Jason Holmes

Is this more of summer drink? Yeah, possibly—probably. Is it still delicious? Absolutely. Should you look to recreate now, even though it’s firmly into fall? Don’t let me tell you how to live your life, but I doubt you’d regret it. . Fruity and tart plus aquavit is always a winning combination, and the huckleberry fits the bill. Throw that in a ‘Martini template’ with blanc vermouth and you have something that feels familiar, yet altogether unique. Cheers!  ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ _____________________ THE FINNISH LINE 1.5 oz Wild Roots Huckleberry Vodka— 1/2 oz Aquavit— 1 oz Blanc Vermouth— Garnish with grapefruit peel ‘huckleberries’.  ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ _____________________ #drinksondrinks #mixologist #homebar #cocktails #cocktailtime #cocktailsofinstagram #cocktailrecipes #cocktailhour #imbibegram #liqpic #craftcocktails #cocktailart #vodka #aquavit #asseenincolumbus

October 19th? What? How? . Every year and with each passing month, I’m more astonished by how rapidly time accelerates. We’re nearly at Halloween and that’s always a great excuse to throw together a ‘Mezcaloween’ cocktail. This number comes from the great Sother Teague and integrates smoke, rich spices and surprising tropical elements to great effect. Want to try it for yourself? Head on over to @ShakerandSpoon to pick up your own box with the requisite ingredients. And, please no one ask me what Zingiberaceae is…  ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ _____________________ SPELLBINDER 1.5 oz Amaras Mezcal Espadin Joven— 1.5 oz Pineapple juice— 3/4 oz Cream of Coconut— 1/2 oz Zingiberaceae syrup— Top with toasted coconut and garnish with orange peel ‘smoking cauldron’.  ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ _____________________ #cocktailoftheday #craftedmixology #bestcocktails #drinksphotography #cocktailsofinstagram #cocktailgram #cocktailrecipe #imbibe #imbibegram #nowdrinking #shakerspoon, #shakerandspooncocktailclub #mezcalloween #mezcal

Here’s a cocktail that features heavily on my fall rotation— I like to call it ‘The Cat’s Pyjamas’, a variation on a Bee’s Knees. An absolute delight as the temperatures slowly drop through October and the air crisps up just a touch. One of my favorite things to do with this drink is play a bit of ‘Mr. Potato Head’ by swapping out various ingredients. Sometimes I’ll opt for aged aquavit over gin. Occasionally, I’ll throw a splash of oloroso sherry in the mix. Dealer’s choice on which amari you care to utilize, or omit it entirely. Regardless, it won’t disappoint! . If you were whipping one up, how might you craft it?  ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ _____________________ THE CAT’S PYJAMAS 2 oz Barrel Aged Gin— 3/4 oz Lemon juice— 1/2 oz Chai-Honey Syrup— 1/8 oz Yellow Chartreuse— 1/8 oz Amaro CioCiaro— Garnish with orange peel ‘house cat’.  ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ _____________________ #drinkporn #cocktail #coquetel #drinkstagram #drinkphotography #칵테일 #カクテル #homebartender #bestcocktails #liqpic #craftcocktails #gindrink #amaro #yellowchartreuse #asseenincolumbus

Another Monday — but for real, when did October get here? I don’t know why I continue to be surprised by the acceleration of time, but it still gets me. Speaking of time, this libation has been on my list of drinks to make for a LONG time — probably pushing two years and have simply never taken the time to craft one. Simple and understated, but worth the wait — Scandinavian Evening, created by Martin Cate, is an excellent accompaniment to crisp, autumn nights under a blanket gazing at the stars. Sounds pretty ‘hygge’ if you ask me. Pencil that activity in for the week and tell me I’m wrong.  ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ _____________________ SCANDINAVIAN EVENING 1.5 oz Aquavit— 3/4 oz Lemon juice— 1/2 oz Simple Syrup— 1/4 oz Allspice Dram— Top with soda water— Garnish with grapefruit peel ‘Web of Wyrd’ (Norse symbol for the matrix of fate).  ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ _____________________ #drinkporn #cocktail #coquetel #drinkstagram #drinkphotography #칵테일 #カクテル #homebartender #bestcocktails #liqpic #craftcocktails #aquavit #allspicedram #gincocktails

