Q & A with Tiffany Dodson

The holidays are meant for gathering. Twinkling lights, favorite playlists, beautiful food, and the sound of friends and family filling the house are all part of the magic. But anyone who has hosted a holiday party or a wedding knows that creating that effortless atmosphere often takes plenty of behind-the-scenes work.

One way to spend more time enjoying your own celebration is to bring in the professionals. For Tiffany Dodson, owner of A Twist of Lime Bartending Services, creating a memorable bar experience is about much more than pouring a glass of wine or mixing a cocktail. It’s about setting the mood for the evening, creating drinks that feel as special as the occasion itself, and letting the host enjoy the party!

Q: What inspired you to start a mobile bartending service, and how did A Twist of Lime come to life?

A: “I was getting ready to have my second child and was tired of living paycheck to paycheck. I wanted to give my kids more, not just financially, but through more experiences and more time with them. At the time, I worked a full-time job during the week and bartended on the weekends. I was missing so much time with my family, and after working late nights, I was exhausted the next day.

Then, completely out of the blue, someone reached out and asked if I would bartend a wedding in Lawrenceburg. I had never worked a wedding before, but I agreed — and I loved it. Something just clicked. I remember thinking, ‘I could do this.’ It gave me the flexibility I wanted while letting me do something I genuinely enjoyed. Most importantly, I could still be present and active in my kids’ lives. That one wedding changed everything, and in 2016, A Twist of Lime was born.”

Q: What makes A Twist of Lime stand out as a bartending service?

A: “For me, that personal connection is so important. I take the time to get to know you, understand what you need, and make you feel like more than just another customer. I really value having that personal connection with my clients. I like following their journeys, their kids, and their lives after the event. I still have clients to this day that I talk to. For example, a client from 2023 reached out. We had a special drink at her wedding that her mother loved. Sadly, her mother passed away recently, and they were having a celebration in her mom’s honor, so she messaged me asking for the recipe for that drink. I remembered it, pulled up my notes from a couple of years ago, and sent it to her.  

Additionally, I’ve handpicked every person on my team, and I’m very selective. I look for certain qualities and morals in their personality, character, and how they treat people. When someone hires A Twist of Lime to be part of a special occasion, I want them to know that all the bartenders bring the same level of care, professionalism, and personal attention that I would.”

Q: What is one of the most memorable events you have done?

A: “That’s a tough one! I would say the most memorable events are the ones where I can provide my service as a gift to family or friends. When my nephew got married, that was my gift to him. I provided the bar service for his wedding, and I could still be a guest. But we have done all types of events, from birthday parties to funeral receptions to baby showers and retirement parties. We just booked our first Friendsgiving, so I can add that to the list now. We want people to have the best and safest experience possible with us, no matter the occasion.”  

Q: What do you bring to an event when someone hires A Twist of Lime?

A: “We supply the bartender along with all necessary bar tools, such as bar mats, ice bucket, pour spouts, shaker, strainer, and a cooler. We provide light bar-top decor, including greenery. I will help the host create a signature drinks menu and provide the ingredient list, but the host supplies the alcohol, mixers, and ice. We also offer photo booths and have a horse trailer as a bar rental option. Most importantly, our licensed bartenders know the effects of alcohol and know the signs to look for, so no one is overserved. A professional bartender lets your friends and family enjoy the moment with you and elevates the experience.”

Q: What is your favorite go-to drink?

A: “Right now it’s a glass of Caymus Vineyards Cabernet. My favorite cocktail is something with a good bourbon, like a pineapple bourbon smash.”

This holiday season, prepare the food, turn up the music, and let someone else handle what’s behind the bar. Then raise a glass to good friends, good memories, and a host who finally gets to enjoy the party, too.

To book A Twist of Lime for your next event, email, call, or text Tiffany Dodson at atwistoflimebts@gmail.com or (615) 946-5472. Follow on social media @atwistoflimebartending. Cheers to the season!

Christmas Maple Old Fashioned – an Old Fashioned with a holiday twist.

Ingredients

• 2 oz bourbon
• 1/2 oz pure maple syrup
• 2-3 dashes of bitters
• 1 orange peel
• Sprig of rosemary
• Cinnamon stick optional

Instructions

Stir the bourbon, maple syrup, and bitters with ice and strain over a large cube. Express the oil from an orange peel over the cocktail, then garnish with the peel and rosemary or cinnamon stick.

Gingerbread Martini – a favorite holiday cookie in martini form.

Gingerbread syrup Ingredients

Makes approximately 12 ounces

• 2 cups water
• 2 cups brown sugar
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 4 teaspoons ground ginger
• 3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon allspice
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves, optional

Instructions

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the water, sugar, molasses, and spices, stirring gently until the sugar dissolves completely. About 4-5 minutes. Cool and refrigerate.

TIP: Store-bought Monin or Torani Gingerbread syrup also works well.

Martini Ingredients

• 1 1/2 ounces vanilla vodka
• 2 ounces Baileys Irish Cream
• 1 1/2 ounces gingerbread syrup
• 1 ounce heavy cream or half and half
• Whipped Cream
• Gingerbread cookie

Instructions

Add vodka, Baileys, gingerbread syrup, and heavy cream to an ice-filled cocktail shaker. Shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds and strain into a chilled martini glass. Top with a dollop of whipped cream and crushed gingerbread cookies.

To book A Twist of Lime for your next event, email, call, or text Tiffany Dodson at atwistoflimebts@gmail.com or (615) 946-5472. Follow on social media @atwistoflimebartending. Cheers to the season!