A good bartender pours pleasing drinks and is a friendly conversationalist. A great bartender makes you feel taken care of. Below are four area bar professionals at the top of their craft, one each from Albany, Rensselaer, Saratoga and Schenectady counties.
Shannon Nichols
Age: 47 | Title / employer: Bartender, The Bradley/Clark House Hospitality, Troy | Years in current position: Five months

Background: From Troy. Started as bartender at The Bradley’s previous incarnation, called Bradley’s Tavern, in 2005.
Signature cocktail: The Wet-Wet. Contains secret ingredients and is served only to women. Said to be an aphrodisiac.