“Bartender pour me something strong”
Bartending – hands down, one of the most fun things I have ever done! To be honest, this was one of the items on the list that I was worried about. I mean, who in their right mind was going to let me behind a bar?!? The answer: The Quarter! And what a PERFECT location it was!
Reason’s The Quarter was a perfect location:
1. It’s a New Orleans themed bar – and I’m from New Orleans!
2. Two years earlier on that very same day, I was introduced to one of my very best friends (Megan Green) at The Quarter – happy anniversary Meg! Thank you Scott Geer for the introduction!
3. They said YES! (they actually approached me – double YES!)
I do believe that my awesome experience is 100% due to the people/location involved. Stacy is the manager (she’s been there 11.5 years) and she is beyond awesome and a fabulous teacher! First thing she says to me, “oh, you wore the perfect shoes!” – Instant friends! Ok, so the thing about the shoe comment – I justified purchasing a pair of Hunter rain boots by telling myself they would be perfect for the expected “spillage” during this adventure. Stacy solidified my reasoning – hooray! And then there was Chris, the bar back – he was totally chill/funny and never complained about the multiple times I was in his way.
First rule of bartending – if you’re going to break something do NOT break it in the well. Got it.
Note to self: the well is where the ice is…
We got right down to business with a “pour test” – for those not hip with the lingo, this is where you figure out your count for pouring the liquor. In all my years of drinking (that makes me sound like a totally lush – no comments.) I don’t think I’ve ever noticed a bar tender counting??? At first it sounded harder than it really was, but I got the hang of it. The perfectionist in me wanted to do it perfect on the first try – not so much. Stacy lined up the glasses (shot glass up to a tall glass) and I was to pour into the shot glass first (while counting) and then the exact same amount into the larger glasses. Logan, my new friend and Quarter bar regular, had a front row seat and generously critiqued my pour test every step of the way. How nice of him. My first attempt sucked but then I started over and nailed it! In case you are wondering, my pour count is 4.
Once my pour-test was “Stacy-approved” (with a high-five from Logan) I was ready to make my first drink! Logan took my bar tending 
virginity…I made him a whisky and soda. With all the people watching and cameras I was totally nervous! (It was like paparazzi butdifferent) The drink was a little weak so I had to add more whiskey. Logan was a good sport!
Quote of the night:
“You got sassy pretty quick, only took about 45 minutes.” – Chris
“I’m surprised it took that long.” – Me
Since I was a totally pro at making drinks (haha) it was time to learn how to open tabs – I’m pretty sure that was my favorite part! It was super fun and easy…you have to remember that I’m easily amused. The tricky part was getting the touch screen to recognize my fingers but I finally figured out the trick was to use my finger nail. As Chris kept telling me, “put a little attitude behind it” – definitely not a problem for this girl!
My friends arrived and it was non-stop drink making! I poured a lot of beers (thanks girls for the easy orders!) – I’m an excellent beer pour. A bunch of random cocktails but nothing too crazy…until the random guy threw me a curve ball – “I want a rum drink that is fruity.” Well of course you do! I stepped back, found the rum and then just added in a mix of the juice options…guess it was yummy because he smiled and drank it. Haha! My friend Katherine had me make a White Russian – vanilla vodka and Kahlua (double pour – holla!) half/half and then milk – oh and you don’t stir it so the customer knows you put the alcohol in. Done and done. Perfection! When she ordered her second round, I made it ALL BY MYSELF!
I was determined to make a fancy drink or shot that required me to use the shaker. So at the end of my shift my friend Liz ordered FOUR Vegas bombs for us to toast my bar tending success! I had NO clue what was in those (even though I had apparently had one the weekend before…always the drinker, never the drink maker – until now!) Crown – butterscotch liqueur – Red Bull (sugar free of course). First you put ice in the shaker then ½ Crown ½ butterscotch – shake shake shake! Stacy told me to listen to the ice and you know it’s done when it sounds different…I couldn’t hear the difference haha! Then I poured evenly across the 4 shot glasses (like a total pro) – then top off with half a can of Red Bull in each shot. It wasn’t until I made a vodka Red Bull that I really wanted a drink – mmmmm smells sooooo good!
It was a little weird being on the “other” side of the bar – interesting how much you can hear…something to remember in the future! One of my favorite parts was definitely talking to all the different people – I love making new friends! (Surprise, surprise!) I also loved using the register – made me feel so official! The night went by so fast and I didn’t want to leave. After my shift I joined my peeps on the other side of the bar for a drink – and I felt weird like I should go back and pour my own drink! Overall – AWESOME night and great adventure! I can now add bartending to the list of things I will totally do again!
TIPS –I made $30 in just 2 hours! (not bad for a rainy Wednesday night), 100% of my tips were donated to the Stiletto Stampede for the Cure.
THANK YOUS
The Quarter – THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!! This would not have been possible without you! Your staff is AMAZEBALLS and I now hold a special place in my heart for The Quarter. Stacy and Chris – thanks for being such great teachers– y’all are the best! Thank you for a night I will never forget! Count me in if you ever need an extra bartender!
Ochoa Photography – Angie (and Manny) I don’t know what I would do without you and your FABULOUS photos! Thank you again for joining me on my crazy adventures! Thank you for your time and your talent!
And a big THANK YOU to everyone who came out and supported me on this adventure!
Until next time, what will I do next?
XOXO,
Courtney
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2 Comments on "Thirty Before Thirty: Task #2 – Bartending!"
love you courtney! I loved being there and I am so excited to follow you on this journey! Manny & I have so much fun when we do all your 30b430 awesome events! Can’t wait for the rest!!! YAY!!!
Simple but admirable content. Wonderful posts! Great stuff, just great!