TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF:
Since I was 13, I've been on the professional surfing circuit. Having traveled all over the world for this career, I've been fortunate enough to collect different flavor memories that have helped shape my current craft cocktail hobby. Since I'm more of a free surfer these days, I now focus on content creation for a variety of brands including @granderRum, @NSBInlet, and my wife's Friday Cocktail Feature on @GrilledCheeseSocial. I love the ocean, food, and traveling and being able to do these things with my wife makes me feel incredibly fortunate. For me, creating fun and fresh cocktails has become a very rewarding hobby that's helped fuel my creative drive.
CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT YOUR MOST RECENT PROJECTS?
My wife and I just got back from a three week trip in Portugal, Spain and France. While we were there, we ate, surfed, and drank our way up the coast while filming the entire thing. Now that we're home, I'm starting to edit the videos so that my wife can share the vlogs and city guides that we've compiled. It was an awesome trip and we can't wait to share it with all of you!
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE RECIPE YOU HAVE COME UP WITH USING AN ACC PRODUCT? WHAT WAS THE INSPIRATION BEHIND IT?
The one that I'm sharing in my box this month! 1.5 oz Gin 1 oz Smoke n' Margarita 1.7 oz Tonic Water Garnish with grapefruit This just tastes so fresh and clean.
WHEN YOU ARE COMING UP WITH NEW DISHES OR DRINKS, DO YOU HAVE A SOURCE(S) FOR INSPIRATION?
I'm constantly inspired by all of the amazing places that I've visited. From there, I take the flavor combinations and twist them into something that's tasty and exciting. I also love browsing cocktail blogs and innovative bar menus to make sure that I'm on top of the trends.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE RESTAURANT OR BAR, WHAT DAY OF THE WEEK DO YOU RECOMMEND IT, AND WHAT KIND OF EXPERIENCE CAN A VISITOR EXPECT?
Ice Plant in St. Augustine, FL is my favorite bar in Florida. This local distillery is just two hours from our house and provides daily tours for visitors. They make their own Gin, Rum, and Bourbon. And although they're all tasty, my favorite is the Gin. It has florally notes of citrus and juniper and is by far the tastiest gin I've ever had!
WHAT INFO ABOUT COCKTAILS DO MOST PEOPLE MAKING DRINKS AT HOME NOT KNOW THAT WOULD BE HELPFUL TO THEM?
Always use fresh ingredients when possible. Muddling and pressing fresh juice from t in-season fruits and vegetables always lends to a better tasting cocktail.
FAVORITE ACC FLAVOR?
Smokin' Margarita
WHAT TRENDS (EITHER LOCAL OR INDUSTRYWIDE) ARE YOU NOTICING TAKING SHAPE AND HOW?
Going back to the basics -- fresh ingredients and simple recipes. Putting focus on the spirit itself, rather than masking it with a ton of sugar, is really quite exciting.
ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE?
Follow Me @jermjohnston and my wife @grilledcheesesocial for all of our adventures, recipes, and good times!