Liquor Laboratory | Where I Became an Expert Whiskey Cocktail Maker
Ever wanted to learn how to be your own bartender? Or simply, just know how to make great cocktails? Maybe you just want to be a bit more knowledgable about certain spirits. Check all of the above for when you're taking a class at Liquor Lab!
Located at 138 Wooster St. in the heart of Soho, Liquor Laboratory – best known as Liquor Lab – is a hands-on, interactive craft beer, wine, spirits and cocktail event space where guests can experience custom beverages like never before.
Photo by: Hilary Sheinbaum
Think of this as a cooking class, but solely for specialty sips. While learning about recipe history and preparation, attendees shake, stir and sip delicious drinks. A category-specific professional leads each instructional session, as guests follow along step-by-step and discover the evening’s focus in a fun and exciting atmosphere.
Liquor Lab encourages socializing with friends and meeting new people. During the tutorial, there are opportunities to interact with the class leader and even win prizes.
During my trip to NYC last week, I was lucky enough to attend one of Liquor Lab's amazing classes - World of Whiskey! I am usually not much of a whiskey person so I was really excited to try and learn something new.
Photo by: Hilary Sheinbaum
I was immersed in a two hour voyage with my friend Alex that set the groundwork to learn the various identities and categories of whiskey. A spirit specialist and bartender named Freddie Sarkis lead the experience, which included a wide range of American, Scotch, Irish, and a few other surprises!
Upon sitting down, we were given all the appropriate cools to shake, stir and mix up three classic whiskey cocktails as the history of the spirit was discussed.
We learned how to make an Irish Sour, an Infused Rob Roy and a Rye Olde Fashioned! These drinks were actually really fun and simple to make - great for me because I remember them and can make them at home!
I was amazed at how there really is a certain way to drink and smell whiskey! Freddie taught us to start sniffing the whiskey at the chin, then at the lips, and then at the nose. It makes the whiskey more enjoyable to sip on and less intense when taking these steps before going in full force!
What I loved most aside from creating the end product was actually learning the proper ways to shake and stir, and how to remove glass from the shaker. I truly had no idea. It's all about the technique!!! I was amazed at by firmly clapping the glass that was submerged into the shaker, you could get it out seamlessly. How did I not know this before?! It felt really great to learn all thanks to Liquor Lab!
I left Liquor Lab not even wanting to leave! I had learned so much in such a short amount of time. I loved how the class wasn't intimidating at all, but rather welcoming, lighthearted and incredibly fun. Liquor Lab's concept is unparalleled. There's different classes each week (including a brunch cocktail class! On my list for my next trip to NYC) that are so creative and one of a kind. Liquor Lab is such an awesome place to become more knowledgeable, learn, spend time with friends and make new ones, and even is great for private parties! I foresee a The Gilded Bellini party at Liquor Lab in the very near future! Can't wait for my next time back.
Big thank you to Liquor Lab for having me!
