Jeff Naples
He’s the man, the myth—the Beard Behind the Bar. And if you’re at all familiar with Iowa’s buzzy mixology scene, then you know that Jeff Naples is a staple part of it. From crafting creative cocktails and offering direct-to-consumer classes, to mastering new spirits and even consulting for a variety of local hospitality properties, Naples’ flair for culinary storytelling (particularly with cocktails) is practically engrained in Iowa’s spirit.
Best part of working in Iowa’s mixology scene: The best part of working in Iowa’s mixology scene is it’s a new frontier and still emerging—there’s a lot of experimentation with recipes, concepts and more. And customers have a real appreciation for these culinary adventures, so it’s an opportunity to introduce new cocktail concepts and spirits history to a receptive audience.
Go-to drink to make: A classic whiskey smash. It’s so simple yet unique with a great balance of citrus flavors, both sweet and sour. The whiskey smash is a crowd-pleaser without having to do too much.
Best advice to an aspiring mixologist or bartender: Take your time to learn the classics and cocktail history. And keep it simple, don’t overdue ingredients—just choose really good ones.