"Bar Month" at OnMilwaukee.com is back for another round! The whole month of February, we're serving up intoxicatingly fun articles on bars and clubs -- including guides, the latest trends, rapid bar reviews and more. Grab a designated driver and dive in!
As OnMilwaukee.com gets ready to host its third annual Bartender Olympics, you can prepare to cheer on the competition by familiarizing yourself with future Milwaukee Bar Olympians.
We've been profiling the participating bartenders over the last two weeks in preparation for the big night at Whiskey Bar on Thursday, Feb. 24.
Cheer on your favorite bartender while they compete in four events, including the Pabst can stack and the cocktail contest. Plus, there's a talent competition this year! Special guests include 102.1's Kramp and Adler and Jen Lada from Fox 6 News. Drink specials, a Shutterbox photo booth and Street-za Pizza will also be available.
Here's a quick Q & A with bartender Nikki Fountaine from Brewski's.
OnMilwaukee.com: How long have you been tending bar?
Nikki Fountaine: I have been bartending going on six years now.
OMC: What's your favorite Milwaukee bar (other than the one where you work)?
NF: Besides Brewski's my favorite bars in Milwaukee are Amann's, Scott E's, and Red Rock is one of my new favorites. Rode a bull for the first time ever. It was a pretty good time.
OMC: What's the most important tool behind the bar?
NF: The most important tool to have behind the bar is a fun personality. Nobody likes a boring bartender.
OMC: What's the best way to clean up vomit?
NF: Best way to clean up vomit is to have a barback do it!
OMC: What's the best way to handle someone who's been overserved?
NF: Best way to handle someone who's been overserved would be grab a water, offer food, call a cab or arrange another ride. Be cool and calm about it. Drunk people don't like being babied or told what to do.
OMC: Have you served anyone famous? If so, did they tip well?
NF: The only famous people I served was Dan Gadzuric from the Bucks and Leroy Butler from the Packers! But we were so busy I couldn't even take a minute to be in awe. Next door to Brewski's is Duke Roufus, where UFC fighter Pat Barry and Anthony Pettis train, so they stop in from time to time. And yes they all tip very well.
OMC: What drink are you making for Bartender Olympics?
NF: "The Situation."
"The Situation"
Muddled cucumber and sugar
1.5 ounce of Tanqueray
1 ounce of X-Rated
Sprite
Splash of lemonade
Serve over ice
Garnish with a lime