Meet the Mixologist: Arielle at Pelican's in Bay Point
Name, Age: Arielle Kateusz, 31
Years bartending: 12 years
Bar location: Pelican’s Bar & Grill, 4114 Jan Cooley Drive, Panama City Beach, at Bay Point Resort. Prepare for a bit of a long walk down the boardwalk to get to the restaurant on the water. Or you can pull up on a boat.
Favorite drink to make: “My favorite drink to make right now is my Island Tea. Someone asked me for something like a Long Island Iced Tea but with a tropical twist. So it’s derived from a Long Island, but it has things like citrus vodka and coconut rum in it. It’s usually topped with a watermlon or pineapple wedge. It’s just a nice finish to the drink and it kind of soaks up some of the alcohol.”
What’s the most sold drink in the bar? “We sell a lot of Bud Light and a lot of things from our Island Oasis machine. Pina coladas, strawberry daiquiris, anything tropical really.”
When someone says “surprise me,” what’s your go-to drink? “Out here, generally I’ll do a coconut rum and pineapple juice because it’s a really nice drink to start the night. It’s not too heavy and it tastes good.”
Have you created your own concoction? “The Island Tea.” (RECIPE BELOW)
Which cocktail do you dread making? “Anything weak. I’ll sometimes get customers who say, ‘I just want a quarter of a shot.’”
What is the strangest drink a customer has ever ordered? “There have been a few. The most recent one was a Dirty Martini, with no olive juice or olives, filled with ice and topped with cranberry juice. So ... like a Vodka Cranberry.”
When do you know when a customer has had too much? “There’s a lot of different factors. But body language shows everything. The way a customer’s posture changes is a good indicator. I’ve been doing this a long time, and you learn to read body language.”
What do you think makes this bar special? “Everything. The staff. The vibe. The energy. The clientelle. Everyone here just wants to have a good time and enjoy the view. Seeing dolphins while you work is pretty awesome, too.”
Are there any new products you are interested in working with or are currently working with? “I’m new to the Island Oasis machine. There are so many new flavors and options to can work with that you can make a variety of drinks. You can mix and match.”
What activities do you enjoy outside the bar? “Anything outside. If I can bring my dog, that’s a plus. Swimming, running, beachin’ it.”
What is your personal drink of choice? “Right now I could go for a shot of tequila and a Corona. But it varies.”
DRINK SPECIALS?
“We have a $5 Sangria on Sundays, but specials usually vary day by day. Some days we’ll do $3 beers. We will be starting Happy Hour next week from 3-6 p.m. Monday through Thursday.”
RECIPE:
ISLAND TEA
Citrus vodka
Coconut rum
Tequila
Gin
Cointreau
Sour mix
Mango puree
Grenadine
Garnish with watermelon, pineapple, or any citrus
HOW DOES IT TASTE?
“It’s just as strong as a Long Island, but with a better, fruitier flavor. There are a lot of layers, and it’s so good. It’s perfect for time spent at beachy location like Pelican’s with a beautiful view. When I had it, they were out of watermelon, so I want to go back and have another one (or two) with the wedge.” — Kristy Lynne Owens
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