essica Backhus has worked as a bartender in some capacity for far longer than her bright smile portrays. As a young adult, you could have found her banquet bartending; think measured pour spouts and red solo cups. Backhus, a Colorado native, got her start mixing craft cocktails in Nashville at a bar called the Holland House, then at Husk Nashville for the first five years after it opened. Currently, Backhus is the lead bartender for the Wild Dunes Resort. Backhus gets the pleasure of helping create the cocktail programs throughout the resort, concocting unique drinks for each diverse theme and vibe of every bar and restaurant. That includes the Laughing Gull, a poolside walk-up bar with a great food and beverage menu. Laughing Gull operates year-round and is open to the public. They sling refreshing cocktails like the Tipsy Turtle made with rum, pineapple juice and blue Curacao and the Palmetto Painkiller featuring rum blended with fresh pineapple, OJ, crème de coconut and nutmeg. “It’s incredibly fun to share delicious drinks with people visiting the resort and give them ‘light bulb’ moments that elevate their already magical island experience,” Backhus shared. As someone who has worked with Laughing Gull’s bar staff and managers, Backhus stressed that you are in good hands if you visit. "For the public to access Laughing Gull, simply tell the folks at the entry gate where you are going, valet their car at the Sweetgrass Inn. Valet is free for those dining in any of our outlets. Walk through the Sweetgrass Inn lobby to the large 20 IslandVibesIOP.com FOOD & BEV Behind the Bar Take a load off with tasty libations at Laughing Gull By Maurice J. Frazier COASTAL COVERAGE SPECIALISTS 843.881.4707 insureme@sigsc.com Mount Pleasant & Beaufort Hurricane Season is Upon Us... Are You Covered? BE PREPARED! MAKE TIME TO EVALUATE: • Replacement Cost Coverage • Wind & Hail Coverage • Flood Coverage • Rental Property Coverage • Personal Property Coverage J pool area." Be on the lookout for their holiday and football packages and features. Those who have or are currently bartending have either experienced or heard interesting stories from patrons. Backhus had one gentleman guest who was so impressed with her shaking technique that he persistently challenged her to an arm-wrestling match. Backhus declined but directed him to a friend who owned a dive bar down the street, who she told him would happily arm wrestle him. Backhus later visited this friend for a night cap and learned that she indeed accepted the armwrestling challenge, beat him and won $20 — which she used to pay for Backhus’ drink. Backhus relishes creating a memorable experience for every different guest she interacts with, learning about each individual and curating a unique drink for them. She crafts one of the tastiest cocktails for them to enjoy in the moment; something that feels familiar but is also new and exciting. For more information, visit destinationhotels.com/wild-dunes/dining/ laughing-gull. Hours of operation are Monday through Sunday (closed Friday) from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
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