Megan Mancini
found at: The Tavern Downtown (Hartford)
What type of cocktails have you come up with for the fall?
Since we specialize in beers, we have a lot of seasonal ones. Right now we offer five Octoberfest beers, two of which are The Sparten Octoberfest and Bluepoint Pumpkin Ale. As far as cocktails I like to make a spiced-cider shot made with cider beer, Goldschlager and cranberry juice. We also feature a pumpkin-pie bomb, which has half a glass of the Bluepoint Pumpkin beer. A combination of Pinnacle Whipped vodka and Goldschlager in a shot glass is dropped into the beer.
Do you think it's harder for a woman to gain respect as a career bartender?
Yes, because I am viewed as being available to the men drinking at my bar. It's a different perspective for a woman in that situation. Friendliness can be misinterpreted. You have to be able to stand your ground and also manipulate the situation. Oftentimes, humor helps.
Where is the cocktail scene headed next?
I feel that some of the creativity has gotten lost. We used to make birthday cake shots, now there's a vodka called birthday cake. While it makes the job a little easier, it takes the mixology part out.
Describe the transition from being a customer here to being a bartender here.
It was easy because I knew everyone I worked with. I knew what I liked and I liked the environment. The hardest part was knowing where all the beers are in the cooler: we have 99 different types of beer.
