I have always felt that the LGBTQ+ community in New Orleans is not limited geographically to our state but also Mississippi, Alabama, Florida and some parts in Texas. We have weathered many storms in our area both figuratively (close-minded bigotry) and literally (hurricanes).
So I consider all the bars along the Gulf Coast (and our entire state) as part of the NOLA community. But one gay bar in Mississippi I especially enjoy visiting, and pretty much love everyone associated there from performers and staff to the owner and management. I am talking about none other than SIPPS located in Gulfport.
This bar is one of the few gay ones on the Mississippi Coast, and a safe & inviting haven to all who enter whether you are part of the LGBTQ+ community or an ally. This is also where my new “Bartender of the Month” works.
Jacob Simmons is originally from Cleveland, Mississippi, but moved to the coast with his best friend 12 years ago for a better life; most of that time he has spent working at SIPPS. He began his bartending career at the old O’Charley’s in Gulfport before it closed down. Shortly after, the SIPPS family recruited him and he has been with them for almost nine years now.
Jacob is a gem behind the bar. He gets drinks quickly and efficiently to guests in a crowded bar. He knows how to make a great cocktail and has the right balance of personality & professionalism. And on top of that, he is very easy on the eyes with a disarming Southern charm that exudes a sexy sophistication.
His bartending skills have aided him in creating three signature cocktails that appear on SIPPS’ specialty menu.
The “Hard On” is a sweet watermelon treat made with watermelon vodka, watermelon pucker, melon liqueur, sour, and cranberry.
The very tropical “Cabana Boy” is made with Malibu Passion Fruit, peach schnapps, mango puree, and pineapple juice.
And. finally, the “Twisted Berries” is made with raspberry vodka, peach schnapps, razzmatazz, orange juice, cranberry juice, and grenadine, and tastes like Kool-Aid.
I love the names of these drinks, and I can verify that the Twisted Berries and Hard On are delicious. He even says the Hard On is his favorite drink to make because seeing the facial expressions when people hear about it is priceless. When he goes out and drinks, his go-to cocktails are seltzers and shots of vodka.
Jacob says, “I would have to say my best asset behind the bar is my memory and my smile. Once I meet you, I remember what you drank and your name, so you will not be waiting long once I see you to get a cocktail.”
Having a good memory is a wonderful skill behind the bar and takes lots of practice, but the rewards are repeat customers and good tips. He goes on to say, “I love being a bartender because it’s helped me come so far out of my shell, and my SIPPS family has seen me from meek and shy to jumping over the bar to stop a fight.”
As a bartender, you see some unique things. Jacob explained, “The craziest things I’ve seen generally occur during our strip offs. Our patrons go crazy and love to do whatever it takes to try and win the competition.”
His pet peeve behind the bar is when people try to get his attention for something frivolous when “I’m taking four other people’s orders. I’m trying to remember 10 things and I don’t care that that’s your new friend you just met. I will meet them later. But do not get me wrong, I want to meet him, just not now.” Timing is key.
Now that you know about the fabulous Jacob Simmons, go to SIPPS and try his “Hard On.” He generally works every Friday through Monday from 4 pm to close. SIPPS is located at 2218 25th Avenue in Gulfport, Mississippi.