Commemorating Ten to One Day with a Ten to One Dark Rum cocktail. Let me tell you — this one is a TEN! A creation of tiki mastermind Jeff ‘Beachbum’ Berry himself, this hits all the rights notes: fresh citrus combined with rich, deep spice— all backed by the tasty Ten to One Dark Rum. Getting cooler where you’re located? This has enough richness and complexity to keep things interesting. Still HOT as all get out? You’re in luck, as it’s equally refreshing. Put it at the top of your weekend to-do list, either way! . Looking to snag a bottle of Ten to One? Use code JASON15 at checkout on their website for 15% off your purchase. You’re welcome.  ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ _____________________ ANCIENT MARINER 2 oz Ten to One Dark Rum— 3/4 oz Lime juice— 1/2 oz Simple syrup— 1/2 oz Grapefruit juice— 1/4 oz Allspice Dram— Garnish with lime wedge & orange peel ‘ship wheel’.  ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ _____________________ #drinksondrinks #mixologist #homebar #cocktails #cocktailtime #cocktailsofinstagram #cocktailrecipes #cocktailhour #imbibegram #liqpic #craftcocktails #cocktailart #rumdrink #tikicocktail #allspicedram

Allow me to introduce Spike. I believe this is Spike’s second appearance on my page, though you’d have to dig deep into the archives to find his grand unveiling. Named Spike because he once housed a small ‘spiked’ succulent on his back— which he since met its untimely end. (In the words Demetri Martin, I guess that means I’m less nurturing than a desert.) But, the ever adaptable Spike has since found a new lease on life in housing cocktails. . Today’s libation highlights the delectable combination of melon and basil — always delicious. I opted for a split base of white rum and pineapple rum, though you could easily interchange just about any unaged base spirit of choice: gin, aquavit, tequila blanco, mezcal joven, or vodka (sure, but why?) would all work superbly in this upgraded sour template. Tell me what you’re putting in it and happy hump day!  ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ _____________________ HONEY DON’T 1.5 oz White Rum— 1/2 oz Echo Spirits Pineapple Rum— 3/4 oz Honeydew juice— 1/2 oz Lime juice— 1/2 oz Simple syrup— 1 barspoon Basil Brandy— Mist top of drink with Mezcal joven.  ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ _____________________ #cocktailoftheday #craftedmixology #bestcocktails #drinksphotography #cocktailsofinstagram #cocktailgram #cocktailrecipe #imbibe #imbibegram #nowdrinking #pineapplerum #rumdrink #tikicocktail

While many are embracing fall, football and sweater weather— I’m over here still clinging to the fading memory of summer, attempting to create the last of my bucket-list summer cocktails. This ‘Yellow Chartreuse Swizzle’, courtesy of @the_mixlab, was worth the wait. The overproof rum helps to bolster the backbone of Yellow Chartreuse, without overpowering. And, give me any excuse to throw Passoã in a drink — truly delicious! . While we’re on the subject of delicious liqueurs, can we revisit just HOW GOOD Chartreuse is? Green and yellow. Liquid gold. Don’t believe I’m ever disappointed by any libation these holy elixirs touch. Carthusian monks know what’s up.  ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ _____________________ YELLOW CHARTREUSE SWIZZLE 1.5 oz Yellow Chartreuse— 1/2 oz Overproof White Rum— 1 oz Pineapple juice— 1/2 oz Lemon juice— 1/2 oz Passoã Passion Fruit Liqueur— Garnish with palm frond and orange peel ‘tropical leaf’.  ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ _____________________ #drinkporn #cocktail #coquetel #drinkstagram #drinkphotography #칵테일 #カクテル #homebartender #bestcocktails #liqpic #craftcocktails #yellowchartreuse #overproofrum #rumdrink #passoã

