Pour like a New York bartender at one of these seven NYC spots hosting mixology classes. After mere hours of instruction, you can turn out a killer gin rickey or a memorable Manhattan via one of the schools or bars below. Check them out and get ready to mix it up!
Coursehorse
Learn the fine art of cocktails from the midtown class wizards at Coursehorse. In addition to tie-ins with botanic gardens like the libation above, look for upcoming opportunities like Classic and Creative Cocktails, Cocktails and Cheese, and Mixology: Learn to Create Tea-infused Cocktails. Locations vary, coursehorse.com
Liquid Lab NYC
You've seen Liquid Lab on the Katie Couric Show and CBS Morning News. They cleverly capitalize on the mixology craze through a variety of events from their Williamsburg headquarters. Their popular Mixology 101 classes are held Saturdays, during which pupils take a quick tour through several spirits and learn how to adapt them into cocktails. With a shaker all your own, you’re guided through recipes and engage in a little friendly competition at the lesson's end. Classes are held at the luxe LeGrande Lounge at Time Hotel and cost $80 per person. 224 W. 49th St., 2nd Floor, liquidlabnyc.com
Apotheke
A swank club in Chinatown, Apotheke invented its own Apotheke Academy for aspiring martini-makers. Its upcoming classes, hosted at the bar, include Market Fresh, featuring instruction in the use of seasonal herbs, produce, and botanicals. You’ll get lessons in mezcal and tequila at the Spirits of Mexico class and learn about the origin of classic cocktails at the Prohibition Era class. All three offerings are recurring on the Apotheke Academy calendar. Classes cost $150 per person. 9 Doyers St., 212-406-0400, apothekenyc.com
Cocusocial
Cocusocial offers low-cost cooking classes at the Staybridge Suites near Times Square. Check out their Shake It Up mixology basics class for $49 per guest. It's ideal for the social butterfly (or barfly, if you like), since each person is paired with a classmate for a lesson in drink-slinging. You’ll mix two specialty cocktails during this two-hour class, learn to improvise behind the bar, and compete against classmates in a “miniature mixology competition.” 340 W. 40th St., cocusocial.com
Leisurely
Leisurely makes connections between adventurous foodies and a “culinary luminary” working right here in New York. Each class allows pupils to sit in a bar or restaurant with a professional and learn the master's secrets, including the history of the ingredients and techniques. Then you get to taste the results. Included among their many cooking classes are mixology courses in the mai tai, vermouth, mixology essentials, and the old-fashioned. Check the events page for the latest classes, which start around $75 per person. Various locations, leisurelyapp.co
Astor Center
Situated at Astor Place, this venue offers several classes on popular drink menu items. Put on your goggles for their Tequila Cocktail Lab or step inside their In with Gin classes for flavorful and educational introductions to their delicious drink recipes. During class, you’ll sample a cocktail, then make three of your own while learning more about liquor and mixology. You'll also get a little nosh to buffer the booze. There are events on the pure spirits themselves however, including Whisky Smackdown: Scotch vs. Bourbon, and Agave Smackdown: Tequila vs. Mezcal. Who wins? You do, of course. Classes are $85-$89 per person. 23 E. 4th St., 212-674-7501, astorcenternyc.com
