Mix World-Class Cocktails - Secrets of a Champion Mixologist

A run through the key pieces of cocktail mixing equipment and their uses plus recommendations of domestic alternatives for the home bartender.

We'll look at glass styles and sizes, how we match to the right cocktail and the impact they have on the final cocktail presentation.

Considered to be the archetypal classic Gin cocktail. It is said that you can tell a bartender's skill level by the way they mix this drink. Secrets, stories, rules and variations :)

The style of gin can dramatically impact the experience of a great Dry Martini. Here we briefly look at 5 that all produce fantastic, and yet diverse results.

Arguably the number 1 bourbon based cocktail. A simple and subtle mix that requires a skilled touch... You'll learn how to make an amazing one here.

So many bourbons to choose from! I put you on the right course for 5 that will guarantee you produce a delicious Old-Fashioned.

A wonderful Cognac based, sour style cocktail with an entertaining history. My personal favourite cocktail and so you can guarantee the ones you make will be world-class.

It's important for any mixologist to know a little about the most famous variation to the sidecar. Here you'll find a few quick notes about the Between The Sheets Cocktail.

We'll discover how Count Camillo Negroni came up with this stunning Campari based cocktail and look at both the 'straight-up' and 'on-the-rocks' versions.

There is a new an entertaining theory concerning the origin of the original Negroni. I share the latest on 'Negroni-Gate with you here.

Often (unfairly) considered a bit of a joke drink. However, this classic holiday favourite can be a true work of art. We look at how to make an irresistible Pina Colada that will have your guests baying for more.

Some information on the 'must have' ingredient used during our Pina Colada masterclass.

Another classic bourbon or rye cocktail experiencing a resurgence in popularity. We'll cover the classic recipe along with the 'dry' and 'perfect' variations too.

Although a Manhattan is often made using bourbon or Canadian whiskey. Not to mention versions like the Rob Roy cocktail that use the wonderful whiskies of Scotland, a classic Manhattan uses rye whiskey. These are 3 that I highly recommend.

We may all be familiar with the broad range of fruit flavoured Daiquiris (Banana, Strawberry, etc) but not necessarily the classic rum-based Daiquiri upon which they are all based. Served ice cold and straight-up in a chilled martini glass, there is nothing quite like it.

Some further information and recipes on how to mix a variety of Strawberry and fruit flavoured Daiquiris

Possibly the oldest cocktail in the book, literally! The word Julep appears in print earlier than any other cocktail related term. This Kentucky favourite is a delicious and refreshing bourbon cocktail and closely related to the popular Mojito.

A few words and some instructions on how to make this fabulous variation to the Mint Julep, that harks back to the pre-bourbon days.

Surely the most served/drunk cocktail of the last 10 years. With so many mixed incorrectly, we'll learn how to mix a true, perfect Mojito.

Which was the original Mojito rum? Both Bacardi and Havana Club lay claim to the title. We shed some light on the issue here.

This gorgeous espresso based mix has become a modern-day sensation. With a floating coffee-bean garnish, ours is amongst the best you'll find.

The choice of vanilla vodka has a significant impact on the final result of your Espresso Martini. Here are three that I confidently recommend.

Considered by many as the national drink of Brazil, this cachaca and lime combination has been dominating bar menus the world over.

How mush do you know about the Caipirinha? Here are some interesting facts to impress your guests.

We'll discover how to mix this 'Sex In The City' favourite with the perfect blush balance and the ever popular flamed orange twist.

Dale DeGroff is the man responsible for popularising the Cosmopolitan. Here we share Dale's own recipe as published in his 2020 book The Craft of the Cocktail.

The most famous Tequila based cocktail. Provokes much discussion about it's origins and mixing ratios. We'll cover everything you need to know to mix the finest Margaitas around.

We can't have a Margarita master-class without talking about Tommy's Margarita. Find out about the drink that has become part of modern cocktail legend.

Here we look at the history (insofar as it is) of the LIT, learn how to create a fantastic version and discuss the various alterntives and variations that abound.

We look at three claimants to the Long Island Iced Tea recipe. Who really invented it?

This could have also ben included in the 'Classics' section but regardless of it's age (over 80 years) it remains a popular contemporary drink. With countless variations we'll look in some depth at how to produce perfect Bloody Mary's for a variety of tastes.

Now we know how to produce a classic Bloody Mary, it's time to take some inspiration from some of the most creative Bloody Mary mixers around.

A colourful history and a copper mug. The wonderfully creative combination for the modern version of this Top-10er.

A few words about the traditional vessel for seving a Moscow Mule. The Copper Mug.

Preparing and serving classic and flamed twists

How to cut and present a gorgeous fan of apple slices on the rim of your cocktail

Getting creative with a range of fruits and cocktail sticks. Making the best of the colours, textures and shapes of different fruit garnishes.

Applying a neat salt, sugar or other rim to a glass is a skill that many struggle with. Learn how to apply a perfect rim every time.

Discover how to create and apply creative silhouettes on to the surface of your cocktails.

One of the first creative garnishes I learnt and still one of the easiest, impactful ways to style up your cocktails.

Not all garnishes belong on the glass rim. In this lecture we look at how you can prepare some that will lay on the surface of your drinks.

Tips and advice for using the lessons from the course and how to refine and perfect your techniques.