Don’t let the fact that London Cocktail Week is running for an entire month lull you into thinking that you’ve got plenty of time to sign up for the fab selection of masterclasses on offer – we’ve had a peek and they’re filling up fast! We advise heading to londoncocktailweek.com and getting booked up pronto.
Here’s our starter for 10
7 October-4 November:
Suntory and Tsukuriwake: Experiencing Japanese Whisky
Join The House of Suntory Brand Ambassador James Bowker as he guides you through the artistry of Japanese whisky-making while taking your tastebuds on a journey of some of its most stunning whiskies. The session starts with a traditional Toki Highball followed by tastings of Hakushu, Chita and Hibiki. Ticket price includes delicious food pairings from Yopo Restaurant.
Every Wednesday, 6pm & 8pm. £50.
The Mandrake Hotel, 20-21 Newman Street, W1T 1PG.
Above: Suntory and Tsukuriwake: Experiencing Japanese Whisky. Top: James Bowker,
The House of Suntory Ambassador
11 October:
Tini Martini Masterclass: Musings with the Connaught and Hendrick’s Gin
Hear their stories and experience the first-class hospitality from the award-winning team at the Connaught Bar. They’ll be joined by Hendrick’s Gin Ambassador Sacha Filiminov and together they’ll be serving up four Tini Martinis starring Hendrick’s Gin, Hendrick’s Orbium Hendrick’s Lunar and Hendrick’s Absinthe. Ticket price includes a gift to take home.
1-2pm; 2.30-3.30pm; 4-5pm; 5.30-6.30pm; 7-8pm; 8.30-9.30pm. £50.
Champagne Bar, Connaught Hotel, Carlos Place, W1
14 October:
Illegal Mezcal Tutored Tastings
Everything you wanted to know about Illegal mezcal but didn’t know who to ask, this insightful session sees Gaby Moncada share the stories behind Illegal Joven, Reposado and Añejo mezcals in London’s only Agaveria, the fabulous Hacha Bar.
7.30-8.30pm. £28.
Hacha Bar, 378 Kingsland Road, E8 4AA
14 October:
Tayer x Maker’s Mark Tasting Experience
Bourbon whisky anyone? Book up for this exclusive tasting where your host David Miles will guide you through three expressions of Maker’s Mark Bourbon, including Maker’s Mark, Maker’s Mark 46 and the new Maker’s Mark Cask Strength. Ticket price includes bespoke Cocktails and Snax menu by the top team at Tayer + Elementary.
6-8pm. £20. (Bookings go live on Thursday 17th at 12noon).
Tayer + Elementary, 152 Old Street, EC1V 9BW.
14-28 October:
Escape to nature with Bombay Sapphire, Martini and St-Germain
Time to get creative: mix up your own tonic water for a bespoke G&T, unleash your artistic side at a screen printing workshop or learn how to produce a stunning bouquet, all while enjoying £6 LCW cocktails starring Bombay Sapphire, Martini and St-Germain.
Every Wednesday. 6-7.30pm. £15.
The Mezzanine, Hoxton Southwark, 40 Blackfriars Road, SE1 8NY.
15 October:
Studio Gimlet @ Scout LDN
Want to know how to up your Gimlet-making game? Then this is the perfect session for you. The evening starts with one of the clever concoctions from the Scout team before House of Suntory Brand Ambassador James Bowker guides you through creating your own bespoke cocktail made from locally foraged ingredients. You’ll also get a bottle of one of Scout’s signature Gimlets to take away.
Session 1, 6pm; session 2, 8pm. £25.
Scout, 224 Graham Road, E8 1BP.
20 October:
Havana Club – Cornershop Cocktail Masterclass
Gen up on the history behind Havana Club rum as you sip on Havana 7 Year Old. Then it’s time to get busy, conjuring up cocktails using the most exciting ingredients you can find in your off license.
6pm. £10.
FAM Bar, Corner of Picton Place & 31 Duke Street, W1U 1LG.
23 October:
The Sound of Suntory at Supermax
Put your DJ’ing skills to the test with The House of Suntory Brand Ambassador, James Bowker. The evening starts with a tasting of Roku gin, Haku vodka and Toki whisky and continues with you pairing the drinks with discs.
Your musical choices will then be used to create a unique playlist while James and Bar Manager Hamish Denny create bespoke cocktails inspired by your choices. Ticket price includes tastings, three cocktails and bar snacks.
5-7pm. £20.
Supermax, 14-18 Handyside Street, N1C 4DN.
28 October:
Insects, Yes they’re a cocktail ingredient
Don’t be squeamish, insects as cocktail snacks are the next big thing. Discover, discuss and delight in the 30 or so types of edible insects on offer, each chosen to enjoy alongside this adventurous Courvoisier tasting.
1pm-2.30pm. Free.
The Gibson, 44 Old Street, EC1V 9AQ.
29-31 October:
The bin is dead, long live the bin
Another fab session from a cool series of masterclasses running throughout London Cocktail Week at Scout LDN, this time the focus is sustainability. Calum Fraser, Discarded Brand Ambassador will be on hand to show you a variety of ways to use up leftovers to make tasty cordials, pineapple kombucha and a delicious coffee liqueur. Ticket price includes a welcome drink and a Discarded bottled cocktail to take home.
6pm, 7pm and 8pm sessions. £25.
Scout Bar, 224 Graham Road, E8 1BP.
There’s plenty more where that little lot came from, including The Last Dance and all manner of inspiring pop-ups, bar takeovers and of course, banging £6 cocktails in over 200 bars across the capital. Check the London Cocktail Week website for the full lowdown, including booking details and your £15 London Cocktail Week wristband which gives you access to the best cocktail action in town. (Adhering to Government guidelines, natch…)
