Maple Grove Bartenders' Favorite Dessert Drinks

Five bartenders share their favorite after-dinner libations.

By: Tammy Sproule Kaplan | From the issue: March 2012

Iron Butterfly from Malone's

An after-dinner drink is a nice way to wind down after a meal, but deciding on the right one to order can be a downright brain-teaser. That’s where the established bartender comes in. One might offer something simple to calm your stomach, others a creative shot or a highly-flavored, candy-infused dessert replacement. The best of them are able to recommend something to suit your mood and palate, be it classic or unconventional, energizing, refreshing or soothing. Luckily, Maple Grove has a handful of local bartenders who aren’t shy about their favorite after-dinner concoctions.

Name: Jason Steele

Bar: 3 Squares

When to Visit Him: Wednesday through Saturday evenings

Dessert Drink of Choice: Blue berry poblano margarita.

Why He Likes it: “Not many people think of a margarita as a dessert drink. It’s my favorite because it’s sweet, spicy and has a kick.”

About Steele: Jason has been in the hospitality business for 20 years. For the past year and a half he’s been at 3 Squares, following a hiatus from bartending while he managed nightclubs in downtown Minneapolis.

12690 Arbor Lakes Pkwy.; 763.425.3330

Name: Stacey Gundersen

Bar: Rush Creek Highlander Pub

When to Visit Her: Wednesday through Friday evenings

Dessert Drink of Choice: Key lime pie martini. The drink is made with Dr. McGillicuddy’s vanilla schnapps, cream, lime juice, and sweet and sour, shaken and strained into a martini glass with a graham-cracker rim and lime wedge.

Why She Likes it: “This drink has actually been a really big hit with the ladies. It tastes just like the pie. It’s a nice summer or after-dinner drink.”

About Gundersen: A career bartender with more than 15 years of experience under her belt, Stacey has worked at Highlander for nearly two years and spent 13 years bartending at Mama G’s earlier in her career. She’s been in and out of the service industry the past 28 years.

7801 Troy Ln. N., Maple Grove; 763.255.2939