Happy Tuesday! We had a chance to shake things up today when we attended a mixology class at the Americana-chic Flatiron parlor, Harding’s, located on East 21st Street.
On the first Tuesday of each month Harding’s hosts a hands-on mixology class series. Harding’s head mixologist, Derrick, led a group of about 16 participants through an interactive 1-hour session to instill the building blocks of mixology (for instance, the difference between bourbon and rye), fundamental mixology techniques, and the methods behind three seasonally inspired cocktails.
Here’s a recap of what we learned:
Spirits are measured and poured in seconds. Every 2 seconds is equal to .5 ounces. Six seconds equals 1.5 ounces and eight seconds equals 2 ounces. According to Derrick, by law bartenders must pour 6 or 8 seconds. If they pour less, call them out!
Other ingredients/notes:
Simple syrup is a 1:1 ratio of sugar and water
Two lime wedges are squeezed to make 2 ounces of juice
Honey can be diluted with a 1:1 ratio of honey and water
What did we make?
Cocktail 1: Whiskey Fizz
Cocktail 2: Black Forest
Cocktail 3: The Anchor, a drink that tastes like a mojito but is made with fresh basil
So what did we think?
We loved the class. It was a quick hour but we managed to learn the basics of bartending and how to shake a drink (and for Dee, how to get a shaker to open).
Complimentary light snacks were also provided at the class. We enjoyed a cheese platter of Manchego, Swiss, and cheddar with dates, golden raisins and dried apricots. We also had popcorn, a spinach and artichoke dip with crostini and mini crab cakes.
As for the establishment… Cool spot. As what Derrick described, Harding’s is a “gem in an area where you go to restaurants, to work, but not necessarily for a bar.” Well, we found a new spot for cocktails.
If you missed the past two classes, no fear. Harding’s will continue their mixology class series every first Tuesday of the month.
July – Some Like It Hot: Spicy Cocktails
Tuesday, July 1, 2014
6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
August – Infusions
Tuesday, August 5, 2014
6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
September – Back to Basics: Classic Cocktails
Tuesday, September 2, 2014
6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
PRICE: $35 per person
Tickets: www.hardingsnyc.com / 212.600.2105
Space is limited, tickets strongly recommended.
Wanna see what we made? Check out our photos on Instagram.com/deecuisine.
