When he’s not in the ring boxing, you can find Nikolas Vasquez mixing it up behind the bar at JarrBar in Pike Place Market.

The transition from the boxing ring to tending bar all started with a simple succulent.  Agave, to be exact. Perhaps it was his 2,000-plus mile hike on the Pacific Crest Trail from Mexico to Canada that kindled his love of the spirit. Who’s to say?

But what we do know is Vasquez’s fondness for agave is the reason he ultimately ended up in the industry. And, he’s been busy creating cocktails about town ever since.   

Vasquez cut his bartending teeth over the past several years at various joints, adding to his craft as he worked 7 days a week. He has since landed at Imperial Lounge, mixing craft cocktails for the drinking denizens of this city.

The Wascally Wabbit

With his love for ‘spirit-forward,’ Vasquez leaned into Dead Rabbit Irish Whiskey for this cocktail, which he calls the Wascally Wabbit. The name has its origins in the cartoons from his childhood, as well as the notorious (and rascally) dead rabbit gang. Not to mention that he admits to some Wascally characteristics himself.   

Spirit forward yet savory, Vasquez envisions his creation as a dinner cocktail or a nice way to decompress at home – something you might feel comfortable pairing with a steak. 

But let’s hear from the pugilist turned bartender himself.

“The oil chosen is light flavored but smooth and fatty. It gives a nice hearty finish to the drink. The Madagascar Vanilla Maple simple adds richness, and plays with the vanilla. A touch of Borghetti for bitter coffee notes. A dash of rhubarb bitters to pair with the apricot nose and add more complexity.  Being liquor forward and slightly bitter the candied macadamia finishes balancing the Wascally Wabbit.”

Enjoy!

Cocktail Hour with Nikolas Vasquez

Wascally Wabbit:

2 oz Dead Rabbit Irish Whiskey
.25 Vanilla Maple Syrup
.125 Borgetti
1 dash Rhubarb Bitters
Stirred

Big rock (ice cube)
Rocks Glass
Paired with a candied macadamia nut
Lightly rinse glass with macadamia nut oil and set upside down.
Mix ingredients in tin and stir with ice. 
Flip cup back over and place rock Pour drink over ice and enjoy with candied nut.

If you are looking for another inspired cocktail check out other Cocktail Hours here and here.