Cody Palmer, 23, Iowa City
Supervisor/Bartender @ Brothers Bar and Grill
How long have you been a bartender?
A year and half.
How did you get into bartending?
I had some friends that worked here. I just got a job through them and worked my way up. I started as security, then moved on to barback and then from barback to bartender.
What do you like about bartending?
Just being able to be out in the Iowa City downtown atmosphere — it’s just a fun college atmosphere and everyone’s willing to let loose and have fun and get crazy almost every weekend.
What’s your favorite night to work?
Slower nights like Mondays or Sundays. Those nights can get somewhat busy, but never so busy that you’re frantically running around. You get to hang out and go at a comfortable pace and converse with the clientele. It’s fun to push yourself on busy nights, but, overall, I prefer just talking and conversing.
What’s your favorite drink to pour?
A Bloody Mary. It’s not really governed by a recipe for the most part. It can be changed and customized according to whatever the person likes.
How do you like your Bloody Marys?
Just spicy. And the more fixin’s the better.
Name one song that gets played a lot at Brothers that pumps you up, and one that you wish you never had to hear again.
The “I love college” song — I wish I never had to hear that again. I’m not even sure who it’s by. They chant “Freshman, freshman, do something crazy.” That song is terrible and I wish I never even had that on our computer. I like high energy songs — techno and songs of that nature.
Are you running any special promotions or contests this summer?
More people need to know that our happy hours are a great deal. From 3 to 8 p.m., it’s $2 you-call-it including all shots, all beers and almost all liquors. Top shelf liquors are $3. Almost every day someone’s surprised at our deals.
Details: Brothers Bar and Grill; 125 S. Dubuque St., Iowa City; 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Monday through Friday, 3 p.m. to 2 a.m. Saturday and Sunday; (319) 338-6373; www.brothersbar.com
Bloody Mary
2 ounces vodka
Ground pepper
Celery salt
Splash of Tabasco
Splash of Guinness
Zing Zang Bloody Mary mix
3 green olives
1 slice pickle
Combine all ingredients except the olives and pickle in a pint glass containing ice. Stir. Garnish with olives and pickle.
