Having bartended professionally for over 10 years, I’ve found that making connections and helping visitors is one of the best parts of the job.
Local bartenders are often the unsung guides of a city, with insider knowledge that can’t be Googled. The Bartender’s Recommendations Project gives them a platform to share that expertise, while offering visitors a local, personal touch to their experiences.
It’s almost like getting advice and insider tips from a friend.
It’s well known that those who work in the industry often play in the industry and befriend others in the scene. Many times, bartenders will refer visitors to other bars, saying things like, “Go see Jason at his bar and tell him I sent you!” It’s a little code that lets the other bartender know to treat them well. Referrals amongst bartender friends are common.
Sometimes, though… bartenders have a full bar and only 5 minutes to craft 20 cocktails for the bar or restaurant they’re working at, so a one-on-one session of recommendations and hidden gems isn’t an option. It’s happened to me countless times—I couldn’t spend time recommending cocktail bars or other restaurants to visitors because I had 10 other guests needing service.
That’s why I started this project.
What is it?
The Bartender’s Recommendations Project is a series of articles featuring locally beloved bartenders and all their favorite recommendations from their specific city: where to drink, where to eat, where to play, obscure shops and tours, hidden gems, and even touristy things that are actually worth it—you name it.
Each article will also feature a small bio from the bartender, where they work, and their favorite cocktail (whether they enjoy crafting it or drinking it!).
Once a bartender has a completed article, they receive a stack of business cards and a Sharpie, so they can simply write their name and share it with visitors at the bar or friends visiting their city. They can also share their article on social media or even add it to their Instagram profiles.
Upon completion, they will also be emailed a personalized QR code linking to their article, so they can save it as an image and share it with just a tap.
What are the benefits of getting an article made?
The article works as a resource: bartenders can share their complete city guides with whoever they like, without having to take time to scribble down names on a piece of paper during a busy shift. I mean, they can still do that too, but this helps! This way, guests feel connected to their bartender and can enjoy a personal guide without missing out on the tips they crave.
This frees up time for bartenders and gives visitors a comprehensive guide, along with some fun facts about the bartender. It’s a win-win, solving a daily challenge bartenders face: being too busy to give visitors all the juicy details.
For example, a bartender may say, “For breakfast, go to this one amazing restaurant, but here’s my full guide on what to do in my city,” and hand them a card or share their QR code.
Bartenders get to showcase their favorite spots, and people visiting the city get a curated, trusted guide. Handing out business cards or a QR code for a detailed guide keeps things efficient for busy bartenders and offers visitors something more meaningful than a quick, rushed recommendation.
This project provides a way to connect people to local culture, all while showcasing bartenders and their craft. The goal is for it to grow and become a trusted resource for both locals and travelers.
What cities are currently part of the project?
Currently, I’m interviewing all interested bartenders from Savannah, GA, and Charleston, SC. The proximity allows for easy access to photographs and cocktail photography, plus I’ll personally come to take your photos and conduct a 15-to-20-minute verbal interview to write your article.
HOWEVER! If you’re a bartender in another city and would like to be part of the project, I’d love to interview you—provided you can send in photos for your article. Specifically, I’ll need photos of you at your bar, a picture of your cocktail of choice (that you craft at your bar), and a couple of shots of your picks (food or restaurant facades). This interview would be chat-style unless I can travel to you!
How can I become part of the project?
To all interested bartenders, just email me at vanessa@spicymelonblog.com, and we’ll get you scheduled for your article!
Does it cost anything to get an article made?
At the moment, getting an article made is free, and I’ll provide you with a stack of business cards featuring a QR code so your article can be easily found by anyone who types in your name. You can also email me for replacement business cards to keep sharing your article.
If handing out business cards isn’t your thing, I’ll also be emailing you a personalized QR code image so you can share your article directly with anyone you like.
Now, if you happen to be the world’s most famous bartender and need a zillion business cards every week, we can talk about a $5 donation for more cards. But remember, you can always add your article to the “Link in bio” section of your Instagram profile, and you’ll receive an image with a QR code to share and access it directly.
Feel free to print your personalized QR code for easy sharing if you wish! Some bartenders even laminate a small reusable card and share it that way.
Can my article be modified?
Absolutely! Just email me any modifications, and I’ll update it right away. Maybe you want to add more to your bio, the restaurant you recommended closed, you found a new favorite spot, or you got into a fight with the bartender at one of your recommended bars and decided to stop promoting them.
For any reason at all, your article can always be updated! Just an email away from making it happen.
How many articles will be posted monthly?
At the moment, I’m posting 2 to 3 articles monthly, each ranging from 1,000 to 1,500 words. If you’d like to add yourself to the list and be featured next, feel free to email me, and we’ll chat about the details!
Any other questions? Ask me in the comments below or email me at vanessa@spicymelonblog.com for a private response.
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