High-Proof Preacher Blog — High-Proof Preacher

Aperol Spritz

Aperol Spritz

Is there a more quintessential warm weather cocktail than the Aperol Spritz? Okay there are a lot of sunny day cocktails, but the Aperol Spritz is at least in the top 5 on everyone’s favorites list. It’s a simple recipe that’s easy as 1, 2, 3– which is actually a great way to remember the recipe proportions. Although this simple cocktail does not require shaking or stirring (or even measuring– you can “eyeball” this one and be okay), it is helpful to add the ingredients to your glass in the right order.

CocktailsJordan HughesAugust 7, 2020refreshing, classics & reshakes, classic, Amaro, spritzComment

Mai Tai

Mai Tai

There are few other cocktails that have the unique ability to transport the imbiber to faraway beaches with a single sip. Behold the humble (or not-so-humble) Mai Tai. Like the margarita, daiquiri and a whole slew of other famed tropical-ish cocktails, the Mai Tai’s popularity was also its downfall. Chain restaurants and cruise ships have rendered this Tiki classic almost unrecognizable from its former glory.

CocktailsJordan HughesAugust 7, 2020Tiki, Rum, refreshing, classics & reshakes Comment

Limited to Bi-Planes

Limited to Bi-Planes

Is it a Manhattan riff? Or is it a Sazerac riff? Both? I don’t really know, but honestly I’m just really enjoying the rye whiskey / cognac split base in cocktails lately.

Cardamaro Vino Amaro is also an interesting bottle (I find mine at the grocery store). It’s sort of a fortified wine, but it’s also sort of an amaro. If you can get your hands on a bottle, definitely give it a shot and use it like you would a vermouth.

CocktailsJordan HughesAugust 7, 2020HPP Originals, whiskey, cognacComment

Press Feature on Liquor.com: "The 10 Best Ice Cube Trays of 2020"

Press Feature on Liquor.com: "The 10 Best Ice Cube Trays of 2020"

While the concept of ice is simple, a decent ice cube tray can do wonders for your cocktail game. The first step towards better ice? Ditch the chunky plastic ice trays that come with your fridge. “Avoid using those foggy ‘half-moon’-shaped ice that comes out of your freezer door,” explains Jordan Hughes, the cocktail expert behind High Proof Preacher. “Partly because of aesthetics, but mainly because they break down and melt easily, diluting your cocktail too quickly.”

Press FeaturesJordan HughesAugust 4, 2020home bar, iceComment

Espresso Martini

Espresso Martini

You can find a few slightly different specs floating around the internet, but I personally find the below recipe to be the most enjoyable and balanced. I attended a Bacardi training a few years back where the instructor recommended adding a pinch of sea salt to your Espresso Martinis to round out the rich and bitter notes of the espresso.

Cocktails, RecipesJordan HughesJuly 26, 2020Vodka, coffee, classics & reshakes, classicComment

Gin Sour

Gin Sour

The Sour is a standard cocktail template that you can use with nearly any spirit. It simply calls for: spirit, citrus and sugar. For this particular recipe I am using gin– so we’re calling this a Gin Sour. However, simply by swapping out the gin for whiskey, you’d have a Whiskey Sour. Makes sense, right? Other popular drinks like the Margarita and Daiquiri are also considered Sours because they follow that same formula: spirit, citrus, sugar.

Cocktails, RecipesJordan HughesJuly 24, 2020classics & reshakes, classic, GinComment

Old Fashioned

Old Fashioned

Back in the day, it was just referred to as a cocktail, consisting of some sort of spirit, sugar, water and bitters. As drinking culture developed, the word cocktail came to refer to any sort of mixed drink. To get this now classic concoction, people had to ask their bartender specifically for “an old fashioned cocktail.”

Cocktails, RecipesJordan HughesJuly 24, 2020classics & reshakes, classic, whiskeyComment

Boulevardier

Boulevardier

Personally, the Boulevardier is my go-to cocktail for batching. Since it calls for equal-parts of each of the three ingredients, it’s super easy to scale up and make in large quantities. The Boulevardier also tends to be favored by people who aren’t usually cocktail drinkers– vs. the Negroni which can come off as a bit abrasive the first time you try it.

Cocktails, RecipesJordan HughesJuly 24, 2020whiskey, bourbon, classic, classics & reshakesComment

Daiquiri

Daiquiri

A classic daiquiri is one of the most delicious and simple cocktails you could make. Sadly a lot of people hear “daiquiri” and immediately picture a sugary, frozen boat drink that is meant to be consumed aboard an overcrowded cruise ship. Although this classic drink has certainly been bastardized by restaurant chains and cruise lines alike, you simply have never had a real daiquiri until you’ve made one like this.

