Bridget Mangum has been bartending at Amerigo’s Grille for the last year, creating classic and unique cocktails.


The Italian restaurant, which has been in The Woodlands for 20 years, offers a fully stocked bar, an extensive wine list and a piano bar area for patrons to enjoy their drink of choice accompanied by some live music.


“[Amerigo’s has] been in The Woodlands forever,” Mangum said. “It used to be the only Italian fine dining [option]. I had heard a lot about it, but never been. I heard they were hiring and walked in, and it fell into my lap. It’s a very fortunate job.”


Mangum, who is a Conroe High School graduate and future University of Houston student, has been in the restaurant industry since high school. She started out as a hostess when she was 16 years old, she said.


“When I turned 18, I started waiting tables, and bartending really got my attention,” Mangum said.


Now at age 22, Mangum said one challenging aspect of training to bartend was learning all of the slang and key words for various drinks.


“It was [challenging] at first, but it’s really comfortable now,” Mangum said. “I love it. I wouldn’t change it.”


Mangum is taking some classes this summer to prepare for starting school at UH, where she will major in biology, and bartending fits into her schedule well, she said.


Creating unique martinis, such as the lemon drop or cucumber martini, is one of Mangum’s favorite things to do on the job, she said. Popular drinks throughout July include Amerigo’s red, white and blue cocktails, which vary in flavor according to color, she said. 


“I’ve learned a lot leading up to this,” Mangum said. “This is the place where I’ve learned the most, and I’ve been able to apply a lot of my previous knowledge. It really elevates mine and the customer’s experience.”