Jackson Cannon is Boston.com Cocktail Club’s host and bar director for Eastern Standard and The Hawthorne. The veteran craft cocktail leader opened Eastern Standard in 2005 as Bar Manager, quickly cementing the neighborhood brasserie’s reputation as one of the country’s best bars, known for its attention to properly crafted cocktails and unwavering hospitality in a high-volume environment. The iconic, expansive program offering more than 60 classic and new creations secured national attention and earned Cannon “Bartender of the Year” award from Nightclub & Bar magazine in 2011. Cannon introduced the next iteration of his vision when he opened The Hawthorne, an experience centered in his commitment to thoughtfully crafted cocktails, continued cocktail/spirits education, and curating exceptional moments for guests. The Hawthorne has received numerous local and national accolades, including a semifinalist award for James Beard Foundation’s “Outstanding Bar Program” in 2014 and 2015, and winning Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Award for “Best Hotel Bar” in 2017. Cannon was a finalist for “Best Bar Mentor” at the 2013 and 2014 Spirited Awards and a 2014 Wine Enthusiast Wine Star Award nominee for “Mixologist/Brand Ambassador of the Year.”

Misty Kalkofen first stepped behind the bar while studying theology at Harvard Divinity School. She credits local music legend Brother Cleve with cementing her interest in classic cocktails the day he presented her with a bottle of Old Overholt rye and dubbed her his protege.

Upon completing her degree in 1998, Kalkofen realized what most excited her about the Bible was the passage where Jesus turns water into wine. Shortly thereafter, she joined the opening staff of the B-Side Lounge, the first bar in the city to focus on classic cocktails and vintage spirits.  Since then Kalkofen has honed her craft in Boston’s best bars including Green Street, Brick & Mortar and Barbara Lynch’s award-winning Drink.  

In 2007, Kalkofen founded the Boston chapter of Ladies United for the Preservation of the Endangered Cocktail, fulfilling her desire to “cocktail for a cause.”  Rooted in the belief that everyone loves a good drink, people like to do good things, and broads can accomplish anything, the ladies of LUPEC have raised over $40,000 for local Boston women's charities by throwing the best parties in town.

In April 2013, Kalkofen joined the family of Del Maguey Single Village Mezcal.  In her role as the Madrina, Kalkofen acts as a cultural liaison between the Del Maguey family of producers in Oaxaca and the US hospitality community through hands on immersive

educational experiences.  Through her work with Del Maguey, Kalkofen has been able to share her love for the history, heritage, and culture of Mexico's noble agave spirits.    

Misty Kalkofen has been featured in Bon Appetit, Imbibe, Food & Wine Cocktail editions, Wine Enthusiast, The Wall Street Journal, The Boston Globe, Tasting Panel, Wine & Spirits, and more. Kalkofen was nominated as American Bartender of the Year at Tales of the Cocktail 2011 and International Bartender of the Year at Tales of the Cocktail 2012 and 2013.  She was awarded American Brand Ambassador of the year at Tales of the Cocktail 2017.  Kalkofen is a graduate of the rigorous BAR program and continues to minister to cocktail communities nationwide through active involvement in the BARSmarts regional programming and the BAR 5 Day Program.  In 2018, she co-authored her first book with Kirsten Amann, Drinking Like Ladies and in spring of 2020 they launched a podcast of the same title.  

Kalkofen has spent the past twenty years honing her craft and her palate and has earned a reputation as one of Boston's foremost authorities on cocktail history and culture. Cultivating a spirit of camaraderie among cocktail lovers (while showing everyone a really good time in the process) is Misty’s mission across the many communities she touches.

Social:
Personal: @mistymezkalkofen
Del Maguey: @delmagueymezcal      
The Book: @drinkinglikeladies