Libations

Mixing Up a Good Time

by Deborah C. Gerbers photos by Sue Pais

Warsaw native Heather Holbrook brings lots of laughs and talent from behind the bar at Buffalo Wild Wings in Warsaw. Having lived in Topeka, Shipshewana, and her home of Warsaw, this fun-loving Indiana gal enjoys her work— and loves to make people smile.

LAKElife Magazine, meet Heather Holbrook, equal parts bartender extraordinaire and friendly, fun times.

Buffalo Wild Wings

376 Enterprise Dr. Warsaw

574.267.7707

buffalowildwings.com

Please share a little about yourself… are you originally from Kosciusko County?

I moved back with my family to Warsaw as a preteen, and I’ve been living here ever since. I’m married to my husband, Josh. We recently celebrated our 15-year anniversary! We have three boys— Isaac, Bailey, and Brady. They are truly the best part of me.

How did you get into bartending?

I’ve been with Buffalo Wild Wings for six years. I started out as a server, and after a few months was promoted to bartending. This was my first time working in a bar, so at first it was very intimidating— but I loved learning the mixology part of it all.

What is the best part of your job?

My favorite thing about my job would be… that I can be super goofy! I love making people laugh. ‘Bdubs’ is a place where you can escape and feel part of a something other than the normal daily grind. When you come sit at the bar rail, you can be sure you’ll leave with a smile and want to come back again. I truly appreciate all of my regulars— who mean more to me than they will ever know. Without all of them, I wouldn’t be who I am. We have all become such a close family.

Do you have a favorite recipe you’d like to share with our readers for a summertime drink?

It’s hard coming up with just one summertime drink. I enjoy mixing different things together and coming up with my own recipes. If I’d have to choose just one, it would be a drink I call Papa Smurf. It’s fruity, and looks as good as it tastes. (Editor note: Heather’s recipe for the Papa Smurf drink to come in a later issue of LAKElife.)

Outside of work, what hobbies or interests do you have?

Hobbies outside of working would be spending time with my family, my bestie Becky, and her daughter Ella. We enjoy going to the lake in the summer, camping, and cooking out.

What are some tips for the at-home bartender? What are some key ingredients?

A tip for an at-home bartender would be: don’t be afraid to try new recipes. And the best ingredient—the key ingredient is to have fun. Enjoy coming up with your own signature drink!