Virtual Mixology 101

Become the master of your own home bar! We will kick off with learning bar tools (and substitutions!) and key skills, then move on to how to master a few classic cocktails. Special skills you will learn include how (and when) to use egg whites, alcohol infusions best practices, how to choose the appropriate base spirit, and more!

We will learn a bit of Mixology history as we build these classic quaffs and review how to stock a bar for making these and other classic cocktails. At the end of the demo, we will do a wild card cocktail - audience suggestions welcome!

Cocktails you will learn: 

• Old Fashioned
• Whiskey Sour
  
• Spicy Margarita

Materials You'll Need to Participate Fully:

If you are ordering alcohol online, we recommend Drizly.com.

If you're making an Old Fashioned:

• Rye or Bourbon Whiskey
• Rich Simple Syrup (2:1 parts sugar:water)
• Lemon Peel
• Angostura Bitters

If you're making a Whiskey Sour:

• Rye OR Bourbon Whiskey
• Rich Simple Syrup (2:1 parts sugar:water)
• Fresh lemon juice (1 lemon per drink)
• Egg (1 per drink)
• Angostura Bitters

If you're making a Spicy Margarita (spicy part is optional!):

• Tequila (silver)
• Rich Simple Syrup (2:1 parts sugar:water)
  
• Fresh lime juice (1 lime per drink)
• Jalapeno or other hot pepper (optional)
  

Other ingredients/materials:

• Paring knife (any small knife works)
  
• Cutting board
• Dish towel
• Jigger or shot glass
• Strainer (Hawthorne preferred, any fine mesh strainer ok)
• Mixing glass or large open rimmed glass
• Cocktail shaker or jar with a tight fitting lid
• Bar spoon or long, small spoon
• Ice
• Pot & Stove Access (Microwave ok)
• Rocks glass (any short glass will do!)

About the Instructor:

Erin is a proud native Kentuckian and Bourbon evangelist, and has been writing for Bourbon & Banter for nearly 7 years. She also helps teach cocktail classes at the award-winning Columbia Room on everything from bar basics to themed cocktails. With the advent of social distancing, Erin has taken her love of cocktails virtual and launched the daily cocktail video series “It’s 5 O’Clock Here” on her Instagram, @erpdc. She is a bourbon loyalist, gin fanatic, and all-around curious drinker who loves to help others find their next favorite drink.

Virtual Class FAQ

What will be included in my Virtual Class package?

One ticket includes an access link to your live, online class. The class will be delivered via web conferencing software and feature a live, professional instructor who will walk you through a lesson as described above. You will have the opportunity to ask questions as well as participate from home.

How many people is my purchase good for?

Each ticket is good for one "device" (i.e. one computer, phone, tablet, etc. you'll be logging in from). This ensures we don't get more people in the class than the instructor can handle. Though we understand some people live together and will be working/learning together, the intent is that each class still allows for the same attention to attendees as if students purchased separately. Please be respectful of this!

Will I need anything from home to use in the class?

You will need a reliable Internet connection as well as a computer or device with which you can access your virtual class. We recommend you arrive to class 5-10 minutes early to ensure you're able to set up your device and connection. Additionally, if the class is more than just a lecture you will likely want any materials listed in the course description as "Materials Needed to Participate Fully", though you're welcome to purchase a seat and sit in and just watch.

Am I able to ask questions or interact with the class?

Yes, you'll both be able to ask questions using the chat function in the video hosting software as well as at certain intervals during the class via voice/audio. If the class winds up being on the smaller side, more spontaneous interaction/questions will be encouraged.


Do I have to show my video or speak during class?

While we recommend you do show your video and speak when encouraged to by the instructor, video and audio participation are never mandatory. We find classes have more fun experiences when people are engaging with one another, but understand not everyone will want to do so and that's ok!