Bartender Wisdom: 'Hot Toddies All Night'

Maryam Troncelliti, 32, bartender and co-owner


Portland, Oregon

My sister invited me into this adventure. I always worked in coffee shops and once had a brief stint working at an elementary school. It's not too far off really.

I'm not shy, but at the same time, there is a lot of hanging out and laughing to be had without being overly personal. It depends on the individual. I just go with the flow.

Acknowledging that you saw somebody the week before or maybe even a few weeks earlier is a given. Remembering their drink is always good, too. We have the advantage when they leave their card. All of a sudden we know their name.

Women drink more wine, in general.

The occasional catatonic weirdo adds fun to the night.

Have you ever played Boggle? It's wild. So is chess. Mind-melting. Calisthenics, arm wrestling. Just the usual fun.

People come in alone to take a break from a project, or even to be inspired when working on a project, to leave the house, to draw, read, do the crossword, study, or simply to process the day, ideas, or anything on the mind. They decompress after work. And of course, they can have whatever drink they want.

Sometimes customers come in alone, only to talk to you or the person next to them. That can be brutal. Then you have to save the other customers from the crazy one.

The most popular drinks are our house infusions. Ginger bourbon is very popular. I can make ginger manhattans and ginger hot toddies all night. The habanero hibiscus margarita is always a winner as well.

My favorite drink is top-shelf whiskey neat or on the rocks. Right now it's Basil Hayden's. It's simple, and delicious.

I like to serve the Gentleman's Combo. It's our well whiskey with a beer back. It's good for the pocket when having several rounds. Everyone loves a gentleman.

I cut people off for sure. I don't find it to be that difficult. They barely notice when they are really drunk. One time, I put water in someone's empty PBR bottle after I refused them another. They were amused.

A lot of water and a couple of solid meals.

Hard liquor demands a full menu by law. Who doesn't want a late-night meal or unnecessary grilled cheese?

I don't like serving Long Island iced teas. The drink itself is hideous. Sure, it tastes like iced tea, but what a headache mixture. The other day I served someone their last Long Island. They watched me make it, they asked what was in it, and with a grimace, decided it would be their last.


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