A friend once told us: “Always know your bartender.” Good advice. Albert Lea Magazine took a drive around to the local bars one Friday night and asked bartenders, “What is your favorite drink to make?” Here are their answers:

Chelsea Hanson, Wedgewood Cove: Jack Daniels straight up

Andrew Tait, Big Island Grille & Bar: White Russian

Myrna Wegner, 112 on Broadway: Hammer (Bacardi Limón rum and water)

Kathy Stuart, American Legion Club: Cherry Bomb

Lauri Lindschmidt, Nasty Habit: 4:20 (She invented this drink. It is 2 parts watermelon schnapps, 2 parts peach schnapps, 1 part Southern Comfort, a dash of Coke, a dash of Sprite and a dash of orange juice, then shaken.)

Steve Hagen, Eagles Club: Margarita on the rocks

Veronica Zuniga, Aragon Bar: Long Island Iced Tea

Dave Nelson, Chubby’s: Kryptonite (16 oz. mug of beer, a shot of Apple Pucker schnapps, topped with 7-Up, then chugged)

Jenna Riggle, 112 on Broadway: Water Moccasin shot

Lisa Adams, Moose Lodge: Colorado Bulldog

Tara Simmons, Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill: Perfect Margarita

Becky Morgan, Green Mill: Long Island Iced Tea or Margarita

Ashlyn Nasby, Harold’s Bar: layered shots, like Bob Marley

Aryn Heinzeroth, Skol Tavern: Jotun’s Brew (chocolate and almond liqueur with Guinness Draught that tastes like iced mocha)

Ashley Mosser, Big Island Grille & Bar: Bloody Mary

George Gillespie, Eddie’s Bar: Honey Nut O’s (Honey Jack Daniels with RumChata, chilled, shaken and poured into a shot glass)