Mixology
The techniques, and how they differ
Studios list all of these as “mixology”. They are not the same evening.
Shaken vs stirred
Shaking aerates and chills fast (anything with citrus, egg, or cream); stirring chills gently without clouding (spirit-only drinks like a Martini or Negroni).
Good for The single most useful thing to learn. It explains half of all cocktails.
Balance (the sour template)
Spirit, citrus, sweetener in a ratio. Once you know it, you can build a Daiquiri, Margarita, Whiskey Sour or Gimlet from whatever is in the house.
Good for The recipe-free skill. Ask whether a class teaches ratios or just recipes.
Infusions & syrups
Making your own flavored spirits, syrups, and shrubs.
Good for A very giftable class. You usually take a bottle home.
Spirit tasting
Guided tasting of whiskey, agave, or rum: nosing and comparing rather than mixing.
Good for Different intent entirely. Book this to learn what you like, not to make drinks.
Before you go
What to wear
Whatever you would wear to the bar it is held in.
What your hands do
Standing at a bar, shaking, straining, and drinking three or four full cocktails across a couple of hours. That is a lot of alcohol, so pace yourself.
Do you take something home
Recipes, sometimes a bottle from an infusion class. Mostly you take home the skill.