Good karma is headed your way-and his name is Eric Voigt, ready to serve you a healthy balance of humor and expertise.Eric Voigt, 28, Cedar Rapids
Bartender @ Karma

How long have you been bartending and when did Karma come your way?
I’ve been mixing drinks for 8 years now, in a variety of establishments, from night clubs, martini lounges to breweries and beyond.
I’ve been with Karma from the very beginning, going on six months now. It was a unique opportunity impossible to ignore. Fortunately the location was not impacted by the flood, but there was a definite need for some interior and exterior work to get it to the quality spot it is today.

When people want the scoop on Karma. What’s your response?
Boisterous and effervescent. How’s that for a description? We cater primarily to the late night crowd, cramming as much fun as possible into the final hours of the evening. On the flip side, our happy hours from 4 to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 6 to 8 on Saturdays are fantastic. We have an elevated lounge area complete with sultry leather furniture that takes you away from the dance area and into an inviting relaxed setting.

Fill in the blank. To me, being a bartender means never forgetting your_______.
Morals. The role of bartender goes far beyond simply pouring a cocktail. You are the host of the party, engaging guests in conversation, making sure everyone is having a good time. There are many vices linked to night clubs so you must conduct yourself in a responsible fashion. Knowing when to say when is key. There’s temptation everywhere.

What’s a valuable lesson you’ve taken from the bar business?
Being a bartender allows you to encounter people that you’d normally never engage. You have the opportunity to meet the best of the best and the opposite.

Any bizarre drink requests?
The one that gets me is when someone orders their friend a shot of “anything that will make them vomit.”

What are the key ingredients to a good bar?
A well stocked and diverse liquor selection, good wines, tasty beers, great music and relaxing ambience. Throw in some live music, polite staff, intimidating security and you’ve got a great bar. The bartender should be entertaining with an interesting personality and knowledge of their way behind the bar. Having some good dance moves never hurt anyone.

RECIPE:
Velvet Hammer
Grab a martini glass, throw in some vodka, splash of dark creme de cacao and a pinch of cream and you’re well on your way.
Eric says: Hands down I make the most Malibu and Pepsi’s, but my favorite drink is the Velvet Hammer.

PHOTOS BY: Jim Slosiarek

–Quinn