About Falling Rabbit Cocktail Lounge
Meet The Owner
Falling Rabbit is a high-quality cocktail lounge that focuses on scratch-made cocktails full of local, fresh ingredients that are approachable to everyone who wants to enjoy a drink. While it is not an Alice In Wonderland-themed bar, it takes inspiration from that classic children’s story.
Who wouldn’t want to walk into a cocktail lounge and immediately feel like they’ve been transported somewhere magical for the evening?
About Molly Hollar
Molly is the sole owner and proprietor of Falling Rabbit Cocktail Lounge and has been a fixture in the local restaurant community since she moved to the area in 2005.
“The first bar I worked in was a high-volume Mexican restaurant. Like many chain restaurants, they focused heavily on batched cocktails, using sour mix by the gallon, and serving up whatever was cheap and quick. I’ve always had a love of cooking and creating new flavors, so I put that curiosity to work making syrups, purees, and tinctures I would bring in on Friday nights so my bar regulars could try them. The feedback and positive reactions I got from them (shoutout to my Friday night regulars from DePuy!) sparked my desire to learn more and grow in the craft cocktail world.”
Awards
Certifications & Recognition
Molly is a graduate of the Cicerone® Certification Program, which has become the industry standard for identifying those with significant knowledge and professional skills in beer sales and service. She is also an Executive Bourbon Steward, having completed the certification program provided by Stave & Thief Society.
Professional Inspiration
Molly has been fortunate to be inspired by a number of professionals in her 15 years in the bar and restaurant industry, but a few she holds close to her heart. One of her favorite ways to pay homage to those who have provided her with professional inspiration is to name a specialty cocktail after them.
The cocktail pictured here is Do A Flip, which is named after her first bar manager: Eric Jacko. The staff constantly had to stand on the counter to clean various parts of the bar display. Anytime he walked by and she was up on the counter, he would shout, “Do a flip!”.
Eric was always encouraging when it came to Molly creating and testing new cocktails. Prior to her opening Falling Rabbit, he helped put her in a position to create a cocktail program from scratch and make it succeed at a local Winona Lake restaurant.
Sam Calagione, Dogfish Head
“I grew up on the East Coast and Dogfish Head became a huge brand in that area when I was a teenager and young adult. I loved the way the company brewed its unique beers and fearlessly tried flavor combinations that no one had seen before. All of that is driven by the owner, Sam, who is big on experimenting with flavors and new techniques.
The book he wrote, Offcentered Leadership, inspired me to change the way I approach managing and interacting with people, my business, and my community.”
Hell or High Water Bar
Hell or High Water is a speakeasy in Louisville, KY. The first time I went there, it felt like I was walking into the library at Hogwarts in the best way. The vibe and the hospitality are unmatched in the city, it’s a must-go for me anytime I’m in Louisville.
Their seasonal cocktails, unique combinations of flavors, and the intention and love put into every drink were an inspiration for how intricate and well-balanced cocktails can be without being pretentious or stuffy.
Bourbon Women Association
Molly is a member of the Bourbon Women Association and first became involved with them in 2018.
The association’s mission is to create empowering and spirited environments for fearless whisky women through exceptional adventures and experiences; blending spirits, education, personal development, communication, and entertainment
“I will be forever grateful that I get to be a part of this incredible group of women. Between trips to Louisville to connect with other women in my industry, being invited to compete in cocktail competitions, and access to educational resources in the world of bourbon and spirits, it’s incredible.”