Meet our friend Ebby Kurian, anesthesiologist and daiquiri connoisseur!
Name:
Ebby Kurian
Location:
Tyler, Texas
Go-To Cocktail:
Daiquiri
Instagram:
@ebbydranks
Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you first get into mixology? Who/what/where taught you what you know?
I definitely gracelessly stumbled into the world of mixology. I never had any formal training, but I’ve always been impressed by the balance of art, flavor, and design. I finished a million years of school and became an anesthesiologist a few years ago. It’s helped me recognize that science is involved in nearly everything we do especially when making cocktails. I usually tell most of my patients before going to the operating room that I’ll be their most expensive bartender. After finally setting up a home bar I was proud of, I decided to combine my hobbies of mixology, photography, and writing. Slowly, I started putting together stories and drinks, and I’ve had a blast doing it.
What are you excited about in the world of mixology right now?
What I really love most is the community. I’ve been in touch with so many phenomenal mixologists and bartenders that are huge on so many platforms. They still love to help out the little guy, share tips and tricks, and give the encouragement that we all need sometimes to continue to get better. The goals I’ve set for myself wouldn’t come anywhere near fruition if it wasn’t for all the help and love I’ve received from some awesome people. I think there was a double negative in that last sentence. Oh well, I think you know what I mean! And I really want everyone out there on the interwebs to know that you can always reach out to me. Any questions and comments are always welcome. I’m trying to learn and grow too, so why not do it with friends?
What is one cool thing you’ve learned that you can teach our community?
One of the most important things I’ve realized when trying to build your base on Instagram is that the way your cocktail looks is exceptionally important. I wish I could reach into my phone and pull out some of the amazing cocktails my fellow mixologists have made, but as of right now (just checked), it’s still impossible. So make your cocktail pretty! Use fresh herbs, garnish with purpose and love, and make your pictures pop! I still laugh at some of my early posts. Mildly blurry, garnish game lacking, ice looking messy. When I started seeing how successful bloggers were making their pictures look spectacular, it motivated me to improve. Always aspire to be better.
What is one recipe that you created on your own that you’re really proud of?
I love daiquiris. A lot. Like a lot lot. They’re delicious and refreshing and there are countless variations that you can make at home just by tweaking the ingredients just a little. My favorite take is this one by a mile.
Lavender Daiquiri
- 1.5 oz white rum
- 0.5 oz coconut rum
- 1 oz lime juice
- 0.5 oz lavender simple syrup*
Combine all ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice and shake until well chilled. Double strain into a chilled coupe glass. Garnish with a lime wedge and lavender.
*For the lavender simple syrup, add 1 cup of water and 1 cup of sugar to a small sauce pan over medium heat. Throw in 2 tbsp of dried lavender flowers. Stir until the sugar completely dissolves. Once it does, turn off the heat, and let the simple syrup cool completely. Strain into a vessel with a lid, and refrigerate for up to two weeks.
