Have you ever thrown a party and wanted to do more than just wine and premixed margarita from Vons or Ralphs? Well step up your party game — Take a class! The Association bar offers complimentary mixology classes, which includes a great history lesson. For instance, the first publication of a bartenders’ guide which included cocktail recipes was in 1862 — “How to Mix Drinks”; or, “The Bon Vivant’s Companion”, by “Professor” Jerry Thomas, who is considered the Father of Mixology. Classes are on Wednesdays at 7:00pm. Space is limited and registration is required so you better move your patootie and sign up! I’m going to make it easy for you, just click here. However, if you’re just interested in kicking back and swirling a few new cocktails around your palette then The Association and The Varnish are places to check out.
The Varnish comes highly recommend by Aisha Sharpe, a legendary mixologist with mad skills. I mean she’s no Brian Flanagan (aka Tom Cruise in “Cocktail”); but she’s been acclaimed by The New York Times and is a favorite of top restaurant owners. The Varnish is tucked away behind Cole’s Restaurant/bar. You must enter through Cole’s and hit the back of the restaurant where you’ll find a door with a picture of a cocktail pinned to it. The elusive door will be open at 8:00PM and then you can enter the secret world of cocktails. The Association has a similar nondescript door off the beaten path on 110 E. 6th Street that opens at 5:00PM on weekdays and 7:00PM on weekends.
Now both of these speakeasy-esque type dives take mixology quite seriously, so don’t disrespect the liqueur when you step into these sanctuaries. I leave you with a few yummy recipes you can try at home to impress your friends. Keep the change!
SPICED HOT CHOCOLATE
50ml Ballantine’s Christmas Reserve
3/4 mug of high quality hot chocolate
Mini marshmallows
Chocolate sauce
To serve: Decorate with a handful of mini marshmallows and finish with rich chocolate sauce.
RUM FLIP
60 ml Havana Club Añejo 7-Year
1 teaspoon caster sugar
120 ml whole fat milk
1 whole egg
To serve: Shake egg, rum, and sugar over ice. Strain into a highball glass. Fill with milk. Garnish with a grating of nutmeg.
HOT BUTTERED RUM
You can impress friends by heating your drink with a red-hot loggerhead (or poker) from the fire” similar to the Rum Flip above.
60 ml Spiced Rum
120 ml boiling hot water
A knob of butter
Brown sugar to taste
To serve: Pour Spiced Rum into a coffee mug and add boiling water. Stir in sugar to taste. Top with butter and garnish with a sprinkling of nutmeg and a cinnamon stick.
Do you have a favorite cocktail of choice?