Side Hustle Syrups

For the 93rd week of "7 QUESTION SUNDAY" we shine the spotlight on another influential individual from the PNW. Side Hustle Syrups are the natural drink mixers of your dreams!

4EVRGRN: Hey, SHS! Tell us a little about yourselves.

SHS: I am Dillon Hueser, founder of Side Hustle Syrups located in Spokane, WA. We create natural drink mixers and flavorings designed for, but not limited to, use in cocktails. The products can be used endlessly such as helping make a delicious cocktail or mocktail, flavoring tea or coffee, adding some zing to a culinary dish, or simply making a soda with carbonated water. The syrups are made from premium natural ingredients. A few over a year ago, when I was working as Distiller at Dry Fly, we decided to make the On the Fly Premium Packable Cocktails ready-to-drink(RTD) alcoholic beverages. At the time I was only running was legitimately running my business on the side, thus the name. It was during the R&D phase of the canned cocktails, Dry Fly decided to use Side Hustle as an ingredient to their RTD cocktails. Since then, the products and both brands have grown immensely, even willing multiple medals in their RTD categories. Side Hustle still offers syrups to customers, allowing them to create fantastic drinks with a handful of ingredients, and zero experience.

What is your most popular syrup? 

SHS: It's a close race between the flagship Ginger Beer Syrup used for Moscow Mules, and our Lemon-Lavender.

You’ve got some great cocktail recipes, which one should people try first?

SHS: One of my favorites is taking a French 75 to the next level with the Lemon-Lavender syrup. Otherwise, I would encourage people to try our Ginger Beer with the Moscow Mule.

What’s a unique trait of PNW drinkers?

SHS: I love the PNW drinkers because of their creativity and willingness to give something new to them a try. I think this is relevant in the both the cocktail scene, and craft brewery scene.

Will you ever expand your retail locations outside of Spokane?

SHS: Absolutely, that is the plan. Right now, we are working on scaling our production to get involved in larger markets in Spokane and surrounding areas.

Where’s your favorite hole in the wall place to get a drink in the PNW?

SHS: I don't think I could choose a favorite. Variety is the spice of life after all. However, my favorite go-to breweries (not holes in the walls) are Yaya and Lumberbeard. For overall experience, Zola is one of my favorite bars and music venues. But for a great drink, atmosphere and holes in the wall, either Joe's House or Bjiou are highly recommended.

Best meal in the PNW?

SHS: Flying Goat is a favorite in my household. Everything they offer is exceptional.

Best cocktail in the PNW?

SHS: The Whiskey Smash or Herbin' Legend at Dry Fly Distilling's Tasting Room are excellent and are among my favorites.

These syrups can be purchased at www.sidehustlesyrups.com. You can also check them out on Facebook, Social Media, and Pinterest: @sidehustlesyrups