Learn. Make. Drink. Easy peasy—not so fast, ya lemon squeezy! Just like a fine cocktail that should be savored, the new Mixology Masterclass at The Cabinet of Curiosities at Horseshoe Las Vegas takes the time to be enjoyed.
Strawberry Bright
It all begins inside The Cabinet of Curiosities, the main lounge where “students” will gather before stepping through a giant door shaped like the entrance to a safe. Once inside the safe, as a team, you’ll have to solve the riddles to gain access to The Lock, the hidden speakeasy. Once inside The Lock—a dimly lit, beautifully decorated, intimate room with Prohibition-era vibes—everyone will take a seat at the bar. You’ll put on your special apron, that you get to keep, and in front of each seat are all the tools you’ll need for class: shaker tin, jigger, muddler, Hawthorne strainer, bar spoon and more. Don’t worry, part of the class is being schooled on what each one is used for and how to properly use them.
Running the class is master mixologist Daniel Ponsky, pictured. He’s a teacher that deserves an apple, a big juicy apple! This man is overflowing with knowledge when it comes to all things spirits and cocktails, and he’s more than happy to share his knowledge. He also makes the class fun; in fact, he puts the “fun” in the fundamentals of cocktail making. “The best part of this class is that at the end of the day you’re going to learn a little something about making cocktails,” says Ponsky. Oh, and so much more. You’ll learn some history about spirits and cocktails, how to stir a drink so you don’t bruise the alcohol, the difference in the types of ice, how to double strain a cocktail, how to properly shake and pour a cocktail, how to release the oils in herbs, what the difference is between juices, syrups and elixirs, how to activate the sugars in dehydrated fruit resulting in more caramelly flavors ... the list just goes on and on.
To test all these lessons, you’ll get to craft three cocktails: The classic Manhattan; the Apricot Manhattan, a twist on the classic; and your own creation, where you’ll get to choose your spirit, mixers, garnishes, fresh fruits or herbs, syrups, tonics and more. You even get to name your cocktail! This writer created the Strawberry Bright, a vodka-based cocktail with goodies like muddled strawberries, vanilla, basil, aquafaba and a little lemon squeezy. Class dismissed!
Class Notes
• During class, enjoy throwback music from the ’40s, ’50s and ’60s.
• Ask about the speakeasy within the hidden speakeasy.
• There is a vegan version of the froth that tops a cocktail! Instead of using egg whites, use aquafaba, made from garbanzo beans.
• Angostura bitters are the first bitters. Originally used as a digestif, now they help add depth and complexity to a cocktail.
• The Manhattan cocktail is named after the Manhattan Club in New York City.
• Have you ever tasted a Luxardo maraschino cherry? It’ll wow your taste buds.
• To release oils from herbs, like basil, gently slap it against your hand.
• When you put a blowtorch to dehydrated fruit, it releases the sugars.
• Each guest will receive a class booklet with recipes and space to jot down recipes created.
Horseshoe Las Vegas. Visit thecabinetlv.com to book a class
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