“I’ve been told for a very long time that I make the best Bloody Mary, so that would probably be my favorite.”
By: Kristy Smith
Posted at 11:42 AM
Updated at 12:41 PM
Name, Age: Kodie Daniels, 33
Years bartending: “On and off for 11-12 years.”
Bar location: Bennigan’s, 2100 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd., Panama City
Do you have another job or what was your last job? “I’m a mother of four, so this is my only paying job.”
Favorite Drink to make: “I’ve been told for a very long time that I make the best Bloody Mary, so that would probably be my favorite.”
What’s the most sold drink in the bar? “Currently, our two-for-one Long Island Iced Teas.”
When someone says “surprise me,” what’s your go-to drink? “I ask them if they have a liquor preference first and then ask if they have a flavor they like and then I’ll concoct something and it’s never turned out bad ever. I’ve been doing this a while.”
Have you created your own concoction? “I actually created one for this restaurant in particular and named it after our CEO. We call it our Bennigan’s Palmer. It’s basically a grown up Arnold Palmer. It’s sweet tea vodka and fresh lemonade. It’s pretty delicious.” She also created a little something she calls the “Get Lucky Jameson Jell-O shot” for their Half Way to St. Patty’s Day celebration
Which cocktail do you dread making? “Blended drinks! Why does anyone do that?”
What is the strangest drink a customer has ever ordered? “I’ve had one customer come in a couple times and ask for vodka and milk on ice. I just give people what they want. You know what I mean? I’m not going to judge you.”
When do you know when a customer has had too much? “I pay attention to speech patterns from the time they sit down to the point where they start repeating themselves, get louder or sillier.”
What do you think makes this bar special? “The people. Our staff is amazing. Our happy hour is amazing. We have quite a few regulars that come in at least once a week because they love it. Everybody makes everyone feel at home.”
What activities do you enjoy outside the bar? “Going to the bar … just kidding. I like outdoors stuff. I like going to the springs or the beach.”
What is your personal drink of choice? “I’m currently on a Titos Vodka kick. I like to mix that with Sprite and a little bit of our fruit purees, fresh lime juice… I don’t do a whole lot of sweet stuff.”
DRINK SPECIALS: Two for $5 House Margaritas, Bloody Marys and Long Island Ice Teas. Two for $5 well liquor drinks. Two for $7 house Chardonnay and house red wine. 20-ounce domestic draft beers for $3.50.