Yes, I had posted this previously— but Instagram, in all of its wisdom, took it down within a matter of days 😐. If you’re still holding onto summer or wishing for warmer days again, this one’s for you! An approachable and refreshing highball combining Brazilian cachaça with a delightful tart-spicy-sweet syrup. As you can see, this is clearly the ‘bee’s knees’. . What drinks will you miss as we transition out of summer into fall? Or perhaps a better question— what fall-appropriate drinks are you most looking forward to?  ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ _____________________ HOLDING ON TO SUMMER 2 oz Cachaça— 3/4 oz Orange juice— 3/4 oz Kumquat-Cayenne-Honey Syrup— 1/2 oz Lime juice— 2 dashes Peach bitters— Top with soda water— Garnish with fresh flowers and orange peel ‘honeybee’.  ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ _____________________ #drinksondrinks #mixologist #homebar #cocktails #cocktailtime #cocktailsofinstagram #cocktailrecipes #cocktailhour #imbibegram #liqpic #craftcocktails #cocktailart #cachaça

QUICK ANNOUNCEMENT— I’m in the finals of the Liber & Co. September cocktail contest. BIG PRIZE on the line. I would love if you could follow the link in my Bio to VOTE for my ‘Do You Remember?’ cocktail 🙏🏼 Voting open through Thursday! Thank you! . BACK AT IT AGAIN WITH ANOTHER GIVEAWAY! This time I’ve team up with the folks at Krogstad Aquavit. One lucky entrant will be randomly selected to win a special prize from Oregon-based spirit brand. If you’ve never tried Aquavit, NOW is your chance. Allow me to say again: Aquavit if life. Get in this giveaway! See entry details below: 1. Follow me (@jason_._holmes) and Krogstad Aquavit (@krogstadaquavit). 2. Like AND comment on the photo. 3. BONUS ENTRY for sharing the post to your story! Must be a resident of the United States to be eligible. Giveaway open through Saturday, September 25th at 12pm EST. . Hands down, this is one of my favorite recipes. So simple, but beyond delicious. And, it really showcases just how versatile Aquavit can be. The savory botanicals of the Scandinavian spirit are the perfect foil for bright pineapple juice and rich cream of coconut, while the allspice dram and bitters add welcome spice. In review, your homework: acquire Aquavit, admit the Aquavit is life, make this drink.  ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ _____________________ GÓðR FRÆNDI 2 oz Krogstad Aquavit— 3/4 oz Pineapple juice— 1/2 oz Cream of Coconut— 1/2 oz Lime juice— 1/4 oz Allspice Dram— 1 dash Tiki bitters— Garnish with grapefruit peel ‘Viking longship’.  ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ _____________________ #cocktailoftheday #craftedmixology #bestcocktails #drinksphotography #cocktailsofinstagram #cocktailgram #cocktailrecipe #imbibe #imbibegram #nowdrinking #aquavit #tikicocktail

Monday hitting anyone else like a ton of bricks this morning? I made sure to get an extra dose of coffee before I got out the door. If coffee is your jam, here’s a simple take on the classic Paloma worth trying — originally highlighted by @theeducatedbarfly. Four ingredients total, most of which many will already have on hand: mezcal, coffee liqueur, grapefruit and sparkling water. The original calls for equal parts, but I make a few minor adjustments to the ratios according to my preferences. If you need a little extra dose of caffeine later this evening— give it a go! Cheers!  ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ _____________________ CAFECITO PALOMA 1.25 oz Mezcal— 1 oz Grapefruit juice— 3/4 oz Coffee Liqueur— 1/4 oz Lemon juice (optional)— Top with sparkling water— Garnish with grapefruit peel ‘cafecito mug’.  ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ _____________________ #drinkporn #cocktail #coquetel #drinkstagram #drinkphotography #칵테일 #カクテル #homebartender #bestcocktails #liqpic #craftcocktails #coffeecocktail #mezcal #paloma

