As someone who loves quaffing a cocktail or three on a Saturday night, having the opportunity to get behind the bar and shake, mix and muddle my own tasty concoctions was a tantalising prospect.
Perfect for parties and hen nights Manchester235 have launched a series of exciting master classes designed to teach budding cocktail connoisseurs how to create three classic drinks before letting them loose behind the bar.
Unlike other master classes which delve into the historical nuances of each spirit, the focus here is on creating great-tasting drinks with a large dose of fun.
Liam Kennedy, Manager of the new James Martin Manchester restaurant, said: “We re-vamped the classes; it’s a lot more fun.
“Before it was a lot more informative – it was designed by bartenders who didn’t take into account the people attending the event who want it to be a more interactive experience.”
“It’s about having a good time and taking away a bit of the mystery of the bar.”
First up was the Mint Cosmo Fantabulous – a twist on a classic cosmopolitan, infused with vanilla flavour, shaken with mint and topped with a deliciously creamy mint foam garnish.
Once I’d mastered the basics of attaching a cocktail shaker to the glass, something that’s much trickier than you’d think, I was shaking my thang behind the bar with great gusto.
The mint foam garnish not only made the cocktail look wonderful but also added a deliciously-cool taste to the drink.
Next on the menu was the Cuban classic mojito. Served in a tall glass with lashings of Bacardi and mint this cocktail transports you back to a sun-drenched beach holiday.
Under Liam’s expert tutelage I discovered how to adjust the cocktail to suit different palates – for those with a sweet tooth a little more brown sugar can ensure a sweeter cocktail.
But for those who love a sharper taste more lime juice, along with muddled limes, produces a stronger citrus flavour.
Last but not least was the aptly-named Zombie. Composed of no fewer than three rums, apricot liqueur, pineapple juice and topped off with a flaming passion fruit, this is one party trick that won’t be forgotten in a hurry.
Arguably my favourite drink of the lot this deceptively angelic-looking cocktail packed a real punch.
One half of the passion fruit skin served as an organic shot glass containing a delicious, but incredibly strong shot, of Wray & Nephew’s 63% dark rum.
The more adventurous drinker might neck it in one and then enjoy the rest of the cocktail, however I decided to be sensible (there’s a first time for everything) and tip it into the rest of the drink.
The final garnish of this devilish drink involved a blowtorch and chocolate powder.
First of all the passion fruit shot is lit à la Christmas pud and then, once the blue flame hovers above the rum, chocolate powder is generously sprinkled over the entire drink and lit with the blowtorch.
A feast for both the eyes and the tastebuds this drink slipped down a treat though, as the name suggests, it’s best to limit the number you have as one too many can cause a monster of a hangover.
In between sipping your own creations guests are invited to team up and pit their talents against each other in a cocktail-making contest.
To finish off the drinking extravaganza everyone gets the chance to take part in the Jager train before tasting a specially-crafted cocktail.
Liam explained: “We get parties to pick their favourite flavours and create a bespoke cocktail based on the characteristics of the party
organiser or hen and make them available to the entire party for the rest of the evening.”
The ‘Mixer’ Masterclass includes a cocktail-making lesson for approximately 60-90 minutes, canapés and cupcakes and a £5 free bet to play on blackjack or roulette.
Advance booking is required for the ‘Mixer’ Masterclass which is £35 per person, for more information click here.
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