Vodka Martini

“There are already too many rules to remember in life, so your Martini shouldn’t come with a set of instructions as well.” It’s a somewhat surprising, but refreshing perspective coming from Alessandro Palazzi, head bartender at Dukes Hotel, a London cocktail institution. This intimate bar is tucked away off a London side street with a slight air of exclusivity, and a “smart casual” dress code. However, as you sink comfortably into your lounge chair, Palazzi and his staff are quick to make you feel right at home.

Cocktails, Recipes, PublishedJordan HughesJune 14, 2020classicComment

El Presidente

Plenty of bars nowadays put out menus of classic cocktails with a “new spin.” Generally this means they just added an ingredient to an Old Fashioned 🤷‍♂️ However, Palomar owner Ricky Gomez is a master at making subtle tweaks to classic recipes that help elevate them vs. creating “new” riffs. It’s a fine line for sure, but it’s a noticeable difference.

Cocktails, RecipesJordan HughesSeptember 17, 2019Rum, classics & reshakes Comment

Hawaii 5-0

For a minute there, a few of us thought blue cocktails were a thing of the past… or at least something you only enjoyed while at an all-inclusive resort with cheap booze. But now skilled bartenders everywhere are dusting off their neglected bottles of blue curaçao, and crafting some well-balanced & truly delicious drinks.

Published, Cocktails, RecipesJordan HughesSeptember 5, 2019Rum, TikiComment

Banana Sidecar

A Cognac Sidecar is pretty classic, but I thought this would be a fun spin. Most Cognacs have some banana notes (which has something to do with the French oak used for aging apparently 🤷‍♂️) so it was a no brainer to pair it with banana liqueur. Tiki bitters added some tropical spice, and finishing it off with a mist of funky, heavy pot still Jamaican rum just made this cocktail something special.

Cocktails, RecipesJordan HughesAugust 21, 2019HPP Originals, brandy, cognacComment

Shut Up & Play The Hits

For this recipe, I wanted to make like a Last Word + Piña Colada sort of thing. I initially felt like it was my weakest recipe, but it ended up being the clear favorite of the night. Funny how that goes!

Cocktails, RecipesJordan HughesAugust 17, 2019HPP Originals, chartreuse, Gin, refreshing, Tiki Comment

The Cadillac Swizz

Refreshing and eye-catching, and featuring gin and mezcal, the Cadillac Swizz comes to us from the creative bar staff at Bibo Ergo Sum in Los Angeles. This stylish bar has a slightly Art Deco vibe, and is somewhat hidden in Robertson Plaza between West Hollywood and Beverly Hills. Find the Cadillac Swizz on the menu under the “Neon” section, which lists various drinks described as “the life of the party.”

Cocktails, RecipesJordan HughesAugust 17, 2019mezcal, refreshing, GinComment

Empress Gin Old Fashioned

Don’t be disappointed when you try squeezing a lemon peel over your drink! Just take the peel in your hands and gently squeeze. You should see a very light mist of fragrant citrus oils that will rest over the top of your finished cocktail.

Cocktails, RecipesJordan HughesMarch 2, 2019HPP Originals, GinComment

Pie Hole Fizz at Bible Club

Welcome to Bible Club, a speakeasy-esque Portland bar that is often described by both the staff and regulars as a swanky Prohibition-era museum that you can drink-in. There isn’t a sign out front but don’t let that deter you, simply walk right up to the door of this little 1920’s house in a SE Portland neighborhood. No need to knock or utter a secret password, just step inside and you’ll feel like you’ve entered into a black and white photograph.

Articles, Recipes, BarsJordan HughesJanuary 4, 2019GinComment

The Purple Puritan

It doesn’t matter where you’re at, if you order an Empress Gin cocktail, it’s going to turn some heads. There’s just something so mesmerizing about that color. I always have a deeper appreciation for a spirit after meeting the makers & seeing the where & how it was made. After visiting Victoria Distillers in BC in Sept. 2018, it’s been fun using their naturally indigo gin in various cocktails like this one.

Cocktails, RecipesJordan HughesDecember 31, 2018Gin, classics & reshakesComment