Bar Cart

STEP BEHIND THE BAR WITH CHUCK JONES OF LOCAL JONES

When you’re at the helm of the designated watering hole at a premier hotel like Halcyon, you’re going to have some amazing skills, incredible experiences, and more than a few good stories to tell. Chuck Jones is the man behind the bar at Local Jones (no relation). So, what better opportunity in keeping up with the Joneses than to learn a few things from Chuck in our latest edition of Bar Cart?

What’s the best drink we’ve never had?
The Killer Bee from the Sunshine Beach Shack on the island of Nevis. Nevis is a special place for my wife and me, and this drink brings back great memories. It is the perfect rum cocktail with passion fruit, honey, and black pepper.

Is there a cocktail with a particularly interesting backstory that you appreciate?
Gin & Tonic, for sure. I love the story that in order to get British soldiers to drink quinine (malaria prevention), the trick was to add gin. With that, the drink was born and has endured for decades as one of the most classic cocktails there is.

How did you get into the industry?
I was a lifeguard making five dollars an hour, and my buddy was a server at Bennigan’s. One day when we were meeting up, he showed me the $100 he made that shift. I immediately reported to Bennigan’s and sweet talked my way into a server’s job.

What’s the vibe at Local Jones?
Friendly, fun, home-away-from-home, and an unpretentious neighborhood bar that offers sophisticated cocktails alongside old classics. It’s the best of both worlds.

What’s the funniest or strangest thing you’ve ever overheard from a patron while behind the bar?
Closing out the bar when I had a couple at the end of the bar, the lady let me know that she was a former Playmate. As I was finishing the night, I heard some giggling and the next thing I know, a very large brassiere landed on my head.

Is there a particular drink that you love to make?
Classic stirred Sazerac

What’s the oddest drink order you’ve ever received?
Scotch and warm milk

Where do you get your inspiration?
I like to create experiences for my guests, turning a person’s day around. For example, I have one couple that has one hour, every Tuesday, that is their only time without the kids. I strive to make that one hour special and memorable.

What’s a springtime cocktail that you recommend?
My go-to is a Salty Dog, but the fan favorite of our guests is “Tell Me I’m Pretty.”

Make It: Tell Me I’m Pretty

Take the Local Jones vibe home with this delicious cocktail recipe, perfect for beginners and mixology aficionados alike…

2 oz REPOSADO TEQUILA

1 oz PASSIONFRUIT SYRUP

.75 oz Lemon Juice

1 oz Banana Liqueur

3 dashes SPICY BITTERS

COMBINE ALL INGREDIENTS OVER ICE. SHAKE AND STRAIN, AND SERVE OVER CRUSHED ICE.

+ MORE VIA // localjones.com