The Mixed & Batched Guide to Whiskey

A crash course on tasting whiskey, making cocktails, and learning your way around a bar.

Created byClair McLafferty

Last updated 2/2025

English

What you'll learn

Name traits associated with different styles of whiskey
Make four cocktails at home
Troubleshoot unbalanced drinks
Discern facts from marketing on a bottle's label

Course content

4 sections • 12 lectures • 35m total length

Why Care About Whiskey?2:08
Since this was filmed, my credentials have filled out. I have seven years of experience behind the bar instead of three-and-a-half, written two more books and a pamphlet on the subject (Romantic Cocktails and Spooky Cocktails), and continued to travel and learn, especially about whiskey. Though these days my bar shelving is less shiny with unicorn bottles, it's still well-stocked with barrel picks and everyday sippers.

Types of Whisk(e)y3:17
Dive into the differences in types of whiskey. What separates a Tennessee Whisky from a bourbon? Aside from flavor, how do Scotch, Irish, and Japanese whisk(e)y differ?
History of Whiskey2:59
A brief dive into the history of whiskey.
Reading the Label3:10
When you go into the liquor store, are you overwhelmed by the number of choices? If so, this video will guide you through how to choose a bottle.
Three Important Vocab Terms2:26
What do "barrel proof" and "single malt" really mean? Find out here.
Whisk(e)y: Fact or Fiction?5:18
In this, we cover some common misconceptions around whisk(e)y.

Intro to Bar Tools3:54
Learn your way around commonly available bar tools, along with ways to work around them in a pinch.
Basic Cocktail Formats1:58
Some modern cocktails taste classic for a reason: they follow a very, very old format. Learn more about three of those archetypes here.
Create your own signature cocktail0:46
Once you've gotten the hang of the classics, it's time to experiment.
Classic Whiskey Cocktails3:09
The Whiskey Sour, Manhattan, Old Fashioned, and Ward 8 are four well-known classics. Learn how to make them here, and leave with recipe cards.
Making Cocktails for a Crowd2:41
Love the classics and creating your own recipes? Scale them up to serve at parties!
Making Your Cocktails Taste Better3:28
One of the saddest moments of a journey into cocktails is making a bad one. Learn how to make your drinks better to cap off the course.

Requirements

No prior knowledge needed. You will learn everything you need to know.

Description

Whether you’re getting into whiskey or sling it professionally, one of the most frustrating (and most beautiful) parts of loving the spirit is that there’s always more to discover. But when you first start going to tastings, it can feel like everyone is making up the flavors that they’re tasting–and you’re right.

Join our host, Clair McLafferty, as she takes you through a guided tour of the basics. Learn how to harness your memories to write tasting notes and pick your way through the fact and fiction swirling around John Barleycorn. Wherever you are in your journey with whiskey, this class will help you dig a little deeper.

But even if you’re still trying to find that first bottle you love and prefer cocktails, The Mixed & Batched Guide to Whiskey covers the basics of what bar tools to buy, some classic cocktail recipes, and how to harness your knowledge for a party.

In this easy and fast video series, learn how to shop for whiskey, the differences are between its types, and the origins of the category. Learn how to talk about what you taste--and to mix a few classic cocktails--and never worry about participating in the conversation ever again.

Who this course is for:

New whisk(e)y drinkers who want to better express what whisk(e)ys they like and why
Seasoned whisk(e)y drinkers who want to expand their knowledge of the spirit

The Mixed & Batched Guide to Whiskey

What you'll learn

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Course content

Introduction1 lecture • 2min

The Basics5 lectures • 17min

Mix a Whiskey Drink6 lectures • 16min

Final Quiz + Project0

Requirements

Description

Who this course is for: