Cusp's Nate Howell Swaps Kimptons to Head Up Jsix Bar

Nate Howell, who previously mixed up downright delicious drinks at Cusp Dining & Drinks in La Jolla (meet him here) has been snagged by another Kimpton property, Hotel Solamar, to lead the bar at the revamped Jsix.

Howell's cocktail program, part of Jsix's new effort to focus equally on both food and drink, will center around American craft spirits; cocktails that celebrate the ingredients of a certain region. The Midwest-inspired High 5 With Mittens, which blends Death's Door white whiskey with housemade sarsaparilla-vanilla syrup, heavy cream, egg white and soda, is a delectable fizz.

Local Ballast Point rum, mixed with housemade salted orgeat and apricot liqueur, spikes the SoCal drink called Our Own Backyard. Howell will also be infusing spirits with smoked meat from chef Christian Graves' kitchen and is growing herbs in a small garden perched on the hotel's pool deck.

His six regionally-specific cocktails will be joined by six classic drinks, from negronis and manhattans to the more obscure vintage sippers; the entire line-up will change seasonally. Rounding out the new drinking options are ten new taps of craft beer and wine.
· Nate Howell Throws Down Killer Cocktails With A View [~ESD~]
· Jsix [Official Site]