Now that mixology has blossomed into a true art form, there’s a demand to learn its secrets. Groups will find ample opportunity in L.A. to participate in cocktail-making classes.
“With so many bars and clubs having several mixologists on staff, I have found that upon request for private events almost always they are able to accommodate this request,” says Darren Green, senior vice president of sales at Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board.
At The Association, in downtown L.A., cocktails take center stage. The speakeasy-style bar evokes a Mad Men vibe and sports an impressive whiskey collection. The bar offers cocktail classes and takes pride in being one of the pioneers in that realm.
“Since I have taken over the program, I have brought with me some heavy hitters in the industry to come and speak at my classes,” says Sofia Szabo, bar manager. “When we have a speaker, usually a brand ambassador or a portfolio educator, it will be focused on that spirit, and we will all learn about the distillation process and the brand. We will all taste it together and then try two cocktail renditions based on that spirit.”
The Association also offers theme classes, such as the history of punch throughout the cocktail world. The bar can cater to groups and arrange exclusive private events, including hands-on training. Classes are offered for a maximum of 20.
The Cocktail Academy, in downtown’s L.A. Art’s District, provides spirit tastings and lessons on a variety of subjects, such as spirit history, cocktails philosophy, bartending techniques, recipe development and industry trends.
“Our cocktail lessons usually incorporate three elements: spirit education, demonstration and then actual hands-on experience where the client can have fun mixing and making their own cocktails,” says Sasha Lee, who handles marketing and operations for the bar. “Although our most popular lesson is a general cocktail 101 class, we also offer more unique lessons tailored to the client’s interest.”
Options include a demo on making vermouth, a tasting of hard-to-find whiskeys or even a lesson on region-specific spirits. Teambuilding options are available, and like the classes can be held on-site or at the group’s hotel.
“We often hold a bartending/round-building competition at the end of the lesson, which is very popular with our corporate lessons,” Lee says.
In Hollywood, The Library, at the Redbury Hotel, hosts a monthly Cocktail Studies session that is typically opened up to the public, but the bar can host private sessions for up to 10.