Yeah, we know the Cubs are in the playoffs, but what’s more exciting than watching our Final Five as they go shaker to shaker at our Best Bartender Bash? Join us at Evil Olive from 8 to 11 p.m. Oct. 3 to sample your favorite mixologist’s signature concoction—drinks are complimentary. Then cast your vote for the Best Bartender online: The poll is open on metromix.com Oct. 3 (Wednesday) through 11:59 p.m. Oct. 7 (Sunday).
Jennifer Contraveos, 23
Bon V
Try it tonight: Cane Juice
Why is your drink the tastiest?
It’s original; the flavors are all dynamic so you can taste each one within the drink. Plus, it’s paying homage to the [fall] season.
Why are you the Best Bartender?
I learned how to bartend in a very conservative, efficient way, and I’ve continued to educate myself and others in the same way. And I’m very passionate about spirits in general.
Troy Hayden, 24
Goodbar
Try it tonight: Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Martini
Why is your drink the tastiest? If you’ve ever had pineapple upside-down cake, it tastes so much like the real thing. (Psst: We hear Troy might bring some cake to the party so you can compare.)
Why are you the Best Bartender? Pouring drinks aside, you won’t have a better time with anybody else behind the bar. It’s about the energy you get from your bartender—you’re having a good time because I’m having a good time.
Vanessa Garippo, 27
The Local Option
Try it tonight: The Pimms Deluxe
Why is your drink the tastiest? It’s pleasing to the palate, refreshing and not overpowering.
Why are you the Best Bartender? I’m big on establishing personal relationships with many of my patrons. Remembering them, what they like to drink, engaging in small talk and remembering small details about what’s going on in their life makes them special.
Joey Kot, 34
Roscoe’s
Try it tonight: Blue Bayou
Why is your drink the tastiest?
It’s like drinking a tropical vacation. And it’s blue—go Cubs!
Why are you the Best Bartender? I think I treat everybody really well. As soon as I serve somebody I can remember them when they walk in a second time and have their drink ready when they come up to the bar.
Ann Regan, 30
Blarney Stone
Try it tonight: Sex on the Pool Table shot
Why is your drink the tastiest? It’s a nice refreshing shot; the melon taste cleanses your palate. You can have my shot and quickly move on to what you were drinking before.
Why are you the Best Bartender? Because I think bartending is not about what drink you can make—it’s about personality. Every night I’m throwing a party, and I want everyone to have a good time.
WHO WILL WIN THE COCKTAIL CROWN?
Drink >> Sample the winning recipes tonight to help make your decision
Read >> Find bartender bios, photos and more online
Click >> Vote at metromix.com until 11:59 p.m. Oct. 7
Check back >> We’ll reveal this year’s champ in the Oct. 10 issue
The Final Five were selected from 10 bartenders based on reader votes at metromix.com. The Top 10 were selected by Metromix staff, based on nominations from readers.
(Please note: Metromix reserves the right to audit the poll and determine the winner. Vote percentages shown may not reflect the actual number of valid votes.)
[ Karen Budell is the Metromix nightlife producer. ]
kmbudell@tribune.com
