South’s Greatest Bartenders 2022
Bartenders are people of many talents: inventors, artists, comedians, therapists, and more. These top-voted bartenders also happen to be the life of the party that is Savannah’s bar scene.
Bartenders are people of many talents: inventors, artists, comedians, therapists, and more. These top-voted bartenders also happen to be the life of the party that is Savannah’s bar scene.
1. Noah Wolcott
Perry Lane Hotel
For Noah Wolcott, bartending is about the twinkle in a person’s eye when they try their first sip of a cocktail that’s just right. “I really find joy in getting an understanding of my guests tastes and desires- then scrolling through the Rolodex of cocktail recipes and formulas in my head to find the perfect fit,” said Wolcott. He likes to push the boundaries of existing cocktail frameworks and encourage patrons out of their comfort zone with something like a whole egg root beer flip dessert or a mezcal twist on the classic bijou.
2. Lee Kicklighter
Debellation Brewing Company
Lee Kicklighter knows her way around the taps at Debellation Brewing Company — the kind of place that will pique anyone’s interest as soon as they step foot inside. It’s not a face-paced, loud, elbow-up atmosphere — it has a true community feel paired with awesome brews. When asked about her favorite part about working at a brewery, Kicklighter said, I would have to say the people I work with and the regulars. It’s a different atmosphere because you get to really connect with people.” While Debellation offers everything from old-world to creative new flavors, Kicklighter recommends the Viking Sahti.
3. Ryan Kessler
Rusty Rudders Taphouse
Visitors to River Street’s Rusty Rudders Taphouse would be surprised to learn that the man behind the bar — Ryan Kessler — is a self-proclaimed introvert. “Bartending forces me out of my comfort zone,” explained Kessler, “There’s nothing I love more than a good conversation with someone that you didn’t expect to even talk to or have anything in common with.” As a River Street bartender, Kessler has seen it all, from locals enjoying the dive atmosphere to tourists just passing through. He doesn’t judge what shelf your liquor comes from, “Although, I will say tequila drinkers are definitely the wildest,” he laughed.
4. Liz Hancock
Barrelhouse South
Liz Hancock can pour some mean vodka crans, but that’s not why her regulars adore her. She has survived nine years in the service industry with her natural Southern hospitality and ability to talk about nearly anything…“Whether the topic be relatable, relevant, honest, or completely off the wall type BS. The ladder seems to be the favorite,” said Hancock. She slings strong ones, laughs with the locals, charms the tourists, and pokes fun at the late-night crowd who can’t handle their liquor. However, what she likes most about her job is that she gets to be herself, and said, “I’m extremely grateful for that.”
5. Dom Nicholson
Congress Street Social Club
To Dom Nicholson, a person’s drink can tell a lot about them. For example, a “Tito’s and soda” may seem simple, but usually indicates a high-maintenance customer. When a group of “‘Woo!’ boys” requests a round of Irish Car Bombs — Nicholson’s least favorite drink to serve — he knows he’s in for a long night. And a Hennessy margarita order only means trouble. “Whenever I make them for my friends they always come back with crazy stories,” he explained. “The first time I tried one for myself, I attempted to parkour through an open window. Long story short, I didn’t make it.”
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