COCKTAIL MASTERCLASS AT THE CONNAUGHT

If you're a fan of top class cocktails, or know someone who is, there's a masterclass this Autumn where you can learn how to make the best cocktails at the bar that's just recently been voted Best Bar in the UK by GQ Magazine, and has also been named as World's Best Hotel Bar - the Connaught Bar, in the stunning Connaught Hotel in Mayfair. Award winning Director of Mixology Agostino Perrone (who's won the prestigious World’s Best Bartender Award at Tales of the Cocktails) is hosting a series of mixology masterclasses at the Connaught Bar, taking place throughout Autumn where you can learn to make the perfect Connaught cocktails. Each date focuses on a different drink, with masterclasses in Champagne, cognac, vodka and gin, and whisky. Full details of all the classes are below.

I went along to a little preview of what lies in store, and if you book this you're in a for an absolute treat. You'll be welcomed with delicious canapés - ours were rabbit and ham, salmon and caviar and beetroot on a cheese crisp - which were all as delicious as they were pretty. You'll also have a welcome drink - ours was a Champagne, Aperol, bergamot, orange and ginseng creation and was the perfect balance of bitter, herbal and fruity.

You'll then get to head behind the bar where you'll make your own cocktails under the guidance of Ago and his wonderful team, and get a behind the scenes look at the workings of the bar, including seeing how they carve up the ice blocks that are delivered each day and then made into large ice globes to use in the cocktails.

You'll learn how to make your own bitters and syrups, and get to indulge in the cocktails you make throughout the afternoon.

Classes are £150 each and cover the following drinks:
 
THE ART OF MIXOLOGY – MASTERS OF CHAMPAGNE - Saturday 5th September
Guests will learn the art of mixing classic versions, from a French 75 to the perfect Bellini, while sampling perfectly paired canapés.
 
THE ART OF MIXOLOGY – MASTERS OF COGNAC - Saturday 19th September
Traditionally, a fine cognac is enjoyed alone, lest anything threaten this finest of distilled spirits. However, during this class, guests will learn how to break the rules and mix a cocktail that will enhance the intense aromas and flavours of a fine excellent cognac base. From the famous Sidecar to Ago’s infamous Sazerac, this is not a class for the faint of heart, and guests will learn how to understand the flavours within each cocktail, and how to personalise them to taste.  

THE ART OF MIXOLOGY – MASTERS OF VODKA & GIN - Saturday 31st October
‘I never have more than one drink before dinner. But I do like that one to be large and very strong and very cold, and very well made.’ – James Bond, Casino Royale. As Bond returns to the big screen, 007’s classic Martini will once again take centre stage in the cocktail world and there is no one better to explain how to make the perfect shaken-not-stirred version than Agostino Perrone. With a dedicated martini trolley, The Connaught Bar has long had a reputation among aficionados as one of London’s top destinations for the perfect martini. Donning the bar’s famous white gloves and exploring each of the bespoke bitters, guests will learn how to create this iconic cocktail in a variety of flavours, from coriander to cardamom, and of course, a straight Vesper, à la Bond himself. 

THE ART OF MIXOLOGY – MASTERS OF WHISKY - Saturday 28th November
Whisky is a drink that can take a lifetime to master: what to add and when to save or savour is knowledge that only comes with time. However, this class will give guests a serious boost in their whisky skills as Director of Mixology Agostino Perrone takes them on a sensory journey from Scotland and Ireland, to Kentucky and Japan. Guests will learn how whisky is blended, and how to mix elegant cocktails to complement the spirit’s intense flavours, including Agostino’s famous 1815 Whisky Sour. 

For further information on any of the classes, or to book your place, email Elle. It's such an interesting masterclass, and lots of fun, so make sure you email soon if you want to book as places are very limited.