Sean McLennan

“I look at it all, punk rock and music in general, as just a big community. We can inspire and learn from each other, and build each other up… music and creatives, it all builds off one another.”

On the heels of releasing his latest book, Punk Rock & Cocktails: Vol. 2, author Jesse Hubbard has been able to rely on the creative inspiration, healing, and joy that he receives from music, to help forge his path in life.

Not only that, the New Jersey-born and current Columbus resident bartender, craft cocktail specialist, and owner and operator of Saint Russell Productions is an open book himself. A self-proclaimed “ham” whose social personality growing up, as well as years spent in radio prior to getting into the bar industry full-time, helped fuel his success.

About five years ago, after gaining notoriety in his field of bar service and cocktails, Hubbard thought of how cool it would be to do some sort of book. It wasn’t until the earlier years of the pandemic, however, when he thought of the perfect way to intersect his passion for music and skills in crafting cocktails.

This resulted in the release of his first ever book, Punk Rock & Cocktails, in February of 2021.

“I went into it with the idea that it’d be a cocktail book, but what can I do that’s unique-to get people hooked? So I got the idea of combining two things that I love, it was there the whole time. I’m gonna make these cocktails, and I’m gonna write a little bit about the band, share the album art,” explains Hubbard.

“I wanted something that told you what the book was. It’s punk rock, and it’s cocktails; right out of the gate, you know what it’s about. That was the idea.”

Sharing 20 influential albums from the likes of The Lawrence Arms, The Bronx, Lucero, Hot Water Music, Less Than Jake, Circle Jerks, and more, with an inspired cocktail to go along with each pick, Hubbard discovered a thematic writing foundation for him to build upon. 

Hubbard was armed with a thirst to hone in on his original book idea. Fast forward to this past June, he expanded the contents of his book through further exploration of his personal writing voice, his skills in mixology, and an urge to share more music that’s inspired him. Thus, Punk Rock & Cocktails: Vol. 2 was brought to life.

“I really just went into the first one so unsure of myself in this medium, as a writer… I put it out there, and it ended up being more successful than I had imagined that it would. A lot of the bands in the book picked up on it and started sharing it around on social media… and then I got self-conscious because there were so many things I would have done differently,” reveals Hubbard.

He continues, “The second time around, I really took my time. Music was in my life way before spirits and cocktails were, so I approached the second book differently. I want to share some of my stories about why I love these bands or interactions I’ve had with these bands and, to accompany that, I’m going to make a cocktail. I felt much more comfortable in my writing skin, and I feel like I found my voice. It’s a much more true look at who I am as a person.”

Although the title might be straightforward, the two topics that make up Punk Rock & Cocktails: Vol. 2 have roots that run deep within Hubbard’s life journey. On top of being able to pay tribute to the artists that have inspired him in one way or another, he offers little nuggets about his personal life or other anecdotes relevant to each album. 

In addition, Punk Rock & Cocktails: Vol. 2 is an interactive cocktail recipe book for readers looking to have fun and create the cocktails themselves. Hubbard sees the book as a way to connect with readers, bringing people together through that element of interaction and a shared love for music.

As for the music aspect of the new book, Hubbard got plenty creative with the pairings for each artist featured. From the direct punch of the “Shot and a beer” to go along with the godfathers of hardcore, Agnostic Front and their 1984 all-out bruiser, Victim In Pain, to the more complex and ingredient-heavy—including vanilla ice cream and olive oil-washed gin—“Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps,” to accompany Cake’s ‘96 studio album, Fashion Nugget.

Hubbard’s intention was to spread it out amongst some of the most influential punk bands, some of his very favorite, and also some up-and-coming bands that he supports.

“I put in my buddy’s band, Bad Wires, out of Louisville, and not just ‘cause he’s my friend; because they’re a kick ass, amazing band… If someone can learn about a new artist or band to get into, which happened with the first one, that’s maybe the coolest part of the whole thing—turning people on to new music,” says Hubbard enthusiastically.

From familiar legends like The Clash, The Misfits, and Rancid, to The Inevitables, Two Cow Garage, Huge Euge, and Shooter Jennings, there’s a wide spectrum of styles that all mean something to Hubbard. Artists from all different walks of life, each conveying an aspect of the punk rock ethos that feeds into Hubbard’s principle of being persistent in doing what he loves and being true to himself.

Hubbard puts a new spin on the classic negroni paying respects to Killswitch Engage/Times Of Grace/The Weapon vocalist and co-host of Stoke The Fire Podcast, Jesse Leach. An excellent example of how a friendship can form out of the two topics Hubbard presents in his book. Another being, opposite co-host of Stoke The Fire, Matt Stocks, writing the foreword for the new volume. Hubbard had the opportunity to appear on their podcast back in 2021 after releasing his first book.

“I worked in radio a long time, and I met a lot of people in that business—They’re two of the best. They’re both very different people, but both very kind, genuine, and sincere, and I really feel like I’ve developed a solid friendship with both of them, to the point where, obviously, Matt did the foreword to my book.”

“They’re obviously at an established level, with great success in their respective avenues of life, but Matt’s given me so much advice about things. They’re great people to know and I’m appreciative of their friendship.”

Hubbard is someone who’s easygoing, and that shines through while conversing with him. He’s developed a knack for comforting and welcoming people to which he credits years of working behind the bar.

Perhaps one of the biggest takeaways from the work he’s done is understanding people. Understanding people’s needs through listening and adapting his attitude in a way that offers comfort and connection—a true finesse that Hubbard has had the pleasure of developing.

“I like to think that I always had a kind heart, but what bartending has really done, if anything, has taught me how to slow down a little bit and read people,” says Hubbard.

“It really helped me over the years, as silly as it sounds, helped my communication. It’s something that I’ve realized in more recent years. It’s a cool thing that you don’t really think about when you’re getting into it because you wear all these different hats. People come up and ask if they can talk about something or get your opinion on something, and you never really know where that’s going to go, so you have to be ready. That’s been a very cool byproduct of doing this for so long.”

To conclude, Hubbard sincerely expressed his support of Punk Rock Saves Lives and the work that they do.

“Punk Rock Saves Lives is an incredible nonprofit, very involved in the rock music scene. Members of Anti-Flag and Bowling For Soup are on the board, and it’s a really cool thing. They’re all about doing work in the scene for women’s rights, human rights, mental health, cancer research, food drives—They’re beautiful people. I’ll be donating a portion of the proceeds from every book that I sell… as long as the book exists, to them as well.”

Order a copy of Punk Rock & Cocktails Volume II here or a signed copy of the book here; follow Jesse Hubbard here. Learn more about Punk Rock Saves Lives here.