Continuing on from our series of Connect the Gram, we move from Alaska to Australia to meet one of our very own, Kerry of At Home Cocktails! We can't say definitively how we came across Kerry's account but in this small world that is Instagram, you soon find that cocktail enthusiasts have a way of flocking together...and are we glad we found Kerry's account. Showcasing the best of what you can achieve at home without any fancy schmanzy gadgets (particularly when you're on the go), we've fallen in love with all that Kerry puts up on her feed. Why? You'll have to follow to find out for yourself! In the meantime, here's a few good reasons below!

What's your IG handle and tell us a little bit about yourself.

My Instagram account is @athomecocktails - so named because I make all my drinks from the comfort of my own home! It's lots of fun playing with different flavour combinations, to build a cocktail. I was born and raised in Auckland and moved to Sydney in my 20's. After 9 amazing years there, I now call Perth my home.

Do you remember how your interest in cocktails started?

I only got in to cocktails a little over a year ago in 2016. I have always been a wine drinker but when I was holidaying with the family in Fiji, I was talked in to a cocktail by the resort bar staff. 20 cocktails later, I was hooked and returned home to start my own mixing. I started a liqueur collection and I am constantly adding to it.

When did you start your Instagram account and what was the motivation for starting it?

I started my IG account at the same time as I started mixing. It started out as a kind of a diary for myself to look back on and it has grown beyond belief. I have met some fantastic people on IG and I am thankful for their support, advice and friendship.

Can you believe Kerry made up this little number whilst staying in a...HOTEL??? A riff on a gin sour float with local Perth gin Hippocampus, red grapes, lime, honey and shiraz...with the grapes muddled using a dessert spoon.

How often do you post and do you have a method of deciding what you make or feature in each post?

I post an average of 2-3 cocktails per week. Inspiration strikes all over the place. I might see a fruit or herb when I'm out on my travels and build a cocktail around it. I might even see a flower that is screaming to be accompanied by a drink. I love making syrups so I'll often make up a crazy concoction and then think about other flavours that will compliment each other. My 4 year old son asks for a cocktail whenever he sees me mixing. I usually have some iced tea concentrates for colour and flavour alongside fresh juice so that I can make him something that looks like what I'm having. As long as he has garnish as well, he's happy - he doesn't realise he's being served the mocktail version and I cringe every time he tells people about how much he loves cocktails! I make a fair bit of dehydrated fruit as he's a huge fan!

Your photos always look so crisp and beautiful! What do you use to shoot it and do you have any tips for the budding drinkstagrammer?

I use an iPhone 7plus to shoot my cocktails. The dual camera gives you options for your shots. I love being able to have my drink in focus, whilst fading out the background.

When I first started posting on IG, I only had my drink in the shot but I noticed other drinkstagrammers had added props in theirs. Slowly I started to do the same. A spoon here and a flower there. I really enjoy setting a scene now. I don't always get it right but I do have fun. My tip is less is more! If you have a gorgeous cocktail and garnish, then adding too many props will detract from that.

Beautiful composition matching an equally beautiful cocktail...all achieved at home but rivalling some of the best cocktail bars we've seen. This one here a fizz made with gin, homemade lychee lavender syrup, lemon juice, cream, butterfly pea extrac… — Beautiful composition matching an equally beautiful cocktail...all achieved at home but rivalling some of the best cocktail bars we've seen. This one here a fizz made with gin, homemade lychee lavender syrup, lemon juice, cream, butterfly pea extract, egg white and soda water.

What's been the weirdest or strangest combination cocktail you've made or drank?

I have too many odd mixes to mention. Earlier this year, I made a drink with orange liqueur, coffee liqueur, espresso and tonic. I can't believe how fantastic it tasted. Who knew espresso and tonic was a match made in heaven?!

What's the one cocktail ingredient you cannot do without at the moment?

I can't do without..... ummmm..... I actually don't favour any one thing! I love gin, but I don't have a favourite brand. If I had to pick, I'd go with dried fruits. Why? Because it's my go to garnish and I'd struggle without them.

We're throwing a cocktail party at home! Throw us some of your cheat sheet tips for making cocktails for the masses (and still have a good time!)

Cocktail parties at home require prep. Have a plan, have everything ready, so all you have to do is mix and serve. I recommend making a couple of syrups up for different flavour profiles and serving a layered shot at some stage. Make sure you have enough glassware on hand. Keep it simple.

Thanks Kerry for chatting to us! You can follow Kerry on Instagram on @athomecocktails

Connect the Gram - Kerry aka At Home Cocktails