When it comes to cocktails— I enjoy experimenting and attempting to offer up the unexpected. Where others steer right, I enjoy seeing where going left leads. In that vein, what better way to commemorate Negroni Week, when Instagram feeds are adorned in varying shades of red, than with a layered, blue Negroni riff. What I wanted to avoid— blue for the sake of just being blue, but a garbage drink. I believe I’ve successfully circumnavigated that pitfall, and arrived at a bitter orange and grapefruit Negroni riff, which just so happens to have a partially cerulean hue. If you don’t have Escubac, use 1.25 oz of a modern-style gin instead. Dry Curaçao and also be subbed for Blue Curaçao, at the expense of the color. Cheers to the weekend!  ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ _____________________ BLEUGRONI 1 oz Aviation Gin— 1/4 oz Escubac— 1 oz Blanc Vermouth— 1/4 oz Blue Curaçao— 1/2 oz Aperol— 1/4 oz Campari— Garnish with orange peel ‘rings’.  ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ _____________________ #drinksondrinks #mixologist #homebar #cocktails #cocktailtime #cocktailsofinstagram #cocktailrecipes #cocktailhour #imbibegram #liqpic #craftcocktails #cocktailart #negroni #negroniweek #bluedrink #gincocktail

Likely a little known fact here on Drinkstagram, but I am a big music guy. Allow me to clarify, I have absolutely no musical talent myself (I equate ‘high C’ with a fruit juice flavored beverage), but very much enjoy music of all eras, genres and varieties. So when @liberandco announced a cocktail contest, with each entry inspired by a favorite song or album, I was thrilled! Fittingly, there was an obvious choice this time of year for my cocktail inspiration— Earth, Wind & Fire’s ‘September’. It’s a song you can’t help but smile and dance to, one that gets you out of your seat and moving with others. I recall a wedding where the song came on, and my father went to make a beeline for the dance floor only to take a tumble over a misplaced chair. He was undeterred, however, and dusted himself off before grooving to this classic hit! . Regarding the cocktail itself, I have to say this might be one of my best creations. Fall in a glass. The best parts of a seasonal charcuterie board in the form of liquid libation. The high-rye, high-proof bourbon adds bite and stabilizes the affair, while the brie cheese fat-washed apple brandy tantalizes with richness and subdued brightness. The caramelized fig syrup, courtesy of Liber & Co., is another decadent addition that lends deep, honey-esque sweetness, but is balanced by the acidity of the lemon juice. The final addition is the delectable Amaro CioCiaro which imparts complexity, depth and further elevates the lemon. For my signature garnish, I recreated the Egyptian eagle from the album cover ‘The Best of Earth, Wind & Fire, Vol 1.’ where ‘September’ first appeared. Pour yourself one of these happy numbers and get to dancing this Wednesday! Cheers!  ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ _____________________ DO YOU REMEMBER? 1.25 oz Bourbon (High-Rye, 100-Proof)— 3/4 oz Brie-Washed Apple Brandy— 1/2 oz Liber & Co. Caramelized Fig Syrup— 1/2 oz Lemon juice— 1/4 oz Amaro CioCiaro— Garnish with orange peel ‘Earth, Wine & Fire eagle’.

