To get our holiday selections just right, we’ve invited Jack Daniel’s U.S. Brand Ambassador, Eric “ET” Tecosky along to share his cocktail philosophy, and of course his favorite holiday concoctions with us.
ET has spent years behind the bar mixing drinks at some of Los Angeles' most famous, and in some cases infamous, watering holes. His taste and inventive spirits have evolved and over the years, ET's been featured in countless local and national press for his cocktails and innovations and as he likes to say, “Everything I learned behind bars has helped shape where I am right now, and I am grateful for it."
ET was the first to bottle premium olive juice for dirty martinis - Dirty Sue. What started as a pocketful of tips and an idea has grown into national distribution while still remaining to be the best reviewed product of its kind on the market. He has recently added a full line of cocktail garnishes to the brand.
Perhaps the crown jewel in his long career is becoming the U.S. Brand Ambassador for Jack Daniel's - a whiskey he has always loved - from what's in the bottle to what it represents in the world. He gets to travel the country telling stories about what Frank Sinatra called “The Nectar of the Gods." For ET, the only thing that could top that would have been able to share a drink with the man himself...
We caught up with ET and talked about his holiday philosophy, this Crazy Holiday Season, and, of course, he gladly shared what we really need...great holiday cocktail recipes!
Q: How do you plan to spend your holidays this year?
ET: “This is the one thing this year that Covid won't be changing (hopefully)! Like most people, my wife and I have hectic schedules and each year over the holidays we try our best not to leave the house. And while this year, that may sound like every other week, it will be mostly free of work and responsibilities, so we can get to the fun stuff like eating too much, enjoying a cocktail and our favorite Holiday movies - pile on our four dogs and it's a real party. “
Q: Tell us a little bit about the inspiration for the cocktails in the book
ET: “Oftentimes, cocktails are enjoyed in bars and that entire experience is usually a mood changer for the better. Since bars are not really an option right now, I thought it would be cool to create some cocktails that would be fun and help put you in a good mood even if you are making them at home. Just because we can't go to the party doesn't mean we can't still enjoy ourselves. Just follow lesson three from Damon's five point plan in Fast Times At Ridgemont High, ‘Act like wherever you are, that's the place to be.’”
Q: What is it about Jack Daniels that makes it the perfect holiday drink?
ET: “The people you are with. Jack Daniel, the person, was always throwing parties and bringing people together. This Holiday Season, more than ever, we need to share as much love as we can. Whether that is virtually or in person, make sure to let someone know they are loved.”
Q: What’s the most important thing — this year — to consider when the readers are planning their homemade holiday cocktails? (i.e. simplicity, comfort, a great holiday feeling?)
ET: “I think that will be up to the individual. Sometimes simple wins and other times there is a desire to be adventurous and try something new. Whenever and whatever the moment calls for, just remember to drink responsibly and enjoy the whole Holiday Season!”
Q: Are there any “classics” that need to be a part of any holiday cocktail menu?
ET: “I think during the holidays 'classic' has a different meaning to everyone. Some households have traditions that are absolute musts, while your neighbor may have a completely different approach that works for them. You do you. And it's the same way with Jack Daniel's cocktails. Your favorite way to enjoy Jack is the best way to enjoy Jack!”
Here are few drink samples from the many incredible holiday cocktail recipes ET shared with us to help create the “HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS” cocktail recipe book:
JACK & JINGLE
1 oz Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey
4oz Sprite
½ oz Aperol
Splash of Cranberry
Cranberries and Lemon Twist
JACK HONEY YULE MULE
1 ½ oz of jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey
6-8 oz of Ginger Beer
1 oz Cranberry Juice
Cranberries & Rosemary
JACK'S WINTER CIDER
2 oz Warm Winter jack
1 oz Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey
1 oz warm tea
Cinnamon Stick
JACK FIRE RED HOT HOLIDAY
1 ½ oz Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire
3 oz Coca Cola
1 ½ oz Ginger Bar
Lime Wedge
GENTLEMAN JACK SOUR
2 oz Gentleman Jack
¾ oz Lemon Juice
½ oz Simple Syrup
Dash of JD Tennessee Cocktail Bitters
JACK APPLE CRANBERRY
2 oz Jack Apple
2 oz Cranberry Juice
Cranberries & Lime for garnish
SINGLE BARREL MANHATTAN
1.5 oz Single Barrel
½ oz sweet vermouth
½ oz dry vermouth
2 dashes JD Tennessee Cocktail Bitters
2 dark cherries for garnish
Happy Holidays, and…
PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY-
Brown-Forman Beverages, Louisville, KY. Jack Daniel’s is a registered trademark. © 2020 Brown-Forman, Jack Daniel’s.
