Bartender Feature: Jungle
If you’re in the Boulder, Colorado area and craving a getaway, this tropical cocktail bar offers a change of pace without having to hit the road. Focused on the Caribbean, Latin America and rum heritage, partner and general manager Jake Novatny says that Jungle caters to a wide demographic, from the casual fine cocktail drinker to Tiki lovers and college students. It’s definitely a place we want to visit when we start to travel again—a cocktail on the patio and views of the Flat Irons sound like just the thing!
Jake Novotny, Partner and General Manager of Tiki
Meet Jake
Title: Partner/General Manager
Years Bartending: 10
What Sets Jungle Apart
Ambience and the cocktail program. We've filled the space with plants, keep the windows open, and only play vinyl. Lots of classic ska and reggae. Our drinks and atmosphere strike a fine balance between exotic and approachable.
On Getting Into Bartending and Craft Spirits
I got into bartending for some money on the side during college. I fell in love because I love connecting with the community and giving folks memorable experiences. I grew to love spirits as an avenue for exploration and travel. Anywhere in the world you travel to, they're making alcohol of some kind there, and it's deeply connected to their history.
When it Comes to Craft Cocktails I Wish More People Knew
That they can just drink what they want to drink. With so many "high-end" bars, craft spirits, and crazy cocktails, people are very intimidated when they go out. We want people to be comfortable with their tastes and not have any stigma attached to it. I love strawberry daiquiris and I'm not afraid to show it!
How we use Montanya Rum
We use Montanya rum as the first rum we give people when they're getting into the spirit. It hits the mark as a spirit with the ester build that's noticeably rum, but does it with enough nuance that it doesn't scare people away. We love that it’s made in Colorado too!
My Most Memorable Cocktail Experience
Learning about rum in Barbados for the first time.
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