Everyone needs a little dose of tiki on Monday! I hope seeing this tropical delight causes you to make a face OPPOSITE that of the one on the glass. This is a derivative of Fanny Chu's (Donna, Brooklyn) 'Rum to the Jungle' cocktail and might be best classified as a distant relative of the Mai Tai. This combination of Guyanese rum and Haitian clairin works far better than anticipated -- earthy and smoky, with subtle notes of bright, grassiness. The banana liqueur, cinnamon syrup and Byrrh help to keep things interesting. Good luck crushing Monday, ya'll. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ _____________________ WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE 1.25 oz El Dorado 12-Year Rum— 3/4 oz Clairin Soujas— 3/4 oz Lemon juice— 1/2 oz Orgeat— 1/4 oz Giffard Banane du Brésil— 1/4 oz Cinnamon syrup— 1/2 oz Byrrh, floated— Garnish with torched cinnamon stick, dehydrated dragon fruit, dehydrated hibiscus flower and grapefruit peel ‘tropical leaf’. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ _____________________ #drinkporn #cocktail #coquetel #drinkstagram #drinkphotography #칵테일 #カクテル #homebartender #bestcocktails #liqpic #craftcocktails #rumdrink #clairin #tikicocktail #cocktailgarnish

With ice this nice, who needs a garnish? Yeah, yeah— I know it’s not clear. To be honest, though, the subtle hazing helps the logo to POP! Really digging my new, custom ice mold from @siligrams and put together this Old Fashioned-meets-Manhattan-meets-French tiki stirred sipper to enjoy with it. While I won’t go so far as to call this low-ABV, it certainly drinks and feels a bit lighter than your traditional OF or Manhattan style fare. If you’re looking to mix it up, or try another tipple fit for shoulder season, add this to your rotation. Back to our regularly scheduled garnish-centric programming later in the week! Cheers!  ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ _____________________ STIRRED FRENCH TIKI No.2 1.75 oz Armagnac— 3/4 oz Oloroso Sherry— 1/4 oz Giffard Banane du Brésil— 1/4 oz Allspice Dram— 2 dashes Coconut Tincture— Serve over Siligrams molded ice.  ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ _____________________ #cocktailoftheday #craftedmixology #bestcocktails #drinksphotography #cocktailsofinstagram #cocktailgram #cocktailrecipe #imbibe #imbibegram #nowdrinking #cocktailice #armagnac #oloroso #stirreddrink

NEW WEEK - NEW GIVEAWAY! Another 300 followers, and I’ll reach the coveted 10K mark (I know, I know - ‘hurry up already’). To celebrate I’m hosting a special giveaway just for the followers in my home city of Columbus, Ohio! One lucky entrant will be randomly selected to win a special gift from Echo Spirits— an amazing distillery based right here in Columbus, producing top-shelf rum, genever and rye whiskey. If you haven’t been yet, take this as an excuse to check them out! To enter the giveaway for COLUMBUS PICK UP ONLY: 1. Follow me (@jason_._holmes) and Echo Spirits Distilling Co (@echospirits). 2. Like AND comment on the photo. 3. BONUS ENTRY for sharing the post to your story! Must be a resident of the United States to be eligible. Winner must PICK UP prize from distillery. Giveaway open through Friday, September 10th at 11:59pm EST. . File today’s drink firmly into the category of ‘aperitiki’ — dry, complex and bittersweet, with subtle tropical notes from the tiki bitters and coconut tincture. It transitions splendidly from hot, late summer cookouts to pre-dinner, fall sips when the air starts feels a bit crisp. Whip this one up yourself, or better yet, ask the folks at Echo Spirit to recreate something similar for you! Cheers.  ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ _____________________ LUCKY GOLDFISH 1.5 oz ECHO Pineapple Rum— 1 oz Blanc Vermouth— 1/2 oz Suze— 1 barspoon Simple syrup— 1 dash Tiki bitters 1 dash Coconut tincture— Garnish with grapefruit peel ‘goldfish’.  ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ _____________________ #drinkporn #cocktail #coquetel #drinkstagram #drinkphotography #칵테일 #カクテル #homebartender #bestcocktails #liqpic #craftcocktails #pineapplerum #aperitiki #rumcocktail #asseenincolumbus *Giveaway is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Instagram.