Cocktails, RecipesJordan HughesJuly 24, 2020classics & reshakes, classic, Rum, Tiki, refreshing Comment

Canijillo

Canijillo

This might be a funny comparison to some, but I often to think of mezcal similarly to single-malt scotch. If I buy a really nice bottle of either, I’m probably not going to put it in a cocktail. The spirit itself is so complex, layered and crafted with such intention and care that it’s best enjoyed on its own. That doesn’t mean you can’t have fun with cocktails made with expensive mezcal…

Cocktails, RecipesJordan HughesJuly 19, 2020Agave, mezcalComment

Viking Colada

Viking Colada

Everyone loves a good tiki cocktail… even Vikings. Admittedly, Viking Tiki isn’t a thing just yet. But, for fans of the traditional Nordic spirit aquavit, it certainly seems like a reasonable development.

Cocktails, PublishedJordan HughesJuly 19, 2020aquavit, refreshing, Tiki Comment

Tropical Tux

Tropical Tux

Cognac Old Fashioned cocktail meets... tiki? Whatever it is, this cocktail recipe is an especially good one. Stirred and boozy, but with strong tropical vibes– try it out and let me know what you think!

Cocktails, RecipesJordan HughesJune 25, 2020HPP Originals, cognac, RumComment

How To Stock A Home Bar

How To Stock A Home Bar

It sounds a bit dramatic, but stocking your home bar is very personal. It really depends on the drinks you enjoy making. When I was starting out, I ended up buying several fairly expensive bottles because a book or a bartender told me I needed to have them. Several of those bottles are still kicking around in the back of my liquor cabinet collecting dust. However, if you just really want to have a “well-rounded” home bar, where you can make a long list of diverse cocktails, here are my suggestions on home bar essentials!

Guides, Home BarJordan HughesJune 15, 2020tips & resourcesComment

Tommy's Margarita

Tommy's Margarita

The Margarita is a classic, well-loved blend of tequila, fresh lime juice, and orange liqueur. Of course, you’ll find all sorts of different riffs and variations at bars and restaurants all over the world, but like most classic cocktails, it’s difficult to beat the original.

Articles, Recipes, PublishedJordan HughesJune 14, 2020classic, AgaveComment

Vodka Martini

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

Press Feature: How To Make Crystal Clear Ice At Home

Press Feature: How To Make Crystal Clear Ice At Home

Jordan Hughes, founder of High-Proof Preacher and a bar industry photographer well-versed in the home-bartending game, agrees that quality ice matters as it can play a crucial part in your cocktail or rocks pour. “So it makes sense to use the best ice I can make, or get,” he says.

Press FeaturesJordan HughesMay 6, 2020Comment

Press Feature: "The New Guard of Spirits Marketers Are On Instagram"

Press Feature: "The New Guard of Spirits Marketers Are On Instagram"

Gorgeous drinks have infiltrated our Instagram feeds. There are frothy sours, meticulously-placed garnishes and perfectly frosted highballs, made not for sipping, but for the thirsty eyes of scrollers. Welcome to the world of drinkstagramming… For years, Jordan Hughes, behind High Proof Preacher, was a preacher. But Instagram opened the door for Hughes to become one of the most regarded cocktail photographers in the industry.

Press FeaturesJordan HughesMarch 12, 2020Comment

Award: Best Drinks Instagram 2019 🥇

Award: Best Drinks Instagram 2019 🥇

I’m really just genuinely thankful to everyone for voting for me & to the editors at Saveur. Awards are funny things, but I’ve been doing this cocktail-photo-thing for a few years now & it feels fugging amazing to be recognized for doing it really well, especially by a well-known publication.

ArticlesJordan HughesNovember 22, 2019Comment

El Presidente

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

Meet The Pros: Chad Coombs

Meet The Pros: Chad Coombs

I’ve never actually met Chad in person, but for some reason he feels like an old friend. We connected via Instagram pretty early on, and he’s been a constant source of inspiration for me both in creating cocktails and photography. He’s always down to explain his process and never seems bothered when I message him about a recipe or ask for exact details on an infusion he posted about…

Articles, Bartenders, Behind the Bar, InterviewsJordan HughesSeptember 17, 2019people, Interviews, bartendersComment