If you have a bar of choice in the Mankato area, there’s a good chance Doug “Digger” Rodell has served you a drink at one time or another.

The longtime bartender manages Spinners Bar in North Mankato, but he’s made his way around to various bars to keep the atmosphere fresh and to meet new people. Having spent the most time at T.J. Finnegan’s Pub, Rodell also has served drinks behind the bar at Hooligan’s, Choppers, Buster’s and South Street Saloon.

Why bartending? He just kind of fell into it while working at the Holiday Inn. And under the guidance of the bar’s knowledgeable staff, he became pretty good at it.

What keeps him in the business these days are the people and a familiar job he continues to enjoy throughout the years.

What makes a good bartender?

Keep the bar clean and keep a drink in front of people. A clean bar is a professional bar.

Do you ever get stumped and don’t know a drink someone requests?

Oh, yeah. There’s all sorts of them. They come up with new ones all the time, with the different flavored liquors coming out. ... Most are just old drinks with new names.

What’s the key to making a good mixed drink — not too weak or too strong?

The best way is to pack a glass full of ice and put in a shot or a shot and a half. That makes a nice healthy drink. ... The key is you always stuff ice in the glass.