Behind the Bar with Jordan Smith: The Challenge of Pleasing Every Palate

Being a bartender is more than just pouring drinks—it’s an art form that requires skill, intuition, and patience. Every night behind the bar is a delicate balancing act, as bartenders cater to a wide array of customers, each with their own preferences, moods, and expectations.

Meet Jordan Smith, the manager and mixologist at Dogmud Tavern in Ridgeland, MS. Running the busiest bar in town, Smith has seen it all—demanding customers, impossible drink requests, and the constant pressure to create the perfect cocktail. “People don’t realize how much goes into bartending,” he says. “It’s not just about making drinks; it’s about making people happy.”

One of the biggest challenges he faces? Crafting drinks that satisfy everyone. “You have to be creative constantly and learn to adjust on the fly. "Smith Explains

Beyond taste, presentation matters. Some customers want an elaborate garnish, while others are frustrated by anything more than a simple lemon twist. Some demand crystal-clear ice cubes, while others don’t care as long as the drink is cold. A bartender must be adaptable, reading body language and listening carefully to subtle cues to gauge what the customer really wants.

Then there’s the challenge of expectation versus reality. A customer may have seen a trendy cocktail on social media, expecting it to taste one way, only to be disappointed when it doesn’t match their imagination. Others may have fond memories of a drink from another bar, unknowingly influenced by different ingredients, techniques, or even just the ambiance of that past experience.

Despite these challenges, a great bartender takes pride in their craft, striving to make every drink an enjoyable experience. While it’s impossible to please everyone all the time, the best bartenders know that the key lies in listening, adapting, and, sometimes, simply offering a friendly smile along with the drink.