WHISKEY HOLLOW

An Exclusive Midwestern Speakeasy

OUR STORY

When we were searching for a home, having a big, beautiful home bar was not necessarily on the list of essentials. And for the first several years that we lived here, it was little more than a place to store accumulated bottles of booze that rarely were used....except the whiskey. The whiskey chamber was purchased to house 36 whiskeys to be savored whenever the mood struck. However, there was always a desire to really make use of this space.

In 2025, the inspiration struck: what if we made all 102 of the official International Bartender's Association (IBA) cocktails? That journey led to a love and appreciation of all things tiki, and eventually the desire to make all 113 of the cocktails in the Smuggler's Cove book! Here you will find all of those recipes, as well as the recipes for the 82 former (or historical) cocktails that had once held official designation with the IBA.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Whiskey Hollow If I could give Whiskey Hollow six stars, I absolutely would. Stepping into our friend's home bar feels less like walking into a basement and more like entering an exclusive speakeasy-meets-tropical-resort where the drinks are so good they should come with their own theme music. Let’s start with the tiki drinks—because WOW. These are not your average “pineapple juice with a sad umbrella” situations. These are lush, layered, fragrant works of art. Every sip tastes like it was handcrafted on a remote island by someone who whispers to citrus fruits. The glassware alone deserves its own award, and don’t even get me started on the garnishes. I’ve seen smaller fruit sculptures at county fairs. And then… there’s Mike. The man, the myth, the self-taught mixologist who could go shaker-to-shaker with Tom Cruise in Cocktail and probably win. Watching him behind the bar is like witnessing a performance: spirits flying, limes slicing, a bartender swagger that says, “I take my craft seriously, but not myself.” If Cruise had seen Mike’s technique, he would’ve asked for pointers. Mike makes you feel like the most important guest in the room—part scientist, part showman, part wizard—but always humble, always ready with a smile and a drink that will ruin you for all other beverages. The atmosphere? A+ The drinks? Divine. The bartending skills? Cruise-tier with a side of magic. Whiskey Hollow isn’t just a home bar—it’s an experience, a vibe, a destination. If you’re lucky enough to be invited, cancel all other plans. This is the place you’ll be talking about for weeks. Five stars, no notes. 🍹✨

Lindsay, IN