From her rose pectorals to her cheerful smile, Molly Wellmann has become a household name among craft cocktail-sippers around town. Many know her as the inked, bombshell mixologist that has helped revitalize nightlife in Over-the-Rhine.
Wellmann climbed her way up the stem glass as she created a brand for herself by bartending at a variety of Cincinnati drinkeries before opening her own venue, Japp’s, which specializes in craft cocktails. The following year, she started Old Kentucky Bourbon Bar in Covington to host her other passion: 100 selections of Kentucky’s finest spirit.
The success of her enterprise, she says, comes down to creative concocting.
“I make all of my own flavored simple syrups, bitters, and liquors to add to drinks,” notes Wellmann. Selection is essential to bringing out her favorite flavors, providing an unexpected yet attractive combination for a customer’s nose and tongue.
The popularity of her drinks led Wellmann to publish a book, Handcrafted Cocktails: The Mixologist’s Guide to Classic Drinks for Morning, Noon & Night, featuring signature cocktail recipes for every hour of the day: brunch, afternoon refreshments, dinner pairings, and nightcaps. Indulging readers in her secret formulas, our Queen City mixologist provides complete instructions for making your own simple syrups, liquors, bitters, and cordials using everyday herbs and extracts.
Accompanying each technique are detailed histories of classic pre-Prohibition cocktails such as the Sherry Cobbler and the Ramos Gin Fizz. Readers looking for more modern beverages can try an old recipe with a new spin, such as the Kitty Burke or the Bees In Kilts.
With over 100 easy-to-make recipes, you’ll have all your friends fooled into thinking you’re moonlighting at Japp’s.
Wellmann pre-released her book in New Orleans at Tales of the Cocktail, an international conference for bartenders. After a sold-out book signing, Wellmann has hosted additional events for her book.
Handcrafted Cocktails is also available on Amazon.com, Joseph-Beth Booksellers, and Barns & Noble. Molly Wellmann’s book signing tour continues at Cork ‘N Bottle in Covington on Thursday, August 22 from 7pm to 9pm. Those who attend will also be able to get 10% off the purchase of her book.
