Brandon Skinner
After bartending across the United States, working on a cruise ship in Hawaii and running a fine dining restaurant in Virginia—all while sharpening his mixology skills along the way—Brandon Skinner has quite literally taken his talents behind the bar around the world. Now, he’s settled his roots in Iowa and has become a staple character—and key recommender of great spirits—at Uptown Food & Beverage.
Best part of working in Iowa’s bartending scene: With so many people moving to the area, Ankeny has a great mix of wonderful people. l enjoy making drinks to fit everyone’s preference and coming up with random drinks off the top of my head.
Go-to drink to make: I love dessert martinis, and one of my favorites is my Scotch-a-Roo, which won people’s choice in last years mixology contest.
Best advice to an aspiring mixologist or bartender: My best advice to new bartenders is experiment and to have fun. If you enjoy your job, the happiness will come out in your drinks.