If you’ve ordered a drink in Minneapolis, there’s a fair chance Jeff Rogers had a hand in making it. Rogers is the bar director at Jester Concepts, a restaurant group that encompasses seven very different locations, and when we asked him about his bar go-to’s, he balked. “There are so many things to have around for a home bar,” he said. “But these are my absolute go-to’s.” From the only cocktail bitter you need to a perfect affordable gin, here’s what Jester Concepts bar director Jeff Rogers always keeps in stock.
Angostura Bitters
“Angostura bitters are a must-have for any home bar, including mine. There are so many bitters out there right now that are wonderful and work for specific cocktails or dishes. But there is a reason why Angostura outlasted all other bitters during the dark years of cocktails. It can be used to add splashes of flavors to almost anything. You can take my Ango from my cold dead hands.”
Fords Gin
“Fords Gin is a bottle I always have on hand. I love gin and love the multiple uses of this one. It’s great for those that want a London Dry style martini and is also approachable for those that aren’t typically gin drinkers. The versatility it lends to works well in so many gin cocktails makes it a must-have for me.”
