Ellen Cox of Jackie's Restaurant

What do JP's white sangria, a pomegranate margarita and a Jackie-Tini all have in common? They are the most sought-after cocktails at Jackie's Restaurant, a popular neighborhood bar and restaurant in downtown.

At the bar is Ellen Cox, raven-haired and feisty. She is part of a female triumvirate that owns and operates this 60s-mod/industrial chic watering hole. As founding bartender, she calls herself a "restaurant Renaissance woman."

Not only does Cox tend bar, which she compares with hosting a party every evening, but she is general manager, has been chef, does the event planning, keeps the books and is an all around handy-woman.

But tending bar is her real passion.

She loves the pace, the creativity of concocting hand-crafted cocktails, and meeting and getting to know a diverse group of, what she refers to as, "quality people." According to Cox, her customers are the reasons she looks forward to coming to work every night.

"The regulars are down-to-earth, open-minded people who like to laugh, eat well and drink well," she said.

Many customers who hang out at Jackies enjoy Ellen but also the vibe the  place creates. Marybeth Kurth, a patron of the bar, exclaimed, "Jackie's is fun. The food is good and the atmosphere is hip, but with a relaxed vibe. And the drinks are great! It is a very special place."

In addition to tending Jackie's bar, Cox, along with fellow bartender Gordon Banks, created the concept for an adjoining bar that features all hand-crafted drinks. Sidebar opened three months ago and has built a growing clientele solely through word-of-mouth. Although it can be reached through Jackie's, it has its own entrance on Georgia Avenue.

The style of Sidebar is Hollywood glamour, but the atmosphere is all Silver Spring. Cox and Banks use fresh ingredients and juices, make their own grenadine, syrups, bitters and even tomato water. Seasonal cocktails, some featuring small-crafted American vodkas, are the mainstays of Sidebar.

Cox can be found at Jackie's bar most nights, but if you want to say hello and ask her to concoct something special for you, get there early because she usually works private parties later in the evening.

Her favorite drink is John Jameson Irish Whiskey — on the rocks, of course. She generously shares the recipe for a new cocktail, the Gria. It is perfect for fall and can be easily made at home.

The Gria

4 oz. red wine (Cox prefers Malbec)
1 oz. Domaine de Canton Ginger liquor
Juice of ½ lemon
Splash of ginger ale
Pour over ice and shake

Top Shelf Bartender is a recurring feature that looks at the lives of some of downtown Silver Spring's bartenders.