Tag: mixology classes

Corporate Event, mixology class, Private Bartender

Mixology 101

shakennotstirredinla

I was one of those old school bartenders who turned up my nose when people mentioned “mixology” I felt it was a pretentious term created by pretentious bartenders who thought they were doing something akin to brain surgery. I have now come to view the term with more respect and realize that mixology is an innovative craft. Mixology has transformed the bar business in many positive ways. 

The pandemic made me a better bartender, because during the ridiculous lockdown I was still doing parties, just much smaller ones. As I did the smaller parties of 10 to 20 people I was able to concentrate on making craft cocktails with fresh ingredients. At the same time, people’s tastes are much more sophisticated. Good old margarita mix doesn’t cut it anymore. 

Back in the day, when I was bartending at restaurants, a mojito was about the only craft cocktail we made and I cringed anytime somebody ordered one. The reason being, is that mojitos are labor intensive to make. Today, I can make a mojito as quickly as any other drink, using a technique taught to me by a “mixologist”. Muddling does not have to be a big deal. 

Unwritten Rules of Bartending

Most cocktails have three common ingredients – liquor, a sweetening agent, and citrus. Usually a cocktail has two parts liquor, one part sweetener, and one part citrus. That is a rather simplistic generalization, but is true. Take a mojito for instance, two ounces of liquor, muddled mint leaves, one ounce lime juice, one ounce simple syrup, and a splash of sparkling water. How about a Whiskey Sour? Two ounces bourbon, one ounce lemon juice, and one ounce simple syrup. I can go on and on with examples like that. 

I am now holding Mixology 101 classes for the general public. These fun and informative mixology glasses are great for corporate team building retreats, bachelorette parties, date nights, or small birthday parties. I have developed an interactive mixology class where the participants make their own craft cocktails and consume them. I show the students how to sue bar tools like shakers, jiggers, bar spoons, and muddlers. During the class, I talk about the history of bartending and specific cocktails. You too, can be a mixologist and the envy of all your friends once you master Mixology 101.

mixology class

Now Offering Mixology Classes

shakennotstirredinla

I am excited to announce that Shaken Not Stirred is now offering Mixology Classes throughout Southern California. These fun and informative mixology classes are perfect for corporate team building retreats, bachelorette parties, birthday parties, or just plain old get togethers. I have done a few of these parties before for special requests and they have always been a success, and so now I am going to offer these mixologist classes to the general public.

The first mixology classes I did were not interactive. The demonstrated making different drinks, and then made drinks for each of the participants. My new interactive bartending class allows participants to make their own drinks after a demonstration by me. I call two participants up at a time and they make their own drinks. This is a much funner hands on approach and the participants actually retain the information. 

Ever wanted to learn how to make an Old Fashioned, a Manhattan, or a perfect Spicy Margarita? How about making colorful layered drinks? Dessert cocktails? I can demonstrate making any cocktail within reason. If you request a cocktail I have never made in my career for the class, I will research it and learn how, 

The History of Bartending Techniques

During the class, I talk about the history of cocktails, and the techniques used to make them. I demonstrate how to use Boston Shakers, muddlers, strainers, and other tricks of the trade. You can be like a professional bartender in your own home. This is a great hands on experience, and the participants get to consume their own cocktails. Everybody has fun. 

The class works best if limited to 12 participants, though slightly larger groups can be accommodated. I usually consult with my clients and find out what kind of drinks they would like demonstrated, and then I come up with a shopping list of ingredients needed. We limit to four drinks per class and it usually takes about three hours. This is also a good way to limit the number of drinks participants consume. Call us today to book your Mixology Class throughout Southern California.