Chicago's speakeasy past makes for a town steeped in high-quality cocktail options, whether you prefer whiskey pours or fruity libations, Chi-town offers it all. But for those who like a little history with their hooch, there are mixology courses to teach you some serious drink mixing skills. Here are the standout Chicago mixology classes to try:
The Violet Hour
Critically acclaimed around the country for the most inventive and expertly mixed drinks ever, The Violet Hour is the best choice for serious drink geeks. The bar offers private classes for 4-30 guests as well as public classes for individuals. You'll learn about cocktail history, artisanal ingredients and the right alcohol blends from some of the best bartenders in the nation. Private classes also offer custom options so you can choose the types of cocktails to study.
Koval Distillery
The ultimate Chicago craft whiskey, spirits and liqueurs distiller, Koval Distillery is a hard drink lover's dream. Koval is the city's first distillery, founded in the 1800s and they produce organic spirits that local fans swear by. With award-winning, locally crafted whiskeys and gins, sipping may become a distraction from learning.
The company supplies cocktail classes and whiskey workshops. The cocktail classes offer the option of covering bartending basics, classic Chicago cocktails, turn of the century cocktails or holiday cocktails. The whiskey workshops feature a dive into American whiskey history and extensive tastings.
[READMORE] READ MORE: Hidden Taste Treasures in Chicago's West Loop [/READMORE]
La Mez Agave Lounge
Located inside Mercadito Chicago, the sleek Mexican restaurant in River North, La Mez Agave Lounge is an upscale craft cocktail spot that also provides a mixology academy. On select Saturday afternoons, the downstairs lounge will transform into a sipping school where students will learn techniques to whip up their own cocktails at home, and libation history while tasting drinks and appetizers from Mercadito. Course topic include Umbrella Drinks, Muddlin, Swizzlin and Mojitos, G&T's from A-Z and Old fashioned v. New fashioned.
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