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Mixologist Monday – High Proof Preacher, Jordan Hughes

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Last Updated on November 2, 2023 by Leah Hall

Featuring Jordan Hughes from High Proof Preacher in this first part of a series on the blog, Mixologist Mondays! Hope you will check it and his channels out!

 

So, I will turn this interview over to Jordan, and he will tell you in his own words!

 

Tell us about yourself! How did you get into cocktails?

I got into cocktails and spirits because it was a “hobby” that I could easily share with other people. I was really into coffee for a while…like I had all these different manual brewing methods and would learn all I could about different coffee growing regions and varieties, so I feel like that was my gateway into the cocktail and spirits world.

 

Once I start messing with cocktails, I realized there was no end to how much I could learn. Making cocktails on its own was fascinating enough, but then learning about different spirits and spirit categories just keeps blowing my mind. Simply doing a deep dive learning about “rum” could keep me busy for years! It’s just impossible to get bored with any of this stuff.

 

 

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Top 3 favorite cocktails

  • My #1 is a toss up between a Daiquiri and a Margarita– those are the two drinks I definitely make the most. 
  • My #2 is probably a good Sazerac with a split base of high-proof rye whiskey and a good cognac.
  • #3 is more general, but I love a good spritz. It doesn’t have to be an Aperol Spritz, just anything with a bitter element and some sparkling wine.
 
Limes being dropped in a margarita
 

How do you come up with drinks? What is your inspiration?

I’m definitely a template guy– most of my best “original” recipes are based off of a classic cocktail template, like this Old Fashioned riff.
 
 
 
I also tend to randomly get excited about certain flavor combinations– like putting coffee and pineapple together– then I come up with drinks that showcase that ingredient. Farmers Markets are super fun for me, because I just walk around looking for what things I can turn into a cocktail.
 
 

Tell us one fun/interesting or weird fact about yourself

 Well, people always assume I have a bar background when my “professional background” is pretty far from that. I worked as a pastor at a Christian church before becoming whatever it is I am now– cocktail and spirits brand photographer / recipe developer / writer-ish? 🤷‍♂️  

 

I don’t think it’s that weird myself, but I’ve definitely received some confused looks from people once they find out that I was an actual pastor.

 

 

If you could have a drink with anyone in the world who would it be?

Hmm probably Steve Carell… or Amy Poehler. Or both? That would be an amazing crew to bar crawl with!

 

Tell us 3 Instagrams or blogs that you love to follow

I absolutely love @allthatisshe. They’re the ultimate creative power couple and I can’t get enough of their stuff!
I also love @thebiteshot. I watched several of Joanie’s YouTube videos before connecting with her on social. She’s a really inspiring food photographer and she’s helped me a lot with figuring out how to run my business and how to price my work accordingly.
One of my all-time favorites for drink photography is @shannonshootscocktails. Shannon is who I want to be when I “grow up.” I’m convinced she is unable to take a bad photo.
 
 
 
Man sitting on couch with cocktail
 
 

Have a Recipe to Share with Us?

I made this one for a Jack Daniel’s partnership recently, and was really happy about it!
 
Banana Fort
1 ½ oz Rye whiskey
¼ oz Allspice dram
¾ oz lemon juice
½ oz Créme de Banane
¼ oz Demerara syrup
2 dashes aromatic bitters
 
Combine ingredients in a cocktail shaker and shake with ice. Strain into a snifter glass and fill with crushed ice. Garnish with lemon zest and serve with a reusable straw.
 
 

Anything else to Add?

My next big “thing” is putting out video tutorials for beverage photography. I’ll do an e-course eventually, but for now I’m working on some easy, “free” content to help people take better images and learn how to use artificial light.

 

Make sure to check out Jordan on all his handles, and at his website!

Website: Highproofpreacher.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/highproofpreacher

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/highproofpreacher

Twitter: https://twitter.com/highproofpreach

 

Thanks, Jordan from High Proof Preacher! Hope you all loved this post! More Mixologist Mondays to come soon!

 

Check out our other Mixologist Monday Posts!

 

 

 

 

Also, don’t forget to follow us on Instagram and tag #gastronomcocktails so we can see all the wonderful recipes YOU recreate from this site!

 

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