When it comes to the science of a great cocktail, the art of mixology must be practiced for the student to achieve master level. New Yorker’s love their mixed drinks and usually venture to their favorite spots just to sit down and enjoy one of the many unique concoctions. In order to make such a palate cleansing drink you’ll first have to understand the ingredients you’re working with and the spectrum of taste, color and esters. For most, they would rather travel to their best-loved watering hole so that their professional barkeep could assemble this liquid entrée so as to not be disappointed. This is because the idea of making these drinks at home doesn’t seem to dawn on the masses as a possibility. Sure…you might be able whip up a decent martini or even a great bramble, but what about a Moscow Mule? Wouldn’t it be great to host for friends and create some truly professional cocktails showcasing your bag of hidden tricks. In a city where Eastern Standard is more of a word rather than a time zone, who has the privilege of excessive leisure time?; especially enough time to take a bartending class. Well, for those that can “keep on keeping on,” as the saying goes, enjoy your 8 1/2 x 11 letter of authenticity. For the rest of us, the city offers some great weekly classes to teach the average boy or girl some very useful skills and knowledge about the various handcrafted spirits available on the market.
Whiskey & Wine Off 69 is an excellent new destination in the Upper East Side. Their selection includes 300 handcrafted spirits from around the world, 43 of which are produced in New York State. Owner and operator, Frank Giresi has 25 years of wine and spirit retail under his belt and curates the store’s wide variety. “Our customers are very familiar with craft cocktails, having sampled them at speakeasies, bars and lounges across the city. But perhaps they haven’t tried making them at home. We’re here to change that,” says Giresi. What Giresi means by this is the start of his own tradition known as “Home Mixology Mondays.” These monthly two-hour educational classes include an overview of classic cocktails, proper home bar techniques and tips. The classes are held from 7-9pm and are taught by some of the leading craft bartenders; like Franky Marshall from Dead Rabbit and Jim Meehan from PDT; oh…tastings are obviously included, as well. Check the website for next class dates!
The November class will be held on the 25th and will be hosted by Dale DeGroff. The store carries all of the handcrafted spirits you need, as well as bar gear like stirrers, mixing tins and muddlers, so you can go on a all-in-one shopping spree to prepare yourself for personally created mixed drinks. In addition to the classes, regular tastings are offered in-store on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Now that you’ve found a reason to enjoy Mondays again, the only thing stopping you is yourself…drop by and learn how to make those great cocktails from the masters.
Upcoming Classes:
- November: “Unabashedly American Tipples for Thanksgiving”- Nov.25
- December: “The Key to Hassle-Free Holiday Entertaining: Punch”
- January: “Warm Up from the Inside with Hot Cocktails”
- February: “Valentine’s Day Cocktails to Ignite a Romantic Mood”
- March: “Celebrate Spring with Greenmarket-Inspired Cocktails”
Whiskey & Wine off 69 is located at 1321 2nd Avenue.
