Who | Jess Larson
Where | Key West, Florida, USA
Current Bar | Coasting Cocktails
Past Bar(s) | Tiki House
Favourite Spirit | The Agave Spirits
Favourite Juice | I love to play around with unique tropical fruit juices
Favourite Classic Cocktail | Depends on my mood… I love a good Bee’s Knees
First Classic Cocktail you ever had | A Daiquiri?
Favourite Part of the Job | Creating a memorable experience/Leaving an impression
Favourite After Work Drink | Tequila! Chilled, straight, on the rocks, in a marg. I feel like Dr. Seuss right now…
Favourite bar in the world | Sip & Guzzle (New York)
Best known for | I bring the style, flash the smile, and strive to make cocktails that people don’t forget about!
Favourite “at work” memory | It’s always evolving! One of the most rewarding parts of owning a business is the opportunity to leave lasting impressions on people and their special moments in life! A recent favorite? Donating my time and talents to the Miss Island Queen fundraiser—an absolutely amazing experience!
I had the honor of supporting one of the contestants (who went on to win and raise over $75K for the Samuel’s House!). We planned a magical sunset sail aboard the Argo Navis catamaran, complete with a cocktail and oyster pairing. My dear friend, Chef Henry, flew in to perform his incredible Oyster Alchemy, while I curated the libations to match.
Walking around the boat, talking about my creations, and seeing people light up with each pairing— it was a dream come true! And the best part? Doing it all for such an impactful cause. Giving back through my craft is one of the most fulfilling parts of being an entrepreneur!
What’s the most popular cocktail in your city? Anything tropical…I live on an island! Lot’s of rum-based cocktails…we have several small rum distilleries that are popular with the tourists. I would say daiquiris, margaritas, or anything frozen.
Favourite thing about your city | The community. In most cities, people don’t even know their neighbors anymore. Key West has such a strong sense of community. There is always some type of fundraiser going on. There are so many non-profit events! You never have to worry about being homeless. There is always a couch for you to sleep on. A lot of people in hospitality don’t have insurance. As soon as someone is injured, there’s a GoFundMe set up and events thrown to raise money for that person. The community is unlike any other!
Who is your favourite fictional bartender? This is hard. I don’t even recall is she actually bartends that often in the show, but let’s say Cece from New Girl. She’s hot and sassy!
What was the last photo that you took? My entry for the 1800 Ranch Water Competition
Where is one place that you have never been but would like to travel to? I want to go everywhere and see everything! I think Spain is next on my list! I also really want to do a Tequila tour in Mexico!
Any claims to fame? Still working on my “official” claim to fame. Let’s just say for now that my karaoke game is pretty strong. I used to bartend and belt it out during a karaoke shift I worked- bottle in one hand and mic in the other!
Aperitivo or Digestivo? Digestivo
Sparkling or Flat? Sparkling
Paper Plane or Penicillin? Penicillin
Sherry or Vermouth? Sherry
Are you available for freelance gigs? Absolutely!
Find them: Instagram (Coasting Cocktails) | Instagram | Facebook
Media: Backyards of Key West – Crafted Elegance: Coasting Cocktails with Jessica
