know when I go I will stay for awhile and try four or five things. I really like the Bloody Marys at Mickey’s. I think El Banditos is under-appreciated for their Margaritas, they have a great Margarita. In the summer, I like sitting on the patio at Gabe’s. I like places where there is just enough interaction but you can be comfortably alone.
ET: I just moved back here recently, so there are a lot of new places that I haven’t tried yet. I like India Cafe, Oasis, Oyama. If I’m drinking, I like to go to George’s. I’ve had a shameful amount of George’s cheeseburgers since I’ve been back. If I’m looking to go out for a cocktail, I’ll probably go to Clinton Street Social Club.
EZ: I used to eat at Pullman a lot, I really like that place, but I think I overate there. I like Donnelly’s and Social Club. I like sushi a lot, so I’ll eat at Takanami or Formosa, too.
MS: If I want soba noodles I’ll go to Sushiya. If I want a nice glass of wine and to sit with a friend I’ll go to the Social Club or Brix. If I want to go on a date, I’ll go to Sanctuary and have a glass of wine or beer. If I want to have a good beer but want to socialize I’ll go to The Mill. Getting out of town is really nice. I absolutely love Cobble Hill because it’s one of few restaurants that I can go and have a really good meal, interesting cocktails and know that the atmosphere is going to be cool.
ML: When I have a night off I like to start my night, oddly enough, at Hudson’s, my workplace. It’s one of a few places in town with apple brandy and tends to have a quieter setting. I usually end the night at more mellow bars like The Vine Tavern and Mickey’s Irish Pub.
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