Photo by Justin Lago
On Tap Magazine hosted the Sauza Margarita Quest Finals on Tuesday, July 20 from 8 to 10 p.m. at Bobby McKeys in National Harbor where 10 finalists went head-to-head to compete for a $1000 grand-prize. Hundreds of sample cups were filled with the individual creations of each of the Bartenders who competed, keeping the thirsty crowd coming back for more. Judging was based on three criteria which included, “Peoples Choice”, or most vote ballets placed in the bartenders jar, “Winner overall”, which was determined by a panel of judges who based their decision on taste, and presentation, and third, judges voted for a second place winner based on the next best margarita of the night.
The Sauza Margarita Quest $1000 prize went to Jenn Ruggeri, a Rockville MD native, born and raised, for the creation of the “Green Hornet Cactus” margarita. Ruggeri bartends at Branded 72, in Rockville.
ON TAP: How did you become interested in bartending?
JR: “I dated a bartender in OCMD and thought it was hot how he flirted with his clients, but knew that it was just part of his job. Knowing that, I decided to start bartending because I could playfully flirt, have fun, and meet new people. We broke up, but I met the next guy I dated while I was bartending and now I’m single again so come in and visit! Ha-ha!”
OT: “So, Jenn, how did you hear about the Margarita competition?”
JR: “Well, my boss called me one day and told me I was in it. I said ‘Hey, why not?!’”
OT: “What is the most memorable moment so far as a bartender that you can remember or just can’t forget?”
JR: “One night I had all the ladies in the bar jump up and start dancing with me on top of it. It was a great idea at the time and so much fun, but I got in trouble, so no more dancing on the bar.”
OT: “What is your specialty drink? And can you give away its secrets?”
JR: Besides the margarita, I have got everyone drinking a Jack Daniels and Baileys shot. I call it the ‘Jack n Jenn’ or ‘Dessert’. It’s delicious! Try it out.”
OT: “What kind of advice would you give to others who are interested in becoming a good bartender?”
JR: “Stay on top of your game when you’re behind the bar. Give everyone attention and make them feel special. And most important, always have fun! It makes it feel like it’s not even a job.”
OT: “What do you plan on doing with the $1,000?”
JR: “Most of the money is going to my medical bills because I just had thyroid cancer and I’m paying those off right now. I think I might need to treat myself to something nice with the remainder though.”
OT: How did you feel when you heard your name called for 1st place?”
JR: “My first reaction was, ‘Are you serious!?’” “It was so exciting and I was completely shocked!”
OT: “Can you tell me a few of your
hobbies other than bartending and why you enjoy it?
JR: I love dancing. If I’m ever in a bad mood, I put on music and dance it out of me. I also really like to try new restaurants and food. It’s fun to experimenting different cuisines.”
OT: “How do you think the event went at Bobby McKeys?
JR: “I thought the event was great! I had a blast meeting the other bartenders in the competition and can’t wait to go visit them at their bars. OnTap did a great job and I am very thankful I got to be a part of it.”
OT: Would you like to give a plug for your bar or yourself so we can all say hi?
JR: Branded 72 is on Facebook and so am I. Find me!”
